These days, it seems like co-eds rely on a computer for everything. Between e-mail, school assignments and social media, we are constantly connected. While desktops offer the advantage of a larger screen, most college students find the convenience of a laptop more appealing. Laptops are portable and can be used at home, in class, at the library, or in your favorite coffee shop. While it may feel like all laptops are super expensive, there are plenty of great options available that won’t break the bank. Here are 5 affordable laptops under $500:

1. HP g7t ($499)

This laptop features a large 17.3-inch screen and has been praised for being a great all-purpose computer.

2. Asus X44L ($349)

This laptop is a great option for those with basic computer needs. It is extremely fast and offers plenty of storage capacity.

3. Dell Inspiron i15N ($430)

This laptop is well designed and is lightweight, making it easy to carry around campus.

4. Samsung Series 5 550 Chromebook ($450)

This laptop has great storage capacity and boots up in less than 10 seconds. It also has a battery that lasts 6-8 hours.

5. Acer Aspire TimelineX ($475)

This Acer laptop has a very long battery life and is lightweight but powerful at the same time.

Now that you have affordable laptop options, check out Tech Talk: Should I Buy A Smartphone For College? to see how a smartphone can help you stay organized!