Latest news with #affordabletech
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
These are the 5 best laptops under $500, recommended by a tech expert
Need a new computer, but don't have a healthy budget? You may be surprised what you can snag today, for a fraction of the price of a higher-end PC or Mac. In fact, despite rising global computer costs, you can find a handful of stellar laptops or Chromebooks for under $500 that are designed for work, school, or play. They're ideal for basic tasks, like web browsing and online shopping, reading email, accessing social media, word processing or spreadsheet creation, and some light gaming. If you're a university or college student or taking notes in high school, the prices are also digestible. We tested a handful of laptops under $500 from Lenovo, Acer, Dell and ASUS, and chose the following five as worthy are the 5 best TVs under $500, according to a tech expert The best headphones of 2025 for every budget, tested by a tech expert The best robot vacuums and mops we've tested in 2025
The Sun
21-05-2025
- The Sun
Our tech experts reveal best budget-friendly mobiles to buy that will save you HUNDREDS – even if you're an iPhone fan
SMARTPHONES don't have to cost the Earth - and going cheaper doesn't necessarily mean making huge compromises either. Consumers are so spoilt for choice these days, it's almost hard to pick. But our crack Sun Tech team has chosen their top budget mobiles, revealing a slick handset that costs under £250 and a budget iPhone you've probably missed (with 26 HOURS of battery life, no less). 5 Too often people tend to stick to what they know when upgrading, rather than considering more budget-friendly options that are just as good. The Sun's tech team gets their hands on loads of smartphones all the time, from the big, fancy devices to the cheap handsets. Technology has now got so good that even the cheaper phones pack a punch, with many of the must-have features you would expect in an expensive mobile. This includes fantastic battery, great cameras and tools that are actually useful to you. Here are the three we recommend buying this year so far. CMF Phone 2 Pro Jamie Harris - Assistant Technology and Science Editor Chances are, you've never heard of CMF nor its parent brand Nothing. The company only came about in 2020 and has shaken up the scene with much cheaper Android smartphones that do away with the usual bland designs. I've not long reviewed the CMF Phone 2 Pro and I was impressed with the rugged look and how tough it felt in my hands. The battery is also really good for a brand new phone this cheap, going well into the second day with regular usage. Apple shows you tips and tricks on the new Iphone 16e with Apple Intelligence So how much is it? A shocking £249. Yes, there are some parts of it that aren't as good, such as its resistance to water, with a lower rating compared to other phones. And while the camera isn't as impressive as others on the market you can still get some fairly decent shots. You can read my full review on the CMF Phone 2 Pro here. iPhone 16e 5 Sean Keach – Head of Technology and Science Every year we all complain that the latest iPhone doesn't look all that different to last year's iPhone. Or even the one before that. Well friends, that's a good thing. It means most smartphones are now extremely good – even if you're buying a properly cheap model, or one that's a bit old. Please don't feel like you have to splash out on the flashest mobile with a four-digit price tag. You almost certainly don't need one. Enter the iPhone 16e, which is currently the cheapest model in Apple's line-up. It came out earlier this year (so you can say it's new) and – to the untrained eye – looks just like the iPhone 16 (so you could feasibly pretend that it is one to your mates). The battery life is wild. Apple says you'll get 26 hours of video playback from it – and I struggled to run it down in my iPhone 16e review. In fact, it serves up four more hours of use per charge compared to the pricier iPhone 16. It looks the part with an all-screen design (including a posh 6.1-inch OLED display that's probably better than your telly), Face ID scanning, and an Action Button that can be mapped to identify a song playing nearby or remind your daughter to feed the dog. It's even sort of future-proofed because it supports Apple Intelligence AI tricks (even the iPhone 15 doesn't have that) thanks to the speedy processor on board, and also includes a USB-C charging port, for which cables are now extremely common. And the upside is that this model costs £599, which is a whopping £200 less than the entry-level iPhone 16. Bargain. That means you can get some very low monthly prices. We covered a Sky Mobile iPhone 16e deal recently that was £19 a month for the phone plus an extra £11 for 40GB of 5G data. And let's be honest: when the new iPhone 17 comes out later this year, you can probably pretend you've got that too. Samsung Galaxy A56 5 Millie Turner - Senior Technology and Science Reporter While I'm an Apple girl through-and-through, the Galaxy A56 5G is a good enough deal to tempt even me. This budget handset enjoys most of what's good about the main Galaxy S25 phones, without the eyewatering price. For just £499, consumers can get a glossy new smartphone jam-packed with Galaxy AI features. The A56 runs on Android 15 with Samsung's very latest One UI 7 on top. That means it comes with some of Samsung's biggest AI tools, some of which only just landed on the much more expensive Galaxy S25 series. Like the magic eraser, for example, which can remove objects from photos. Or, the AI-powered auto trim tool that quickly cuts videos to their best moments. Samsung has also pledged to offer up to six generations of Android OS and One UI upgrades, as well as six years of security updates. This is an increase from the four operating system updates and five years of security updates offered on the A55. It means you get two extra years of not needing to upgrade your device, while still getting to enjoy some clever AI tools.
Geeky Gadgets
12-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
M4 MacBook Air & Mac Mini: Apple's Top Budget Picks for 2025
Apple has made a decisive move in the tech industry by unveiling two devices that redefine the standards of budget computing. The $850 M4 MacBook Air and the $500 M4 Mac Mini combine affordability with the high performance and quality Apple is known for. These new offerings signal a strategic shift, positioning Apple as a strong competitor in the budget PC and laptop markets while maintaining its reputation for innovation and premium design. The video below from Max Tech gives us more details about Apple's budget-friendly Macs. Watch this video on YouTube. M4 MacBook Air: Redefining Budget-Friendly Laptops The M4 MacBook Air sets a new benchmark for what users can expect from a budget laptop. At its heart is the innovative M4 chip, which delivers faster processing speeds and enhanced energy efficiency. With 16GB of RAM—double that of its predecessor—it handles multitasking, productivity software, and demanding applications effortlessly. The decision to lower the price from $1,100 to $850 makes this device a standout option for budget-conscious consumers. Battery life is another area where the M4 MacBook Air excels, offering extended usage that outperforms many competitors in its price range. This makes it an ideal choice for users who need a reliable device for work, study, or travel. Combined with macOS, which is optimized for seamless hardware-software integration, the MacBook Air provides a smooth and intuitive user experience. Additionally, its high resale value ensures that your investment retains its worth over time, further enhancing its appeal. The M4 MacBook Air also retains Apple's signature design, featuring a sleek, lightweight build that prioritizes portability without sacrificing durability. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, this laptop offers a compelling mix of performance, reliability, and affordability. M4 Mac Mini: Compact Powerhouse at an Unbeatable Price For desktop users, the M4 Mac Mini delivers a remarkable combination of performance and affordability. Priced at just $500, it offers capabilities that rival more expensive mini PCs and custom-built desktops. Powered by the M4 chip, the Mac Mini handles a wide range of tasks, from productivity and web browsing to media editing and light creative work, with effortless efficiency. Its compact design makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a space-saving desktop solution. Despite its small size, the M4 Mac Mini does not compromise on build quality or performance. The device is built to last, with robust hardware that ensures long-term reliability. Additionally, macOS integration enhances its usability, providing a stable and consistent performance over time. The M4 Mac Mini is particularly appealing for those setting up a home office or looking for a secondary computer. Its affordability and versatility make it a practical choice for a wide range of users, from professionals to casual users who need a reliable desktop solution. Apple's Strategic Pricing and Market Disruption Apple's pricing strategy for the M4 MacBook Air and M4 Mac Mini represents a calculated effort to disrupt the budget computing market. By offering premium hardware and software at lower price points, Apple is challenging competitors like Microsoft and other Windows-based PC manufacturers. Devices such as the Microsoft Surface Laptop and Snapdragon-powered PCs struggle to match the efficiency, performance, and resale value of Apple's new offerings. This aggressive pricing approach also broadens Apple's appeal to a wider audience, including budget-conscious consumers who may have previously opted for Windows PCs. By aligning prices with market demand and inflation, Apple is making its products more accessible without compromising on quality. This strategy positions the company as a serious contender in the budget segment, traditionally dominated by Windows-based devices. Key Strengths and Considerations The M4 MacBook Air and M4 Mac Mini excel in several critical areas, making them standout choices in their respective categories: Performance: The M4 chip delivers industry-leading speed and energy efficiency for budget devices. The M4 chip delivers industry-leading speed and energy efficiency for budget devices. Battery Life: The MacBook Air offers extended usage, ideal for users who need portability and reliability. The MacBook Air offers extended usage, ideal for users who need portability and reliability. Build Quality: Both devices feature Apple's signature durability and sleek design. Both devices feature Apple's signature durability and sleek design. Software Optimization: macOS ensures seamless integration, stability, and reliability. However, there are some limitations to consider. Gaming support on macOS remains limited compared to Windows PCs, which may deter users seeking a device for high-performance gaming. Additionally, while the M4 Mac Mini offers impressive performance for its price, users requiring advanced customization or specialized hardware may find it less suitable than custom-built PCs. Despite these considerations, both devices are well-suited for a wide range of applications, from productivity and creative work to everyday computing tasks. Reshaping the Budget Computing Landscape Apple's introduction of the M4 MacBook Air and M4 Mac Mini marks a significant shift in its market strategy. By delivering high-quality devices at competitive prices, Apple is not only challenging its competitors but also reshaping consumer expectations for value and performance in the tech industry. This move could influence future innovations, with potential updates like the M5 and M6 chips likely to build on this momentum. These devices highlight Apple's commitment to making premium technology more accessible. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, the M4 MacBook Air and M4 Mac Mini offer exceptional value, combining affordability with the performance and reliability that Apple is known for. As Apple continues to expand its presence in the budget computing market, these products stand as a testament to the company's ability to innovate and adapt to evolving consumer needs. Here is a selection of other guides from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on M4 MacBook Air. Source & Image Credit: Max Tech Filed Under: Apple, Laptops, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
