Is it true that a higher price equals good quality? Of course, the vast majority of laptops with high-end specifications come with hefty price tags. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean you should tolerate inferior quality if you are on a tight budget.
Choosing the right laptop could be a headache, especially when the price is a concern. While you want to get the worth out of every penny spent, bear in mind that you can't have everything. Always remember the three tips here when picking a decent laptop that'll fit your bill.
Whether the laptop is for gaming or student work, here are the top laptops in Malaysia below RM3000, with brands from Lenovo Ideapad, Huawei Matepads, Dell Inspiron and more.
10 Best Affordable Laptops under RM3000 in Malaysia
Table of Contents
It's easier to find a brand new laptop that can support Linux OS than one pre-installed. Although slightly above RM3,000, the Acer Swift 3 is the cheapest option that is powerful enough for hardcore tasks.
Feature:
Featuring a 14.0" vivid LCD with IPS technology and high brightness Acer ComfyViewTM, the Swift 3 is your good companion in doing an assignment, data entry, content editing, and entertainment. Its display is refined with a super-slim bezel design to provide an edge-to-edge image.
Performance:
Its processor, the 11th-generation Intel Core i5, is an energy-efficient SoC and can easily handle all your day-to-day tasks from web browsing and streaming to using more intensive productivity software. The 8GB RAM + 512GB SSD memory ensures smooth operation during multitasking. Meanwhile, the Intel Iris Xe Graphics is capable of supporting medium gaming on a stunning display.
It is lightweight at 1.2kg, which makes up for the laptop’s low battery run time of up to 7 hours. The ports available on the Acer Swift 3 are sufficient for everyday usage.
Specs:
- Year: 2020
- CPU: 11th-generation Intel Core i5
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 14.0-inch, 1920x1080 pixels (FHD), IPS with high brightness
- Weight: 1.2kg
- Ports: 1x USB-C, 1x USB 3.2. 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
- Dimensions: 323.4(W) x 218.9 (D) x 15.95 (H) mm
Let's be frank. Not everyone has deep pockets or is willing to spend a fortune on a laptop for general tasks. With a competitive price tag, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1 (14) is the best pick.
Feature:
The IdeaPad Slim1’s 14" FHD display allows you to enjoy your favourite movies at 1920x1080 resolution. For its price, the built-in speakers with Dolby Audio are decent and offer superior audio quality. Ports provided consist of two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, a microSD card reader port, and a headphone jack.
Performance:
Similar to any other laptop, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1 (14) can handle basic software and web browsing. This laptop packs a 7th Gen AMD A9-9420e processor, with pre-installed Windows 10 Home. Options to upgrade to 64GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD are available, so you’re not limited to its basic features.
As expected for this price range, the graphic card equipped is an entry-level – Integrated AMD Radeon. It is understandable as this laptop is not meant to run graphics demanding games and software. However, it's best to keep the laptop running minimum tasks to maintain smooth operation.
Specs:
- Year: 2019
- CPU: AMD A6-9220e
- GPU: AMD Radeon R4
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
- Display: 14.0-inch, 1366x768 pixels (HD), TN with Anti-glare
- Weight: 1.4kg
- Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm stereo jack, 1x memory card reader
- Dimensions: 351.0 (W) x 245.0 (D) x 21.95 (H) mm
Given that not all users perform heavy tasks on their laptops, they might want something inexpensive, portable, and has long battery life. The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is suitable for this group.
Feature:
The Chromebook Spin 311 has an 11.6" display with an integrated 10-finger touch feature that can support 1366x768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, and has a wide viewing angle. Acer claims that this Chromebook can last up to 10 hours. At 1.19kg, it is lightweight, making it portable and easy to carry around.
Performance:
Running on Chrome OS, its operation revolves mainly around the Chrome browser and Cloud storage. The Chromebook is built with Intel Celeron Quad-Core N4100, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. Similar to other Chromebooks, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 comes with a rather mediocre GPU, Intel UHD Graphics 600. This combination of hardware and software ensures speedy booting and smooth workflow for simple daily tasks.
However, there is something worth considering before purchasing a Chromebook. The biggest drawback would be the compatibility of popular software such as Microsoft Office and other editing tools.
Specs:
- Year:
- CPU: Intel Celeron N4100
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
- Display: 11.6-inch, 1366x768 pixels (HD), IPS with high brightness, integrated 10-finger tounch, TFT LCD
- Weight: 1.19kg
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB 3.1, 1x headphone/speaker jack
- Dimensions: 296 (W) x 206 (D) x 19.95 (H) mm
Do you enjoy a simple operating system with timely software updates? If you do, you may want to consider the Apple MacBook Air 13" 2021. Even though the price tag is above RM3,000, it's still worth considering especially if you want a macOS.
Feature:
The Apple MacBook Air brings a 13.3" LED-backlit display with IPS technology, widcolouror, and True Tone technology. Its excellent display offers a 2560x1600 native resolution at 227 pixels per inch, 400 nits brightness, with support for millions of colours.
Performance:
Designed by Apple, the M1 chip works wonders in both performance and power efficiency. The base variant comes with 8GB unified memory and 256GB SSD, upgradeable to 16GB and 2TB respectively. Apple promises up to 18 hours of Apple TV app movie playback on the MacBook Air in a single charge.
Similar to the previous generation, the MacBook Air consists of only two Thunderbolt 3 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Weighing at 1.29kg, it's also portable and convenient to bring around.
Specs:
- Year: 2021
- CPU: Apple M1 Chip
- GPU: Apple M1 Chip
- RAM: 8-16GB
- Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
- Display: 13.3-inch, Retina display with True Tone, Touch ID
- Weight: 1.29kg
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt (USB-C), 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
- Dimensions: 304.1 (W) x 212.4 (D) x 4.1 - 16.1(H) mm
Overview:
The Acer Aspire Vero is a green PC made with Post-Consumer Recycled plastics (PCR) which is environmentally friendly yet durable. With Intel Evo verified, its 12th-generation Intel processor is optimized for your multitasking and productivity needs.
Supporting 100% sRGB, the 15.6-inch IPS display looks brilliant with Full HD resolution at 1920 x 1080. You can enjoy lightning-speed Internet brought by WiFi 6 technology in streaming, browsing and more.
Acer Aspire Vero Specs
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1235U
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6" display with IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology, Full HD 1920 x 1080, Acer ComfyViewTM, LED-backlit TFT LCD 16:9 aspect ratio, 100% sRGB colour gamut
- Weight: 1.8 kg
- Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports with 1 port featuring power-off USB charging, 1x USB Type-C port: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps), 1x USB 2.0 port, 1x HDMI® 2.0 port with HDCP support, 1x 3.5 mm headphone/speaker jack, supporting headsets with built-in microphone, 1x Ethernet (RJ-45) port
- Dimensions: 363.4 (W) x 238.5 (D) x 17.9 (H) mm
Who is this for?
You might not be able to get your dream laptop for video editing and programming with a budget of RM3000. However, you can grab the Acer Aspire Vero which is a top-notch machine at this price point. Kickstart your productivity with the latest Intel Core i5 processor while keeping your laptop running longer with four performance modes.
Overview:
Built for both productivity and entertainment, the HP Laptop 14s keeps you portable thanks to its thin and lightweight design. The 14-inch micro-edge display supports FHD resolution and covers up to 45% NTSC.
Powered by the most recent 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, you can perform daily tasks with ease on the HP Laptop 14s. Besidea that, the long battery life of over 10 hours and HP Fast Charge technology allow you to stay connected all day.
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1235U
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 35.6 cm (14") diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, micro-edge, BrightView, 250 nits, 45% NTSC
- Weight: 1.46kg
- Ports: 1x SuperSpeed USB Type-C 5Gbps signalling rate, 2x SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signalling rate, 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x AC smart pin, 1x headphone/microphone combo
- Dimensions: 324.0 (W) x 225.0 (D) x 17.9 (H) mm
Who is this for?
If you want a compact laptop with reliable performance for your everyday tasks, the HP Laptop 14s deserves your attention. You can tackle busy workdays with the latest generation Intel processor and enjoy abundant SSD storage to keep your important files. The FHD display delivers vivid and flicker-free images to minimize eye strains.
Overview:
With a more portable 10.1-inch touchscreen, the Dere DBook D10 combines the performance of a laptop with the flexibility of a tablet. Depending on the occasion, you can easily switch between the two modes with the detachable soft keyboard and the adjustable angle bracket.
The DBook D10 is equipped with a powerful Intel Celeron processor despite its compact size. Together with the Intel UHD Graphics, this hybrid laptop can meet your basic computing, light games and 4K video decoding.
Specifications
- CPU: Intel Celeron N5100
- GPU: Intel Celeron N5100
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 10.1-inch IPS FHD touch display screen
- Weight: 0.84kg
- Ports: 1x Type-C, 1x USB 3.0, 1x 3.5mm audio jack, 1x HDMI port
- Dimensions: 250.0 (W) x 165.0 (D) mm
Who is this for?
For those who don’t want to break the bank for a touchscreen laptop, the Dere DBook D10 is a decent budget 2-in-1 tablet laptop. The 10.1-inch FHD display supports 10-point multi-touch and IPS technology. Not to forget, the 3200mah battery ensures a long battery life, so you don’t have to worry about power off during offsite.
Overview:
Experience a more responsive yet quieter performance on the all-new Dell Inspiron 15, powered by a recent AMD Ryzen 5 processor. Its super-fast 120Hz FHD display gives you an ultra-smooth and immersive 15.6-inch viewing experience in a narrow border design.
The roomy keycaps plus an ergonomic lift hinge ensure comfortable typing over extended working times. With ample I/O ports, you’ll not run out of interface ports for file transfer and peripheral connections again.
Dell Inspiron 15 (3525) Specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5625U
- GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6", FHD 1920 x 1080, 120Hz, WVA, Non-Touch, Anti-Glare, 250 nits, Narrow Border, LED-Backlit
- Weight: 1.68 kg
- Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (Dali), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (Barcelo/Lucienne), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C® port (Barcelo/Lucienne), 1x USB 2.0 port, 1x headset (headphone and microphone combo) port, 1x HDMI 1.4 port
- Dimensions: 358.5 (W) x 235.6 (D) x 16.96 - 21.07 (H) mm
Who is this for?
The Dell Inspiron 15 is a great laptop for all your daily to-do’s. Equipped with the latest
AMD processor and 8GB RAM, it keeps up with basic computing and multitasking effortlessly. Thanks to its ExpressCharge capabilities, you can recharge the battery up to 80% in just 60 minutes, minimising the time you spend tethered to an outlet.
Overview:
Power up your campus life with the MSI Modern 14, equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 mobile processor. The laptop brings you the responsiveness and long-lasting battery life you need for all-day productivity.
The Modern 14 comes in a thin and sleek design, perfect for students to carry from one classroom to another. With ample I/O ports, you can transfer files freely and connect a variety of peripherals.
MSI Modern 14 Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5625U
- GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 14" FHD (1920*1080), 60Hz 45%NTSC, IPS-Level
- Weight: 1.3 kg
- Ports: 1x Type-C USB3.2 Gen2 with PD charging, 1x Type-A USB3.2 Gen2, 2x Type-A USB2.0, 1x Micro SD Card Reader, 1x (4K @ 30Hz) HDMI™, 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack
- Dimensions: 359.0 (W) x 254.0 (D) x 21.7 (H) mm
Who is this for?
The lightweight MSI Modern 14 is ultra-portable and stylish, delivering stable and lightning-fast performance for multithreaded tasks. With efficient battery life, students can stay productive and entertained anytime, anywhere. Its 180-degree lay-flat and Flip-n-Share function allow you to share your screen fast and straightforwardly.
More: Top 8 Convertible 2-in-1 Laptops under RM 3000
Overview:
Lightweight and easy to carry, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a performance fit for students. It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 processor with an integrated graphics card for workstation-like capacity.
The stellar 15.6-inch FHD display is anti-glare, offering an expansive and clear view even under the bright sun. Moreover, you can enjoy up to 7.5 hours of productivity without plugging into a wall socket.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
- GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6" FHD (1920x1080), TN, 250nits, Anti-glare, 45% NTSC
- Weight: 1.65 kg
- Ports: 1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x card reader, 1x headphone/microphone combo jack
- Dimensions: 359.2 (W) x 236.5 (D) x 19.9 (H) mm
Who is this for?
Priced at below RM2500, the IdeaPad 3 is a performance-driven laptop featuring a 6-core processor, 8GB memory and 512GB SSD storage. Although it comes with a large 15.6-inch FHD display, the IdeaPad is relatively lightweight at only 1.65kg. You can also enjoy a full collection of high-speed interfaces to integrate with other devices, including a full-function USB-C port.
How to Choose the Most Value-for-Money Laptop
Tip #1: Focus on Your Needs
The thing is, you cannot get the best of both worlds. Everyone has different considerations when owning a laptop. So, always focus on the features that you need. For instance, if you are a gamer, you should look for a laptop with a decent graphics card. Or if you only using it for basic computing tasks, you can get a Chromebook instead.
Tip #2: Pick Your Specs
Given that you know what you are primarily using the laptop for, you can now pick the specifications under the hood. This is the part that impacts your laptop's overall performance, from how fast it can perform to how well it can handle graphics-demanding games, and so on.
Being the brain of the laptop, the processor determines the performance of your device. Always get at least an Intel Core i3 for better productivity if your budget allows. More RAM is better at the cost of shorter battery life for smoother multitasking. Also, if possible, get the SSDs instead of hard drives.
Tip #3: Laptop Design
Laptop design isn't just about aesthetics. It includes the body, display, keyboard, and everything else on the chassis. Although the design may not be a deal-breaker, it may affect your workflow and productivity.
For starters, you should consider your ideal display size. If you need a large display for photo editing, you can opt for a 14-inch display or above. Else, choose a smaller screen if you require portability. Generally, ports like USB-C, USB Type-A, HDMI, headphone jack, and SD card slot are essential.
With all the tips, you should now have some ideas for choosing the best laptop that fits your needs and budget. We have listed down several best bang for buck laptops under the RM3,000 range for your reference.
Our Pick
Considering the price tag and the features offered, the Dell New Inspiron 15 3000 is our best pick. From the aesthetic point of view, the classic carbon black paint does give a premium touch to the budget laptop.
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