What to Expect from Budget Laptops Under 700
Budget laptops under 700 are discounted notebooks that balance modern Intel processors, adequate RAM, and SSD storage to support productivity, web browsing, and light multitasking without premium pricing. In this guide, we compare three Intel Core 5 laptop deals that highlight different priorities: maximum screen size, portable 16-inch designs, and higher-end specs that stretch the budget ceiling. All three models focus on everyday computing rather than heavy gaming or creative workloads, but they differ in display quality, memory type, and storage capacity. The HP 17.3" laptop targets buyers who value a big screen at the lowest cost, the HP OmniBook 5 16" emphasizes portability with stronger memory and graphics, and the Dell 16 laptop pushes performance further with an Intel Core 7 CPU. Together, these options show how far affordable laptops in 2026 can go for under USD 700 (approx. RM3,220).
HP 17.3" Laptop: Lowest Price and Largest Screen
The HP 17.3" laptop is the clear value play for buyers who want a large display without spending much. Priced at USD 419.99 (approx. RM1,935) with USD 660 (approx. RM3,042) in savings, it pairs an Intel Core 5 120U processor (up to 5.0 GHz, 10 cores) with integrated graphics, 8 GB of DDR4-3200 memory, and a 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD. The 17.3-inch HD+ panel at 250 nits favors indoor use and productivity tasks like spreadsheets and document editing. According to FullCleared, “the 17-inch form factor and full-size keyboard with numeric keypad make this a practical choice for users who spend most of their time at a desk.” A 41 Wh battery and 45 W adapter underline its role as a semi-stationary machine, while Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 cover everyday connectivity.
HP OmniBook 5 16": Portable 16-Inch All-Rounder
If you want a 16-inch laptop discount that balances portability and specs, the HP OmniBook 5 16" stands out. It sells for USD 579.99 (approx. RM2,675) after USD 790 (approx. RM3,642) in savings, while still using the same Intel Core 5 120U processor as the larger HP model. The big difference is configuration: 16 GB of onboard memory, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and a 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD give this machine more headroom for multitasking and file-heavy workloads. Its 16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS display with an 88.9% screen-to-body ratio improves clarity and workspace compared to HD+ panels. At just under 4 lb, it is suitable for students and remote workers who move between desks. Fast charging via a 65 W USB‑C adapter (around 50% in 30 minutes) helps it fit into busy schedules, and the 1080p IR webcam plus privacy shutter support frequent video calls.
Dell 16 Laptop: Touchscreen and Power User Features
For buyers willing to spend near the top of the budget to get more performance, the Dell 16 Laptop is the most powerful of the trio. At USD 699.99 (approx. RM3,230) after USD 530 (approx. RM2,442) in savings, it jumps to an Intel Core 7 150U processor with 10 cores and a 5.4 GHz boost, 16 GB of faster DDR5 memory, and a 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD. The 16-inch 2K touchscreen with a 16:10 aspect ratio offers more vertical space than typical 16:9 panels, which helps with documents and long web pages. This model keeps Intel integrated graphics, so it is tuned for productivity and light multitasking instead of heavy GPU work. A numeric keypad, Wi‑Fi 6, HDMI 1.4, two USB‑A ports, USB‑C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4, and a compact 65 W charger round out a flexible, office-friendly package.
Which Intel Core 5 Laptop Deal Offers the Best Value?
Choosing between these affordable laptops in 2026 depends on how you rank price, screen size, and performance. The HP 17.3" laptop is the cheapest entry, offering the largest display and a full keyboard for USD 419.99 (approx. RM1,935), but it has the least memory and storage. The HP OmniBook 5 16" hits a middle ground: a sharper 16-inch WUXGA display, 16 GB RAM, Iris Xe Graphics, and 512 GB storage for USD 579.99 (approx. RM2,675), giving it a strong claim as the best all-round Intel Core 5 laptop deal. The Dell 16 Laptop costs USD 699.99 (approx. RM3,230) yet delivers a 2K touchscreen, Core 7 150U CPU, DDR5 memory, and 1 TB SSD, making it ideal for power users. Across these three models, total savings range from USD 530 (approx. RM2,442) to USD 790 (approx. RM3,642), and all deliver capable everyday performance under USD 700 (approx. RM3,230).
