How to Choose a High-Quality Laptop on a Budget
Looking for a high-quality laptop without breaking the bank? Whether you’re setting up a home office, studying online, teaching classes, or running a small business, choosing the right laptop doesn’t have to be overwhelming - or expensive.
The key is understanding which laptop specs actually matter and where you can confidently save money. From processors and RAM to storage and battery life, knowing what to prioritise can help you get the best performance for your budget.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right laptop for your needs, explain the benefits of buying an upgraded, second-hand laptop, and share our top affordable laptop picks to help you make a smart, cost-effective decision.
Choosing the Right Laptop for Your Needs
When buying a laptop on a budget, understanding the key specifications will help you get the best performance for your money. Here are the most important laptop features to consider before making your decision:
Display Size
A 13 inch to 15 inch laptop display screen offers the perfect balance between portability and screen comfort, making it ideal for students, remote workers, and everyday users. If you need more screen space for video editing, graphic design, or replacing a desktop computer, a 17 inch laptop display screen may be a better choice.
Storage: SSD vs HDD
Storage affects both speed and performance.
A Solid State Drive (SSD) is significantly faster and more reliable than a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD). For most users, a 256GB SSD provides plenty of space for documents, web browsing, and standard applications.
If you work with large files such as videos, design projects, or extensive media libraries, consider upgrading to 512GB or more.
Battery Life
If you’re working on the go, battery life is essential. Look for laptops with strong battery health and long-lasting performance.
Our A Grade laptops typically offer better cosmetic condition and battery performance compared to B-grade options.
Processor (CPU)
The processor determines how quickly your laptop can run programs and handle tasks.
- For everyday use (email, browsing, Office apps): Intel Core i5 is more than sufficient.
- For intensive tasks (video editing, programming, gaming): consider Intel Core i7 or i9 for smoother performance.
RAM (Memory)
RAM affects multitasking and overall speed.
- 8GB RAM is ideal for general use and most students.
- 16GB or more is recommended for professionals and users running memory-intensive software.
Understanding Our Laptop Grading System
When buying a used, tested and upgraded laptop, understanding the grading system helps you choose the right balance between price and cosmetic condition. All our laptops are fully tested and functional unless otherwise stated, and each grade reflects cosmetic condition and battery health.
Here’s what each grade means:
Excellent / A Grade
Our Excellent / A Grade laptops are the closest you’ll get to "like new" without paying full retail price.
- Cosmetic Condition: May show signs of wear and tear, scuffs, minor scratches, stickers (removed) glue discolorations and minor marks on the screen. Touchpad may be shiny from use.
- Functionality: Fully Tested, upgraded and fully functional. All panels/buttons/slot covers intact, no missing parts.
- Battery: Above 70% of original life.
Perfect for professionals or customers who want premium quality at a reduced price.
Very Good (VG) / A Grade
Our Very Good / A Grade laptops offer outstanding value while maintaining strong cosmetic appeal.
- Cosmetic Condition: Show signs of wear and tear, scuffs, minor scratches, stickers (removed) glue discolouration and minor marks on the screen. Touchpad may be shiny from use.
- Functionality: Fully Tested, upgraded and fully functional. All panels/buttons/slot covers intact, no missing parts.
- Battery: Above 50% up to 70% of original life.
Ideal for students, home offices and everyday users.
Good / B Grade
Our Good / B Grade laptops provide reliable performance at a more affordable price point.
- Cosmetic Condition: Shows signs of wear and tear, scuffs, scratches and dents on the casing. Screens are not cracked, however, may have minor scratches chips and/or white spots (dead pixels) or slight imprint from keyboard on screen.
Keyboard, spacebar, touchpad will be in working condition however areas may be shiny from use with buttons readable.
- Functionality: Fully Tested, upgraded and fully functional. All panels/buttons/slot covers intact, no missing parts.
- Battery: Above 50% up to 70% of original life.
Best suited for desktop setups, budget-conscious buyers, or workplaces using external peripherals.
For Parts / D Grade
Our For Parts / D Grade devices are not fully functional and are sold for repair, refurbishment, or parts harvesting.
- Cosmetic Condition: May have varying degree of cosmetic defects e.g. scuffs, scratches, dents, chips or casing cracks. May have major screen/other damage. Check product listing for full description.
- Functionality: “As Is” may not be functional. Check product listing for fault description.
- Battery: Check product listing for battery health or battery removed.
These are ideal for technicians, repairers, or businesses seeking spare components.
Why Our Grading System Matters
Every used laptop we sell undergoes professional testing to ensure transparency and quality. We clearly outline condition and battery health so you can confidently choose the option that fits your budget and needs.
Plus, purchasing upgraded used technology supports sustainability by reducing electronic waste and extending the life of quality devices.
Our Top Laptop Picks
Acer Spin 5 SP513-53N Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop

Our Acer Spin 5 SP513-53N Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop is a versatile all-in-one solution for professionals and students alike. The keyboard can be spun / rotated behind the screen so that the touchscreen laptop can be used as a tablet.
Acer TravelMate TMP214-53 Laptop

Our Acer TravelMate TMP214-53 Laptop is a reliable and powerful laptop that features an 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and 512GB SSD.
Dell Latitude 5400 Good Condition / B Grade

Our Dell Latitude 5400 Good Condition / B Grade is a reliable laptop that features an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8665U processor and 16GB of RAM (Memory). It also includes a built-in 4G mobile broadband network adapter.
Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop / 12.3in Tablet

Our Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop / 12.3in Tablet is a versatile and popular laptop / 12.3 inch tablet with a detachable cover that includes a keyboard and trackpad. We sell a model that includes a built-in 4G mobile broadband network adapter.
Enhance Your Laptop Setup with Bundles and Accessories
Choosing the right laptop is just the first step. To create a productive and ergonomic workspace, consider upgrading your setup with a laptop bundle that includes monitors, a docking station, keyboard, and mouse.
Laptop bundles offer exceptional value by giving you everything you need for a complete desktop-style setup — without the high cost of buying each item separately.
Whether you’re working from home, studying, or running a business, adding external monitors and peripherals can:
- Improve productivity with dual-screen functionality
- Reduce neck and eye strain with better screen positioning
- Create a more comfortable and professional workstation
- Maximise performance for multitasking
Acer Spin 5 Laptop Desk Setup Bundle

Our Acer Spin 5 Laptop Desk Setup Bundle is a popular all-in-one solution for professionals and students alike.
This bundle includes:
- Acer Spin 5 Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop
- A Brand New Dell UltraSharp U2412M Monitor
- Keyboard and Mouse
- Essential connectivity accessories
It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to transform our versatile Convertible 2-in-1 laptop into a home office workstation while saving money with a bundled package.
Why Shop at In The Click?
When you choose In The Click, you’re not just buying a laptop - you’re making a smart financial decision and supporting positive social impact.
Better for Your Wallet
Save significantly compared to buying new. Our refurbished laptops and value-packed bundles deliver reliable performance at a fraction of the retail price - without compromising on quality.
Better for the Environment
Every re-used device helps prevent electronic waste from ending up in landfill. By extending the life of quality technology, you’re supporting a more sustainable and circular economy.
Creating Jobs for Disadvantaged Australians
In The Click is part of a social enterprise committed to creating meaningful employment pathways. Your purchase helps provide training, job opportunities, and support for disadvantaged Australians, creating real social impact with every device sold.
Ready to Find the Right Laptop?
Whether you’re upgrading your home office, studying, or outfitting your workplace, our team is here to help you choose the right solution for your needs and budget.
Browse our range of laptops now, or get in touch with us to explore available stock and bundle options.