On the lookout for a decent low-cost machine? Entry-level notebooks may not be right for gamers or graphic designers. but they're ideal for simple tasks like checking email, editing documents or watching YouTube videos. Here's our round-up of the best under £300.

Top 10 laptops under £300

  • <p> Though not renowned for their build quality, Acer Aspire laptops tend to be big on features and low on price. Perfect for light multimedia use, the 5250 offers a decent spec, which includes a HD graphic card and a generous 4GB of RAM.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=991759710/search=Acer+Aspire+5250 ">Get the Acer Aspire 5250 now for &pound;299.97</a></p>
  • <p> If build quality is high up on your list of priorities, opt for the more robust Toshiba Satellite&nbsp; C850-101. It features an Intel HD graphics card, fairly fast Intel Celeron B815 processor and 2GB of RAM.<br /> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=1002692558/search=Toshiba+Satellite+C850-101"><br /> Get the Toshiba Satellite C850-101 now for &pound;279.99</a></p>
  • <p> Handy if you're always on the go, the ultra-portable Asus X401A bridges the gap between notebooks and netbooks with its 14.1&rdquo; screen and thin, lightweight chassis.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=1031021545/search=Asus+X401A ">Get the Asus X401A now for &pound;299.99</a></p>
  • <p> Entry-level Dell PCs do not tend to disappoint and the Inspiron 15 is no exception. A fantastic budget multimedia machine, the spec includes a quality Intel Celeron B815 processor, 4GB of RAM and a roomy 500GB hard-drive.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=1032735410/search=Dell+Inspiron+15 ">Get the Dell Inspiron 15 now for for &pound;299</a></p>
  • <p> Offering a similar spec to the Inspiron 15, Lenovo's G570 may feature a faster Intel Pentium B940 processor but lacks the Dell's HD graphics card. A good choice if you're more into emailing than watching movies.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=904257793/search=Lenovo+G570">Get the Lenovo G570 now for &pound;299.99</a></p>
  • <p> A low-cost laptop with a mid-range spec, the Fujitsu Lifebook AH530 impresses with a speedy Intel Pentium P6200 processor, Intel HD graphics card and a jaw-dropping 8GB of RAM &ndash; pretty remarkable for a sub-&pound;300 machine.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Fujitsu_Lifebook_AH530_Windows_7_Laptop_with_8GB_RAM!_VFYAH530MP502GB8GB/version.asp ">Get the Fujitsu Lifebook AH530 now for &pound;299.98</a></p>
  • <p> If you're craving speed but don't want to fork out a fortune, this Packard Bell is the laptop for you. Unusual for a budget PC, it's powered by Intel's latest Core i3-380M processor for seamless, ultra-fast performance.<br /> <a href="http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Laptops/buy-PACKARD-BELL-ENTK85-383G50M-Laptop/708721"><br /> Get the Packard Bell ENTK85-383G50M now for &pound;299.99</a></p>
  • <p> A bona fide bargain, the HP Pavilion G6 is almost too good to be considered an entry-level laptop, thanks to its super-fast Intel Core i3 processor,&nbsp; stunning HD display and ample 500GB hard-drive.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5086445/Trail/searchtext%3EHP+PAVILION+G6.htm ">Get the HP Pavilion G6 now for &pound;299.99</a></p>
  • <p> Our top pick, the Medion Akoya E6221 is a multimedia dream and offers outstanding value for money. Seriously feature-packed for its price tag, it boasts a Blu-ray drive, an Intel Core i3 processor and packs an impressive HD Graphics 3000 card.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=979455335/search=Medion+Akoya+E6221 ">Get the Medion Akoya E6221 now for &pound;299.99</a></p>
  • <p> This dependable, no-frills laptop is powered by AMD's basic Brazos E300 processor and features a decent multimedia graphics card and 15.6&rdquo; screen. A trusty entry-level model.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://aolshopping.aol.co.uk/search_getprod.php/masterid=991944572/search=Presario+CQ57">Get the HP Compaq Presario CQ57-400 now for &pound;273.56</a></p>