So, for those of you out there wanting to get into video editing but have a constraint on the amount of cash for a laptop you can spend. This article is for those that don’t have more than a $1000 to spend on a computer to do the job. With laptops listed in this article, you will not be getting the most powerful machines, but you will get laptops that can perform the task effectively.
Asus Zenbook 13
This is a really thin laptop that runs on the Windows operating system. It looks very similar to the MacBook Air but cost way less money. It cost below $1000 to acquire this beautiful machine.
Specification: CPU: 8th generation quad core Intel core i5 | RAM: 16GB | STORAGE: 512GB SSD | SCREEN SIZE: 13.3-inch 1980 X 1080
The chassis of this laptop is thin and light which means, it is as portable as they come. The only downside to this laptop is the lack of a discrete GPU like a Nvidia graphics card.
HP Envy x360 (2019)
The HP Envy comes with an AMD processor and this helps to drive its cost down by a lot, but make no mistakes this laptop was not made to be a budget one. It has the kind of power you need to perform gaming. This laptop also has the ability to be used as a tablet with the screen flipping around. Even though the flipping screen is not particularly useful for video editing but it does come in handy when you want to show your master piece to your client.
Specification: CPU: Quad-Core AMD Ryzen 5 2500U | RAM: 16GB | STORAGE: 512GB SSD | SCREEN SIZE: 15.6-inch 1980 X 1080
Apple MacBook Air (non Retina)
Note: it is recommended that if you are not strictly limited to spend exactly $1000 on a laptop, and you really want to get a MacBook Air, it is better you go for the newer MacBook Air released in 2018 as it has faster processors and more RAM and only costs $1,099. The new MacBook Air is only a hundred dollars above our budget, and trust me it is worth getting the newer version as it offers a retina display, faster memory, and faster ports. However, if you really cannot afford the 2018 MacBook Air but still want to get a laptop with the Mac OS, then you can opt for the 2015 version of the MacBook Air as this is the only Apple laptop suitable for video editing under $1,000.
Lenovo ThinkPad E480
The Thinkpad is definitely the bridge between performance and value. This workstation offers great performance and good build quality for a decent price, and it even comes with an excellent keyboard and trackpad.
Specification: CPU: quad core Intel processor| RAM: 16GB | STORAGE: PCle SSD | SCREEN SIZE: 14-inch 1980 X 1080
This laptop might not be the best video editing laptop on the market, but it will do a damn good job for the amount of money you are paying.
