Tech / Technology

Best Black Friday laptop deals under $500

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We’re tracking the best early Black Friday laptop deals under $500 as holiday sales roll out. So far, we’ve seen prices dip as low as $299.99.
an hp chromebook plus in front of a purple, blue, and orange abstract background

We’re tracking the best early Black Friday laptop deals under $500 as tech retailers start to roll out their holiday sales. So far, we’ve seen prices dip as low as $299.99.

A quick look at the best early Black Friday laptop deals under $500:
Best deal at Best Buy

HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c-cd0053dx (Intel Core i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

$379
(save $320)

the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c-cd0053dx

Best deal at Dell

Dell Inspiron 15 3520 (Intel Core i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$299.99
(save $80)

the Dell Inspiron 15 3520

Best deal at Lenovo

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 (AMD Ryzen 5 7530U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$399.99
(save $300)

the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3

Black Friday famously ushers in steep discounts on big-ticket purchases like Apple MacBooks and powerful gaming PCs, which typically see new record-lows during the holiday season. But shoppers seeking a new budget laptop for schoolwork, streaming, or basic browsing can also find some great deals this time of year. (Sub-$100 Chromebooks are not unheard of at retailers like Amazon and Walmart in late November.)

The very best early Black Friday laptop deals under $500 will likely appear closer to the actual holiday, but if you want to get your shopping out of the way ahead of time, you’ve already got pre-Black Friday sales to peruse at Best Buy, Dell, and Lenovo. Keep reading for a list of the nine “worth-it” doorbusters we’ve spotted so far, and check back often — we’ll be updating it as Black Friday draws nearer.

Early Black Friday laptop deals under $500 at Best Buy


the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c-cd0053dx

Credit: HP


Our pick: HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c-cd0053dx

$379 at Best Buy (save $320)

Why we like it

This 14-inch, 2-in-1 HP Chromebook is from Google’s all-new Chromebook Plus line (announced last month), meaning it comes with built-in Google apps, a Full HD IPS touchscreen display, and an AI-powered 1080p+ camera; this is not a bare-bones, essentials-only budget laptop. The configuration with a 12th-generation Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of memory, and 256GB of storage is on sale for $379 at Best Buy as part of its pre-Black Friday programming, which is 46% off its suggested retail price of $699. In all my time covering laptop deals for Mashable, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a brand-new machine get a discount that high upfront.

Early Black Friday laptop deals under $500 at Dell


the Dell Inspiron 15 3520

Credit: Dell


Our pick: Dell Inspiron 15 3520

$299.99 at Dell.com (save $80)

Why we like it

Most sub-$300 laptops have lousy Intel Celeron N Series processors and jittery 60Hz displays, and max out with 4GB of memory and 128GB of slow eMMC storage. Not this 15-inch Dell Inspiron model, though: It’s packing a 12th-gen Intel Core i3 CPU, a 120Hz display, 8GB of RAM, and a whopping 512GB of SSD storage. It’s not an aesthetically stunning laptop by any means, but an incredibly good value spec-wise at just $299.99 during Dell’s Black Friday Sneak Peek event, which skims 21% off its $379.99 MSRP.

More traditional laptop deals under $500 at Dell

2-in-1 laptop deals under $100 at Dell

Early Black Friday laptop deals under $500 at Lenovo


the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3

Credit: Lenovo


Our pick: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3

$399.99 at Lenovo.com (save $300)

Why we like it

For a budget laptop with a slightly sleeker look, this 15.6-inch Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 with a current-gen AMD Ryzen 5 7530U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is a solid pick: Its thin, lightweight design includes a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader. Its 720p webcam is a bit underwhelming, but it does have a built-in privacy shutter. Lenovo marked it down to $399.99 (normally $699.99) during its own Black Friday Sneak Peek sale, which works out to a 43% savings.

Chromebook deals under $500 at Lenovo

Tech / Technology

Best Black Friday laptop deals 2023: Dell, Lenovo, more

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We’re keeping a running list of the best Black Friday laptop deals as holiday sales begin at Best Buy, Dell, and Lenovo.
a close-up of a person typing on an HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c-cd0053dx at a wood table

We’re keeping a running list of the best Black Friday laptop deals as holiday sales begin to trickle out at various tech retailers.

A quick look at the best early Black Friday laptop deals so far:
Best laptop deal at Best Buy

HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c-cd0053dx (Intel Core i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

$379
(save $320)

the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c-cd0053dx

Best laptop deal at Dell

Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7630 (Intel Core i7-13620H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD)

$999.99
(save $450)

the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7630

Best laptop deal at Lenovo

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

$549.99
(save $380)

the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5

Unlike video game consoles, headphones, certain LEGO sets, and cheap TVs, laptops aren’t the sort of products you have to worry about selling out early on in the holiday season. Whether you’re after one of the powerful new Apple MacBook Pros or a basic Chromebook for schoolwork, most shoppers can comfortably wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday to scoop one up at a serious discount.

That being said, those who want to get their shopping out of the way ahead of schedule (and avoid the post-Thanksgiving chaos) can already peruse a number of early Black Friday laptop deals at major tech retailers: Best Buy released an initial wave of doorbusters in late October, and Dell and Lenovo were both hosting Black Friday Sneak Peek sales in early November.

SEE ALSO:

Black Friday sales are already live. Here are the best early deals we’ve found so far.

Below, we’re keeping a running list of the early Black Friday laptop deals worth adding to your cart. Check back often, as we’ll be updating our picks regularly in the lead-up to the actual holiday on Friday, Nov. 24.

Early Black Friday laptop deals at Best Buy


the HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c-cd0053dx

Credit: HP


Our pick: HP Chromebook Plus x360 14c-cd0053dx

$379 at Best Buy (save $320)

Why we like it

Google’s new Chromebook Plus line is a series of elevated (but still affordable) ChromeOS laptops with built-in Google apps, Full HD IPS displays, and 1080p+ cameras with AI features. This 14-inch HP Chromebook Plus x360 is a 2-in-1 model that has a 12th-generation Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, and Best Buy’s impressive early Black Friday discount takes it down to just $379. (A 46% discount on a laptop that’s barely a month old is genuinely wild to see.) It’s a compelling choice for anyone hunting for a capable budget laptop.

2-in-1 laptop deals at Best Buy

Early Black Friday laptop deals at Dell


the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7630

Credit: Dell


Our pick: Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7630

$999.99 at Dell.com (save $450)

Why we like it

Sporting a 16:10 display with a 120Hz refresh rate and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, Dell’s Inspiron 16 Plus is basically the affordable lovechild of a desktop replacement laptop and a gaming PC. (Our sister site PCMag gave it an “Excellent” 4/5 rating and recommended it for users who want a “16-inch laptop with a little more visual oomph than average.”) This particular configuration has a 13th-gen Intel Core i7 H-series CPU, a GeForce RTX 3050 GPU 16GB of memory, and a terabyte of storage. You can get it on sale for $999.99 via Dell’s website during its Black Friday Sneak Peek event, which works out to a 31% savings.

Traditional laptop deals at Dell

2-in-1 laptop deals at Dell

Early Black Friday laptop deals at Lenovo


the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5

Credit: Lenovo


Our pick: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5

$549.99 at Lenovo.com (save $380)

Why we like it

Lenovo’s IdeaPad Slim 5 is a solid mid-range pick for multitasking that has a 1080p webcam, a nice backlit keyboard, and a 16-inch, 16:10 display (albeit with a very average 60Hz refresh rate). This configuration Lenovo is on sale for $549.99 (or 41% off) during its own Black Friday Sneak Peek event, and is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7730U CPU with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which are relatively rare specs in the sub-$600 price range.

Traditional laptop deals at Lenovo

Chromebook deals at Lenovo

Tech / Technology

13 amazing holiday gifts for the person who already has it all

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Here are 13 perfect holiday gifts for that special someone who seems to already have everything. From smart tech gadgets to self-care products.
An illustration of wrapped presents.

This holiday season, don’t be daunted by the challenge of shopping for that friend or family member who appears to have everything. We’ve put together a list of thoughtful gifts that promise to delight even the most seasoned of shoppers. 

From a temperature-controlled mug to the latest portable Sonos speaker, our guide blends the elegance of modern technology with the charm of timeless self-care treasures, like face masks.

So if you’re having trouble picking a gift for someone, but want to take full advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, take a look through our product recommendations below.

ASUS ROG Ally 7″ Gaming Handheld Console

The ASUS ROG Ally 7" gaming console held in a person's hands.

The ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming console comes with a 7″ LED screen.
Credit: ASUS

For PC gaming enthusiasts, the ASUS ROG Ally is the handheld console to have. With its 512GB SSD and microSD slot, they’ll be able to take all of their favorite games on the go. And thanks to its 7-inch LED touchscreen, AMD Radeon graphics card, and AMD Ryzen CPU, gameplay will be smooth with stunning graphics.


The ASUS ROG Ally 7" gaming console with the game selection menu open.

Credit: ASUS


ASUS ROG Ally 7″ Gaming Handheld Console

Get It Here

Glade PlugIns Plus Air Freshener

The Glade PlugIns Plus air freshener warmer plugged into a white outlet.

The Glade PlugIns Plus air fresener warmer has a refill indicator light that lets you know when it needs a refill.
Credit: Glade

A delightful stocking stuffer, this refillable plug-in air freshener will ensure their space always smells welcoming. It has adjustable fragrance settings — like auto rest mode for overnight — so they can conserve energy and their chosen scent. It will automatically shut off when it runs out of fragrance, and a refill indicator light will turn on. Consider pairing it with the warm notes of Glade’s Vanilla Caramel Twist, available at an additional $5.92 for a two-pack.


The Glade PlugIns Plus air freshener warmer plugged into a white outlet.

Credit: Glade


Glade PlugIns Plus Air Freshener

Get It Here

Sponsored | Microsoft Xbox Series X

Microsoft Xbox Series X


Credit: Microsoft

Meet the apex of gaming power — this console is renowned for being the fastest, most powerful Xbox ever. Dive into native 4K gaming at up to a blazing 120 frames per second, delivering sharper characters, vibrant realms, and an unmatched level of detail.


Microsoft Xbox Series X

Credit: Microsoft


Xbox Series X

$499.99 at Xbox.com

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

The Ember Mug 2 in white on a kitchen counter.

The Ember Mug 2 has a light on the base that shows you when it’s charged or needs charging.
Credit: Ember

Elevate their beverage experience with this smart mug. Though not an essential, the Ember ensures every sip of their favorite beverage is at their ideal temperature — thanks to the mug’s built-in heating technology and app connectivity. It’s a seamless blend of form and function for those chilly winter mornings.


The Ember Mug 2 in black with the corresponding app open and displaying 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

Credit: Ember


Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

Get It Here

Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard

The Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard in Graphite.


Credit: Logitech

This wireless keyboard, with its durable and compact design, is perfect for both work and play on the go. It can connect to up to three devices at once via Bluetooth, with the user able to switch between each device by pressing one of the keys. It also has an impressive battery life of up to 10 days on a full charge — or up to 5 months with the backlighting turned off.


The Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard in white on an office desk.

Credit: Logitech


Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard

Get It Here

Luminara Pillar Candles – Set of 3

The set of three Luminara Pillar Candles with the remote.

The Luminara Pillar Candles in this set come in three different sizes — 4.5″, 5.5″, and 6.5″.
Credit: Luminara

These flameless battery-operated candles are made with 100 percent pure paraffin wax and mimic a real flame’s flicker. Without the mess of a real flame and the soot that comes with it, they make the perfect gift for households with pets or small children — or to introduce an element of romantic allure for intimate evenings in or if the power goes out.


The Luminara candles in a brown basket in what seems like a bathroom.

Credit: Luminara


Luminara Pillar Candles – Set of 3

Get It Here

Sonos Move 2 Speaker

The Sonos Move 2 speaker in white on a table.

The Move 2 uses its microphones to analyze its surroundings to continually optimize the sound.
Credit: Sonos

Whether your loved one is hosting a holiday soirée or enjoying a quiet evening, this portable speaker will ensure they have the best audio quality — including crisp vocals, deep bass, and full instrumentals. It’s rated IP56, so it’s both water and dust-resistant and connects to their device via Bluetooth or WiFi. They’ll be able to enjoy up to 24 hours of non-stop listening on a single charge thanks to the speaker’s long battery life.


The Sonos Move 2 speaker in black being carried by someone outside.

Credit: Sonos


Sonos Move 2 Speaker

Get It Here

Anker 3-in-1 Charger Cube with MagSafe

The Anker 3-in-1 charger cube in black, on a white background.

The Anker 3-in-1 15W MagSafe Charger comes with a 30W charger and a USB-C to USB-C cable.
Credit: Anker

If your loved one is a fan of Apple devices, this 15W MagSafe charger ensures that their phone, watch, and earbuds are always charged up and ready to go. With its sleek design, it’s a stylish addition to any nightstand or desk. Or, thanks to its compact design, it’s a great addition for any upcoming travels they have planned. And as a bonus, they can use their phone in portrait or landscape mode while it charges.


The Anker 3-in-1 charger cube in black, with an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods charging on it.

Credit: Anker


Anker 3-in-1 Charger Cube with MagSafe

Get It Here

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Face Mask & Facial Exfoliator

The Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser and Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask on a pink background.

The Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser and Porefining Face Mask.
Credit: Sand & Sky

Indulge them in a spa-like experience with this face mask and exfoliator combo. Harnessing the purifying properties of Australian Pink Clay, this duo will have their skin feeling clean and soft in no time. Sand & Sky’s products are made with 100 percent natural ingredients and are cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free — so you can feel good about your gift.


The Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser and Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask on a pink background.

Credit: Sand & Sky


Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Face Mask & Facial Exfoliator

Get It Here

Google Nest Learning Thermostat – 3rd Gen

A person's arm reaching out to a black Google Nest Learning Thermostat.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat has a sleek and simple-to-use design.
Credit: Google

Combine aesthetics and efficiency with this smart thermostat. It not only adds a touch of modernity to any home but also learns their temperature preferences over time, ensuring optimal comfort while saving energy. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with 95 percent of heating and cooling systems, so chances are they’ll be covered.


The Google Nest Learning Thermostat with the temperature set to heat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Credit: Google


Google Nest Learning Thermostat – 3rd Gen

Get It Here

Philips Smart LED Light Bulb 2-Pack

The Philips WiZ LED Color Light Bulb 2-Pack with its packaging.

The Philips WiZ smart color light bulbs are dimmable, and offer millions of colors to choose from.
Credit: Philips

Light up their world with 16 million colors thanks to these smart LED bulbs — and also likely save them money on their energy bill. These bulbs connect to the Philips Hue app, so they can adjust the brightness and color, or turn the lights off no matter where they are. The bulbs are also compatible with Alexa and Google Home Assistant for the ultimate smart home setup.


Two of the Philips WiZ smart bulbs on a white background.

Credit: Philips


Philips Smart LED Light Bulb 2-Pack

Get It Here

Hatch Restore 2

The Hatch Restore 2 smart alarm clock in the putty color, on a white background.

The Hatch Restore 2 comes in three colors: putty (as shown), latte, and slate.
Credit: Hatch

Offering a unique blend of sleep and relaxation features, the Hatch Restore 2 is the perfect smart alarm clock for those who value their beauty sleep. Its range of soothing sounds and guided meditations will ensure they get a restful night’s sleep — and wake up slowly in the morning thanks to its sunrise light options.


The Hatch Restore 2 smart alarm clock on a bedside table, with a woman reaching to touch it.

Credit: Hatch


Hatch Restore 2

Get It Here

Conair 2-in-1 Handheld Steamer and Iron

The Conair ExtremeSteam 2-in-1 in blue, on a white background.

The Conair 2-in-1 handheld steamer and iron also comes with Turbo mode for quicker results.
Credit: Conair

If your family member or friend is always traveling, this 2-in-1 device is the perfect addition to their arsenal. The steamer heats up in 40 seconds and can provide continuous steam for up to 15 minutes — so they’ll never have to worry about wrinkles on that business trip or at that wedding. And if they need something more heavy-duty, they can use the ironing mode with its non-stick soleplate to ensure their clothes are pressed exactly the way they like them.


The Conair ExtremeSteam 2-in-1 in blue, on a white background.

Credit: Conair


Conair 2-in-1 Handheld Steamer and Iron

Get It Here

With these holiday gift options, you’re sure to find the perfect present for that special someone who has a taste for the consumer lifestyle.