HP 14in HP14 2023, Celeron N4500, 16GB, 64GB eMMC + 512GB SSD, White

16GB of RAM can't save a Celeron from itself. This is a cheap laptop for cheap tasks, and even then it's a stretch.

The Celeron N4120 sits in the 11th percentile for CPUs in our database, and you'll feel it. Opening more than a handful of browser tabs will make this thing wheeze. The 16GB of DDR4 RAM is the one bright spot, but it's like putting nice tires on a go-kart. The 1366x768 display is a real letdown too, landing in the bottom 4% of screens we've tracked. Text looks soft and colors are washed out. For basic tasks it's fine, but don't expect any headroom.

Stacked against something like a used Lenovo ThinkPad or a Chromebook in the same price range, this HP struggles. A Chromebook will feel snappier for web-based work, and a refurbished business laptop will give you a real SSD and a better screen. The HP's only real edge is that it runs full Windows, but S Mode neuters that advantage until you switch out of it. Compared to the MacBook Pro M4 Max or Legion Pro 7i in our database, this thing is in a completely different universe, but that's not a fair fight.

At MXN 12,850, this is a tough sell unless you absolutely need the cheapest thing that runs Windows. The 16GB RAM and included SD card soften the blow, but you're paying for specs that the CPU can't really use. If you can stretch your budget even a little, there are better options with proper SSDs and 1080p screens.

This HP 14 is a budget laptop that knows exactly what it is: a cheap machine for schoolwork, Zoom calls, and light browsing. The one thing to know? It's got 16GB of RAM, which sounds impressive, but it's paired with a Celeron N4120 that'll make you wait more than you'd like. The included 256GB SD card is a nice touch, but the 64GB eMMC main drive is painfully small for Windows 11.

If you plan to run anything beyond a browser and Office, skip this. The Celeron N4120 will frustrate you daily. Go find a used ThinkPad or a Chromebook instead. You'll get a better screen, faster storage, and a machine that doesn't feel like it's running through mud.

If your needs are truly basic, like one or two tabs, email, and Zoom, this HP will get you through the day. But the slow CPU and tiny storage mean you'll be fighting this machine within a year. For the same money, look for a used business laptop with an SSD. You'll be much happier.