The team behind Australia's trusted budget laptop resource
CheapLaptop.au started around a kitchen table in Melbourne back in 2024. Our founder, Sarah Chen, had just spent three frustrating weeks helping her parents find a reliable laptop that wouldn't break the bank. After wading through confusing specifications, conflicting reviews, and websites clearly designed to push expensive models, she realised there had to be a better way.
That frustration sparked an idea: what if there was a straightforward resource specifically for Australians who just want a good laptop at a fair price? No upselling, no technical jargon, no paid placements—just honest recommendations from people who actually understand what everyday users need.
Sarah recruited a few like-minded tech enthusiasts she'd met through Melbourne's IT community, and CheapLaptop.au was born. Today, our small but dedicated team includes former IT support professionals, a technical writer who once worked for a major laptop manufacturer, and a consumer electronics reviewer who got tired of the industry's tendency to hype overpriced gadgets.
We don't accept payment for reviews or placement. When we recommend a laptop, it's because we genuinely believe it offers good value for Australian consumers. Yes, we earn a small commission when you purchase through our Amazon links, but this never influences which products we recommend—it simply helps keep the site running.
We evaluate laptops the way real people use them. Instead of running synthetic benchmarks that don't reflect actual usage, we test how quickly a laptop handles everyday tasks: opening multiple browser tabs, running Microsoft Office, streaming video calls, and yes, the occasional casual game. We time boot speeds, measure battery life during typical workdays, and assess build quality by checking how laptops hold up after weeks of regular use.
We also consider factors that matter specifically to Australian consumers. Does the laptop come with an Australian power adapter? What's the warranty process like—can you get local support, or will you need to ship it overseas? Are replacement parts and accessories readily available? These practical considerations often get overlooked by international review sites, but they can make a huge difference in your ownership experience.
We understand that for many Australians, a laptop purchase represents a significant investment. Whether you're a university student stretching a tight budget, a parent looking for a reliable family computer, or a small business owner who needs something dependable without enterprise-level pricing, we're here to help you make an informed decision.
Our recommendations are updated weekly to reflect current pricing and availability on the Australian market. We regularly revisit our guides to ensure the information remains accurate and relevant. And if you ever have questions or need personalised advice, our contact page is always open.
Thank you for trusting CheapLaptop.au. We're proud to be part of your laptop buying journey.
We tell you what we genuinely think, even if it means recommending against a popular product. Our reputation depends on your trust.
We consider local pricing, warranty support, and availability. What works overseas doesn't always make sense for Aussie buyers.
We'd rather teach you how to evaluate laptops yourself than just tell you what to buy. Informed consumers make better decisions.
The cheapest option isn't always the best value. We recommend laptops that will serve you well for years, not just save a few dollars upfront.