In the world of budget laptops, finding a device that balances cost, performance, and usability can often be a challenge. The Packard Bell McLaren Intel® Celeron® N4020 Laptop attempts to strike this balance, offering a compact design with essential features suitable for everyday tasks. This laptop comes with an Intel® Celeron® N4020 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage, making it an affordable option for students, professionals, and casual users.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Packard Bell McLaren Intel® Celeron® N4020 Laptop’s key features, design, performance, pros, and cons. By the end of this review, you’ll have a better idea of whether this laptop is the right choice for your computing needs.
Key Features of the Packard Bell McLaren Intel® Celeron® N4020 Laptop
1. Intel® Celeron® N4020 Processor
The heart of the Packard Bell McLaren Laptop is the Intel® Celeron® N4020 processor, which is a budget-friendly chip designed for basic computing needs. This processor is not a powerhouse but works well for tasks such as browsing the web, checking emails, working with documents, and light multitasking. With a clock speed of up to 2.8 GHz, the Celeron N4020 can handle moderate workloads, though it may struggle with more intensive applications like video editing or gaming.
2. 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC Storage
The Packard Bell McLaren Laptop features 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. While 4GB RAM may seem limited, it is quite standard for budget laptops. For basic tasks like word processing, web browsing, and video streaming, 4GB is sufficient. The 64GB eMMC storage offers a compact and cost-effective solution for storing files, documents, and light applications. However, the storage space may fill up quickly, especially if you download large files or install many applications. Fortunately, the laptop has a Micro SD card slot for expanding storage if needed.
3. 11.6-Inch HD Display
The 11.6-inch display on the Packard Bell McLaren laptop is small but functional. With an HD resolution of 1366 x 768, the screen provides decent clarity for everyday tasks. The screen size makes this laptop highly portable, ideal for those who need a device on the go. While the resolution is not Full HD, it is acceptable for typical web browsing, document editing, and media consumption.
4. Windows 11 Home
The Packard Bell McLaren Laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home, offering the latest features and security updates from Microsoft. Windows 11 provides a modern, user-friendly interface with enhancements such as improved multitasking, an updated Start Menu, and better integration with Microsoft Teams. For users accustomed to Windows, this OS offers a seamless experience, and it benefits from regular updates that ensure your device stays secure and functional.
5. 4000 mAh Li-ion Battery
The laptop is equipped with a 4000 mAh Li-ion battery, providing up to 6 hours of battery life on a single charge, depending on your usage. While this isn’t groundbreaking, it’s sufficient for light work throughout the day, such as browsing, emailing, and document creation. It is recommended to keep an eye on battery levels for extended use, as the battery life may be shorter when running power-hungry applications.
6. Micro SD Card Slot
For users who require more storage space, the inclusion of a Micro SD card slot is a welcome feature. This allows you to expand the available storage quickly and easily by inserting a compatible Micro SD card. While 64GB of eMMC storage may not be enough for everyone, the ability to expand it with an SD card makes the Packard Bell McLaren laptop a versatile choice for users who need more space for photos, videos, or documents.
7. 3-Year Warranty
A standout feature of the Packard Bell McLaren Intel® Celeron® N4020 Laptop is the 3-year warranty (upon registration). This provides peace of mind for users, ensuring that their laptop is covered for any hardware issues that may arise over the next few years. The warranty is a nice touch, especially for those who are investing in a budget laptop.
Design and Build Quality
The Packard Bell McLaren Laptop features a compact and lightweight design, weighing just under 1.2 kg. This makes it easy to carry around in a backpack or briefcase. The 11.6-inch size contributes to its portability, making it an excellent option for students and professionals who need a device that won’t take up too much space.
The laptop’s exterior features a clean, minimalistic design, with the McLaren logo on the lid. While the body is made of plastic, it feels sturdy and durable for its price range. The keyboard is comfortable to use for typing, although it lacks backlighting, which may be an issue for users who need to work in low-light environments.
Related: Proline Celeron V116 Review: Affordable Entry-Level Laptop for Students
Performance: How Well Does It Handle Everyday Tasks?
The Packard Bell McLaren Laptop excels in basic computing tasks. Thanks to the Intel® Celeron® N4020 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage, this laptop is well-suited for light activities like web browsing, email, word processing, and video streaming.
During our testing, we found that the laptop handled typical tasks with ease. Websites loaded quickly, documents were smooth to work with, and video streaming from platforms like YouTube was fluid. However, as expected, it struggled with more demanding applications, such as running multiple tabs in a browser with high-res video streaming or working with complex spreadsheets.
If you’re planning to use this laptop for light schoolwork, office tasks, or casual web browsing, the performance will be satisfactory. However, if you need to run resource-intensive applications, consider looking for a laptop with a more powerful processor and more RAM.
Pros of the Packard Bell McLaren Intel® Celeron® N4020 Laptop
- Affordable Price: The Packard Bell McLaren is budget-friendly, making it a great option for people who need a laptop for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.
- Portability: With its lightweight and compact design, this laptop is easy to carry and perfect for on-the-go use.
- Windows 11: The laptop comes with the latest operating system from Microsoft, offering a modern interface and the latest features.
- Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a Micro SD card slot allows you to expand storage if needed.
- 3-Year Warranty: The 3-year warranty provides peace of mind, ensuring that you’re covered for hardware issues over the next few years.
Cons of the Packard Bell McLaren Intel® Celeron® N4020 Laptop
- Limited Storage: With only 64GB of eMMC storage, the laptop’s storage is quite limited. Users who store a lot of media files may find this inadequate.
- Basic Performance: The laptop is designed for light tasks and may struggle with heavier workloads, such as gaming, video editing, or running resource-heavy software.
- No Backlit Keyboard: The lack of a backlit keyboard could be a disadvantage for users who work in low-light conditions.
- Low Display Resolution: The 1366 x 768 resolution is not Full HD, which may be a drawback for users who want sharper visuals.
Is the Packard Bell McLaren Intel® Celeron® N4020 Laptop Worth It?
The Packard Bell McLaren Intel® Celeron® N4020 Laptop offers great value for those looking for a budget-friendly laptop that covers basic computing tasks. The combination of an Intel® Celeron® N4020 processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage makes it perfect for light browsing, document editing, and media consumption. The 11.6-inch HD display is adequate for everyday use, and the 3-year warranty provides additional peace of mind.
While the laptop has some limitations in terms of performance, storage, and display quality, it’s a solid choice for anyone on a tight budget who needs a laptop for essential tasks. If you need more power, storage, or display quality, you may want to consider investing in a more expensive model, but for everyday use, the Packard Bell McLaren Intel® Celeron® N4020 Laptop is a great option.
