Parents shopping for a laptop don't have to spend a fortune to find a quality device. Consumer Reports offers recommendations to fit a range of back-to-school budgets.

SAN ANTONIO Laptops are leaving shelves faster than toilet paper as consumers cope with the latest pandemic-related shortage. Affordable Chromebooks and laptops priced less than $500 have seen the most significant demand and sold-out status. See if you can find an equivalent model for the one youre shopping for, De Leon said. According to De Leon, it can also help to broaden shopping horizons beyond the big names. You may also want to consider buying used or refurbished laptops, De Leon said.

SAN ANTONIO Erika MacMaster is still reeling from how the last school year ended for her five kids. Before shopping, Consumer Reports recommends checking with your school for any technology requirements. Consumer Reports recommends the Google Pixelbook for $649 or the Lenovo Chromebook C340-15 for $399. Eight gigabytes is a good place to start, Consumer Reports Samantha Gordon said. Consumer Reports provides step-by-step instructions here.