Choosing a laptop for college is not easy. There is not one that towers over the competition, because it all depends on your tastes, your requirements and many other factors.
This is a tricky decision, but to help you we have made a selection of the best laptops available on the market.
Before making a purchase, there are a few key things to consider, to find out regarding them visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
FAQ
1. What should you consider when buying a laptop for your studies?
There are many things to think regarding, but the first is the price. Do you really need a $1000+ laptop? Will it be broken or, worse, stolen? Although more expensive laptops offer better gaming performance, it’s probably not a priority if you’re focusing on classes and exams.
However, powerful devices may be necessary if you are taking a course that requires complex software, such as animation or video editing.
However, those who just need to write Word documents and browse the Internet can spend a lot less and find a perfectly suitable laptop.
2. Which type of screen should I choose?
Most laptops have a 13-inch screen, which has long been the best compromise between size and portability. However, you can opt for smaller or larger screens depending on your needs.
Keep in mind that the cheapest laptops come with a lower quality screen that may be dim and not very sharp. It’s just one of the trade-offs, so if you need to do some photo editing, it’s better to spend more.
3. What components do you need?
You get what you pay for when it comes to laptops, so a $1000+ model has a more powerful processor (likely Intel Core i7 or Ryzen 7), more RAM, and plenty of SSD storage. It can even be equipped with a dedicated graphics card. All this will be very useful if you perform more complex tasks.
Less expensive models can be equipped with an Intel Pentium chip. They’ll also have significantly less RAM and may not include an SSD, so make sure first that they’ll be up to the task.
4. What is the importance of the keyboard and touchpad?
Enormous. However, you can easily get by with an average keyboard. MacBook touchpads are best in class, but you pay for the privilege, while the type of keyboard you prefer is a personal matter.
Do you want long-travel keys or do you prefer a flatter, thinner keyboard? Do you need a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad? By sacrificing that, you’ll get a more compact design that’s easier to take with you anywhere.
5. Which ports do you need?
It may not seem important today, but think carefully regarding ports. Many modern laptops come with very few ports, often USB-C type. This means that it is not possible to simply plug them into a computer.
This means you can’t just plug in a USB stick or HDMI cable without getting an adapter (or dongle). Cheaper laptops are bulkier, so they usually have more space for full-sized ports, which can be a real benefit.
Don’t forget either that laptops no longer include a CD/DVD drive. If you need it, an external drive is a must.
6. Which operating system to choose?
This will depend on several factors, including what you know and what other devices you already own.
Windows 11 has been available for a few months now, and you’ve probably been prompted to upgrade if you have a Windows 10. But that’s not necessary yet, as the older OS is still supported until ‘in 2025.
However, Windows isn’t your only choice when it comes to software. You may prefer macOS, especially if you have an iPhone or iPad.
If you’re not sure which system will best suit your needs, it’s important to check if the specific apps you need are compatible and intuitive.
There are other alternatives such as ChromeOS, it is extremely easy to use. However, it requires an internet connection to fully function.
The tablets we’ve included are also intuitive, but once more, make sure they’ll be able to run your favorite software first.
