Introduction
If you’re headed off to college, it’s time to get excited about purchasing your first laptop computer. It can be tough to figure out which laptop is best for college students, though, so we’ve put together this list of features that every student needs in their new laptop to help you find the best one.
What Kind of Student Are You?
Which laptops are best for students depends on what kind of student you are. Which laptops would be best for students interested in engineering? For those looking to do artwork? Here is a breakdown of what we think are some of the best laptops out there, so you can make your choice and get to studying!
Your Budget
College students typically need a laptop that is versatile enough to help them work and play. Your budget will largely determine what type of computer you’ll be able to afford, but make sure that you consider your computer’s battery life, keyboard shortcuts, and weight if you’re on the go. One important point is that many laptops have higher resolution screens than standard HD televisions, which can impact your ability to see smaller details when working on projects or doing schoolwork. Make sure that whatever screen size you choose works best with what types of tasks you plan on completing most often with your laptop. In addition, laptops are typically capable of rendering up to 4K resolution graphics as well as playing back DVDs or Blu-Ray discs.
What Features Do You Need?
When you’re out in college town looking at all of those shiny, new laptops in store windows and wondering which one is best for you, it can be hard to make a decision on your own. However, by answering these questions, we’ll be able to find the perfect laptop that is great for any student:
Do I want an Apple or Windows? Is my budget $1000 or less? Do I want a touchscreen? Will I need the most powerful laptop with the newest hardware so that I can run design software like Adobe Creative Suite? Will I primarily be using my laptop as a school computer and accessing files through OneDrive or Google Drive? How important is the battery life? Do I want a small lightweight device or something more powerful but heavier with longer battery life?
Size And Weight Are Important
We’re all different, which means we all have different needs when it comes to our laptops. Generally speaking, how much you use your laptop and what you need your laptop for will determine what’s best for you. If weight and size are a consideration, one of the top picks is the Asus ZenBook UX305CA 13.3 FHD NanoEdge Touchscreen Laptop. It has an Intel Core M processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD hard drive with Windows 10 Home pre-installed so it won’t take up too much space in your bag. A tablet can also make a great college companion if you don’t have time (or just don’t feel like) lugging around that extra screen weight every day, so give them both a look!
Operating System Is Important, Too
There are several operating systems and each has its advantages. The most popular system is Microsoft Windows, and even more, people use it on their laptops because it’s more user-friendly. Many students prefer macOS, which doesn’t come preloaded with bloatware. Linux is also a good option if you like that particular operating system. Chromebooks have become very popular in recent years as well since they come at a relatively low price, allow you to browse the internet easily, and often come preloaded with several office-related applications such as Word or Excel—which can be pretty handy if you need to do some schoolwork or research on your laptop during free time when access to a desktop computer isn’t available.
Hardware Specs Are Important, Too!
Think about what you need in a laptop and use these specs as your checklist: display size, battery life, RAM, hard drive space, and processing power. Of course, these factors vary by user so it’s important to research which laptops are best for students before purchasing. Factors such as cost, operating system, and design can also be very important when looking at laptops with higher-end specs.
What About Warranties?
When selecting a laptop, it’s important to consider warranties. In college, you’re bound to be on the go and your laptop will need protection. We recommend considering a 3-year warranty if you plan on bringing your laptop to school with you every day. That way, if something happens or wears out, we’ll replace it right away at no additional cost!
Conclusion
Laptops have become an integral part of daily life and there are a variety of brands, screen sizes, colors, and operating systems. Deciding which laptop to purchase can be overwhelming. When choosing which laptops are best for students, you will want one that can perform well academically but also offers social media integration. Technology has advanced so much in recent years that many laptops have touch screens which make browsing online easier as well as more interactive with other people via social media. You’ll also want a laptop that is compatible with your school’s software system because not all laptops are created equal when it comes to hardware specifications.