The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Laptop for Students
Choosing the right laptop is essential for students. Some fields of study, such as engineering and video editing, require specialized configurations.
For example, students who prioritize portability should look for lightweight options that are easy to carry with them. Those who value performance should opt for machines with the latest CPUs.
1. Size
One of the biggest things to consider is how much the laptop weighs. Lighter laptops are easier to transport, and they often have better battery life than heavier laptops.
Students often need their laptops to work on multiple tasks at once, so a light and compact design is important. Look for a laptop that’s thin and portable, such as an ultraportable computer or 2-in-1 laptop.
For most students, a laptop with a screen size between 13 and 15 inches should be sufficient. Larger laptops can be too bulky to fit into student backpacks and may not provide a good viewing experience in classrooms.
2. Weight
The right Laptop for students is one that has enough power to run their software and is lightweight to carry between classes. However, before buying a laptop that meets these criteria it is important for college students to check with their school or program to see if there are any special requirements that may not be compatible with standard Laptop hardware.
3. Processor
If you’re buying a laptop for students, it’s worth considering the capabilities that they will need. Some software and applications require a lot of computing power, so make sure the laptop you’re buying has enough processing power for them.
Look for a laptop with an Intel i5 processor and at least 8GB of RAM. This is plenty for most students, unless they’ll be using memory-intensive applications like video editing or graphic design software.
4. RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is short-term storage that stores data your computer is actively working with so it can be accessed immediately. As a result, programs and files open quickly.
If you’re shopping for a laptop with 8GB of RAM, that will be more than enough for everyday tasks such as using Microsoft Office, web browsing with a few tabs open and basic document editing. However, students who use apps that demand high levels of memory or who want a smooth gaming experience should consider going for 16GB.
When buying RAM, it’s worth considering the voltage rate and timings too, which is how fast they work. While most programs don’t see major benefits from faster and tighter-timing RAM kits, video editing software and certain games do.
5. Storage
Students need a laptop that can handle their work, whether they’re using it for internet browsing and research, video streaming or word processing. Ideally, it should have a long battery life so that they can work in various places without having to find a power outlet or risk losing important documents or photos.
Choosing the right storage is also crucial for a student laptop. It is advisable to opt for a solid-state drive (SSD) instead of a hard disk drive (HDD). SSDs are tinier, faster and have no moving parts, which makes them more resilient against the inevitable jostling that occurs during frequent travel.
6. Keyboard
For students who often take notes in class or work on assignments, a keyboard that’s comfortable to use is essential. Look for one that has well-spaced keys and a responsive trackpad. Also, consider whether you prefer a keyboard with a tactile feel or a satisfying spring to it.
Ensure the laptop you choose has enough storage capacity to store files, documents, and multimedia content. Opt for a solid-state drive instead of a spinning hard drive to improve boot speeds and performance, and reduce the risk of data loss.
If possible, try out the laptop you’re considering in a store before making a purchase. This will help you test out things that are difficult to evaluate online, such as how the hinge holds up over time or how smooth and quiet the trackpad is.
7. Touchscreen
Students often work in various places, away from an electrical outlet, so they want a laptop that is portable. This could mean a small Chromebook or a versatile PC laptop that converts into a tablet.
Touchscreen monitors can also help boost engagement. It’s not hard to imagine students huddled around an interactive display during group presentations, for example. This helps them feel part of a community and keeps them involved rather than shying away from answering questions.
Another feature many students recommend is a touchscreen with stylus support. Nambiar and Riehle both say this is essential for biology classes, which involve drawing diagrams.
8. Audio
Students need a laptop that can multitask the various programs needed for their degree. The laptop should have great audio quality and the ability to be used in conjunction with a webcam for online classes or video-calling with family and friends. For this reason, look for audio features that simplify video-conferencing, like AI noise cancelation and webcam image optimization.
It’s also worth thinking about how the laptop may be used in the future. This is called “futureproofing” your purchase and can help you find a laptop that will still be useful even as technology evolves. For example, a laptop with the latest Intel M3 chip can handle demanding creative workloads — such as 3D-modelling or video editing — while remaining slim and light.
9. Battery Life
A laptop is typically a student’s biggest individual purchase so it’s important to make sure the device can be used for three or four years without failing or running out of power. A long-lasting battery is essential if the device is going to be ferrying around from lectures and seminars to all-night library cram sessions.
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