What laptop to buy to study? Whether you’re entering your first year of university or returning for another course, preparing your laptop for back to class is an essential step . Whether you know it or not, there are many things to consider when buying a laptop for college.
The tasks you use your laptop for and the way you like to work have a big impact on the type of device that best suits your needs.
Whether you’re an engineering student who needs advanced software or a communication student who spends most of his time on word processing programs, these details can help you choose the perfect laptop for college. With that in mind, here are 10 things that should factor into your decision when choosing a laptop for college:
Index of contents
- Things to keep in mind when buying a laptop to study
- 2-in-1 laptops are a great option for students
- Chromebooks are a good budget option
- Windows or Mac OS?
- Screen size and resolution matter
- Storage, processor and RAM
- Do not forget about the battery (autonomy)
- Check the computer requirements of your study center
- Think about portability
- Determine how much you are going to play
- Selection of laptops to study
- Dell Inspiron 15.6″ (quality-price option)
- HP 15-ec2004ns 15.6″ (gaming option)
- ASUS Chromebook C202 (Cheap option)
- Acer Aspire E15 (quality-price alternative)
- Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (High Quality – 2 in 1)
- Lenovo Yoga 7 (touchscreen convertible)
You may also be interested in:
- Mejores Chromebooks
- Best gaming notebooks
Things to keep in mind when buying a laptop to study
Before buying a laptop to study, you should take into account the following:
2-in-1 laptops are a great option for students
If you are looking for a laptop that does everything, a 2-in-1 device may be a good option for you. These laptops can transform into a tablet for on-the-go typing and touch programs, then transform back into a laptop for writing reports, working on engineering projects, or boosting a college course. If you’re a student who likes to switch between laptops, a 2-in-1 device may be more cost-effective.
This also makes it a great option for students who share a laptop with a roommate or are part of an on-campus computer lab. This saves time and energy for both parties, as you can easily switch between laptop and tablet modes depending on what you’re working on. Frequently switching between laptop and tablet modes can also prolong the life of your device.
Chromebooks are a good budget option
Chromebooks can be another great option for students on a budget. While they don’t come with all the bells and whistles that other laptops have, they’re great for writing papers, taking notes, and accessing online tools like Google Drive. Although there are a wide variety of models, most Chromebooks are designed to be easily portable and to type quickly.
As a result, many Chromebooks are smaller and lighter than traditional laptops, making them a great option for students who don’t want to lug around a heavy device. Chromebooks are also great for students looking to keep costs down. Since they use an internet browser-based operating system, they don’t need a ton of storage to function effectively. Chromebooks are also less expensive than a traditional laptop, making them a good option for students who need to stay on a budget.
Windows or Mac OS?
Windows laptops are often cheaper than Macs , but Macs are often easier to use. Also, Macs are often more expensive than Windows laptops. So which one should you choose? The answer depends on what you are looking for. Windows laptops tend to be cheaper and offer more variety in terms of design than Macs. Many Windows laptops also offer touch screens, which are ideal for working in tablet mode.
So, if you’re looking for something that ‘s more versatile (especially if you plan to use it for gaming), Windows might be a better option for you. Macs, on the other hand, offer a variety of interesting creative programs, as well as a much more secure, stable and robust operating system than Windows, but don’t forget that it is more limited in terms of software and hardware compatibility.
Screen size and resolution matter
If you’re a writer, you’ll need to consider screen size and resolution when choosing a laptop. The size of the screen is important because it will dictate the ease with which you can read or work with your laptop, in short, the workspace you have available. I would recommend using a laptop that is at least 13 or 14″, but no smaller than that. And if you’re going to use it for study and gaming, maybe a 15.6″ option (17″ would be too heavy to carry to class).
Screen resolution is also important because higher resolution makes text (and images) look sharper and more lifelike. A sharper screen is especially helpful for writers because it makes editing and proofreading easier. This can be a huge time saver, especially if you’re the type of writer who likes to look at their work from multiple perspectives.
Storage, processor and RAM
A RAM memory in SO-DIMM format in a compatible Slot. Image: Flickr; Diego Torres Silvestre.
While screen size and resolution are important, you should also consider your device ‘s storage, processor, and RAM . All of these factors will help you gauge how fast your laptop is:
- RAM memory should be at least 8 GB and up.
- The processor would be fine to opt for a mainstream, that is, an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5.
- As for storage, it is best to opt for an SSD drive, since you will notice much faster. And do not forget that it is of a good capacity, according to your needs to store information.
Do not forget about the battery (autonomy)
Your laptop’s battery life is important no matter what field you’re studying, but it’s especially important for students on the go. If you’re someone who likes to get to and from campus, you don’t want to be tied to an outlet. Make sure you choose a laptop with a long battery life that will get you through a full day of classes (ie 8+ hours of battery life). If you spend most of your time on campus but also need a device for travel, you can also look for laptops that offer fast charging. This feature allows you to charge your laptop at a faster rate, which means you’ll have it back up and running quickly.
Check the computer requirements of your study center
If you are going to study on a large campus or through software developed for the center itself, it is important that you check the computer requirements before buying a laptop.
And not only that, you must also take into account the software that you are going to use for your type of study. For example, if you are studying engineering, you may need a device that can handle CAD/CAM applications. If you study design, you may need a device that can run an editing program. Or if you are studying journalism, the requirements will be lower, since you will be working mostly with office software such as a word processor.
Think about portability
If you’re a student who likes to move around and isn’t tied to a desk, portability is important. You want to make sure you get a laptop that is easy to transport and is not too bulky. This will allow you to easily carry it between classes, to and from your dorm, and even on study abroad trips. If you like to travel and are not tied to one place, you can also consider convertible laptops. These devices can be transformed between a tablet and a laptop, making them ideal for students who frequently change activities.
Determine how much you are going to play
Ultimately, if you like to play games on your laptop, you’ll need to weigh portability and processing power . If you like to play high-end games, you probably need a device with ample processing power, which will make it bulkier and heavier than a less powerful laptop. You may also want to check your RAM, as games often run better on a laptop with lots of RAM. If you’re a student who likes to play games on their laptop, it’s important to consider the processing power of your device.
Selection of laptops to study
If you still have doubts, here are some of the best laptops you can find for students:
Dell Inspiron 15.6″ (quality-price option)
Dell Inspiron 15 3515 – 15.6” Full HD Laptop (AMD Ryzen 5 3450U, Radeon Vega 8, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, Micro SD, Windows 11 Home), Black – Spanish QWERTY Keyboard
- Memorable powerhouse: Watch, read, stream, AMD Ryzen 5 3450U offering a host of multimedia capabilities for all-day fun
- Powerful AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics card lets you take on the most demanding computing tasks
- Better viewing: The anti-glare Full HD screen has compact borders and shows you a clear and sharp image for comfortable viewing
- Strength meets style: Made with aluminum on the top cover and palm rest, this device exudes luxury without sacrificing durability
- Stunning colors: Your laptop’s Platinum Silver color is classic yet contemporary, with a striking exterior and subtle interior that define an attractive contrast
499,00 EUR
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Last updated on 2022-10-30
If you’re looking for a laptop that’s as stylish as it is functional, the Dell Inspiron 15.6″ Laptop is the perfect choice if you’re looking for something in the middle of the price range. With its sleek and modern design, this machine is an eye-catching laptop that is sure to impress your classmates and teachers. This laptop features a large 15.6″ screen that allows you to easily interact. In addition, it is a compact and lightweight device, so you can take it to classes comfortably.
Another feature that makes this laptop stand out is the high-quality sound delivered by the dual speakers. Whether you’re listening to music, watching a movie, or taking online classes, this laptop delivers powerful, distortion-free sound that’s sure to impress your friends. And, don’t forget the build quality of this model either.
HP 15-ec2004ns 15.6″ (gaming option)
HP Pavilion Gaming 15-ec2004ns – 15.6″ Full HD Notebook (AMD Ryzen 7-5800H, 16GB DDR4-SDRAM, 512GB SSD, 60Hz, NVIDIA GTX 1650 4GB, FreeDOS) Black – Spanish QWERTY Keyboard
- 6″ (39.6 cm) diagonal FHD display, micro-edge bezel, anti-glare, 250 nits, 45% NTSC (1920 x 1080); HP Wide Vision 720p HD camera with integrated digital microphones and dual speakers with audio from B&O that deliver powerful, optimized sound
- AMD Ryzen 7-5800H Processor (Up to 4.4GHz Max Boost Clock, 16MB L3 Cache, 8 Cores, 16 Threads)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB GDDR6 dedicated)
- PCIe SSD hard drive storage up to 512 GB and DDR4-3200 MHz RAM 16 GB (2 x 8 GB)
- Without operating system (FreeDOS)
899,00 EUR
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Last updated on 2022-10-30
The HP 15.6″ Laptop with Quality Display is a high-end laptop perfect for students and packed with useful features. This notebook has an attractive and durable design that is sure to suit any style or taste.
In addition, this equipment is designed even if you eventually want to use it for gaming, since it has really powerful hardware for it. Therefore, it will not only serve you for classes, but also for your leisure time. For example, it integrates an AMD Ryzen 7 5800 Series and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. Something that makes a powerful team.
ASUS Chromebook C202 (Cheap option)
ASUS Chromebook C202XA-GJ0035 – Portátil 11.6″ HD (MediaTek M8173C, 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC, PowerVR GX6250, Chrome OS) Azul – Teclado QWERTY español
- 6″ HD screen 1366 x 768 pixels 200 nits
- Procesador MediaTek M8173C (4C/QuadCore 2.1GHz, 1MB)
- 4GB SO-DIMM LPDDR3 RAM memory
- 32GB eMMC storage
- Integrated graphics card PowerVR GX6250
209,00 EUR
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Last updated on 2022-10-30
The ASUS Chromebook C202 powered by ARM-based Mediatek chip is a lightweight laptop that’s perfect for students who are trying to balance a busy schedule while keeping costs down. This laptop has a large 11.6″ screen that offers sharp and clear images without weighing you down. It also has a full-size keyboard that makes typing quick and easy. The ASUS Chromebook C202 also has a large, durable design that makes it perfect for students on the go.
It also has a large, long-lasting battery that allows you to work for hours without having to plug it in for a charge. No matter if you need to write a paper or create a presentation, this laptop is sure to fit into your busy schedule. This laptop comes preloaded with Google’s cloud-based apps and software, like Chrome, Gmail, and Google Docs. This makes it easy to stay connected and keep track of your tasks. There is no need to worry about installing and updating software as it is all done for you. You can use this laptop to do research, write a paper, and even store and share your data without having to buy any software.
On the other hand, remember that the Google ChromeOS operating system is very stable, robust and secure, so you will have a great platform to work with. By having the cloud so integrated, you can have your files wherever you are, and never lose them. To all this we must add that it is natively compatible with Android apps.
Acer Aspire E15 (quality-price alternative)
Acer Aspire 5 NU-A515-45-R5HH – 15.6″ Full HD Laptop (AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics, Windows 11) Silver Color – Spanish QWERTY Keyboard
- 6″ Full HD Laptop
- Procesador AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
- Memory RAM of 16GB DDR4
- 1024GB PCIe NVMe SSD Storage
- Operating system: Windows 11
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Last updated on 2022-10-30
If you’re looking for a powerful yet affordable laptop, look no further than the Acer Aspire E15. This laptop features the latest AMD Ryzen processors making it fast and powerful. It also has a large 15.6″ screen that offers sharp and clear images, even when working in low light conditions.
The Acer Aspire E15 has a modern and durable design that makes it perfect for students on the go. It also has a large, long-lasting battery that allows you to work for hours without having to plug it in for a charge. It doesn’t matter if you have to write a paper or create a presentation, this laptop will allow you to keep up with your busy schedule. This laptop comes preloaded with Windows 11, giving you the latest operating systems from Microsoft.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (High Quality – 2 in 1)
REBATES
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 – Ordenador portátil 2 en 1 de 13″ (Intel Core i5-1135G7 11th Gen, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Iris Xe graphics, Windows 11) Plata
- The power of a laptop with the flexibility of a tablet, and all the angles in between, with a 13″ touchscreen, the iconic kickstand and removable keyboard.
- Windows 11 brings you closer to what you love. Family, friends, obsessions, music and creations. Windows 11 is the place for everything. With a brand new look and tools that make it easy to be efficient, it has what you need for the future
- The first Surface Pro device based on the Intel Evo platform. Do it all with the Intel Evo platform: performance, graphics, and battery life in a thin and light PC
- The best experience on a Pro device with rechargeable Surface Slim Pen 2 and Surface Pro 8, for a natural pen-on-paper feel, stores securely in Surface Pro Signature Keyboard. Our most advanced display in a Pro device. Now with up to 120Hz refresh rate for a smoother pen experience and more responsive touch
- Type in comfort Sleek and compact, Surface Pro Signature Keyboard performs like a traditional laptop keyboard, with a full row of function keys and backlit keys
999,99 EUR
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Last updated on 2022-10-30
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is a powerful laptop that’s perfect for students who need to balance their busy schedules while keeping costs down. This laptop features a large 13″ display that delivers sharp, clear images, even when working in low-light conditions. It also has a full-size keyboard that makes typing quick and easy.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 features the latest pretty good Intel processors. It also has a large, long-lasting battery that allows you to work for hours without having to plug it in for a charge. In addition, these teams have a fairly good quality and durability, in addition to highlighting their design and lightness.
Of course, being a Microsoft team ensures that the integration with Windows 11 is the best, as well as with all the software from this company, such as Microsoft Office. On the other hand, it has a high-quality keyboard and touchpad, something that can leave something to be desired in other brands. And, if you want something more, you can count on a multitude of accessories for these equipment from the same brand.
Lenovo Yoga 7 (touchscreen convertible)
Lenovo Yoga 7 – Laptop 512GB, 16GB RAM, Grey
- Lenovo
- Lenovo
- Screen size: 14.0 inches
- RAM memory capacity (GB): 16.0 GB
- Operating system: Chrome OS
1.596,72 EUR
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Last updated on 2022-10-30
If you’re looking for a laptop that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, the Lenovo Yoga 7 is the perfect choice. This laptop has a large, durable design that makes it perfect for students on the go. It also has a large, long-lasting battery that allows you to work for hours without having to plug it in for a charge. It doesn’t matter if you have to write a paper or create a presentation, this laptop will allow you to keep up with your busy schedule.
This laptop features a large 14″ touchscreen that makes it easy to navigate your homework and calendar without taking up valuable desk space. You can also use the touch screen to take notes quickly and easily, without having to lean forward or crane your neck. This laptop features the latest Intel processors, which make it fast and responsive. It also has a large and spacious storage capacity that allows you to save large amounts of data without worrying about running out of space.
Now you know what you should take into account and some of the recommended models. Which one do you choose?
