Introduction
As a student looking to buy a new laptop in 2024, there are a few key factors to consider so you select the right one to meet your needs and budget. This comprehensive laptop buying guide outlines everything you need to know to find the best laptop for school.
Determine Your Needs
Before starting your search, think about how you plan to use your laptop and any specific requirements you may have.
Everyday Tasks
For basic schoolwork like writing papers, creating presentations, emailing, and web browsing, a mainstream consumer laptop will likely meet your needs. Look for an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and at least 256GB of storage.
Specialized Programs
If you need to run demanding programs for photo, video, or music editing, CAD software, coding, or gaming, look for a more powerful processor like an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7. You may also want dedicated graphics like NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon.
Portability
Consider the size and weight if you’ll be commuting with your laptop daily. Thinner and lighter laptops under 3 pounds are ideal for tossing in your backpack.
Battery Life
For all-day use without access to a charger, find a laptop with over 8 hours of battery life. Models with efficient processors like Intel Evo tend to have the best battery life.
Operating System
The two main options are Windows 10 or 11 and Chrome OS.
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Windows offers compatibility with the widest range of software and specialized programs. Mainstream laptops come with Windows pre-installed.
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Chrome OS is best for web-focused tasks since it relies heavily on cloud storage and web apps. Chromebooks run Chrome OS and tend to be more budget-friendly.
MacBooks with macOS are also popular but tend to cost more than comparable Windows laptops. iPads and tablets offer great portability but may be limiting for advanced schoolwork.
Key Specifications
These are the most important laptop specifications to consider for students:
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Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 provide good mainstream performance. Go with Core i7 or Ryzen 7 for demanding tasks.
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RAM: 8GB is the minimum for smooth multitasking, but 16GB is better for intensive work.
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Storage: 256GB SSD allows you to store files quickly. Upgrade to 512GB or 1TB if storing large media files.
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Display: 1080p resolution is standard. Touchscreens offer more interactivity.
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Graphics (GPU): Integrated GPUs are fine for everyday use. Dedicated NVIDIA/AMD GPUs provide more power for gaming, video editing, CAD, etc.
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Battery: Look for over 8 hours of real-world battery life. Chargers with USB-C allow fast charging.
Budget
How much should you spend on a student laptop? Here are some guidelines for different budgets:
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$500-800: Mainstream laptop ideal for web browsing and everyday productivity.
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$800-1200: Powerful mid-range laptop great for more demanding schoolwork and multitasking.
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$1200-2000: High-end laptop with top specs for specialized programs, gaming, and content creation.
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$200-500: Affordable Chromebook suitable for web-based work.
Consider going above your budget if there’s a specific feature or spec you need for your major. Getting a laptop suited for your needs now can avoid an expensive upgrade later.
Recommended Models
Here are some excellent laptop options in different categories and price ranges to consider:
Overall Best Laptop for Most Students
- Dell XPS 13 – $800-1200
- Ultraportable 13″ laptop with premium build quality
- Great performance for everyday tasks
- Sharp, color-accurate 1080p or 4K touch display
Best Budget Mainstream Laptop
- Acer Aspire 5 – $500-700
- Lots of configuration options to fit different budgets
- Solid performance from Core i5 CPU and 8GB RAM
- Large 15.6″ 1080p display with thin bezels
Best Chromebook
- Lenovo Chromebook Duet – $250-350
- 2-in-1 detachable design weighs just 2 lbs
- Long 10+ hour battery life
- Includes keyboard cover and pen
Best for Engineering and Design
- HP Envy x360 – $900-1300
- Stylus support for drawing diagrams
- Fast performance for CAD and coding
- Discrete NVIDIA graphics on higher-end configs
Best for Creative Work
- Apple MacBook Pro 14 – $1800-2200
- Vibrant mini-LED display with ProMotion
- Powerful M1 Pro chip handles video editing
- Excellent battery life up to 17 hours
Best Gaming Laptop
- Razer Blade 15 – $1600-2500
- Sleek, premium aluminum build
- NVIDIA RTX 30-series GPUs for high FPS
- Advanced vapor chamber cooling
Make sure to watch for back-to-school sales during summer months. You can often find solid discounts on popular models.
Final Tips
My top pieces of advice when laptop shopping for school are:
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Check required specs for your intended major/programs
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Prioritize performance, battery life, display, and portability
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Get the most future-proof specs you can afford in your budget
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Try to find student discounts or look for bundle deals on laptop accessories
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Don’t pay for gimmicks or specs you don’t actually need
Take your time, read reviews, and choose the laptop that best fits your student needs and budget. Let me know if you have any other laptop buying questions!
