Choosing a laptop can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. There are countless options available online and in stores, and some deal with difficult terms. The following guide will help students buy a new laptop according to their requirements, including budget, style, applications, and personal preferences.
Having technology is important for students at each level of education. It’s common for students to buy or be provided with desktop computers or laptops, allowing them to work on class projects, conduct research, or access digital textbooks after school hours. For students attending a four-year university or graduate program, the need for doing essential assignments, writing reports, and tracking financial aid or loans through personal accounts is often necessary. Thus, browsing the market for a new laptop is key for high school graduates and returning to school parents alike.
A laptop is a portable personal computer. It can be used at home, school, or on the go, and is less cumbersome than a desktop computer. Unlike desktop computers, laptops do not require additional equipment, as they include built-in speakers, a microphone, a camera, and a keyboard that allows the creation of videos and other applications. Laptops also come with an internal battery and can run on AC power while charging. Most are approximately 14 inches wide and can fit snugly into a backpack, making them easy to transport compared to the heavy desktop replacements of the past.
Assessing Student Needs
Start by understanding the student’s academic level and their preferred school programs. High school students may have exhaustive lists of attributes a laptop ought to be equipped with, while college or university students may only have a vague idea and throw in descriptive adjectives like “good” and “cheap.” Whichever the case may be, an open discussion can do wonders.
It’s very important that once clear and achievable requirements are established, students adhere to this vision and avoid the temptation of acquiring a more expensive machine “just in case” or out of peer pressure. Whether it’s a gifted, academically talented, focused and highly involved student, or on the contrary, a poorly organized procrastinator taking a course or two at a community college while juggling a full-time job, a more advanced machine likely won’t change the outcome. On the contrary, the lack of appropriate specifications may lead to frustration.
Another aspect to be aware of is whether students already have potential laptop choices in mind. Sometimes advertisements in social networks or peer recommendations do more harm than good. As a part of a due diligence process, it’s encouraged that recommended or advertised laptops be looked into more closely, and red flags be pointed out.
When reviewing higher-end laptops, one of them may think if the product might be better equipped for photography or graphic design purposes, rather than learning basic accounting and statistics with MS Excel. In general, students comparing laptop prices must first do basic research to avoid getting attracted by alluring specifications with no practical application. Nowadays, laptops are hardly ever used without internet connection. Therefore, a more reasonable move would be getting an average laptop, but paying more attention to a reliable and fast internet connection.
Budget Considerations
Prior to purchasing a laptop, defining a budget is crucial, as it aids in narrowing down choices and determining which models or brands fit best. A tight budget can limit options, but a sizeable sum allows for greater flexibility. Brand new models generally cost between $700 and $1500, but refurbished, used, or older versions can be obtained for $500 or lower, depending on specifications and condition. Student discounts are usually available on certain models, though pricey Macbooks offer limited customization after purchase.
Three parameters can be used to determine the suitable price point for a laptop purchase. First, establishing a minimum performance level is significant, as it determines the price range in which the laptop will fall. The second parameter is how frequently the laptop will be used; laptops intended for entertainment, browsing, and basic everyday tasks will naturally be less costly than a laptop desired for music production, programming, or other workstation-related jobs. The third parameter is warranty; more often than not, the laptops or electronics purchased from traditional shops come with no coverage or a one-month warranty. In contrast, manufacturers and online retailers typically provide a one-year guarantee.
If the purchased model malfunctions or breaks within a year of buying it, the manufacturer will replace or fix it for no extra cost. This may be worth the additional sum. Also, extra services such as damage coverage may be available; a laptop that will be used constantly and never taken off the user’s side should not have this covering, while one that will be brought everywhere can have given a little more money.
How to Choose a Laptop for Students is a demanding question, as many factors such as usability, specs, design, price, and weight come into play. However, by learning how to prioritize and narrow down choices, this process can be made much simpler and quicker.
Key Features to Look for
When in the market for a laptop, there are a multitude of specifications to sort through. It can be daunting, especially for those who aren’t tech-inclined. Worry not, for this list will detail key aspects to look for when shopping for a student laptop.
Operating System: Windows vs. Mac vs. Chrome
The operating system (OS) is a key aspect of any laptop. From experience, Windows has been the most versatile and user-friendly. The operating system has changed over the years, as have computers, which has forced users to adapt. Mac operating systems are easy to use and have a sophisticated look. That said, they are often more expensive and make it difficult to work with Microsoft software. Chromebooks run Chrome OS, a browser-integrated operating system, which is increasingly popular in schools. Chromebooks are often the cheapest alternative but are limited to web-based programs like Google Docs.
Ports, Drive, and Connectivity
The connectivity options for the laptop are essential these days. Input ports are used to connect external devices and accessories. Devices may use USB-C (universal serial bus type C), USB-A, HDMI, mini HDMI, headphone jacks, and memory card slots. Laptops may come with a combination of these ports, and if none are present, an adapter may be needed.
Similarly, wireless options are a must-have for any student. Getting reliable access to the internet with a book will be quite the challenge otherwise. Wi-Fi is a conventional standard used by laptops and needs to be included in the laptop specification list. There are various wireless standards, from Wireless-A to Wireless-G, including newer Wireless-N, which should be adopted.
Also, Bluetooth is recommended: these can connect to speakers, headphones, keyboards, printers, and many other external devices. Without Bluetooth, this isn’t an option. Such connections can make life much easier when trying to work with a laptop without too much mess.
Operating System Options
Laptops come pre-installed with an operating system (OS), and that OS is often an important factor to consider when selecting a laptop. There are three primary OS options: Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS.
Windows
Windows laptops are arguably the most versatile option when shopping for a student laptop. Laptops running Microsoft Windows offer a wider variety of options in terms of form, functions, builds, designs, and more. This is especially true for the under $1,000 price point, where a vast majority of the laptop market is dominated by Windows devices. Windows laptops also dominate the 2-in-1 form factor for devices that function as a traditional laptop but can bend or detach to be used as a tablet, which can be useful for student use cases such as note-taking.
This versatility extends to the software available for Windows laptops. There are many applications for productivity, creativity, and gaming that are either exclusive to Windows or best experienced on Windows. Many educational programs are Windows-only, especially in fields like engineering, graphic design, and video production.
Windows offers more flexibility with hardware upgrades and repairs, which is something that Apple’s Mac laptops purposely restrict. It is worth noting that most computer viruses and malware target Windows machines, so diligence with online security is especially important for Windows users.
Windows laptops are available in a variety of price ranges and specifications that can accommodate students looking for a laptop for under $500 that can handle web browsing, word processing, and more, or students looking for a more powerful machine that can handle high-end gaming and creative workloads. For those searching for an affordable option for daily productivity tasks and competent web browsing, check out the best inexpensive laptops for students.
macOS
macOS is the operating system used by Apple laptops. Unlike Windows, which comes pre-installed on a variety of PC manufacturers, macOS is designed and maintained by Apple and is exclusively available on its machines. Students have differing opinions about macOS, with some loving its aesthetic and simplicity, while others find it limited in options and more expensive to purchase.
A macOS laptop may be a good choice for students if they appreciate the design and quality of Apple laptops and are willing to pay extra for it. MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros are good laptops for normal student use, but more so if students use other Apple products like iPhones and iPads.
However, if students want better performance for the price, more customization options, or more freely available software, then a Windows laptop will likely be a better fit for them. Windows laptops are great for powerful budget laptops for gaming or high-performance tasks, and there are also many ultra-light laptops that weigh only around a kilogram and sport a sleek profile.
Chrome OS
Chrome OS is the operating system that runs on Chromebooks. It’s a lightweight OS, which means that it does not take too much processing power or memory to run smoothly. It can, however, be weighed down if too many browser tabs are open at once, and they use it as a sort of catch-all laptop operating system.
What runs the device? A web browser is its main part, which is used to access everything. There is no official desktop for Chrome OS, which is generally how computers are organized (usually by files and folders). Instead, files and folders are organized by the most recent activity that took place and are now accessible via the recently opened files. That is all very different from other operating systems. As they are organized in folders, it can be easier for some to find something that they are looking for.
Chrome OS automatically updates in the background without any need for input on the user’s part. This means that annoying software upgrades to free up space on a device do not need to be a worry. Chrome OS updates everything itself and then just shows the user a notification that it needs to reboot, and everything will be okay. This is usually just a matter of minutes, if anything.
What to look for in a Chromebook? Most Chromebooks have an Intel processor, though some recently made models have ARM processors as well. Even the more powerful Intel chips in the Core series (i3/i5/i7) are generally not powerful enough for anything other than web browsing and document creation.
Because Chrome OS needs only a small amount of RAM to function properly, some Chromebooks have as little as 2GB when shipped. This is unsurprisingly not enough for long-term usage, as after only a few months of ownership, many began to exhibit “memory pressure” prompts. In summary, when looking for a Chromebook, consider models that come with at least 4GB of RAM or more.
Students and parents alike must consider the individual’s specific needs and requirements journey before purchasing their laptops. After determining the right operating system, screen size, specs, and budget for use, buyers can begin researching brands, models, and prices.
Trying out a laptop at a store before buying it is an excellent way to gauge whether it fits the consumer’s needs. If the consumer can try the exact model being offered online, that is even better. Online options may be cheaper, but consumers should be cautious – not all deals are too good to be true, while many are.
Being a student in today’s tech-driven world makes having a working laptop almost essential. Knowing how to buy one is just as important as knowing how to use it properly. Everyone has individual needs which are reflected in both school and laptop choices. By anticipating which laptop is best suited for different fields of studying, special deals, sales, and student discounts can also be scraped from retailers. Organizations like the Education marketplace can help students in their laptop-buying adventures. With this detailed yet concise piece on buying a laptop for school needs, students and parents alike can be on their way to bettering their educational experience. The search for the perfect laptop to complement a student’s education begins here!