The Best Laptops and Tablets for College Students
The important thing to remember is that there is no single correct choice here. The laptop that's best for your college experience depends on what you're doing at college. An English major with long reading lists and many papers to write might do better with an iPad and a nice accessory keyboard. A computer science major who needs to compile software or run Linux will need a laptop they can tinker away on.
That said, here are some basic metrics to keep in mind for laptops:
Processor
Windows : If you're getting a Windows machine, your main options for the processor are Intel and AMD. Both will work, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. For a more complete guide to the differences, see our full guide to buying a laptop.
: If you're getting a Windows machine, your main options for the processor are Intel and AMD. Both will work, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. For a more complete guide to the differences, see our full guide to buying a laptop. Chromebooks : These browser-based machines use half a dozen different processors, most of which you've probably never heard of. There's a reason for that: Those processors are slow. My recommendation when buying a Chromebook is to go with a more powerful processor if you can afford it. The Core m3 chip is the best choice for most students. If you want a more powerful, future-proof machine, get a Core i3 or i5 chip. There are also ARM-based Chromebooks, like the Lenovo Duet. They aren't quite as speedy as the Intel Core chips, but in most cases, they're just fine for college workloads.
: These browser-based machines use half a dozen different processors, most of which you've probably never heard of. There's a reason for that: Those processors are slow. My recommendation when buying a Chromebook is to go with a more powerful processor if you can afford it. The Core m3 chip is the best choice for most students. If you want a more powerful, future-proof machine, get a Core i3 or i5 chip. There are also ARM-based Chromebooks, like the Lenovo Duet. They aren't quite as speedy as the Intel Core chips, but in most cases, they're just fine for college workloads. MacOS: Apple is making its own processors now, notably the M1 chip found inside the MacBook Air showcased above. More powerful models like the MacBook Pros feature the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips.
RAM
Regardless of which OS you choose, the minimum amount of RAM you want in your laptop is 8 gigabytes. That's enough memory to keep your computer feeling snappy even if it's running under load. That much RAM will also keep the machine feeling spry longer into its lifespan. If you can afford it—especially if you plan to edit photos or videos as part of your coursework—go for 16 gigabytes.
Screen
Screens vary tremendously, but don't settle for anything less than 1080p. For a 13-inch laptop, 1080p is sharp enough. If you're going with a bigger laptop, 2.5K or even 4K screens will really improve the viewing experience. If you're trying to play games as well, be sure to get something with a higher refresh rate—120 Hz or 144 Hz will more than satisfy.
Weight and Battery
Don't forget you'll be lugging this thing around campus. It may well be tugging on your back for eight hours or more. One pound may not seem like much, but at the end of a long day of walking, you will notice the difference between a 3-pound laptop and a 4-pound laptop. Trust me. Also, maybe pick out a nice bag to carry your computer.
Similarly, battery life is very important when you're (potentially) away from a wall outlet for extended periods. Whatever you end up getting, make sure it's capable of lasting at least eight hours under real-world use—browsing the web, editing documents, writing emails, and taking notes.
The best laptops for college students
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Whether you’re heading to a physical campus, taking classes online or a mix of both, a laptop is sure to be the control center for your studies. Getting a new machine can better help you stay on top of your schedule and handle your furious multitasking with dozens of tabs devoted to research while you write your essays. Given we’re still dealing with ongoing inflation and the global chip supply shortage, you might be concerned about rising prices or what might be in stock. The good news is, companies are still making a ton of new laptops, and there are plenty of models for you to consider. We compiled this guide to help you make the right choice, alongside a list of this year’s best laptops.
What to expect
Since the introduction of Apple’s M1-powered MacBooks and Windows 11 last year, not much has changed significantly. Apple unveiled its new M2 system-on-chip (SoC), alongside two laptops that are equipped with it, including a redesigned MacBook Air. Meanwhile, new PCs keep getting announced, with models this year typically powered by 12th-gen Intel processors or the latest AMD Ryzen chips.
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Though the shift to ARM-based systems has been successful for Apple, the PC industry is still struggling to keep up, and Windows on ARM is still tough to recommend. Snapdragon laptops may look and feel sleek, offer excellent battery life and built-in cellular radios, but they’re typically quite expensive, especially considering their limited app compatibility.
Speaking of, most laptops with top-of-the-line specs can cost you around $1,800 to $2,000 these days. For most students, though, a midrange machine might be enough. Depending on your field of study, you could get by with an Intel Core i3 processor or equivalent, with at least 6GB of RAM. If you need to run specialized software for design or programming, consider upgrading to a beefier system with more memory. On the other hand, if you do most of your coursework online or in a browser, getting a Chromebook could save you a lot of money.
You’ll also want to pay attention to a device’s weight. There are a lot of premium ultraportables in the 13-inch category, with chips like Intel’s Core i3 or i5, that cost around $1,000. And if that’s too expensive, you’ll still have respectable options in the $600 to $800 range, but they might be heavier and use older, slower processors. I’ve included our favorite budget-friendly model in this roundup but we also have a complete guide to more-affordable laptops that you can check out as well.
With some laptop makers deciding to get rid of headphone jacks this year, it’s important to check specs lists when you’re shopping for newer machines. If you don’t have wireless headphones or use equipment that plugs into the 3.5mm jack, you’ll want to steer clear of devices like Dell’s new XPS 13 Plus.
Finally, while most laptops in 2022 offer WiFi 6 or 6E and Bluetooth 5.0 or later, the compatible routers or other devices that would enable those faster connections aren’t very prevalent yet. Chances are, your campus WiFi might still be stuck on an older setup, so it’s not crucial that you get a system with the latest standards yet. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to get a laptop that’s future-proof, but just know that of all the things to look out for, WiFi 6E shouldn’t be a dealbreaker in your decision-making process.
Engadget Picks
Best Apple: MacBook Air
Apple
It's hard to beat Apple's MacBook Air if you want a powerful machine for college that won't weigh you down. You actually have two good options this year — the new M2-powered MacBook Air and the MacBook Air M1. The M2 laptop earned a score of 96 from us for its impressive performance, gorgeous 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display and its refined design that's even thinner than the M1 machine that came before it. Our biggest gripe with this laptop is its price — the M2 notebook will set you back $200 more than the M1, so you're looking at spending at least $1,199 if you want the latest and greatest from Apple.
However, even though it’s older, the M1 MacBook Air is a solid machine, outperforming many PCs while maintaining a fanless design. You’ll still get a great keyboard and excellent battery life, along with a nice Retina display. Of course, it uses a 720p webcam, while the new model has a sharper 1080p setup housed in a notch. The latter also has thinner display bezels that make it look more modern, as well as a MagSafe port that lets you keep charging while still having access to the device’s two USB-C ports. But if you’re already living a largely wireless life and don’t mind a not-so-great camera, you might find the M1 MacBook Air is a better deal.
Best Windows: Dell XPS 13 Plus
Engadget
The best PC has long been Dell’s well-rounded XPS 13 series and I still recommend it to anyone that doesn’t want a Mac. Yes, the new XPS 13 Plus lacks a headphone jack, and we haven’t got one in to test yet. But the XPS 13 is a well-rounded machine and reliable workhorse that will get you through classes and late-night writing sessions without breaking a sweat.
Like its predecessors, the XPS 13 Plus offers a lovely OLED screen with impressively thin bezels and packs a roomy, comfortable keyboard. It also features a new minimalist design that looks more modern. I’m not sure about the row of capacitive keys at the top in lieu of traditional function keys, but from our time with an early sample, they at least worked.
If you don’t like the changes Dell has made to the XPS 13, or if you definitely need a headphone jack, the older generations are still solid options. There’s also the Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro series, which feature beautiful OLED screens and sharper webcams in thin and light frames. I also like Microsoft’s Surface Laptops, and the most recent edition offers great performance and battery life, albeit in an outdated design.
Best for gaming: Razer Blade 15
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget
Just because your laptop might primarily be for school or work doesn’t mean you can’t use it for fun. Those looking to game on their machines should prioritize responsive screens and ample ports for their favorite accessories that can best help them defeat their virtual enemies. If you’re considering a gaming-first machine that you can use for school, check out our guide to buying a gaming laptop. It covers details about different CPUs and GPUs, minimum specs and more. Our favorite gaming laptop is the Razer Blade 15, which has an Intel Core i7 processor, and an NVIDIA RTX 3070 graphics for $2,500.
It’s the most expensive item on this list, but you also get a 15-inch quad HD screen that refreshes at 240Hz. Different configurations are available, depending on your preference, including a Full HD 360Hz and a 4K 144Hz version. The Blade series is also one of the most polished gaming laptops around.
Those looking for something cheaper and more portable should consider the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, which was our favorite model last year. The main reason it got bumped down a notch is because the 2022 refresh is almost $600 more expensive. It’s still a solid gaming laptop though, with an excellent display, roomy trackpad and plenty of ports in spite of its thin profile.
Best Chromebook: Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget
If you can do most of your schoolwork through web-based apps, a Chromebook is worth considering. Sure they don’t generally look fancy, nor have high-end specs. But they’re often more affordable and have longer battery life. Our favorite Chromebook is Lenovo’s Flex 5 Chromebook, which Engadget’s resident Chrome OS aficionado Nathan Ingraham described as “a tremendous value.”
This laptop nails the basics, with a 13-inch Full HD touchscreen, a fantastic keyboard and a 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor. The 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage may sound meager, but in our testing the Flex 5 held up in spite of this constraint. It’s also nice to see one USB-A and two USB-C ports, eight-hour battery life and a 360-degree hinge that makes it easy to use the Flex 5 as a tablet. That’s a bonus, especially now that Chrome OS supports Android apps.
Though the Flex 5 is almost two years old by now, it’s a solid device for around $400. In fact, you can sometimes find it on sale for as little as $300, making it a great option for someone looking for a basic browser-based machine on a tight budget.
Best budget: HP Pavilion Aero 13
Daniel Cooper / Engadget
If you’re looking for something under $800, your best bet is the HP Pavilion Aero 13. For $750, you’ll get a Full HD screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio and surprisingly thin bezels, as well as a comfortable keyboard and spacious trackpad. Importantly, the Aero 13 provides relatively powerful components compared to others in this price range, with an AMD Ryzen 5000 series processor and Radeon graphics. Plus, it has a generous array of ports and enough juice to last you the entire work day and then some.
Best Convertible: Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Will Lipman Photography for Engadget
For those who need their laptops to occasionally double as tablets, the Surface Pro series is a no-brainer. Compared to notebooks with rotating hinges, tablets with kickstands are often much slimmer and lighter. The Surface Pro 8 is the most recent model and it features Microsoft’s sleek new design with a thinner profile and minimal bezels. The Pro 8 also has a 120Hz display that makes scrolling long documents or spreadsheets feel much faster, and you can drop the refresh rate down to 60Hz if you want to conserve battery life.
We also like Microsoft’s Type Covers, though it’s worth noting that they’ll cost you an additional $100 to $180. Those who want to doodle or sketch on the display may appreciate the Surface Slim Pen 2’s haptic feedback.
Unless you’re bent on sticking to Apple’s ecosystem, in which case an iPad Pro would suit you best, the Surface Pro 8 is arguably the best convertible laptop around.
Best Laptop for Students 2022
What are the properties to be considered for buying a laptop for students?
Student laptops are very much essential devices in today’s world. With more classes being offered online, it is no wonder you are searching for the best laptop for students.
With the current situation, retailers are pushing their student discounts on laptops and there is a very good possibility that you can bag a great deal.
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Whether you enroll in fully remote, in-person, or partially remote classes, these student laptops will always be a perfect companion for you and your studies. Even on a personal level, you can stay in touch with your family and friends as well.
A laptop has become a prerequisite to students whether in high school or college. It is as important as carrying a textbook or a school ID and not just for taking notes and doing homework.
One of the best ways to find out which laptop your child will need for class would be to check with their teacher. You can also check with the teachers about what OS would be compatible with their workflow, etc.
Finding a new laptop that might suit your child’s demands may be challenging as well. Let us explore the criteria for deciding on the best laptops for a student.
10+ Best Laptops for Students in 2022 — Overview
What is the best laptop for a student?
HP Chromebook x360 is the best and most affordable laptop for students however check out our full list below:
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Top 3 Best Laptops for Students
Student Laptop Buying Guide
Weight and Size of the Laptop
The important point you need to consider when buying a laptop for students is whether they are easy to carry from one place to another. Whether you opt for a smaller or larger one, you need to be sure of the size, performance, and power.
You may require only an easy-to-carry laptop that is light and small. If you are not a person aiming to be a computer science professional or are not involved in detailed design work, you may require only an 11-13 inches laptop under 5 pounds.
Battery Life
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All students should consider the battery life when choosing a laptop. Most of the batteries last for 11-14 hours, but smaller computers offer a longer battery life and work more efficiently. But if you take higher-performing laptops, they use more RAM power, so they will perform less efficiently while offering shorter battery lives.
Display and Resolution
It is for you to decide whether you need a large display for your education. You might not need a large display when you use your computer; only for web browsing and word processing.
When you look into the resolution of the recent technological changes, the lower-priced laptop models also provide high-feature resolution displays. A resolution equal to 1080 pixels is enough for a student’s laptop. If you want higher resolutions, they also come with higher-priced tags.
RAM
RAM decides how many programs a computer can run at the same time. Most laptops and tablets start at 4GBs of RAM, which might be sufficient for browsing and word processing. When you upgrade to 8GBs, it will let you comfortably run several programs at the same time.
Processor
One of the most important components of a laptop is the processor. A processor handles the major processes of the laptop. For a basic level of work, you require an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor. Students who require graphic design software may want to work with a more capable processor, such as the Intel Core i7 or i9.
Operating System
The Operating System requirements of a laptop can be either Windows or Mac. Both OSs offer a wide range of compatibility and functionality. Windows PCs are the most preferred as they are pocket-friendly and offer easy customization.
Macs can be quite costly and have proprietary software. For basic functionality, the Windows OS will be fine to work with. But if your college projects require the use of design software, the Mac may be an ideal option for you.
Hard Drive and Storage
The digital information created by you is stored in the computer’s hard drive. Computers with solid-state drives run 3-4 times faster and offer stability when compared to standard hard drives.
SSDs are higher in price but you will need to shell out some money when opting for a better speed and performance. If you can afford it, go with an SSD. If you decide on the regular drive, look for the higher storage device as some students may require a 250GB or more storage capacity for their usage.
Price
Buying any sort of electronic purchase can widely differ in price and quality. Models that are economical use weak hardware that offers a lesser performance, whereas the more expensive laptops might be good enough to offer faster processors, high-end graphics cards, and larger hard drives.
Most students might require an entry-level laptop to meet their requirements. So, please be careful about the kind of laptops that are required for your purpose.
The Best Student Laptops in 2022
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A cheap and affordable laptop perfect for students
Operating System: Chrome OS | Processor: 8th Generation Intel Celeron N4000 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Display: 14″ Inches HD | Memory: 4 GB SDRAM | Storage: 64 GB eMMC
This particular laptop from HP is for people who want an inexpensive machine to browse the internet, handle email and Google docs, and do not much else. These Chromebooks can be converted to tablets as well.
This laptop comes with a silver metallic shade with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. The memory for this HP is the most minimum of any laptop you can have. But it is sufficient for browser-based tasks that are almost like the bread and butter of Chrome OS.
The review unit works like a laptop, as well as a tablet, and makes use of the Intel Pentium Silver N5000. Technically, it has a budget CPU that is found mainly in low-cost laptops.
No matter the chip configuration, you will make use of Google’s Chrome OS and spend time with Gmail.
Pros Cons ➕ Fast to work with ➖ Display is not good ➕ Excellant keyboard ➖ Big to carry around ➕ Good looking design
Latest Price on Amazon:
340 Reviews HP Chromebook X360 14-Inch HD Touchscreen, Intel Celeron N4000, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC, Chrome... Intel(r) celeron(r) N4000, Dual-Core, 1.1 GHz Base frequency, up to 2.6 GHz burst frequency
14.0-Inch diagonal HD SVA micro-edge WLED-backlit multitouch-enabled edge-to-edge glass touchscreen (1366 x 768)
Memory: 4 GB LPDDR4-2400 SDRAM (upgradable with 1 accessible Memory slot), Storage: 64 GB eMMC
The performance you'll applaud. The entertainment you'll love.: versatile Chromebook packed with performance features you want and long battery life so you can play, chat and create longer. Thin and...
Google play store: the millions of Android apps you know and love on your phone and tablet can now run on your chrome device without compromising their speed, simplicity or security
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HP Chromebook x360 Review
Want to have a closer look at this laptop. Check out this HP Chromebook x360 review.
HP Pavillion. Image Credits: Amazon
A student and family laptop
Operating System: Windows 10 | Processor: AMD Ryzen 3250| Graphics: AMD Radeon | Display: 14″ touch display | Memory: 8 GB | Storage: 128 GB SSD
Today, the majority of the students would prefer the HP Pavilion 14 laptop. It is because of the strong specifications that come along with it. These specifications include the 8th generation Intel Core i5-8250U CPU, Intel UHD Graphics 620 GPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It comes with a simple and stylish design and a sharp screen.
The build quality of the system is good as well. You also get dedicated HDMI, USB Type-C, and networking ports as well. The battery life for the laptop stays up to nearly 11 hours. It also comes with a fresh copy of Windows 10 Home installed on it.
It is easily portable from one area to another. While there may be lighter laptops out there, the Pavilion 14 is very light, small, and compact and weighs around 1.46 kgs. It is the best student laptop as you can carry it with one hand and move around easily anywhere.
It has a 14 inch IPS, anti-glare, Full-HD (1920 x 1080) touchscreen display. It looks like it has a plastic covering, especially with the dull black bezels. A 720p webcam also comes along with dual-array microphones.
The image quality is not that appealing, but it is sufficient for day-to-day video calls. If you’re a YouTuber, you would probably not want to use this camera, so you could use an external camera instead.
The display also reaches a maximum brightness of 238nits. If you look at some of the cheaper laptops, they only give 200nits because this is usually where they cut down the costs. This laptop display is bright, it would be best to buy it if you are working indoors or working outside in the evening.
Pros Cons ➕ Speedy performance ➖ The keyboard is not backlit ➕ Splendid touchscreen ➖ Not great for design software like Photoshop ➕ Affordability
Latest Price on Amazon:
The fastest processing laptop
Operating System: Windows 10 Home| Processor: Quad-Core 11th Gen Intel core i5 processor | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe | Display: 13.5” inches | Memory: 8 GB RAM | Storage: 512 GB SSD
This particular laptop is from one of the kings of software, “Microsoft”. Packing improved components inside the same slim frame, Microsoft does not advertise it as anything else, but this Surface Laptop lasts a little longer and packs more power under it than its predecessors.
The Surface Laptop 4 is well equipped and has no problem with anything we throw at it. Even if you load it with dozens of browser tabs, it won’t show any signs of slowing down. You may be wondering if that is something most laptops these days can do. What about the new Surface Laptop 4?
It can do all these things with its battery power. When plugged in, Surface Laptop 4 looks like the previous models because Microsoft has not modified its core design since this version was created. There are plenty of small changes that include the processors, configuration, pricing, and software that are a great upgrade from its predecessors.
Pros Cons ➕ Impressive battery life ➖ No Thunderbolt support ➕ Amazing keyboard ➖ Only two ports ➕ Lightweight and stylish
Latest Price on Amazon:
Sale 340 Reviews Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5” Touch-Screen – Intel Core i5 - 8GB - 512GB Solid State Drive... Power to do what you want with up to 70% more speed than before and an 11th Gen Intel Core processor.
Thin, light, elegant design in choice of two sizes: light, portable 13.5” or larger 15” that’s perfect for split-screen multitasking.
Show your best side on video calls with sharp video and image quality, even in low light, thanks to a front-facing 720p HD camera.
Enjoy theater-like sound for movies and shows with Omnisonic Speakers backed by immersive Dolby Atmos6.
Be heard loud and clear on calls with dual far-field Studio Mics that capture your voice and reduce background noise.
The best flip model laptop
Operating System: Windows 11 Home | Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 | Graphics: AMD Radeon | Display: 15.6” backlit touch screen | Memory: 8 GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM | Storage: 256 GB SSD
The HP Envy x360 is odd in the laptop world. You will usually don’t see 15-inch laptops with touchscreens that flip themselves into tablet mode because laptops of this size generally include discrete graphics cards. The HP Envy x360 provides portability along with performance. It has a well-built construction, a strong performance, and a very good battery life.
The HP Envy x360 is one of the best student laptops, although it is not the best choice for everybody. There is nothing especially striking about the design, but the laptop looks decent enough. It is a great way to work, both inside and outside, at the coffee shop or on a worksite.
It is a laptop aimed at professional people. It does not take many risks when it comes to the design but is well built with your choice of aluminum alloy or and a more attractive, darker metal.
Pros Cons ➕ Ample port selection ➖ Battery Life is 0not impressive ➕ Great performance
Latest Price on Amazon:
650 Reviews 2020 Newest HP ENVY x360 2-in-1 Laptop, 15.6" Full HD Touchscreen, AMD Ryzen 5 4500U Processor up to... 15.6" Full HD IPS Anti-glare Micro-edge WLED-backlit Touchscreen (1920 x 1080) Display
AMD Ryzen 5 4500U 2.30GHz Hexa-Core Processor up to 4.0GHz, AMD Radeon Graphics with Shared Graphics Memory
8GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Combination Audio Jack, 1 x Multi-format SD Media Card Reader
HP Wide Vision HD Camera with Integrated Dual Array Digital Microphone, HP Audio Boost 2.0 with Bang & Olufsen Dual Speakers, Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader, Wireless-AX and Bluetooth Combo,...
A powerful and battery-efficient laptop
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro| Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Display: 13″ diagonal FHD touch display | Memory: 16 GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM | Storage: 512 GB SSD
Dell XPS 13 is not as great at making innovative designs as we have come to expect from a laptop, but they figured out what needed to be fixed without breaking anything else on the way.
It is a powerful and battery-efficient laptop. The chassis is made of CNC aluminum, the logo is brimming in stainless steel, the screen looks absolutely stunning, and the palm rests are based on glass fiber with a unique texture.
It is lightweight and easily portable from one place to another. The speakers are adequate, the keyboard is comfortable, and the touchpad is easy and effortless to click.
The XPS 13 will be a good choice if you need a capable, lightweight laptop and don’t need to regularly connect multiple gadgets. With that said, replacing a desktop computer with the Dell XPS 13 will leave you constantly plugging and unplugging the cables.
That is because this student laptop has only USB-C ports, which may be a problem if you have peripherals that use USB-A ports. The laptop does have a single USB-C to USB-A adapter with it though.
Pros Cons ➕ Significantly better performance ➖ OLED takes a hit at the battery. ➕ Attractive keyboard and excellent audio ➕ Magnificent design
Latest Price on Amazon:
Perfect blend of technology and design
Operating System: Chrome OS | Processor: Intel Celeron N3450 Processor | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500 | Display: 14” touchscreen display | Memory: 4 GB LPDDR4 | Storage: 64 GB eMMC
The Acer Chromebook 514 comes with a perfect blend of technology and design. With a wide viewing angle and a touchscreen option, it is great for students on the go, especially when watching video lectures online. The keyboard is backlit, making it easier to type even in the dark.
This laptop comes with a fast boot-up time and has malware protection in it. It has an incredible 12- hours long battery life. It is the ultimate choice for a student.
The Acer laptop aluminum cover provides you with elegance while hiding the power of the 11th Generation Intel processor. Despite the processor, the student laptop’s performance slows down due to the most undemanding use due to Google’s Chrome OS. Connectivity is solid for a Chrome Operating System laptop, with two USB-C 3.1 ports and two USB-A 3.0 ports, as well as a microSD card reader. Thunderbolt 3 does not have any support.
It sports a silver aluminum chassis with a lid that is impressively strong and opens for incredibly productive laptop use. The anti-glare metal surfaces generally keep the reflections down, but the silver color becomes quite dazzling under direct sunlight, but that is the only available color. On the whole, it is a reasonably priced laptop with many attractive features.
Pros Cons ➕ Ultimate touch display ➖ Speakers are weak ➕ Incredible battery life ➕ Huge touchpad ➕ Backlit keyboard ➕Attractive aluminum design for a budget laptop
Latest Price on Amazon:
Sale 522 Reviews Acer Chromebook 514, CB514-1HT-C6EV, Intel Celeron N3450, 14" Full HD Touch Display, 4GB LPDDR4,... Aspect Ratio:16:9
Chromebook runs on Chrome OS - an operating system by Google that is built for the way we live today. It comes with built-in virus protection, updates automatically, boots up in seconds and continues...
All the Google apps you know and love come standard on every Chromebook, which means you can edit, download, and convert Microsoft Office files in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
Get access to more than 2 million Android apps from Google Play to learn and do more.Maximum Power Supply Wattage:45W
Chromebooks come with built-in storage for offline access to your most important files and an additional 100GB of Google Drive space to ensure that all of your files are backed up automatically.
The best lightweight laptop
Operating System: Chrome OS | Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel UHD 615 GPU | Display: 13.3″ LCD touchscreen display | Memory: 8 GB to 16 GB | Storage: 64GB or 256 GB SSD
There are two striking things about this Google Chromebook. The first is the incredibly quiet keyboard and the adaptability of typing on it. The second is the battery life that comes with and works for 12 hours a stretch.
Many other things need to be taken into account as well. The attractive and simple design, the good speakers, and a comfortable trackpad. It also comes in a lively pink color. It is easy and lightweight at around 2.3 pounds. The lightweight laptop has a display of a 13.3″ LCD touchscreen. The Chromebook allows great performance due to the powerful Processor and Operating system.
This particular laptop comes with a magnesium chassis. Many Chromebooks have plastic bodies, so much of what you are paying for are the material. You cannot chip or scratch it easily because it is coated with soft paint on top of its magnesium body. The laptop makes the user comfortable with a backlit keyboard, Hush Keys, and touchpad.
The trackpad below the keyboard is large but not massive. Google has done a great job with the palm rejection also. This particular laptop does not have any kind of biometric authentication, like the fingerprint reader or the face unlock, but the developer says that you can link your Android phone and use it as your biometrics to unlock the laptop.
Pros Cons ➕ Attractive keyboard ➖ Quite expensive when compared to competitors. ➕ Good battery life ➖ No MicroSD storage expansion ➕ Simple and clean design ➕ Rare 1080p camera
Latest Price on Amazon:
17 Reviews Google Pixelbook Go i7 Chromebook 16GB/256GB Just Black (Renewed) Good to Go: Pixelbook Go lets you stay unplugged for up to 12 hours, [2] so you don't need to carry a charger. And when you do need a charge, get up to 2 hours of use in just 20 minutes so you can...
Made to move: Pixelbook Go is lightweight - barely 2 pounds. It’s 13 mm thin with a grippable design, making it easier to carry. [1]
Get it done Fast: Pixelbook Go starts up in seconds, and makes working a breeze. The 8th Gen Intel Core Processor is quick and responsive, powering everything you do. And Chrome OS doesn't slow down...
Go without worry: Pixelbook Go is designed to prevent things from getting off track. The Titan C security chip and built-in anti-virus software help protect your data. And Chrome OS updates...
Built for comfort: A backlit keyboard and Hush Keys make using Pixelbook Go comfortable and quiet. The touchpad is spacious and accurate, so you only need to use a light touch. The fan less design...
The most ultraportable laptop
Operating System: Chrome OS | Processor: Intel Celeron N4000 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600 | Display: 14” LED | Memory: 4 GB | Storage: 64 GB eMMC drive
Acer Chromebook 314 is one of the most ultraportable you will find in the market. It is designed to handle all your classes and everyday projects, so you can enjoy an efficient typing experience, extended battery life, and the latest connectivity features.
It can keep up with you and your studies all day long as it helps you to work much faster with every keystroke on the keyboard by helping you make fewer mistakes.
The chassis of this laptop is well built with an attractive blue finishing that stands out from the standard silver or black models. The weight of this Acer laptop makes it easy to carry around when you are on the go.
This makes it ideal for students to pick up and pop in a bag when they need to go to their next class. Acer has also included a great selection in terms of ports. It has two speedy USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a micro-SD reader.
It is one of the best pocket-friendly laptops due to its affordable price, good quality build, and good battery life.
Pros Cons ➕ It provides great value for the money. ➖ No touch screen ➕ Port selection is good. ➖ The display is dull ➕ Good battery life. ➕ Low weight and slimline style
Latest Price on Amazon:
Sale 152 Reviews Acer Chromebook 314, Intel Celeron N4000, 14" HD Touch Display, 4GB LPDDR4, 64GB eMMC, Gigabit WiFi,... Chromebook runs on Chrome OS - an operating system by Google that is built for the way we live today It comes with built-in virus protection updates automatically boots up in seconds and continues to...
All the Google apps you know and love come standard on every Chromebook which means you can edit download and convert Microsoft Office files in Google Docs Sheets and Slides
Get access to more than 2 million Android apps from Google Play to learn and do more
Chromebooks come with built-in storage for offline access to your most important files and an additional 100GB of Google Drive space to ensure that all of your files are backed up automatically
CB314-1HT-C7C0 comes with 14” HD Touch Display Intel Celeron N4000 4GB LPDDR4 Memory 64GB eMMC Google Chrome and Up to 12 5-hours Battery Life
The best 2-in-1 laptop
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro | Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i3 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615 | Display: 10.5” Pixel Sense Display | Memory: 8 GB | Storage: 128 GB SSD drive
Microsoft Surface 3 is one of the smallest business laptops and tablets in the market that can help you speed up your work. With touch and display pen tasks and very good battery life, you are able to work all day from anywhere you want. You can easily keep the lines of communication open with a faster processor. You can capture documents, photos, and videos in high-definition with a rear-facing 8.0 HD camera.
If your budget does not allow you to spend money on the keyboard cover this can easily be used with an optional keyboard. Although it runs the Windows 10 OS, this is a tablet designed with refined styling and high-quality construction that makes it the most inexpensive 2-in-1 tablet you can buy. If you don’t want to spend much money on a keyboard cover, it can do basic tasks without a keyboard or touchpad.
Surface Go 3 is for anybody who runs complex applications like Photoshop, and its experience is a bit lagging when compared not only with Windows laptops but also with better Chromebooks and iPads as well.
Pros Cons ➕ Lightweight and easy to carry. ➖ Disappointing computing performance even with i3. ➕ Sunny display with lot ➖ Only one USB-C port. ➕ Affordable
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463 Reviews Microsoft Surface Go 3 - 10.5" Touchscreen - Intel® Pentium® Gold - 8GB Memory - 128GB SSD -... The most portable Surface touchscreen 2-in-1. Perfect for your everyday tasks, homework, and play.
Go-anywhere tablet with laptop productivity for the whole family. Starting at just 1.2 pounds,(4) with high-res 10.5” 220ppi touchscreen, adjustable Kickstand, Surface Pen, and Type Cover.
All-day battery life. Get up to 11 hours (1) of on-the-go power, plus Fast Charging to take you from low to full when you do need to plug in.
The new, more intuitive Windows. Work, play, and create in the way most natural to you with Windows 11.
Plug in the accessories you use today with included USB-C port, headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.0, and MicroSDXC Card Reader.
Operating System: macOS | Processor: Apple M1 chip | Graphics: Up to Apple 8-core GPU | Display: 13” Retina Display | Memory: 8 GB | Storage: 256 GB
The MacBook Air M1 is a powerful laptop powered by Apple’s M1 processor making it a powerful mixture of power and portability. This is the thinnest and slimmest laptop from Apple, which gives it a great boost in terms of performance.
The MacBook Air M1 has two USB Type-C ports on the left side of the panel and a headphone jack on the right side. The Type-C port of the laptop supports the Thunderbolt/USB 4 for high-speed data transfer, which helps in fast charging and external connections for up to 6k display, all while having an excellent battery life.
The laptop boots quickly, and it is fast and responsive. The interface of the laptop gives you a modern look with bright, vibrant colors. The desktop is not cluttered with icons and options which makes the interface look neater and easier to use.
The keyboard layout, trackpad, and palm rest area are pretty impressive. The trackpad helps you to zoom, rotate images and reveal extra portions, and much more. There are stereo speakers on both sides of the keyboard.
The MacBook Air has a 13.3-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2560×1600 and 400nits of brightness. Apple also offers support for a wide color gamut, which is helpful for people in graphic design projects.
Pros Cons ➕ Good battery life ➖ No design refresh ➕ Slim design ➕ Can run iOS apps
Latest Price on Amazon:
Sale 13,697 Reviews 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop: Apple M1 Chip, 13” Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage,... All-Day Battery Life – Go longer than ever with up to 18 hours of battery life.
Powerful Performance – Take on everything from professional-quality editing to action-packed gaming with ease. The Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance than the...
Superfast Memory – 8GB of unified memory makes your entire system speedy and responsive. That way it can support tasks like memory-hogging multitab browsing and opening a huge graphic file quickly...
Stunning Display – With a 13.3” Retina display, images come alive with new levels of realism. Text is sharp and clear, and colors are more vibrant.
Why Mac – Easy to learn. Easy to set up. Astoundingly powerful. Intuitive. Packed with apps to use right out of the box. Mac is designed to let you work, play, and create like never before.
Operating System: Windows 10 OS | Processor: 11th Generation Intel Quad-Core i5-1135G7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Display: 14” FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS pixels | Memory: 8GB RAM | Storage: 512GB SSD
The Acer Swift 3 offers a sleek model design. This particular laptop comes with an aluminum and magnesium-aluminum alloy. At 2.65lbs, the Acer Swift 3 is heavy when in comparison to its competition.
The display of this laptop has a bright display with an anti-glare coating, making it easy to see in extensive outdoor bright conditions. A pair of USB-A ports are available on either side of the laptops. The USB-C port on the left side can double the Thunderbolt 4 and support delivery opens up for serious connectivity.
The keyboard is comfortable making the keys feel quick and responsive. However, it comes with a disadvantage in the placement of the arrow keys. These arrow keys are small as you must press them down before the Page Up and Page Down keys.
The Acer Swift 3 tries to offset its looks with its performance. The exhaust vent in this laptop is upward-facing which is the main thing that needs to be looked into. Performance when it comes to battery varies a bit.
The battery life of the laptop is excellent. The anti-glare display of the laptop ensures you need not keep the brightness level up to 100% at all times which will help you conserve the battery. You can use the laptop for up to 12 hours without the power-on mode.
The Acer comes with an inbuilt Windows 10 operating system, but also comes with a free upgrade for Windows 11.
Pros Cons ➕ Good performance ➖ Expensive ➕ Good battery life ➖ Keyboard and trackpad not attractive ➕ Anti-glare screen ➖ Dubious exhaust vent ➕ Thunderbolt-4 available ➖ Does not have an HDMI port
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940 Reviews typecase Edge Magnetic Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 12.9 (6th Generation, 2022) - Slim Keyboard Cover... Compatibility - Compatible with iPad Pro 12.9 inch ( 6th/5th/4th/3rd gen), models include 2022 12.9 inch Pro 6th Gen, 2021 12.9 inch Pro 5th Generation (A2378, A2379, A2461, A2462); 2020 12.9 inch Pro...
10-Color Backlight Keyboard with Shortcuts - Fluidly and accurately typing on the lighted 12.9 Pro case with keyboard even in a dark room, ergonomic keys, 10 colors backlight, three adjustable...
Precise Built-in Touchpad - Navigates your iPad Pro 12.9 in a whole new way with a multi-touch touchpad, scroll, swipe, and more. The palm rejection function initiates when you are typing on the 12.9...
Smart Features - Magnetically attach your iPad to the back cover, attached your Apple Pencil on top, no matter you are in the Cafe, or in the office, smoothly transform your iPad Pro 12.9-inch case...
Package Contents: 1 x Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9 inch with Trackpad; 1 x USB-C Charging Cable; 1 x Full-Color Product Manual with step-by-step instructions & shortcut map. Free lifetime technical...
Operating System: Windows 10 | Processor: 11th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5 | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Display: 13.3 Inches | Memory: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM | Storage: 256 GB SSD | Size: 12.05 x 8.35 x 0.58 inches
You can create the perfect combination of performance, responsiveness, battery life, and stunning visual product details with this amazing laptop all day. It is a perfect one to carry for your classes and take notes.
HP Envy 13 has the 11th Gen Intel CPU that delivers faster performance and better battery life. The main attraction in this laptop is the sleek aluminum design. You will find a nice balance of form and function. The laptop houses Type-A and Type-C USB ports and has a good ergonomics keyboard with an excellent 1080p display.
The Intel Iris Xe Graphics takes you to a new level of graphics performance along with crisp and stunning visuals and the body ratio of this laptop maximizes its viewing area. You can secure the laptop using the fingerprint reader and It features a camera shutter key.
Pros Cons ➕ Amazing display ➖ Disappointing trackpad ➕ Good Solid build chassis ➕ Quiet keyboard
Latest Price on Amazon:
Sale 31 Reviews HP Envy 13 2021 Flagship Business Laptop 13.3" FHD IPS 100% sRGB Display 11th Gen Intel Quad-Core... 【CUSTOMIZED, Professional Upgraded to】: 8GB RAM | 256GB SSD
Equipped With The Powerful and Fast 11th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-1135G7 (Beats i7-1065G7) (up to 4.2 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 8MB Smart Cache, 8 Threads)
13.3 inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS 400 nits, 100 percent sRGB Display, Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
1 x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C 40Gbps signaling rate, 2 x SuperSpeed USB-A 5Gbps signaling rate, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo, 1 x SD Media Card Reader
Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit), Backlit Keyboard Fingerprint Reader, Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax 2x2) and Bluetooth 5.0, Audio by Bang and Olufsen with Dual Speakers, 720p HD Webcam with Camera Shutter and...
Operating System: macOS | Processor: Apple M1 Chip | Graphics: 8-core GPU | Display: 13.3 Inches | Memory: 16 GB DDR3 | Storage: 1 TB SSD | Size: 15 x 11.8 x 4.1 inches
The Apple MacBook M1 chip gives the 13.3″ MacBook Pro speed an amazing performance. The CPU performance is up to 2.8x, it has a graphics speed of five times faster, and an advanced neural engine that has more than 11 times faster machine learning. The battery life of this laptop is longer than 20 hours, which is the longest of any Mac machine.
This comes with the M1 chip for Mac machines. This machine is packed with an astonishing 16 billion transistors, and The Apple M1 system on a chip integrates with the CPU, GPU, neural engine, I/O, and so much more in a single chip. It has incredible performance, custom technologies, and industry-leading power efficiency as well.
The M1 is an 8-core CPU that rips through complex workflows and heavy workloads. It has got 2.8 times faster processing performance than the previous generation. It has got an unbelievable energy efficiency. The 8-core GPU of this laptop makes it appear as beauty within a beat. This laptop houses the advanced graphics processor 8-core GPU in M1. It brings the world’s fastest integrated graphics to a personal computer.
The MacBook Pro 13-inch is the most exciting laptop from Apple. The M1 chip gives you excellent battery life. But Apple could have worked better with the old design.
Pros Cons ➕ Good performance ➖ Old design ➕ Great battery life ➕ Feather-touch keyboard ➕ Runs all the iOS apps
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Operating System: Windows 11 Pro| Processor: Core i7 Family | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Display: 13.5 Inches | Memory: 16 GB DDR4 | Storage: 512 GB SSD| Size: 11.75 x 8.67 x 0.67 inches
The HP Spectre 360 laptop comes with excellent performance, battery efficiency, and a new stunning design. It has got the 11th gen Quad Core CPU. It houses the Intel Core i7 processor and has the Intel Iris Xe graphics. It has 16GB memory and a good 512GB NVME SSD that gives you prime performance with good power management.
This laptop has a 13.5″ WUXGA touchscreen and a 3:2 aspect ratio for better productivity. The visuals delivered by this laptop are simply stunning without compromising on quality. The resolution of the display stands at 1920×1280. The HP Zenvo Tilt pen comes with a magnetic attachment and is the HPs best pen that provides you with pen point accuracy and smoother color transitions.
The adaptive color of this laptop adjusts the hues, light, and ultra-vivid colors for the best viewing experience. This laptop comes with a smart sensor technology that calls for optimal performance and in-bag detection helping you to tell when to take a break. It has a physical camera shutter with a fingerprint reader for privacy and security purposes.
The battery life stands at 10 hours. You can also enjoy clear communication with the HP Wide Vision HD Webcam with a gigital mic.
The HP Spectre X360 is an excellent laptop with the latest intel hardware. It is expensive but looks awesome with a great battery life.
Pros Cons ➕ Stunning design ➖ Expensive ➕ excellent battery life ➕ Ergonomic keyboard ➕ Good performance
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Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Processor: 4.4 GHz ryzen_7 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | Display: 16 Inches | Memory: 16 GB DDR4 | Storage: 1 TB SSD | Size: 14.02 x 10.41 x 1.07 inches
The Lenovo Legion has a good quality display. The brightness level of this laptop is quite good in that it can handle any indoor and outdoor situations. It has a contrast ration of 1300:1. The brightness level and the contrast ratio of this laptop ensure vibrancy and nuances in brighter areas.
You may have the ultimate experience with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card. This laptop comes with Ray Tracing Cores, Tensor Cores, and Streaming multiprocessors. The thin and light design of this laptop delivers the most realistic ray-traced graphics, cutting-edge new features, and the power of AI.
This Lenovo laptop has a comfortable, quiet keyboard with solid connectivity.
This laptop is a high-end laptop with an impressive CPU performance. If you want a high-end laptop for gaming and entertainment purposes, this is one of the best choices.
Pros Cons ➕ Excellent CPU performance ➖ There are cheaper alternatives ➕ Superior build quality ➕ Good DDR5 memory
Latest Price on Amazon:
25 Reviews Lenovo Legion 5 Pro Gen 6 AMD Gaming Laptop, 16.0" QHD IPS 165Hz, Ryzen 7 5800H, GeForce RTX 3060... AMD Ryzen 7 5800H (8C / 16T, 3.2 / 4.4GHz, 4MB L2 / 16MB L3). NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6, Boost Clock 1425 / 1702MHz, TGP 130W
16" WQXGA (2560x1600) IPS 500nits Anti-glare, 165Hz, 100% sRGB, Dolby Vision, HDR 400, Free-Sync, G-Sync, DC dimmer, Windows 10 Home
This laptop has been professionally upgraded to 16GB DDR4 3200MHz, 1024GB PCIe SSD. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY. We do provide a 1-year standard warranty on upgraded RAM/SSD.With Tikbot...
1x power connector,1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4),1x Ethernet (RJ-45),1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer and DisplayPort 1.4),1x headphone /...
High Definition (HD) Audio, Realtek ALC3306 codec, Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Nahimic Audio, 720p with E-camera Shutter, 11ax, 2x2 + BT5.1, 4-Zone RGB LED backlit. AC Adapter 300W
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you mean by a flip laptop? A laptop that can be used as a tablet, as well as a laptop, is called a flip laptop. Is HP Pavillion 14 good for students? Yes, it is the best for students as it is light to carry around. Does Surface Go 3 have a USB port? Yes. Surface Go 3 comes with a USB-A 3.1 as a standard port. The port supports super-speed data transfers. Does Google Pixelbook Go flip? The hinges of pixelbook Go make it easier to transform the device from a laptop into a tablet. What is the difference between Chromebook and a Laptop? The main difference between the both is the Operating System on which they perform. While laptops run on the Windows OS, Chromebooks run on the web-based Chrome OS. What are the properties to be considered for buying a laptop for students? The properties to be focused on for student laptops are RAM, Processor, Weight and Size
Conclusion
When buying a student’s laptop, you want a device that is fast and reliable, as well as affordable.
Students rely on their laptops for knowledge and skill and need a laptop that is of great quality and provides good customer support, so they can handle issues when something goes wrong.
We have given you some of the best affordable laptops found in the market. Based on your affordability and requirements, any of them would be a great choice.
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