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Top 8 Best Laptops For Programming – A One Stop Shop Guide May 02, 2018 by Mike Johnson in Best of Best If you are just starting off with programming as a student or you are a software engineer for a well-established firm or you are an entrepreneur building something revolutionary by coding, a laptop is what you need to program all your ideas. In the list of Best Laptops for College Students in 2018, Then this laptop is ideal for you. The new Dell inspiration- i7559-7514GRY 15.6″ 4K Ultra HD Touch Screen is a dream of every gamer out there. Best Mac for students 2018. Choosing the best Mac for a student can be difficult: should you buy a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook, Mac mini or new iMac? These laptops are seen as the most.
- Best laptop for college students. The ZenBook UX331UA is thin and light, has enough battery life for a full day of classes, and is an excellent value.
- Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Pro (2017) is the best Mac laptop for photo and video editing. The MacBook Pro’s 15.4-inch Retina display (2880×1800) is as color-accurate as the Dell XPS 15’s, and the MacBook Pro’s screen reproduces slightly more of the sRGB color gamut.
The Rundown
- Best Overall:Acer Aspire E 15 at Amazon, “The ideal mix of value and performance that's built to last.”
- Best Rugged:ASUS Chromebook at Amazon, “A rugged computer that’s capable of being repeatedly thrown in your backpack.”
- Best 2-in-1:Acer Chromebook R 11 at Amazon, “A laptop that can handle both homework and extra-curricular internet use.”
- Best Lightweight:ASUS ZenBook S at Amazon, “A 2.2-pound, 0.5-inch thick design made from aerospace-grade aluminum.”
- Best Apple: MacBook Air at Amazon, 'It's portable, offers great battery life, boasts a gorgeous display, and packs more than enough power to spare.'
- Best Value:Dell XPS 13 at Dell.com, 'Has the performance and memory to handle a last-minute essay and a stream of your favorite Netflix series at the same time.'
- Best Budget:HP 15 at Amazon, “The trade-off in power and ability is well worth the extra heft.”
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Acer Aspire E 15 E5-576-392H
4.5
The latest Acer Aspire model is the ideal mix of value and performance that's built to last through all your college years. It’s also significantly cheaper than most high-end laptops, which college students can truly appreciate. First off, it contains an 8th-Generation Intel Core i3 processor, 6GB dual-channel memory, and a 1TB hard drive. It also features Intel Turbo Boost Technology for smooth video streaming and high-speed performance, along with a long-lasting 13.5-hour battery. The hardware should satisfy the needs of most college students, but if your workload is particularly demanding, then upgrading the memory or hard drive is a simple process — just open the easy-access compartment in the bottom of the laptop to replace the parts.
The Acer Aspire is built for both work and entertainment. The 15.6-inch screen features full HD resolution, although the color isn't as vibrant as some of its competitors. This model is also on the heavier side at 5.27 pounds. However, it comes with a DVD drive, SD slot, and has port space for USB 3.0, 2.0, Type-C, as well as Ethernet and HDMI inputs. As an added bonus, you can even charge your USB-connected devices when the laptop is powered down.
Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best Acer laptops.
Best for Durability: ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02
3.7
The ASUS Chromebook C202 is a rugged computer that’s capable of being repeatedly thrown in your backpack. It has a spill-resistant keyboard, a reinforced rubber bumper to protect it from minor drops and scratches, and nano-molding technology on its edges and corners to reduce the impact of falls. In a drop test, the Chromebook C202 was capable of withstanding a fall from as high as 3.9 feet — and that's particularly impressive given it only weighs 2.65 pounds.
The C202’s 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 display even comes equipped with anti-glare technology, so you can work while you catch some rays on the quad. With a 180-degree hinge, you can also manipulate the laptop into whatever angle you like. On the inside, it packs an Intel Celeron N3060 Processor ( 2M cache up to 2.48 GHz) and 16GB of flash storage. The Chromebook runs on, you guessed it, Chrome OS, so you can download and edit files via Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Like other Chromebook models, the C202 also employs automatically-updating anti-virus protection so you don't have to worry about accidentally downloading any malicious software when you're surfing the web.
Interested in reading more reviews? Take a look at our selection of the best ASUS laptops.
Best 2-in-1: Acer Chromebook R 11
4.4
Every college student needs a laptop that can handle both homework and extra-curricular internet use — like those early morning hours when you’re five hours deep into a Netflix original series. The Acer Chromebook R 11 gets an A+ for both. The convertible, 360-degree laptop/tablet runs on Chrome OS, so you can download apps — both productive and just for fun — from the Google Play Store and use Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides to complete your classwork.
With an Intel Celeron N3150 Quad-Core Processor 1.6GHz with Intel Burst Technology up to 2.08GHz combined with 4GB of onboard memory and 32GB of internal storage, the Chromebook R 11 multitasks with ease. Built-in virus protection — which updates itself automatically — also safeguards your files, so you don't have to worry about crashes or data loss. And once you’ve submitted your report or finished your online quiz, you can flip the screen all the way back to enjoy your favorite games and shows in tablet mode on its 11.6-inch HD IPS touch display with 1366 x 768 resolution. The battery life is rated at about 10 hours, so it’ll last you a full day of classes and then some. You also get 100GB of free storage on Google Drive for two years, so you won't have to worry about storing important documents or photos.
Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best 2-in-1 laptops.
Best Lightweight: ASUS ZenBook S
4.5
The ASUS ZenBook S is one of the most rugged and portable laptops out there, with a 2.2-pound, 0.5-inch thick design made from aerospace-grade aluminum. It’s got a neat backlit, tilting keyboard, too, that can angle your typing surface by 5.5 inches. This function also allows for additional airflow which helps keep the machine cool — in tandem with a copper-alloy heat pipe and liquid-crystal-polymer fan — so it won't sound like a rocket ship when it's working hard. Add in a headphone jack and three USB-C ports (with two that can handle Thunderbolt 3 cables) and you’ve got some serious connectivity in this highly portable device.
The ZenBook S also comes with Alexa integration for voice commands and a lithium polymer battery that can last up to 9 hours without a charge. You can gear it up with either an i5 or i7 Intel CPU for some serious power in exceptionally small form, and you can outfit your ZenBook S with either 8GB or 16GB of RAM for a smooth, multi-app running experience. If you’re looking for something a little different, you can opt for the laptop in Deep Dive Blue or Burgundy Red. Media-types will dig being able to add a 4K glossy touchscreen as an option, with HD glossy non-touch or HD anti-glare screens as the other two.
Best Apple: MacBook Air
Since their conception, MacBooks have been extremely popular laptops among college students and, for most, Apple’s MacBook Air is the one to buy. It’s slim, it’s portable, offers great battery life, boasts a gorgeous display, and packs more than enough power to spare for the needs of most college programs. In short, Apple has taken a formidable MacBook for college students and made it even better, with a screen that is, rest assured, easy on the eyes.
Under the hood, you’re still getting a 1.6GHz 8th-generation Intel Core i5 CPU that can burst up to 3.6GHz when you need it, plus 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB SSD. If all you’re doing is writing essays, this base model will likely be more than enough, but you can bump both the RAM and the SSD up to 16GB or 1TB, respectively, if you have a few extra bucks to spend. Of course, it goes without saying that your course load will help determine this as well, but remember that there are also a pair of Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, so keeping some high-speed external storage on hand back in your dorm room is always an option, too.
At only 2.75 pounds and 0.61 inches thick, it’s portable enough that it won’t weigh you down, and its 12- to 13-hour battery life means it will easily keep you going all day long without needing to worry about toting a charger around. Apple has also built-in its T2 security chip, along with Touch ID, which will keep your work encrypted and also help protect your MacBook should it ever get lost.
Or you could step up the processing power with one of the best MacBook Pro models of 2019. Your choice.
Best Value: Dell XPS 13
Packed with power, the Dell XPS 13 is a lightweight, portable laptop with the performance and memory to handle a last-minute essay and a stream of your favorite Netflix series — at the same time. Weighing just 2.7 pounds, the laptop can be outfitted with the new 8th Gen Intel Quad Core processors, meaning performance isn’t impacted when multiple applications are running. The screen has a 4K Ultra HD resolution with 8 million pixels and 1500:1 contrast ratio for a stunning visual experience. The 400-nit brightness and anti-reflective screen let students use it either inside or out, while the 21-hour battery life allows it to last between long days of classes and late-night study sessions.
A new HD webcam located at the front and center of the top of the frame delivers crystal-clear images, temporal noise reduction, and better video quality for calls back home or with friends across the country. Sleek and sophisticated, the laptop is available in frost, rose gold, or platinum silver colors.
Best Budget: HP 15-BS013DX
3.6
If you have a $500 budget to play with, you'll have no trouble finding a value laptop suitable for college students. Right now, our favorite is the HP 15-BS013DX which delivers a 15.6-inch touchscreen, an Intel i3-7100U processor, a 1 TB hard drive (AKA tons of storage), and a full 8 G of RAM to keep things responsive and smooth. The Intel HD Graphics 620 card will run some decent games when you need to take a break from your studies, too. Add Bluetooth, two USB 3.1 plugs, and an HDMI port, and you’ve got a killer machine that will feel equally at home in the coffee shop as in the class (or dorm) room.
While it might be a bit unwieldy at 15' x 10' x 0.9' and 4.5 pounds, the trade-off in power and ability is well worth the extra heft. Reviewers on Best Buy really like the features included (touch screen, more RAM, etc.) for the price — especially if you'll be doing little more than surfing the web, streaming videos, and typing up Word documents.
Tested by
How We Tested
We bought five top-rated laptops for college students that our reviewers tested for more than 100 hours. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these laptops, from their operating system to their durability. We’ve outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a College Laptop
Operating system -Apple’s Macs are known for having an intuitive interface that’s sleek and ideal for designers, while Windows PCs are capable of more customization and are often better suited for productivity.
Portability -If you need something that’s easy to toss into your backpack, you might prefer a smaller and lighter model like a two-in-one. However, if you’re mostly working in your dorm, a larger laptop might not be so cumbersome. For creative or design students, a larger screen is likely necessary.
Budget -Between buying textbooks and planning spring break, college doesn’t come cheap. If you’re looking to save a few dollars on a laptop, you can still get plenty of premium features, like a cutting-edge processor or advanced security features. If you’ve got some cash to spare, you might be more comfortable splurging on a MacBook, which has unrivaled displays.
Test Results: Acer Aspire E 15 E5-576-392H (Best Overall)
4.5
What We Like
- High-quality display
- Extensive battery life
- Good speed
What We Don't Like
- Heavy
- Internet connectivity issues
- Lots of pre-installed software
This laptop came highly recommended by our testers as an overall good value. “It offers a great-quality display, relatively high speeds, an easy setup, and a great operating system (Windows 10),” remarked one of our reviewers. Our testers also enjoyed the long battery life. In terms of negatives, one of our reviewers reported “frequent issues with internet connectivity,” which didn’t happen with another laptop, and also didn’t like all of the pre-installed software. But while one of our testers wished the laptop were more lightweight, she declared, “For an everyday budget laptop, this is a great choice.”
Test Results: ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02 11.6-Inch (Best for Durability)
3.7
What We Like
- Very portable
- Great value
- Impressive battery life
What We Don't Like
- Limited features
- Screen on the smaller side
One of our testers liked the “no frills” approach this Chromebook takes to give students exactly what they need for class. She said, “For the price, this has everything you need for school or home — docs and sheets, a camera, Internet access, and durability.” This laptop’s battery life also gets an A+ from our testers: “For school, I'm positive this computer would last a full day,” said one, “and likely have time for homework back at home.”
Test Results: Acer Chromebook R 11 Convertible, 11.6-Inch HD Touch Screen (Best 2-in-1)
4.4
What We Like
- Stylish design
- Intuitive touchscreen
- Google integration
Our testers loved the fact that this laptop was integrated with Google, reporting that it made it easier for them to power through daily tasks. One of our reviewers also raved about its speed and responsiveness, saying it was “intuitive” and a “joy” to use. However, one of our testers did experience some ghost clicking, which caused the cursor to click on things when the user didn’t mean to. (This can usually be remedied by restarting the computer.)
Test Results: ASUS ZenBook S (Best Lightweight)
4.5
What We Like
- Very portable
- Crisp screen display
- Comes with case
Our testers loved that the ZenBook S was slim and portable: “You can easily hold it in one hand or carry in a small bag. I liked how it felt compact,” one wrote. Our reviewers also reported that the laptop has a crisp screen display, great-quality sound, and impressive battery life. One of our testers summed it up: “I felt the computer met and exceeded expectations for working quickly and being easy to use.”
Test Results: HP 15-BS013DX (Best Under $500)
Best Mac For College Students 2018
3.6
What We Like
- Attractive design with some premium touches
- Includes a touchscreen
- Good battery life
- Big hard drive
What We Don't Like
- Bloatware
- Touchscreen could be easier to use
- Display resolution is only 1366 x 768
Our tester felt that this laptop’s battery life was good compared to similar models. He also liked its design but wished that its touchscreen was more pleasant to use: “Something about the glossy screen causes the finger to stick and skid across instead of sliding smoothly,” he said. Other negatives were that it comes with too much bloatware and that it doesn’t have a full HD display. Overall, he thought that “you can get better overall specifications and performance for less money, but this is a budget-priced laptop that performs well enough.”
Laptops for college students are those affordable models that despite the price offer high portability and usability with more than decent performance. Chosen well, laptops for students can boost your productivity to the levels you didn't know you could reach...Read more..Read less
One of the USB ports is the USB 3.1 with a PowerCharge feature where you can charge your gadgets if they support it as well. The backlit keyboard allows comfortable work in a dark room.
Heats up quite a bit under heavy load.
The Intel Core i7 processor makes this a good laptop for engineering students and any others dealing with demanding software, be it graphic design apps, photo/video editing, etc. The display is a middle ground between portability and distinct picture.
detailed parameters 13.3', Full HD (1920 x 1080), Touchscreen
CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-8550U (Turbo up to 4 GHz)
RAM: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 256 GB SSD
GPU: Intel® UHD Graphics 620
Windows 10 (64-bit)
2 x USB 3.1, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x HP-out and Audio-in Combo Jack, SD Card Reader
Up to 8 hours
12.76' x 8.85' x 0.77'
3.72 lbs
1 year
If you tend to work on your assignments in the library or in a cafe instead of at home, you will appreciate a fingerprint reader as the means of locking your computer. Good built-in speakers.
The keys might seem too stiff at first.
For a 15.6' laptop, this model is very compact and lightweight, highly convenient when you need to carry it around all day. At the same time, the display is big enough to watch movies at home when you have time for some relaxation.
detailed parameters 15.6', Full HD (1920 x 1080)
CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-8250U (Turbo up to 3.4 GHz)
RAM: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 128 GB SSD + 1 TB HDD
GPU: Intel® UHD Graphics 620
Windows 10 (64-bit)
1 x USB3.1 Type C, 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x HP-out and Audio-in Combo Jack, SD Card Reader
Up to 7 hours
14.2' x 9.6' x 0.8'
3.7 lbs
1 year
The Intel Core M3-6Y30 CPU uses the 14-nm technology and is preset to only go into overclocking when it is required by the app you are launching. Thanks to this, this Chromebook for students is exceptionally energy-efficient.
Has microSD card reader instead of a standard one.
If you know your way around Google Drive and often use it to store your class notes and study materials, this Chromebook will be a good option as it offers easy access to the Drive from anywhere with Internet. Constant users will appreciate 10 hours of battery life.
detailed parameters 12.5', Full HD (1920 x 1080), Touchscreen
CPU: Intel® Core™ m3-6Y30 (Up to 2.2 GHz)
RAM: 4 GB DDR4
Storage: 64 GB eMMC
GPU: Intel® HD Graphics 515
Chrome OS
2 x USB3.1 Type C, 1 x HP-out and Audio-in Combo Jack, microSD Card Reader
Up to 10 hours
11.9” x 8.3”x 0.59”
2.65 lbs
1 year
The 2TB HDD will allow you to store a lot of files on the laptop itself without needing an external drive. There is also a DVD-drive included for those who use them still.
The resolution is only HD.
Powerful 15.6' model, one of the best laptops for college students who want a machine to both study and play: with an 8th Gen processor and a good graphics card, it can handle most not too demanding games.
detailed parameters 15.6', HD (1366 x 768), Touchscreen
CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-8250U (Turbo up to 3.4 GHz)
RAM: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 2 TB HDD
GPU: Intel® UHD Graphics 620
Windows 10 (64-bit)
2 x USB 3.1, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x HP-out and Audio-in Combo Jack, SD Card Reader
Up to 6 hours
14.96' x 9.99' x 0.94'
4.52 lbs
1 year
The use of BluelightShield™ Technology enables you to work with the laptop for prolonged periods of time without tiring your eyes as it lowers the blue light and flickering.
You'll need to visit the Windows Store to switch from the S Mode to Home or Pro.
Budget notebooks for students by Acer based on Intel Celeron CPU provide flawless work with all kinds of documents as well as fast Internet surfing. The touchpad is very ergonomic, you might not need a mouse.
detailed parameters 14', Full HD (1920 x 1080)
CPU: Intel® Celeron™ N4000 (Up to 2.6 GHz)
RAM: 4 GB DDR4
Storage: 64 GB eMMC
Best Mini Laptop 2018 For College Student
GPU: Intel® UHD Graphics 600
Windows 10 in S mode (64-bit)
1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x HP-out and Audio-in Combo Jack, 1 x RJ45 LAN, SD Card Reader
Up to 6.5 hours
13.5' x 9.6' x 0.7'
3.64 lbs
1 year
Dell Inspiron 5000 (T8TJG)
New From Dell
![Best Best](https://www.hirelaptops.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/The-7-Best-Laptops-for-College-Students-to-Buy-in-2018-1170x475.jpg)
This Dell Inspiron is a 2018 model, it includes everything laptops for students have to offer today. Let's start with the processor. The CPU here is the 8th Gen Intel Quad-Core i7-8550U that can offer you up to 4GHz clocking speed in Turbo mode (the speed in the standard mode is 1.8GHz). A laptop computer with a speed like this is generally considered enough to run video editing software so rest assured, it will most definitely be able to offer you top performance whatever you do, be it apps designed by and for information technology or for engineering students. The 8GB RAM is more than just decent when it comes to educational programs.
The GPU this model has is the Intel UHD Graphics 620, not really a gaming one so if you are thinking about the latest Tomb Raider or the Witcher 3, for example, it is not the best option and you should probably look for a proper gaming laptop. However, more casual games can be played on this laptop. Though since you are looking up laptops for college students we assume gaming is not your top priority. We can safely recommend this model for programming student use, for graphic design, and for information technology, it will handle demanding apps just fine.
High-end Convertible
These laptops for college students are 2-in-1 convertible computers, you can either use them as a laptop or switch to the tablet mode, touchscreen and all. The display is Full HD 1920x1080 with an IPS panel, you will easily use the gadget outdoors in the sun or in a well-lit room while the backlit keyboard makes it comfortable to work in the dark without issues. The diagonal of the screen is 13.3 inches, the laptop is quite small. It is fairly light, too, only 3.72 lbs.
The model has a standard selection of interfaces: a card reader, a combo audio-in jack, an HDMI, a USB 2.0, and two USB 3.1 ports, one of which supports the PowerCharge feature. The latter means you can charge your gadgets way faster than with the usual USB, however, for the port to work at full potential, the devices you are charging need to support this feature as well.
As for the storage, you can choose between 256GB and 512GB options depending on what it is you are actually studying and how much space your files typically require.
All in all, the Dell Inspiron can be considered the best laptops for college students who need a hi-end portable computer that does not break the bank.
Additional Info
ASUS VivoBook (F510UA-AH55)
Top-level Visuals
The ASUS VivoBook family is well-known among notebooks for students, primarily thanks to them combining high portability with good performance and a totally nice price tag. At slightly more than $600, you will get a Full HD 15.6-inch laptop that weighs only 3.7 lbs; for the size, it is a very good weight, you won't have any troubles carrying it in your backpack all day long. The display has a thin 0.3-inch bezel (called the ASUS NanoEdge) that allows for the overall screen-to-body ratio approximately 80% and the said body quite compact at 14.2 inches on the largest side so the dimensions will not make carrying around challenging either. The thickness of mere 0.8 inches makes it look extremely slim and stylish, too.
This is all well and good but, obviously, the sole fact that this model is highly portable couldn't get it into our list. There is more the ASUS VivoBook laptops for students have to offer. One of the selling points of these machines is the ASUS Splendid technology. This feature is, in a nutshell, a set of several display modes, four in this case. Three of the modes are pre-programmed: the Normal mode, EyeCare (lowered blue light), and Vivid (enhanced brightness and contrast useful for graphic design). The fourth is the mode for manual adjustment according to your needs.
All Your Data, Safe
The second important feature you will find in these laptops for high school and college students will be an invaluable addition for anyone who prefers working on assignments anywhere but at home. There might be tons of reasons, from loud family members to long-ish breaks between classes to the lack of space in a room, and whatever yours is, if you'd rather sit down at a library or in a campus cafe to get some work done instead of going home, you will most probably be glad to know that the VivoBook has a fingerprint sensor to lock your computer when you need to divert your attention somewhere else. A fingerprint is a more secure method of locking than any password or passkey, no one will get their hands on your documents.
Back to the more casual features. The storage space these laptops for college students offer can be either 1TB HDD or 1TB HDD + 128GB SSD. There is a $110 difference in price between them, obviously, but the fact that you can choose how much you need and if you are willing to pay for it is a nice touch. The selection of interfaces is fairly standard, there is an HDMI port, a collection of USB ports, both 3.0 and 2.0 ones, a USB 3.1 Type-C, a card reader, and, of course, a combo jack.
The VivoBook is the choice if you need portability, good display, and you value privacy.
Additional Info
ASUS Chromebook Flip (C302CA-DHM4)
The Company's Flagship Chrome Laptop
Chromebooks are an offshoot of conventional laptops that are operated by Google's Chrome OS. At first glance, you might not even be able to tell a Chromebook from a real laptop. Yet, can a Chromebook for students be used as a primary computer? The answer is yes if it comes to the ASUS C302CA as this device is compact and offers a really high performance. First and foremost, all your data will be securely stored in a cloud storage and you will be able to access them from anywhere in the world. Buying the C302CA, you will get free access to 100 GB of Google Drive storage and you will be able to do it not just from the ASUS Chromebook but from any other computer as well, just log in to your Google account. As for the hardware, this Chrome laptop is fitted with the Intel Core m3-6Y30 CPU clocked at 2.2 GHz, which is enough to ensure a smooth operation of the apps you need for everyday use. If you travel a lot, you will like a long battery life, up to 10 hours. Finally, we would like to highlight the all-metal chassis of this ASUS Chromebook for students: it is durable, scratch-resistant, and looks posh.
Fast and Convenient
If you wish to copy some data from the Chromebook to a flash drive or another storage device, the top speed is guaranteed since the C302CA has two USB 3.1 Type-C ports. This is the latest USB version and it ensures an incredibly high data transfer speed. Also, one of the ports is used for charging the Chrome laptop, so you don't need to carry a long and messy charging cable. This is a truly space-saving solution, particularly if you carry the device a lot. Also, we'd like to mention the unique design of this Chromebook: it has 360° hinges, so the screen rotates, turning the device from a conventional laptop to a large tablet. Any tablet requires a touchscreen display and the ASUS Chromebook is not an exception. It has a multi-touch IPS-based LED-backlit screen that provides a top-class image quality. In all, this Chromebook for students is the perfect pick for people who need to work with securely protected documents every day.
Tip
If you aren't sure that you will be able to recharge your Chromebook on time, consider using a power bank. This simple device will help you recharge not only your Chrome laptop but other gadgets as well (smartphone, tablet, etc.).
Additional Info
Processor
The M3 processor is *plenty* of power for all Chrome, video, and Android requirements.
Features
User interfaces that are tight, responsive, and comparable to Apple grade quality
Connectivity
Another feature that I really love are the two USB-C ports. Some have complained about the absence of USB-A ports, but I think the C ports really future-proof this machine. The addition of the micro sd card slot covers the rest of the bases.
Memory
Performance wise, the Chromebook does a great job at managing the RAM to the apps that need it. I'm usually peaked with RAM (~95%) which is good because it's better used than not used. I haven't felt any noticeable lag as I'm switching applications or what not.
HP Pavilion
The Largest Built-in Storage in this Price Range
The biggest benefit the HP Pavilion laptops for college students can offer said students is the storage space. With most models in the same price range, if you tend to store every piece of data and all your files on a laptop for immediate access, you will need an external drive. Not with this one as it has a 2TB drive for storage. It is much more than most students need unless they like to keep dozens of HD movies at hand (which they can do with this much space here). A drive this big is a perfect choice for architecture students, for example, since they use demanding software and architecture projects usually take up enormous numbers of Megabytes and sometimes Gigabytes.
Another good side of this model is that the seller has it with either an i5 or i7 Intel processor, both of which are 8th Gen CPUs. Depending on your major and, consequently, the software you use, you can choose to have a newer and more performing i7 or an i5 that offers a tad less than the i7 but is still better than any processor from a previous generation. If you opt for an i7, you will also have 24GB RAM, which is a major plus for graphic design; it will also be a huge gain for engineering students, for computer science students, and basically for any for programming student.
There is a Touchscreen and an Optical Drive
The large storage and big RAM will come in handy if you like to play video games when the time allows it. However, this is no gaming laptop, it has a decent but not top-shelf graphics card and its 15-inch display only offers HD resolution of 1366x768. Clearly, no Grand Theft Auto V gaming will be done with it. But that's not this laptop's intended use anyway and besides, it can still handle most modern games that require something more average in terms of hardware.
The screen, as we've already mentioned, is 15-inch (15.6, to be precise). Though it is only HD and not Full HD, it has a different good side to it, which is that it is a touchscreen. It is not a convertible and won't fully turn into a tablet but some tasks might benefit from you controlling the goings-on directly with your fingertips on the display instead of with the mouse.
The selection of interfaces in the HP Pavilion notebooks for students is the same as in most models but with a single notable exception: this model has an optical drive. It adds very little to the laptop's thickness but not a lot and if your teachers demand your assignments delivered on a CD or a DVD, you will have a chance to become the most irreplaceable person in your class, burning everyone's discs.
Additional Info
Acer A114-32-C1YA
Best Laptop Under $300
The Acer Aspire 1 are best laptops for college students who are severely budget-strapped. Naturally, it will not be some over-the-top model with a plethora of bells and whistles. However, at a price of just above $200 ($249.99 as of the time we are writing our review), it is, in fact, a huge bargain for what this laptop offers.
First of all, it is a 14-inch model, which is neither here nor there, meaning it is not bulky but not exactly small either. Something in between. However, on this 14-inch display, you will have a Full HD resolution of 1920x1080. Be it working on your assignments or watching some Netflix, a Full HD is ultimately better than HD when the screen is larger than 11 inches. The LED-backlit display also features a BlueLightShield technology that lowers both the blue light (obviously) and the flickering, keeping your eyes healthy and your mind away from wandering when you need to sleep.
The Aspire laptops for students are compact and lightweight, lighter than some more expensive 13.3-inch models, even. This machine weighs only 3.64 lbs, it is easy to fit in a backpack and you can carry it with you from one class to another for the whole day without getting any fatigue.
Necessary Features: No Less, No More
When it comes to the performance, these notebooks for students are pretty average. Well, when the price is this low, it's hard to expect anything at all impressive. At the same time, it is by no means a poorly performing unit if your intended use of it is only to study for classes. That is if your classes do not require some top-shelf software. It is a good model for business students and it will be a decent budget choice for high school or for online college, too, where the assignments are generally less tech-heavy and demanding compared to full-time on-campus colleges.
So what's there to expect? The central processing unit is the Intel Celeron N4000 and it can provide up to 2.4GHz clocking speed in Turbo mode. This performance is lower than that of an i5 CPU, for example, but is higher than that of a Chromebook for students. Like we've said, a solid middle ground at an attractive price. The RAM is 4GB DDR, quite basic but it allows you to install almost any software that dates a couple years back. It will definitely handle something like Microsoft Office 365, which is the main family of apps for most students getting degrees that do not lean heavily on computers. By the way, if you pay an additional $79, you will get the said Microsoft Office 365 Home edition pre-installed. It is $20 cheaper than purchasing this software separately, so once again—the bargain is good. Best free antivirus 2018 for mac.
Additional Info
What Is a Laptop for College Students?
College is the best time. Friends for a lifetime, sororities, sports teams, parties, romance, all kinds of first times, loads of good memories to cherish and experiences to learn. It is also the time for tons of classwork, homework, assignments, labs, end-of-term exams, communication with teachers and tutors, etc. Sometimes, it all piles up so much that the only thing you want is to crawl up under a blanket with a Stephen King book. Instead, it's morning coffee and a textbook on something that looks like rocket science but is clearly not because you're a language student. Or a designer. Well, maybe it is rocket science, who knows! The thing is, whatever it is, it's hard. But one of these best laptops for college students can make it just a tiny bit easier to handle.
Laptops targeted at students are usually cheaper than, say, gaming laptops. However, they still need to offer performance for you to not fall behind on assignments. It is not rare to encounter Chromebooks in recommendations, but you'll need to consider your major for specifics—laptops for computer science students and those for nursing students, for example, will most likely differ quite a bit. https://renewer481.weebly.com/download-autocad-lt-2018-for-mac.html.
What Features to Compare
Size and Weight
These days, many people carry tablets around since they are lighter and offer high portability with decent performance. The laptops stay at home, most of the time. However, being a college student, chances are you can't really afford both a laptop and a tablet. Hell, it would be nice to have a smartphone that is not older than a couple years. So, you need a lightweight laptop that won't take too much space and which it will be okay to carry around to class and library, and to that small cafe that makes the best coffee on campus and where you like to sit and do your assignments. Consider how much you walk around throughout the day and how many textbooks you have with you, and then calculate how much weight you can add and how much space sacrifice. If it has a touchscreen, it can double as a tablet, too.
Performance
The kind of performance you need from your laptop will heavily depend on your major. For computer science students, a good processor is a huge deal, much more than for business students, for example, or any other major that does not deal with the latest software all the time. For graphic design, animation, filmmaking, architecture, you'll need a good CPU and a very good GPU. It is a common knowledge that for anything graphics-related Mac laptops are the best but they are also quite expensive. Today, you can find affordable Windows laptops that can handle heavy graphics.
Storage and Interfaces
Depending on what kind of assignments you have—are they just papers or maybe whole projects completed in professional programs?—you might need a lot of space to save them or you might need only a little. Text documents take up mere kilobytes even if they are a couple dozen pages long while a graphics file or a mobile app you've designed as your college project are a different matter altogether. At the same time, you can always increase your storage with an external HDD or SSD.
You will need a number of USB ports for sure—to connect peripherals and those external storage disks, at least. A card reader is a good addition. Some group projects and class assignments require a presentation upon completion so an HDMI is never useless.
Battery Life
If you are going to carry your laptop with you for whole days and use it in every class, you will want a good battery. Laptops for college students who use complex software taxing on the energy source will also need a powerful battery. At the same time, with the growing reliance on computers among teachers and administration, it is not rare today to find an outlet or five in classrooms, lunch halls, and campus cafes so that students don't find themselves out of means to study. Or you could get a power bank, there are models that can charge a laptop several times over.
Laptops Can and Will Make You a More Successful Student if You Use Them Right
Computer is the ultimate distraction of the modern world, every parent knows that. The selection of games and entertainment options is so huge everyone will find something to busy themselves when what they need to do is study. However, computers also offer loads of helping materials for studying and you just need to balance work with fun to make the most of both. How do you do it? Here's the guide.
- Get a laptop instead of (or in addition to) a desktop. Laptops are portable and lightweight, with a laptop you will be able to get some work done basically on-the-go: as you wait for your friends in a cafe, when you have a free period between classes, during the long commute, etc. etc.
- Laptops for college students specifically can be a huge help by just being what they are, actually. As these gadgets mostly come from an 'affordable' shelf in shops, they have lower specifications that hi-end laptops, let alone desktop computers. Having lower specs means you can install fewer highly demanding and even more addictive games.
- If you already have a desktop you can leave gaming to it and get a laptop for studying only. Install only the necessary apps like Microsoft Office, a browser of your choice, a PDF reader. Do not forget the antivirus software—you won't believe how many threats there can be on the most innocent-looking websites.
- Install your degree-specific software if there is any (make sure your chosen laptop has enough resources for it before you buy). We live in a computerized time, there are apps for medical students, for graphic design, for electrical engineering, and more. Some of them require considerable RAM, a stronger processor, a better GPU. Very few, though, need specs only found in excessively expensive models.
- Try to avoid installing anything that might distract you, not only games but social network apps and browser extensions as well. If it can't be done (for example, this laptop is your only PC) mute everything you can and remove from immediate sight everything you can't mute. This means no desktop shortcuts for Overwatch or even Solitaire.
- Find a place where it is easy to focus. Notebooks for students allow high mobility so if there is a quiet park where you can sit or a cafe, go there to get your homework done. A library is a popular studying place since it's mostly quiet.
- Set reminders. When you take a break to watch a new episode of your favorite show, only watch that single episode. If you'd rather play a bit or read a book (some laptops from students offer a tablet mode with decent reading apps), set alarms to a specific time. There are apps that will close or collapse apps after some time to remind you that you need to switch back to studying.
- Set reminders, part 2. While too much playing is definitely bad for your studying, too much work can be harmful, too. Remember to take a break and unwind, grab a snack, make some coffee, take a stroll outside if you've been holed up at home cramming.
- Try instrumental music. For many people, it has been proven that instrumental music improves attention and helps to focus. If you do that with noise-canceling headphones, they will remove the distractions you can't control, like street noise, family ruckus, or a TV your father watches.
These are the basic advice on how to use laptops for college students. If you do everything right, your school marks will take a leap, studying will become easier and assignments will take less time.