Laptops are the new pen and paper of the 21st-century student. From making assignments to giving online papers, a laptop is a necessary accessory for every college student. However, a personal computer is an investment, and you cannot choose one on a whim, but instead need to research thoroughly to find an option that fits you best.
Performance is the top priority
When looking for a device to purchase, the first thing you should ask yourself is, “What are my basic needs”? You may need one that can support simple applications for assignments. However, if you do not have the time to craft an essay from scratch, you can buy essays online instead.
The essential features that every laptop for college students must include are Microsoft Office, word-processing, social media applications, video player, and music applications. In addition to this, you need to determine what your academic requirements and personal interests are.
For example, if you play video games, then you need to buy a gaming laptop as it has very different specifications from a normal one. Similarly, if you are doing your bachelor’s in mass communication, you need to consider college laptops supporting video and photo editing software.
Moreover, technology is advancing rapidly, and people are creating new applications and software each day. Some of these are becoming a necessity. It means that you need to future-proof when choosing the best laptop for college. So, it would help if you were looking for a laptop that is the latest model and can handle the new updates.
Connectivity Must Align with Your Needs
Another vital element in what to look for in a laptop for college is the connectivity option it has. You will need to connect to different devices, whether a mobile phone, a projector for a presentation, a camera, or other electronic devices.
The connectivity can be wireless or not. In the case of wireless connectivity, the laptop needs to have essential functions like Bluetooth and wi-fi. If it is not wireless, then you will need to know about the necessary ports. The main ports in the best laptop for college are;
- USB ports are a standard feature in almost all personal computers as they are the most common types of ports used across the globe.
- HDMI port is also known as VGA or DVI and allows you to connect with display devices like televisions, external monitors, or projectors.
- Ethernet ports to connect your device directly into a wired network. If your preferred device does not have an Ethernet port, then you can get a USB-ethernet adapter.
- Sd card reader is another port where you can insert an external SD card and access its contents. External storage is significant, so it should be a priority when buying a laptop for college.
The laptop’s operating system is also an essential part of its functions and connects with other devices. The most common operating systems used in laptops for colleges are Windows 10, iOS, and Linux. There is a common misconception that on Apple’s MacBook, you have to install iOS only, but in reality, you can install Windows 10 as well. In addition, the Windows 10 and Linux operating systems are the most affordable for students on a budget.
Look out for the Battery Life
The battery life plays a significant role in the decision-making process when buying a laptop for college. Students have to take their laptops to class to make notes, assignments to give exams. So, it needs to last several hours. You should research manufacturers and their battery specifications before purchasing. The three main types of batteries are the 3-cell, 6-cell, and 9-cell batteries. You can read about each of them and opt for the one that meets your needs.
Factors like the screen size, model, and type of laptop affect the battery life as well. Typically, smaller devices have a longer battery life as compared to larger models. As a smaller size is more portable and has longer battery life, this size is desirable as the best laptops for college students.
Pay Attention to Screen Size and Resolution
The size of the screen is directly related to the price and weight of the device, so it should be on the list of what to consider when buying a laptop. The sizes of the screen lie within a range of 11 to 17 inches.
- 11 to 13-inch screen models: These laptops can be categorized as Ultrabook because they are thin and sleek. In addition, this screen option is affordable on a budget, has longer battery life, and is easily portable.
- 15-inch screen models: The college laptop buying guide will recommend a 15-inch screen device to students as it is the perfect balance between the benefits of the light 11–13-inch model and the efficient 17-inch model.
- 17-inch screen models: This screen size is larger, but its benefits lie in its performance. These laptops are high-performance and work best for gaming or video content creation.
In addition to the screen size, you also need to consider the form of the laptop device. There are two popular forms which are; clamshells and 2-in-1s. The clamshell is the standard model with a simple open and close function. The 2-in-1 is an innovative model that converts the laptop into a tablet by detaching the screen or folding it.
The graphics are built-in to the processors of most devices. So the latest devices have good graphics and high resolution to create and watch video content and games in 1080p.
Make sure you get enough storage
You need to ask yourself how much memory do I need on my laptop for college and choose accordingly. You will need much storage for all the documents, presentations, videos, and photos. Every laptop comes with an internal hard drive that has a storage of 500GB to 2TB. You do not need to splurge and get the 2TB options because the 500GB is sufficient for a typical college assignment.
However, if you have to install video editing software or games, you can invest in a 2TB device. You also have an option to purchase external hard drives to store additional data. The RAM or random-access memory of the personal computer is also crucial in how fast the device operates. As a student, a laptop with 8GB or 16Gb RAM is sufficient for smooth operations.
The elements mentioned above can help you narrow down what type of product you need to meet all your academic and extra-curricular needs. Now, before you make a purchase, be sure to check prices and deals. Also, rely only on companies with a good repute such as Microsoft, Apple, Dell, and Hp.
