How to Choose the Best Laptop for College

Many students will be going off to college in the fall and will need to prepare for a new semester of school. One of the best devices for college is a laptop. However, with so many options targeted toward students, it can be difficult to choose the best one. Let’s explore what to consider when shopping for a college laptop.

When thinking about which college laptop you should buy, consider things like price, flexibility, operating system, and durability.

Laptops come equipped with different configurations of RAM (memory), hard drive space, and screen size. Before choosing the best laptop for you, think about what means the most to you. For example, a MacBook might be the right fit if you want a super-fast machine with high-end graphics. On the other hand, a PC or Chromebook might work better if you want something cheap and easy. Some college students go with a tablet rather than a laptop for college. It’s really a very personal preference.

Statistics show that students spend 75% of their time using technology for their studies. Therefore, the choice of which laptop for college is an important decision. There are advantages to buying a 2-in-1 solution where you have a laptop, but the screen pops off or folds to become a tablet. It may be the best of both worlds for some students.

Some laptops use the Windows operating system, and most people are pretty familiar with it. Windows laptops are typically very user-friendly and inexpensive, and you can get one online or in a retail store for between $200 to $800. Some schools may require you to use software that is compatible with Windows. Before purchasing a laptop, check with your guidance department. Also, be sure to protect your laptop with antivirus software since they can be more vulnerable to attacks.

If you want a high-quality, long-lasting laptop, consider an Apple MacBook. They are well built with high-end graphics and premium sound and run on macOS. Macs are also better at protecting you against threats. However, you will pay upwards of $1,000 for a MacBook unless they are on sale.

You can also choose a Chromebook that runs its own Chrome OS (developed by Google). Chromebooks are cheap, though they aren’t the fastest machines. They run Google programs and apps rather than the standard MS Office software.

However, there are many more things to consider.

Regardless of your choice, you should make sure the machine has plenty of RAM so it runs your programs fast and efficiently. Experts suggest a minimum of 8MB of RAM. You will also want to ensure that the processor can handle the demands of your work. Opt for an i5 or i7 processor if you go PC and an M1 or M2 if you go Mac.

Additionally, solid-state drives tend to run faster, so put that on your must-have list as well. When it comes to storage, you can choose a large hard drive unless you will be storing your work in the cloud on Dropbox, iCloud, or Google Docs. In that case, you won’t need as much space.

If you want maximum portability, choose a 13” or 15” screen. If you want maximum screen size, go with a 17” laptop. For crystal clear graphics, choose a screen resolution of 1080p. If you need high-resolution graphics, choose a screen with 4K support.

Be sure the laptop computer has enough ports so you can plug in extra hard drives, printers, or other devices. If you want to send the signal to your TV, be sure it has an HDMI output. Another very important factor is the battery life. You want a laptop that has enough juice to last you all day long and into the night if you have to study. An 8-hour battery should work just fine.

Ensure your laptop supports the software and apps you need and check into student discounts. Many laptop vendors offer special pricing for hardware and software for students enrolled in college.

Hopefully, your new laptop will last all four years of college. However, since laptops are prone to damage, it’s smart to invest in an Upsie laptop extended warranty. Upsie’s laptop warranties protect laptops from damage, including manufacturing defects, early wear, and accidental damage.

In addition, Upsie helps college students save money. For example, Upsie’s warranties cost up to 70% less than warranties from retailers or manufacturers. And, with an extended warranty, students won’t have to pay high repair bills out of pocket. As a result, students save money while protecting their precious study tools with a premium extended warranty.

Go back to college feeling great that you invested in a great laptop and protected it with the best warranty with Upsie!