The Best Student Laptop Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
For students, a laptop is as essential as textbooks and a school ID—and not just for taking notes and writing papers. It also needs to handle your extracurricular activities, from streaming movies and music to keeping up with your social networks, posting photos, gaming, and video chatting with the ‘rents back home. With more colleges and universities mixing on-campus and remote learning, a laptop you can use wherever you are is essential.A college laptop must also respect your budget while lasting through at least four years of undergrad and maybe a year or two of grad school. Lucky for you, we’ve collected our favorites from recent reviews—notebooks that not only fit the above criteria but (for the most part) are priced under $1,000, so they won’t replace tuition as the biggest threat to your bank account. Check out our picks for the best college laptops for 2024, then keep reading to learn the details of what to look for while shopping.
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402)
Best Overall Value Laptop for Most College Students
Why We Picked ItAsus’s Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402) is one of the best laptop deals a college student can get. Our top pick is a deep value for including premium touches at less than $1,000, like a beautiful 14-inch OLED touch screen with professional-grade color quality and a sleek ruggedized chassis. This Zenbook is at once ultraportable and sturdy enough to pass 12 MIL-STD-810H military-grade tests. The long battery life will carry you through a day of classes, the ample port selection eliminates the need to carry dongles, and the overall performance is solid, thanks to the AMD Ryzen CPU inside.Who It’s ForAt less than $1,000, this is the best ultraportable for today’s college or university student. It’s especially ideal for college students who want a serious value without sacrificing professional-grade features and performance. The Zenbook’s ultraportable design is excellent for traversing campus, and its performance will keep up with most college courseloads shy of hardcore engineering or design fields.
PROS
Beautiful 14-inch OLED touch screen
Long battery life
Plenty of ports with no need for dongles
Sturdy, ultraportable, MIL-STD chassis
CONS
AMD model lags behind Intel-powered competitors
Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics don’t dazzle
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 7730U
Processor Speed
2 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
90 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.67 by 12.34 by 8.69 inches
Weight
3.06 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
15:46
Learn More
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402) Review
Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020)
Best Affordable MacBook Laptop for College
Why We Picked ItThe 2020 Apple MacBook Air isn’t new, but it’s recently received a new lease on life as Apple’s most affordable laptop. Apple has partnered with Walmart to sell the M1-powered Air for under $700, a fantastic value for what was once one of our top college laptops. Whether you’re already an Apple user or just want to get a premium ultraportable with all-day battery life on the cheap, the newly affordable Air is the best deal in Mac laptops. You can even get it in different colors for that low price.Who It’s ForIf you want a thin-and-light laptop to carry across campus easily, the 2020 Apple MacBook Air with M1 chip is the cheapest Apple laptop you can get. For less than $700, this laptop gives you a premium design and excellent system that could last for your entire undergrad or graduate experience.
PROS
Good value, especially for a MacBook
Much-improved performance, thanks to Apple’s new M1 processor
Exceptional battery life
Sleek, portable metal design
High-quality keyboard, touchpad, and display
Multiple color options
CONS
Port selection limited to two USB Type-C connections
Still no touch-screen option
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Apple M1
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
13.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M1
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.63 by 11.97 by 8.36 inches
Weight
2.8 lbs
Operating System
Apple macOS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
29:01
Learn More
Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020) Review
Acer Swift Go 14
Best Light Laptop for College
Why We Picked ItThe Acer Swift Go 14 provides exceptional value, combining impressive hardware and features in a lightweight laptop at a decent starting price. Despite weighing just 2.9 pounds, this 14-inch ultraportable is powered by an Intel Core i7-13700H processor as tested, making it ideal for getting work done quickly. From the gorgeous (optional) high-res OLED display to a capable collection of ports, it’s a versatile machine for coming in at less than 3 pounds. Who It’s ForWith a thin-and-light design that’s less than 3 pounds and has a light price to match, the Acer Swift Go 14 is ideal for over-laden college students who prioritize performance and display quality. If you’re married to Windows and need the optimal balance of low weight and power, this is the laptop to start with.
PROS
Exceptional price-to-performance
Brilliant display
Decent I/O for a thin-and-light
CONS
Unlovable keyboard
A little thick
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core i7-13700H
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
90 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.73 by 12.3 by 8.6 inches
Weight
2.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:43
Learn More
Acer Swift Go 14 Review
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023)
Best 2-in-1 Convertible for College
Why We Picked ItCollege students could find a lot to like in a 2-in-1 laptop, giving you flexibility for typing or taking notes with a pen. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023) is affordable and performant, making it the best 2-in-1 convertible for college. The 14-inch display is the right size for portability and convertible use, the 13-hour battery life will carry you through a full day of classes, and the Intel Core i5-1335U will power both projects and entertainment. Throw in a useful collection of ports and a 1080p webcam, and it’s a smart pick for students.Who It’s ForCollege students seeking a budget-friendly 2-in-1 convertible will appreciate the portability, performance, and better-than-average features of the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023). If you’re looking for a catch-all computer to serve you well in school, stop your search and consider this Lenovo laptop.
PROS
Strong application performance
Right-size screen for 2-in-1 versatility
Crisp, accurate 1080p webcam
Varied and useful port selection
Long runtime
CONS
No CPU or screen upgrades
Display’s color coverage is lacking
Gray keys clash with deep blue chassis
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i5-1335U
Processor Speed
1.3 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
Hard Drive
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.78 by 12.3 by 8.9 inches
Weight
3.5 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:32
Learn More
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023) Review
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
Best 2-in-1 Tablet for College Note-Taking
Why We Picked ItThe Intel Core-based version of the Surface Pro 9 is the best 2-in-1 tablet for college students due to its impressive performance, outstanding battery life, and pen-friendly 3:2 screen that’s exceptional for taking handwritten notes. With a sleek design, upgradable storage, and two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, the Surface Pro 9 is easily the most capable 2-in-1 on the market. The device’s engineering and design have no real challengers, making it a highly practical tablet with the performance to reliably replace a laptop. Although it has a high starting price, the Surface Pro 9 remains the best choice among high-end Windows tablets, and our top pick for college and university students.Who It’s ForThe Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is an ideal choice for college students who need a versatile device that is suitable for taking notes, completing assignments, and entertainment purposes. The combination of powerful performance and intuitive hands-on use makes it perfect for both the lecture hall and the dorm room, and extended battery life means you can do both without being tied to a power outlet. The tablet’s superb digital inking makes it an ideal choice for students who prefer taking handwritten notes, but support for keyboard accessories and docking solutions makes it a practical investment for college students who require a reliable device that can replace their laptops, too.
PROS
Impressive performance and battery life
Outstanding cameras
Sleek design, with inking-friendly 3:2 screen
Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
User-upgradable storage
CONS
Essential accessories still not included
No more headphone jack
5G only available with SQ3 processor
High starting price
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core i7-1255U
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
13 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1920
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Iris Xe
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.37 by 11.3 by 8.2 inches
Weight
1.9 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:12
Learn More
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel) Review
MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo
Best 15- or 16-Inch Desktop Replacement for College
Why We Picked ItSometimes you want something a little bigger, and the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo fits the bill, earning an Editors’ Choice award among 15- and 16-inch laptops. The mix of affordability and premium features wowed us, from the 4K OLED to the impressive nearly 19-hour battery life, all for a first-class value price. The large size provides room for ample ports and connections, and a comfortable keyboard, making it perfect for long study sessions.Who It’s ForIf you’re a productivity-minded student who wants premium features and performance on a reasonable budget, the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo stands out as an excellent choice for college students. It even stands as a possible alternative to a MacBook Pro for study in certain creative fields, like graphic design and photography.
PROS
Surprisingly affordable and surprisingly light
Handsome 4K OLED display
Epic battery life
Ethernet port and SD card slot
CONS
Only one USB-A port
Stiff keyboard
Perfectly fine rather than professional workstation or gaming performance
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Desktop Replacement, Business
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 14.1 by 10 inches
Weight
3.31 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
18:55
Learn More
MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo Review
LG Gram Pro 17 (2023)
Best 17-Inch Desktop Replacement for College
Why We Picked ItThe LG Gram Pro 17 is a singular product among big-screen laptops, delivering a big 16:10 display in a thin and light package that’s just 3.2 pounds. That’s light enough to carry across campus without much trouble, and the ultra-light Gram pairs that with a capable Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU. With plenty of oomph for media creation (and even light gaming) and a battery that stretches almost 18 hours, it’s the best 17-inch laptop for college students.Who It’s ForFor college students who want a bigger screen, or need a little more performance for media work or gaming, without going full “gamer,” the LG Gram Pro 17 is your best bet. For covering so many types of college-grade use cases, this is our favorite 17-inch desktop replacement for college students.
PROS
Remarkably light for a 17-inch laptop
Big, beautiful 16:10 display with variable refresh
Long battery life
GeForce GPU suitable for light gaming
CONS
Flexible bordering on flimsy
Awkward top-row keys
Poor audio
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core i7-1360P
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
17 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
144 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050
Graphics Memory
4 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.7 by 14.9 by 10.2 inches
Weight
3.2 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:55
Learn More
LG Gram Pro 17 (2023) Review
Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT)
Best Budget Gaming Laptop for College
Why We Picked ItUniversity students may often need powerful laptops for their coursework and projects, but let’s be honest: When the homework is done, you want something that will let you have some fun. The Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT) has lengthy battery life and a wide selection of ports that make it a versatile productivity machine during the day, but it also gives you surprisingly stable 1080p gaming performance for well under $1,000, making it a killer option for budget gaming.Who It’s ForWhether you’re a cash-strapped student or a parent trying to buy your freshman a machine that will carry them through their college career, the Acer Nitro V 15 is one of the best budget gaming machines around. It’s powerful enough for whatever college throws at you, and you might have enough money left over to buy a game or two.
PROS
Attractive price
Suffices for 1080p gaming
Wide selection of ports
Lengthy battery life
CONS
Lagging processor performance
Limited 512GB SSD
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i5-13420H
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
15.6 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
144 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
6 GB
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
1.06 by 14.3 by 9.4 inches
Weight
4.66 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
9:51
Learn More
Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT) Review
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023)
Best Chromebook for College
Why We Picked ItIf you’re comfortable relying on tools like Google Docs and Android apps for your coursework, a Chromebook may be the best option for cash-strapped students. The 2023 Acer Chromebook Spin 514 manages to not only be a best-in-class Chromebook, but it’s also a great 2-in-1 laptop, going head to head with the best Windows and ChromeOS systems available and coming out on top for the money. The AMD processor delivers top-notch performance, while design features like a a full HD webcam, a Wi-Fi 6 radio, a USB-C port, and an HDMI connection complement the flexible convertible design. With a generous 13-hour battery life, this Chromebook won’t need frequent charging, and its sturdy aluminum build has MIL-STD 810H certification to survive the rigors of campus life, making it our current pick for best Chromebook for college.Who It’s ForIf your course load tends toward writing papers and researching online (and maybe some very light browser-based media editing), the Chromebook Spin 514 will serve you well, possibly as a laptop supplement to your main desktop PC back in the dorm. With more than 13 hours battery life and support for both Chrome and Android apps, this Chromebook makes the grade for undergrads and grad students alike.
PROS
Category-leading performance with AMD Ryzen 5 processor
Excellent full HD webcam
Rugged MIL-STD 810H construction with sturdy aluminum
Decent connectivity with Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, and HDMI out
CONS
Uses cheaper eMMC storage
16:9 aspect ratio feels like a throwback
No Thunderbolt 4 port
No stylus included
SPECS
Name
Value
Laptop Class
Chromebook, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
AMD Ryzen 5 5625C
Processor Speed
2.3 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
8 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
128 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1080
Touch Screen
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
Graphics Memory
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.1
Dimensions (HWD)
0.68 by 12.7 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.3 lbs
Operating System
Chrome OS
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:21
Learn More
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023) Review
Buying Guide: The Best Laptops for College Students in 2024
How do you narrow down the list above, let alone other laptops not mentioned here, to find the right one to be your college colleague? Some of the questions to ask will apply to all laptop shoppers, whether families with kids or corporate executives; others are specific to higher education. Let’s run down what you need to know.Check With the School: Do College Students Get Laptop Discounts?The first, and most important, thing to do is check with your school for specific system requirements and negotiated discounts. They may have hard-and-fast hardware recommendations available at special prices from vendors—or not.Some colleges and universities want their students equipped with Windows-based laptops, to cut down on software incompatibility issues or to keep technical support concentrated on one platform. Others don’t care which operating system you use, whether it’s Windows, macOS, or even Linux if you’re a hardcore type. Some institutions have onsite computer repair centers that service only laptops purchased from the university or an affiliated computer store on campus. Using one of these facilities, the turn-around time will be much quicker than if you were to send it overnight to the original manufacturer.Most schools do offer price breaks for particular vendors and include extensive software bundles, which can shave off a good amount from your laptop purchase. So you might want to look into the campus store as a first shopping destination before you hit your local superstore or favorite online seller.How Heavy Should a College Laptop Be?Not every student will agree, but depending on how far you haul it every day, a big-screen notebook may not be such a good idea.It’s nice to have a mini home theater in your dorm room or play the latest games in big-screen glory, but a 5-pound-plus laptop with a 15- or- 17-inch screen will be a chore to haul across campus while you’re running from class to class. You’re better off with something that’s light: If screen size matters less to you than convenience, a super-thin ultraportable might be the way to go.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
For most people, a 13- or 14-inch widescreen panel is ideal, as it will make room for other items in your backpack and minimize the weight burden. Depending on your tolerance level, a smaller display works as long as you understand that full web pages and productivity applications will involve more scrolling, and fonts will appear smaller than they do on larger screens, assuming the same resolution and zoom level.Essays, research papers, and chatting online with your classmates will take up most of your computing time, so a full-size keyboard and a comfortable touchpad are crucial. Also know: When you venture smaller than a 13-inch-class laptop, you run the risk of not getting the same typing experience. The easiest way to ensure that you have the best keyboard is to stop by a brick-and-mortar store and spend some time typing on prospective choices of different size classes.If you do decide to buy a smaller, less expensive laptop, it’s probably worth investing in a standalone keyboard you can keep at home or in the dorm for when you need to do a lot of typing. A desktop monitor you attach via HDMI could be a nice complement, too.What Processor to Get in a College Laptop?Laptops offer a wide selection of processors across both budgets and usage cases—you can choose one that maximizes performance or one that favors battery life. Or you can select one that plays to both strengths: Intel’s Core CPUs confer the benefits of both power and battery efficiency. AMD’s Ryzen mobile chips are less common but have also emerged as viable picks for ultraportable laptops. If you desire an all-day battery life and spend almost all of your time in a web browser, you might want to consider going with a Chromebook. These typically run on low-powered processors (Intel Celeron and Pentium chips, in most cases), but these CPUs suffice for the kinds of workaday online tasks that Chromebooks excel at. (More about Chromebooks in a bit, below.) If performance, on the other hand, ranks high on the list, a Mac with an Apple M2 or M3 chip, or a Windows laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, gives you the most oomph. (If you want to dig deeper, our guide to laptop processors gets into lots more detail on understanding CPUs for laptops.) Remember to look out for Intel Core Ultra processors and AMD Ryzen 8000-series chips on the rise, both equipped with on-chip AI hardware to run more of those tasks locally. For most college users, though, a midlevel processor from the last two generations should suffice for most workday uses outside engineering or heavy-computation curricula like graphic design or video production.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
If you like playing games in your downtime, you might want to splurge on a more expensive gaming laptop. Most general-purpose machines, especially at under-$800 prices, won’t have the kind of discrete graphics chip (GPU) necessary to make the hottest AAA game titles look good and play smoothly. But if you hunt around a little, you can find gaming laptops these days starting at around $700 to $800 with a decent Nvidia GeForce RTX or (less commonly) AMD Radeon RX GPU for playing games at 1080p and moderate or better settings. (See our guide to the best cheap gaming laptops for lots more about budget GPUs, and about how to buy just enough of a gaming machine for your needs.) A powerful GPU can also help in certain high-end and scientific applications that can benefit from GPU acceleration, but, like a high-powered processor, they also feast on the battery.The good news is that in most other cases (unless, say, you’re an architecture major with a heavy reliance on CAD software), integrated graphics solutions should suffice for the day-to-day tasks you’ll face. This is the graphics silicon built into the processors of most budget and midrange laptops. Today, that overwhelmingly means some form of Intel integrated graphics: likely Intel Xe or Arc integrated graphics. Our reviews will detail their comparative performance levels, but none is a match for even a moderate dedicated GPU. (Read more about the limits of gaming on the integrated graphics processors in mainstream laptops.)SSDs Are Top-Tier: How Much Storage to Get in a Laptop for College?With the increasing prevalence of cloud storage and web applications, having plentiful local storage space is somewhat less vital now than it used to be, but you should still make sure that your laptop meets your needs. If you plan to install a lot of programs or want to hang on to lots of large media files, you’ll need 500GB of space or more. If you don’t foresee needing all that local storage or are content with leaving a lot of your work online, you can get by with a laptop with less space.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Whichever way you go, remember that storage affects speed, too. If you go with one of the increasingly uncommon budget laptops that uses a hard drive, because you get more storage for less money, know that it will be noticeably slower than a snappy-feeling solid-state drive (SSD). The higher cost and lower capacity of a faster SSD is a trade-off that some students are willing to make, and most should. We strongly recommend SSDs for laptops that are carried around campus a lot, since the SSDs (if not the laptop itself) are impervious to drop damage. Plus, being a lot faster than hard drives, they give a laptop a much snappier perceived feel.The good news is that by plugging an external hard drive or external SSD into one of your laptop’s USB ports, you can add more space whenever you need it. Although you probably won’t have to do this unless you’re a video junkie or an aspiring filmmaker, it’s a good option to have.Gamers may want to take an altogether different view. With many AAA game installations topping 40GB or 50GB each, a small SSD can get eaten up fast. You’ll want to think about that before you buy a machine, say, with a 256GB SSD alone, or at least be prepared to swap games on and off the drive as you tire of or complete them. You really need to insist on at least a 500GB SSD in a gaming laptop.What Kind of Battery Life to Expect From a College Laptop?A sizable battery can be your biggest ally on a day filled with classes and extracurricular activities. A few school-oriented laptops come with multiple battery options. Most, though, have only one—and it’s not removable.In this case, figure out where battery life ranks in the grand scheme of things. If removable batteries are an option (which is rare), it might be a good idea to get a second one, or a larger “extended” one if available, at the time of purchase. The more “cells” the battery contains within a given model line, the better the battery life, all else being equal.A big battery can mean some heft, but the weight gain is well worth it if it means leaving the system unplugged from dawn until dusk. This is where our reviews come in especially handy; we’ve tested every laptop that passes through our labs for battery runtime with nonstop video playback, so you can get a good idea of relative endurance between models.Are Chromebooks Good for College?In the past several years, we have seen a strong push by Chromebook manufacturers into the education market. Chromebooks themselves have gone from being glorified netbooks running Chrome OS to laptops that are still web-centric but have a relatively full feature set. If, like many schools, the one you’re attending puts its coursework in the cloud, a Chromebook can offer you much of the functionality of a regular laptop, and it may deliver longer battery life.It will also likely cost you a lot less than other types of notebooks. Prices for basic Chromebook models typically run between $200 and $400 (although higher-end models can go for as much as $1,000). Just be sure you have ready access to constant, stable Wi-Fi, as there is scant local storage on these systems, and you have to plan to use them effectively offline.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
PC gamers, of course, won’t find much use for one of these laptops; they only run Chrome OS apps and Android apps from the Google Play store. But a Chromebook can also be a good, inexpensive second laptop you carry around campus to take notes, while your beastly gaming rig (or desktop gaming PC, for that matter) hangs back at the dorm or at home. (In the market for a Chrome OS laptop? We’ve rounded up today’s best Chromebooks.)Are 2-in-1 Laptops Worth It for College?In recent years, a new category of laptops has emerged. Hybrids, also known as 2-in-1s, are capable of functioning as traditional clamshell-style laptops when you need them to but can transform into tablets when that’s a more convenient form for what you’re doing. Some (generally called convertibles) sport a folding design that flips the keyboard out of the way, usually by rotating around its hinge.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Others (“detachables”) allow you to dock a tablet/screen portion of the PC with an accessory keyboard for laptop-like functionality. While these devices are tablets first, some still provide the level of performance you’d expect from a laptop, and are easily used on the go as laptop-like devices with the proper keyboard accessories, or docked at a desk for a more desktop-like experience. However, what they do better than any laptop is let you take handwritten notes just like you would with pen and paper, making them ideal for many types of study. Microsoft’s Surface Pro devices tend to be at the forefront in terms of power and design for detachables.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
A budget 2-in-1 might be just what you need to fill several roles. One thing to be mindful of: If you are considering a detachable 2-in-1 design, make sure the keyboard base is included in the price. In some cases, it is; in others, it is an added-cost accessory that will bump up the price, sometimes by more than you’d expect. (See how we test laptops.)How Long a Warranty to Get for a College Laptop?Almost every laptop you might buy today is backed by at least a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Extended warranties are also available, but whether they’re worth it depends on who you are as a user.For starters, know that the standard warranty doesn’t cover accidents that stem from a spilled drink or a drop on concrete. Most manufacturers sell accident coverage as a separate plan, on top of extended warranties that supplement the standard one, so you might end up spending close to $300 for three years of coverage. Apple offers a maximum extended warranty of three years, while some makers of Windows laptops will offer up to four years.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
In our opinion, if the warranty costs more than 15% of the total laptop price, you’re better off spending the money on backup drives or services that minimize downtime in case something does go awry. Of course, you can’t put a price on peace of mind. In rare instances, the logic board or the display—the most expensive pieces of a laptop—can fail and cost you in repairs half or more of what the laptop is worth. Faulty inner components (except the battery) usually break down during the first year, though; anything after that is probably more about regular wear and tear.This again, though, is a case where the college itself may be an X-factor. Some schools have special arrangements with specific vendors for onsite service of their laptops, so it could pay, once again, to check with the college’s bookstore or computer store to see if any such special circumstances apply. It’s possible, say, that you could get parts and repairs for your Lenovo ThinkPad done overnight.So, What Are the Best Laptops for College Students?As with so many things…it depends. True, there are ever more choices on the market today, and slogging through them can be daunting. No worries, though: We did the work for you. Scroll or swipe down for detailed specs on the hottest laptops to grace the dorm room, college classroom, and campus quad for this school year. And if you or the person you’re shopping for is closer to graduation than freshman year, you should check out our guide to the best laptop for each type of graduate, which offers better choices for career-specific options. For more general factors to look for when shopping, check out our overall top laptop picks, as well as our favorite budget notebooks.
