Let’s face it, we need good laptops for school. Whether it’s for late-night study sessions, coding marathons, or binge-watching educational content, having the right laptop can make all the difference. But with the tech landscape evolving rapidly, how do you choose the perfect companion for your academic journey?
That is what this blog post is for! We’ll explore the top 13 laptops that cater specifically to students’ needs in 2024. From sleek ultrabooks to powerful workhorses, we’ve got you covered.
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Let’s get right into it.
How to Choose the Best Laptop for College
- Battery Life: As a college student, you’ll be on the move—attending classes, studying in the library, and maybe even working remotely. Look for a laptop with excellent battery life to avoid unexpected shutdowns during lectures or while working on assignments. Aim for at least 9 hours of battery life, and consider models that offer even longer endurance.
- Portability and Durability: Your backpack will already be loaded with textbooks, so opt for a lightweight laptop. A device under four pounds is ideal, and if it’s closer to three pounds, even better. Consider a laptop with an internal solid-state drive (SSD) instead of a traditional hard drive. SSDs are not only lighter but also more resilient against jostling during travel. Plus, they provide faster file uploads and save times.
- Performance: While portability is essential, don’t compromise on performance. Look for at least an Intel Core i5 processor (preferably i7), 16 GB of RAM, and Windows 10 or 11. These specs will ensure smooth multitasking, whether you’re researching, writing papers, or running software for your courses.
- Screen Size and Resolution: Consider your comfort when choosing a screen size. A 14-inch display strikes a good balance between portability and usability. If you need more screen real estate, go for a 15-inch laptop. As for resolution, a Full HD (1920×1080) display is sufficient for most tasks.
- Connectivity: Ensure your laptop has the necessary ports for your needs. Look for USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an audio jack. Having an SD card slot can also be handy for transferring files from cameras or other devices.
- Wireless Connectivity: Make sure your laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E for faster and more reliable wireless connections. Bluetooth compatibility is also essential for connecting peripherals.
- Keyboard and Trackpad: You’ll spend hours typing and navigating, so test the keyboard and trackpad. Comfortable key spacing, good travel, and a responsive touchpad are crucial.
- Storage: Aim for at least 500 GB of storage. If you can afford it, consider a laptop with a larger SSD or additional external storage options.
- Budget: College life often means budget constraints. Fortunately, there are great laptops priced under $1,000 that meet all these criteria. Look for deals and discounts to maximize value.
- Warranty: Finally, consider a laptop with a three-year warranty for peace of mind. It’s an investment that should last you through undergrad and possibly graduate school.
Top Laptops for School in 2024
1. Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3402)
The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED strikes a balance between affordability and performance. Its sleek design, vibrant display, and decent battery life make it an excellent choice one of the best laptops for school.
- Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7530U or Ryzen 7 7730U
- Screen: 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED touch
- Memory: 8 GB or 16 GB
- Weight: 3.06 pounds
- Storage: 256 GB or 512 GB SSD
- Battery Life: up to 11 hours battery life.
- Reasons to buy:
- Value: The Zenbook 14 offers premium features at an affordable price.
- Beautiful Display: The 14-inch OLED touch screen boasts professional-grade color quality.
- Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry around campus.
- Shortcomings:
- Build Quality: Not as sturdy as some higher-end laptops.
- Future Performance: May not perform as well in a few years compared to top-tier models.
2. HP Spectre x360 13.5
The HP Spectre x360 13.5 combines elegance with functionality. Its convertible design allows you to switch seamlessly between laptop and tablet modes. The aluminum build exudes quality, and the performance is more than sufficient for everyday tasks.
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7
- Screen: 13.5-inch 1920×1080 touch
- Memory: 8 GB or 16 GB
- Weight: 2.87 pounds
- Storage: 256 GB or 512 GB SSD
- Battery Life: up to 10 hours
- Reasons to buy:
- 2-in-1 design for tablet and laptop modes.
- Sleek aluminum chassis.
- Suitable for multitasking and creative work.
- Shortcomings:
- Slightly more expensive than other options.
- Can get loud under heavy load (fan noise)
3. Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020)
The MacBook Air with Apple’s M1 chip revolutionized laptop performance. Its fanless design ensures quiet operation, and the Retina display is a joy to look at. However, if you need extensive connectivity options, consider using dongles or opting for a MacBook Pro. It’s one of the best laptops for school.
- Specifications:
- Processor: Apple M1 chip
- Screen: 13.3-inch Retina display
- Memory: 8 GB or 16 GB
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
- Storage: 256 GB or 512 GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Reasons to buy:
- The M1 chip delivers impressive speed without fan noise.
- Retina Display: Crisp visuals for work and entertainment.
- Long Battery Life: Ideal for all-day use.
- Shortcomings:
- Only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports.
- Non-Upgradable: RAM and storage are soldered.
4. Acer Swift Go 14
- Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7
- Screen: 14-inch 1920×1080
- Memory: 8 GB or 16 GB
- Weight: 2.87 pounds
- Storage: 256 GB or 512 GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours.
- Reasons to buy:
- Portability: lightweight and easy to carry.
- Performance: suitable for everyday tasks.
- Affordability: Offers good value for the price.
- Shortcomings:
- Build Quality: Not as premium as some other models.
- Limited Connectivity: Fewer ports compared to higher-end laptops.
5. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 (2023)
- Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7
- Screen: 14-inch 1920×1080 touch
- Memory: 8 GB or 16 GB
- Weight: Varies by configuration
- Storage: 256 GB or 512 GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours
- Reasons to Buy:
- Convertible Design: 2-in-1 functionality for versatility.
- Solid Performance: Suitable for multitasking.
- Stylish Aesthetics: Sleek and modern look.
- Shortcomings:
- Weight: Slightly heavier than some ultrabooks.
- Display Brightness: Could be better for outdoor use.
6. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Intel)
- Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7
- Screen: 13-inch 2880×1920 touch
- Memory: 8 GB or 16 GB
- Weight: 2.4 pounds (tablet only)
- Storage: 256 GB or 512 GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Reasons to Buy:
- Tablet Experience: Ideal for note-taking and drawing.
- Premium Build: High-quality materials and design.
- Lightweight: Easy to carry around.
- Shortcomings:
- Keyboard and Pen Sold Separately: Additional cost for accessories.
- Limited Ports: Only one USB-C port.
7. MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo
The MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo caters to students pursuing creative fields. Its robust performance, stunning display, and ample memory make it suitable for content creators. It is one of the best laptops for school
- Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i7 or i9
- Screen: 15.6-inch 3840×2400
- Memory: 16 GB or 32 GB
- Weight: 3.75 pounds
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Reasons to Buy:
- Powerful Performance: Ideal for demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design.
- Large Display: High-resolution screen for productivity.
- Premium Build: Aluminum chassis with a sleek design.
- Shortcomings:
- Price: Falls on the higher end of the spectrum.
- Weight: Slightly heavier than ultrabooks.
8. LG Gram Pro 17 (2023)
The LG Gram Pro 17 strikes a balance between screen real estate and portability. Its featherweight design and impressive battery life make it an excellent choice for students who need a large canvas for work or entertainment. One of the best laptops for school
- Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i7 or i9
- Screen: 17-inch 2560×1600
- Memory: 16 GB or 32 GB
- Weight: 2.98 pounds
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Batter Life. Up to 19.5 hours
- Reasons to Buy:
- Large Screen: Spacious display for multitasking.
- Incredibly Lightweight: Remarkably light for a 17-inch laptop.
- Long Battery Life: Perfect for all-day use.
- Shortcomings:
- Display Resolution: Could be higher for a premium laptop.
- Limited Graphics Power: Not suitable for heavy gaming or 3D rendering.
9. Acer Nitro V 15 (ANV15-51-59MT)
The Acer Nitro V 15 caters to students who want a laptop that can handle both work and play. Its gaming-oriented features, including the high refresh rate display, make it a solid choice for entertainment. One of the best laptops for school.
- Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7
- Screen: 15.6-inch 1920×1080 144Hz
- Memory: 8 GB or 16 GB
- Weight: 5.07 pounds
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
- Battery life: Up to 6 hours.
- Reasons to Buy:
- Gaming Performance: Suitable for casual gaming.
- High Refresh Rate Display: Smooth visuals for gaming and multimedia.
- Affordable: Offers gaming capabilities without breaking the bank.
- Shortcomings:
- Weight: Heavier than ultrabooks.
- Battery Life: Relatively short for all-day use.
10. Acer Chromebook Spin 514 (2023)
- Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7
- Screen: 14-inch 1920×1080 touch
- Memory: 8 GB or 16 GB
- Weight: 3.42 pounds
- Storage: 256 GB or 512 GB SSD
- Battery life: Up to 10 hours
- Reasons to Buy:
- Chrome OS is ideal for web-based tasks and productivity.
- Convertible Design: 2-in-1 functionality for flexibility.
- Affordable: Budget-friendly option for students.
- Shortcomings:
- Limited Software Compatibility: Not suitable for resource-intensive applications.
- Build Quality: Plastic construction.
11. HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
- Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7
- Screen: 13.3-inch 1920×1080 touch
- Memory: 8 GB or 16 GB
- Weight: 2.49 pounds
- Storage: 256 GB or 512 GB SSD
- Battery life: Up to 12 hours
- Reasons to Buy:
- Premium Build: Aluminum chassis with a sleek design.
- Lightweight: Easy to carry around campus.
- Chrome OS Security: Frequent updates and built-in security features.
- Shortcomings:
- Price falls on the higher end.
- Limited Software Ecosystem: Relies heavily on web apps.
12. Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
- Specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9
- Screen: 14-inch 2560×1440 120Hz
- Memory: 16 GB or 32 GB
- Weight: 3.64 pounds
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours.
- Reasons to Buy:
- Gaming Performance: Powerful GPU for gaming and creative work.
- Compact Design: Portable and sleek.
- High Refresh Rate Display: Smooth visuals for gaming.
- Shortcomings:
- Price: Premium cost due to gaming capabilities.
- Fan Noise: Can get loud under load.
13. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i
- Specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- Screen: 14-inch 3840×2400 touch
- Memory: 16 GB
- Weight: 3.09 pounds
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Reasons to buy:
- Innovative Design: E-Ink secondary display for note-taking and sketching.
- Premium Materials: leather cover and aluminum build.
- Versatility: 2-in-1 functionality.
- Shortcomings:
- Price: falls on the higher end.
- E-Ink Learning Curve: Takes time to adapt to the secondary display.
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Finding the right laptop for a student in 2024 doesn’t have to be difficult. With the array of options for laptops for school we’ve presented, ranging from budget-friendly workhorses to high-end powerhouses, there’s something for every need and every type of student. Whether you’re coding, creating, or just taking notes, remember to consider battery life, portability, and performance as key factors. These elements will ensure that your chosen device not only keeps up with your academic demands but also becomes a reliable companion throughout your educational journey. So, choose wisely, invest in a laptop that will serve you well, and here’s to a productive and successful year ahead!
