What Are The Best Laptops for College Students? Top Picks for 2023

Complete List: The Best Laptops for College Students

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These days, college students rely on their laptops more than ever before. Not only are they needed to write essays and study, but an increasing number of students are taking online courses from home. This means that all their lectures and coursework takes place on their laptop. 

Online courses and tests can pose a challenge, but students can always refer to online exam help to get the best help with difficult online assignment questions. As these online courses become more widespread and accepted, the help available to students should also become more appropriate for this new learning landscape.

Many things are online now, especially for students. This means that all their lectures and coursework takes place on their laptop.

When buying a laptop for college, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the best value for your money. In this article, we’ll break down the best laptops for college students.

Everyone has their preferences and needs when it comes to laptops. Some students may need to install certain programs depending on their major or electives. Additionally, some schools have preferences regarding what kind of operating system their students have, especially when it comes to specific courses.

Thankfully, there are several laptops on the market today that fit the needs of college students, no matter what those may be.

1. MacBook Pro 13

If you’re studying a creative major, then a MacBook Pro is your best bet. This is because MacBooks perform especially well in video and photo editing, as well as with music production.

The MacBook Pro is bigger than the Air, weighing almost half a pound more. However, it may be worth the extra weight if you need a powerful laptop that can handle video editing or running heavy programs.

The base MacBook brings a 1.4GHz Core i5 processor, more than enough to tackle your daily assignments. If that’s not enough, you can kick it up a notch with a 1.7GHz Core i7 processor, which means your computer will run smoothly no matter what creative tasks you have to tackle.

Pros:

1. High-quality display: The MacBook Pro 13 has a stunning Retina display that offers sharp images and vibrant colors.
2. Great performance: The MacBook Pro 13 is powered by a powerful processor that can handle demanding tasks with ease.
3. Sleek design: The MacBook Pro 13 has a slim, lightweight design that makes it easy to carry around.
4. Long battery life: The MacBook Pro 13 can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, making it a great choice for on-the-go use.
5. Touch Bar: The MacBook Pro 13 features a Touch Bar that provides quick access to frequently used functions and apps.

Cons:

1. Price: The MacBook Pro 13 is relatively expensive compared to other laptops in its class.
2. Limited ports: The MacBook Pro 13 only has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which can be limiting for users who need to connect multiple devices.
3. Lack of upgradability: The MacBook Pro 13 has limited options for upgrading components like RAM and storage.
4. Keyboard issues: Some users have reported issues with the keyboard on the MacBook Pro 13, particularly with the previous generation.
5. No SD card slot: The MacBook Pro 13 does not have an SD card slot, which can be an inconvenience for photographers and videographers who need to transfer files from their cameras.

2. MacBook Air

The MacBook Air released by Apple in 2020 is great for college students because it has the longest battery life of any Mac. This means that you don’t have to worry about plugging in when you go to the library or your favorite coffee shop.

Additionally, it weighs only 2.8 lbs, making it easy to pack in your bag and carry with you throughout your busy day. Its high-resolution screen will make you want to watch movies during your study breaks since it has over four million pixels!

Another great thing about the MacBook is that it syncs up with your other Apple devices automatically. This can make coordinating your busy schedule, including assignments and group projects, much easier so you’ll never forget a deadline again!

Pros:

1. Lightweight and portable: The MacBook Air is slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
2. Great battery life: The MacBook Air can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, making it a great choice for on-the-go use.
3. Good performance: The MacBook Air is powered by a solid processor that can handle everyday tasks with ease.
4. Retina display: The MacBook Air has a sharp and clear Retina display.
5. Thunderbolt 3 ports: The MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which can be used to connect to a variety of devices.

Cons:

1. Limited upgradability: The MacBook Air has limited options for upgrading components like RAM and storage.
2. Price: The MacBook Air is relatively expensive compared to other laptops in its class.
3. Limited ports: The MacBook Air only has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which can be limiting for users who need to connect multiple devices.
4. Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks: The MacBook Air is not designed for heavy-duty tasks such as video editing or gaming.
5. No touch bar: The MacBook Air does not have a touch bar, which may be an inconvenience for some users who are used to having quick access to frequently used functions and apps.

3. Acer Aspire 5 

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a laptop, the Acer Aspire is a great choice. If you are looking for a laptop that will be able to carry out daily tasks such as writing word documents and browsing the web, the Acer Aspire 5 will certainly do the job!

It also has an HDMI port, meaning that you can connect it to a TV or even a gaming console!

One of the perks of the Acer Aspire 5 is its large storage capacity. With 1 TB, you can store up to 500 hours of HD video or 250,000 photos taken with a 12MP camera. Even better, this laptop can be purchased for less than $500.

Pros:

1. Affordable price: The Acer Aspire 5 is a budget-friendly option that offers great value for its price.
2. Good performance: The Acer Aspire 5 is powered by a solid processor that can handle everyday tasks with ease.
3. Multiple ports: The Acer Aspire 5 has a variety of ports, including HDMI, USB, and Ethernet ports.
4. Decent battery life: The Acer Aspire 5 can last up to 7 hours on a single charge, which is decent for a budget laptop.
5. Solid build quality: The Acer Aspire 5 has a sturdy and durable build quality.

Cons:

1. Limited upgradability: The Acer Aspire 5 has limited options for upgrading components like RAM and storage.
2. Mediocre display: The Acer Aspire 5 has a mediocre display with limited viewing angles.
3. No SSD: The Acer Aspire 5 does not come with an SSD, which can affect its performance.
4. Heavy: The Acer Aspire 5 is heavier than some of its competitors, making it less portable.
5. Limited graphics performance: The Acer Aspire 5 does not have a dedicated graphics card, which can limit its performance for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks.

4. Dell Inspiron 13 700 2-in-1

Tired of carrying around a tablet and a laptop? Well, now you don’t have to! This Dell Inspiron 2-in-1 gives you the best of both worlds. It’s portable and sleek, has a full keyboard, and has about the same storage space that a conventional laptop would have.

Also, you can pair your iOS and Android devices with Dell Mobile Connect, meaning that you won’t have to look away from your laptop to stay up to date with everything happening in your world. If you want a tablet with the capabilities of a laptop, this 2-in-1 is your best bet!

Pros:

1. Versatile design: The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 can be used as a laptop or a tablet, making it a versatile option.
2. Good performance: The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 is powered by a solid processor that can handle everyday tasks with ease.
3. Long battery life: The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, making it a great choice for on-the-go use.
4. Touchscreen display: The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 has a responsive touchscreen display that is great for use in tablet mode.
5. Lightweight and portable: The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 is slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.

Cons:

1. Limited upgradability: The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 has limited options for upgrading components like RAM and storage.
2. Mediocre graphics performance: The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 does not have a dedicated graphics card, which can limit its performance for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks.
3. Limited ports: The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 only has a few ports, which can be limiting for users who need to connect multiple devices.
4. Can get hot: The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 can get hot during intensive tasks, which can be uncomfortable to use.
5. Price: The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 2-in-1 is relatively expensive compared to other 2-in-1 laptops in its class.

Conclusion

As you can see, in today’s laptop market, you can choose from a wide variety of laptops that adapt to your needs as a student. Now that you know the best laptops for college students, all you need to decide is which one best fits your needs!

If you still have questions about which laptop to buy for college, contact us with your inquiries! We will be glad to help you make a choice based on your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I consider when choosing a laptop for college?

A: When choosing a laptop for college, you should consider factors such as portability, battery life, processing power, storage capacity, and budget. You should also consider the specific needs of your major and any software requirements for your courses.

Q: What are the best brands of laptops for college students?

A: Some of the best brands of laptops for college students include Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Acer.

Q: Should I get a laptop with a touch screen or a traditional laptop?

A: This largely depends on personal preference. If you plan to use your laptop for note-taking, a touchscreen may be helpful. However, if you prefer a traditional laptop, that may be a better option for you.

Q: How much storage do I need in a laptop for college?

A: This depends on your needs. If you plan to store a lot of files or media, such as videos or music, you may want to consider a laptop with at least 512GB of storage. If you plan to use cloud storage or external hard drives, you may be able to get by with less storage.

Q: What is the ideal battery life for a laptop for college students?

A: The ideal battery life for a laptop for college students is around 8-10 hours, as this will allow you to use your laptop