It is definitely a big decision to choose the right laptop for your college. There are multiple factors like your daily needs and budget that will affect the laptop you get as well as what your major at college is.
For example, the best laptops for college for an architecture student would be a high-end model, while a major of education can work with an average MacBook. A lot of students just use the laptop to take notes, use software like Google Docs or Word, make presentations, and even take classes online. For those, a midrange laptop could even work well.
Here are some of the best laptops for college life that you can get.
The Dell Inspiron 14
This laptop by Dell is perfect for students with amazing Xe graphics and even entry-level performance for gaming. The laptop is quite versatile since it can be connected to all sorts of accessories and devices with HDMI output for video, one USB 3.2 port, and Thunderbolt 4 ports too. There is also a pretty good webcam with a connection to high-speed Wi-Fi possibilities. It has a limited RAM of 8GB, but a quad-core new generation CPU is a great tool too.
HP Pavilion 14 360
The HP Pavilion is a 2-in-1 option since it also converts into a tablet for easy viewing. You can even create a tent formation to make it easier to deliver presentations or binge-watch movies at night. This is an affordable but capable option with an 11th generation processor by Intel. It has 8GB RAM, Xe graphics, and a high-speed 256 GB SSD storage space.
The screen offers 1080p and is a touchscreen that works well as a stylus as well. It has an HDMI connection and a couple of USB-C and USB-A ports. It even has a slot for an SD card, which can make it easier to transfer data.
MacBook Air 13
The MacBook Air is definitely a powerhouse of a laptop with the new M1 chip. It is stunning and affordable, perfect for students who need the right gadget. It offers a really good battery lifespan, stunning displays, and high-speed 256 GB storage capabilities.
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15
The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 15 is the best option for creative major students such as music production, video editing, architecture, or 3D design. It is a powerful machine –more so than the others we have recommended. It offers a great processor and GPU with high-resolution OLED displays. It is a 10th generation CPU by Intel with eight cores and great thermal headroom. Editors, designers, and artists can benefit from the touchscreen option too.
Asus Chromebook Flip C434
While there are definitely cheaper Chromebooks that you can find, you will be getting your money’s worth with the Asus Chromebook Flip C434. It is a great M3 processor by Intel Core and offers 64GB of storage. The 14-inch HD display touchscreen can be quite great to use. It is a convertible laptop that shifts into a tablet, making it great for presentations and watching shows.
It is an extremely portable laptop since it is only 0.6” thick and weighs 3 pounds. Do note that it runs on Chrome OS, which gives you limited options when it comes to installing programs. However, it can protect you from malware and viruses.
Google PixelBook Go i5
The Google PixelBook offers the simplicity found in most Chromebooks but is packed with high performance. It has an i5 core processor by Intel and has 8GB RAM with 128GB storage capabilities. Weighing just two pounds, it is a great option for students who have to carry their laptops everywhere they go. While it is not a convertible option, it does have a 13.3” touchscreen display. The keyboard of the laptop is backlit to make it easier to type in dimmer rooms. It also offers an amazing 15 hours of battery life.
Lenovo Flex 5 14
The Lenovo Flex offers a cheaper option but with improved performance and even Windows experience. This means you can install all the software you need for your college life. It is one of the best laptops for college because it is a budget laptop with a six-core 4500U processor by AMD Ryzen and a Vega graphics card. The 1080p resolution is clear and crisp, working well for most tasks. It has 16GB RAM with 256GB SSD storage. The laptop can convert into a table, offering touchscreen functions to draw, control apps, and give presentations.
Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS 13 is definitely one of the best laptops for college students since it offers a lightweight structure with amazing battery life. It offers a quad-core Tiger Lake i7-1185G7 processor by Intel Core. It has an amazing high-speed memory of 16 GB with quick SDD storage capabilities of half a terabyte. With built-in graphics, it can handle basic gaming and entry 3D work. It offers a 1080p 13-inch display that can be great for students.
Asus ROG Zephyrus 614
For gaming after classes, the Asus ROG Zephyrus 614 offers amazing aesthetic and power. It has a Max-Q 3060 graphics chip by NVidia RTX. It has a 1080p display with a 144Hz refresher rate too. It is quite lightweight at 3.6 pounds and 0.7” thickness. It offers up to 6 hours of battery life.
In Conclusion
The best laptops for college make it easier for students to manage their assignments, notes, projects, and more. All of the laptops above will be great options depending on your personal needs and major.