Student Laptop Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Choosing a Laptop

Student without laptop is not a student. One more reason to choose correctly. When moving is rare, occasional tasks and simple priorities, the same is the choice of a computer of any kind. When learning starts, however, priorities are changing and you are sure to want a laptop that meets different needs. Time to solve questions.

What is the first thing to be careful about by choosing laptop for a student?

Many think that performance comes first. But in reality the dimensions and weight prevail. After all, the laptop will go. In halls, rooms, cottage, etc. So if you carry the machine every so often, you have to be able to do it easily without asking whether you will suffer anything from the weight or fit the model you need in a backpack or table.

That means the sizes that make sense to test are between 11 "and 15.6". Probably something around 12 "to 14" is the most appropriate compromise. The screen is large enough to prevent the information being crammed, and the system easily fits most bags of any kind and is easy to weigh under 2 pounds. The lighter, the better if the many movements are unavoidable. He kept in mind that something that looks light in the morning, begins to look heavy toward the end of the day, after the burdens of everyday life.

Now can we talk about performance?

Not yet. Next priority is autonomy. What does it mean to carry something easily and not to withstand enough battery to be ultimately and essentially useful in the day. If you do not decide to run a toy, many systems can be useful for several hours. He looked for models with 8 hours of autonomy or more, preferably without the extra purchase of some extra or bigger battery. As a rule, the hours promised by manufacturers are in fact conditional, but fortunately for all of us, always in scenarios with active WiFi and, occasionally, web surfing. If you start watching videos of course, and especially flash video, do not expect miracles. And it will not blame the machine.

Now can not, surely it's time to talk about performance.

And yet, not yet. As a student you are sure you will need to type more (normal) text than ever before. This means that a good keyboard and a good trackpad can make a big difference in everyday use. Keyboard illumination is a nice addition that will allow you to work even in low light. It's a good idea for each key to make a noticeable "path" when you click it, because it's easier to be sure, especially when writing without looking at the keys, that it really pushes the key.

It is also good when a key is pressed to not "float" or tilts left and right because it again affects the confidence and speed at which you can write. On the trackpad the theme is the good response and motion detection, but also the size. The big trackpad is important because it allows for easier swipes / gestures with multiple fingers. It's also easier to make big changes in window size, choose big pieces of text and much more that it's impossible not to do on a daily basis.

Fine. But how much memory does the system have? Is that not important?

Yes it is. And it is time to deal with the most classical technical features. And RAM is a good starting point. Do not choose a system with less than 4GB of RAM. Spacious RAM means it's easy to have many open applications together without the system shutting down. And because it's easy to have an open Word, a browser, and several others at the same time, it's good to fit all the "good guys". But if you're going to use your laptop for games, it's best to place the 8GB base.

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How big should the hard drive be?

In fact, the volume of storage does not matter. For volume, all are solved with an external hard drive if needed. It is better to prefer a laptop with an SSD, and this means lower capacity than comparable hard drives. It's a faster SSD than any magnetic hard drive that improves the overall system's behavior and flaw. More than the improvement you can expect from a "ladder" above in a processor. So if you're paying more, it's better to do it because of SSD rather than processor.

What resolution should the screen have?

The real issue is the density of the screen. Given the screen size, the higher the resolution, the higher the density. High density, especially when dealing with text, charts, etc. is important because it makes reading more relaxed, not just more pleasant to the eye. You will meet models with the standard resolution of 1366x768, but also more expensive with Full HD resolution.

Is there something I need to avoid in processors?

It depends. If we are talking about Intel processors, it's best to prefer those who support Hyperthreading because in some scenarios they are more efficient. As for the cores, however, the two cores are essentially one-way when portability, autonomy, etc. is a priority. There are some four-core Celeron and Pentium, but it's no coincidence that Intel itself places them under the Core family processors.

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However, if you can turn to Core i5, then you have done the ideal at a reasonable cost. In AMD, kernels are often more but different in dynamics and there may be (positive but small) difference in graphics behavior.

Both companies incorporate graphics processors into the central processors, but it goes without saying that no such solution approaches the performance of a standalone graphics card. The stand-alone card has another consumption but that is why it is generally not preferred when it comes to portability and autonomy. However, if an equation and "gaming" factor is involved, then a stand-alone graphics card is required.

Windows 10 works with a touchscreen. So I should not prefer a touchscreen laptop?

The most affordable models do not incorporate touch screen due to cost naturally. Some other, more expensive models sometimes avoid the touch screen because it adds weight, thickness and increases consumption. Not by much, but when things are a little bit marginal, it's a somewhat more personal matter what you prefer, what it considers most important. You can think of things as follows.

If the applications you know most often only have versions for the classic Windows 10 Desktop UI, then having a touchscreen does not change much. In Modern UI, however, when applications follow the aesthetics you come across from Windows 8 onwards, the design is such that it makes it easier to use touch.

Have I seen laptop made and tablet? Is not this better option?

It depends. The hybrid system obviously does and does. If it is absolutely necessary to be comfortable with a device and want it all, then it is meaningful to have a hybrid. It will make it easier for you to see a movie with friends more easily, to show some presentation to anyone standing in front of you, and obviously to use the system as a tablet. Of course, hybrid systems are usually more expensive, so you have to think again about the use you make. For example, if you need strong performance, you will probably turn to a "clean" laptop because the combination of high performance and hybrid formats greatly increases the price.

Do I see models with similar or similar features but completely different values? How can this happen?

The truth is that good construction costs. Other plastic, other aluminum, magnesium, etc. Good construction means durability, which makes sense to watch out and care for you in a system that is not going to be over and over. In addition, the metal housing also has the following benefits: it works in addition to cooling the system. So the computer can save thickness and noise while it is operating. There is no material that does not wear out naturally, but different is the face and another, certainly, the endurance. The metal chassis helps, and the metal casing. If you have the opportunity to give something more for better manufacturing quality, no dimensions. You will not regret it.

But I do not buy a machine just for studying. I want to have the hope to last longer. Is there anything else to watch out for?

Yes and no. Years of study, even the four years, are a long time for technology. But if you want your head to be quieter, watch out for the latest WiFi version, called 802.11ac. It offers higher speeds with the right router and all devices are turning right there. Also, if you find system (s) with USB Type-C ports, which is a matter of time to become the new self-evident in computing), do not avoid it. They may now need adjustments, but this will come out later.

These are the things to consider when buying a laptop for school use, or every other need such as internet, gaming, business, professional use. We believe this handful details of laptop buying guide will help every student to choose the right laptop for their studies.