How to choose a laptop for college students.
Every student at the university requires a laptop. However, laptops are long-term investments, unlike stationery such as pens and books. Thus, it is very important to spend time researching laptops that are best suitable for your course in terms of technology and affordability.
Here we highlight the most important factors to consider while purchasing college laptops. We will also go through financing options and how to find the best student laptop deals.
What Is the Best College Laptop?
On average, 75% of students spend their time on technology. Therefore, it is very crucial that you are comfortable operating with your laptop. All students should consider the eight things outlined below before choosing a laptop for college.
Resolution and display
Consider whether a large screen will be necessary for your college experience. Most students primarily use their laptops for word processing, watching videos, and web browsing, and thus are unlikely to see the need for a large monitor.
With so many emerging technological advances in resolution, even lower-priced laptop models are increasingly offering high-resolution displays. A 1080p resolution should be sufficient for the majority of students. Remember that better resolutions usually come at a higher cost.
Battery Dimensions and Weight
All students should consider battery life when purchasing a laptop for college. The average battery has a lifespan of 10–12 hours. Smaller computers require less power, have longer battery lifetimes, and run more effectively than larger computers. However, higher-performance laptops demand more power, and thus having shorter battery lives makes them function less efficiently.
Laptop batteries typically have a low endurance of 8–10 hours and a high endurance of 12–17 hours.
RAM
RAM determines how many applications or programs a computer can run concurrently. Most smartphones and laptops have 4 GB of RAM, which is more than enough for word document editing and web browsing. Customizing to 8 GB gives you the ability to execute numerous programs at the same time.
Over time, new computer programs often necessitate additional memory, and the RAM on your laptop could potentially slow your system. While 4 GB of RAM is sufficient for most applications, 8 GB is a superior long-term investment.
Processor
The processor, as the name implies, handles many of the primary processes of a laptop and is one of the most crucial components. Most people may get by with entry-or mid-level CPUs, such as the Intel Core i5 or I3, but students who use more demanding applications, such as programming, video editing, or graphics, may benefit from a higher-level processor, such as an Intel Core i9 or i7.
Most people may get by with entry-or mid-level processors like the Intel Core i3 or i5, but students who utilize more demanding applications like graphic or video editing may benefit from a higher-level processor like the Intel Core i7 or i9.
Storage and hard disk drives
All the information data you create on your computer varies in size and quality and is normally stored on your computer’s hard disk. A solid-state drive (SSD) contains no moving parts. Therefore, computers can run 3–4 times faster and with greater reliability than typical hard drives.
Solid-state drives are often more expensive, but the increased speed and performance frequently outweigh the additional cost.
If your budget allows, opt for an SSD while shopping. When shopping for a standard hard drive, look for the most storage space available in your price bracket. Standard hard drives typically offer at least 128 GB of storage space, while some college students may justify requiring 250 GB or more.
The price of an operating system
Like other gadgets, laptops vary significantly in quality and price. Generally, less-priced versions feature less powerful technology, resulting in less performance. While more expensive models feature more RAM, faster CPUs, larger hard drives, and accelerated graphics cards,
Students should be able to meet all college-related criteria using an entry-to-mid-level laptop (Ksh. 30, 000-Ksh. 60,000). It should be noted that certain specialist professions may necessitate more powerful gear.
