Introduction
It’s a huge decision to pick a laptop for college, and you’re probably wondering how to go about it. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to choose the perfect computer for your needs.
Pick the Right Operating System
The first consideration when selecting a laptop for college is the operating system it will use. There are primarily three options: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Linux is the free alternative to Windows (and has many more options than Apple’s macOS). Students who have never used Linux before may find it challenging to pick up at first—but if you’re willing to put in some extra time learning how things work on this operating system (and are okay with not having access to all of your favorite games for gamers you have to choose Laptops for Gamers), it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a student-friendly OS that doesn’t cost as much as Windows or macOS.
The most widely used operating system is Windows; this makes sense considering how much effort Microsoft puts into marketing its products (and how easy they are for consumers to use).
However, if something goes wrong with your computer while using Windows 10 or 8/8.1, someone can fix it quickly because there’s an abundance of repair shops across North America offering assistance.
This isn’t true with nix systems like Ubuntu MATE or elementary OS Freya due to their lack of popularity among non-technical users who might need help working through issues like virus infections – which can happen when installing .deb files downloaded from torrent sites directly onto their machines without scanning them first.
Choose a laptop with a 14-inch Screen
14-inch screens are the perfect size for college students. They’re large enough to view documents but small enough to carry around campus.
A 14-inch screen is also big enough to use with a mouse, but small enough to use with your hands.
Here are some other reasons why a 14-inch screen is excellent:
- It’s slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around campus!
- It has enough resolution to easily read text or see graphics clearly on its display (the same goes for photos).
A Good Keyboard is Essential
When choosing the ideal laptop for college, there are numerous factors to take into account. However, one of the most important is whether or not it has a comfortable keyboard.
If you’re going to be typing on your laptop quite often, you want to ensure that it doesn’t hurt your hands or wrists after using it for an extended period.
You also need to consider how responsive the keyboard is and how easy it is to type on particular keys (like the space bar).
Another thing you’ll want to think about is key layout and spacing – some keyboards have weird layouts that can be difficult to use if they don’t mirror a standard QWERTY setup.
Some laptops even have backlit keys to see what’s being typed, even in low-light conditions.
Don’t Skimp on Battery Life
It’s important to remember that battery life is different from battery capacity. Battery capacity refers to how much power a laptop can store, while battery life measures how long it will last.
Many factors impact the good time you’ll get out of your laptop’s battery, including screen size and processor speed.
Battery life is often measured in hours or minutes rather than percent charged, so it can be challenging to compare laptops with different-sized batteries by looking at their advertised capacities alone.
When shopping for a laptop for college, make sure to get one with great battery life. You’ll be glad you didn’t get it when finals week rolls around.
Get the Right CPU for Your Needs
The CPU is the brain of your laptop, and it’s what runs your programs and applications, so you’ll want to ensure that the CPU has enough power to run everything you need.
CPUs are measured in GHz, with the higher numbers being more powerful than, the lower ones.
The most common CPU manufacturers are Intel and AMD (American Micro Devices), but there are other options like ARM (Advanced RISC Machines).
Solid-State Drive or Traditional Hard Drive?
Traditional hard drives (HDDs) are cheaper and have a larger capacity than SSDs, but they’re slower and more prone to failure. Since they don’t have moving parts, SSDs are less likely to break down after repeated use.
However, SSDs have a limited number of writes before their memory cells die—the lifespan of an average solid-state drive is just five years or so.
Traditional hard drives (HDDs) are cheaper and have a larger capacity than SSDs, but they’re slower and more prone to failure. Since they don’t have moving parts, SSDs are less likely to break down after repeated use.
However, SSDs have a limited number of writes before their memory cells die—the lifespan of an average solid-state drive is just five years or so
The Bigger, the Better?
Bigger is better. A larger screen will allow you to do more things at once, like watching a movie while you chat with your friends on Facebook.
If you’re doing homework and researching something on the internet simultaneously, having a bigger screen will help keep information organized and easier to find.
The only reason not to get one: is money. Even if your budget is limited, there are plenty of options for laptops under $500 that can still handle basic tasks like typing papers or watching Netflix—and those are just two examples!
It’s important to research your laptop options thoroughly before choosing one.
You’ll want a durable, reliable computer that is easy to use and lightweight. A good laptop for college should also have a long battery life, so you can get through an entire day without needing to plug it in.
Conclusion
Research is key to finding a laptop that will suit your needs. Once you’ve decided what kind of computer you need and how much money you want to spend on it, it’s time to start looking at specific models and brands. Go into an electronics store and try different options before buying one online.
Image Credit: StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay