Smaller laptops have cramped screens and keyboards, while larger laptops can be too heavy to lug around. You want a laptop that's light enough to carry around all day, but with a screen that doesn't make you squint. Just remember that laptops generally don't hit the advertised numbers, particularly if you're doing anything that takes a lot of processing power - so don't forget to carry your power adapter. You want enough battery power to get around campus without being tethered to a power outlet, and eight hours shouldn't be hard to find.
(Gamers should also look for a laptop with discrete graphics.) However, if your degree program involves heavy image or video processing, look for a laptop that has its own GPU. Almost anything should be fine for the majority of users. And 4GB may be fine if you aren't going to push your system very hard (but don't try to run too many apps or open too many browser tabs at once).įor graphics, most laptops use a GPU that's built into the processor, like Intel HD/UHD Graphics or Intel Iris. This is enough for most uses, though you'll need 16GB (or more) if you're editing videos or doing other processor-intensive tasks. Solid state drives give you faster performance, but come with a higher price tag. With the easy accessibility of cloud storage - which lets you keep files online so you can access them from anywhere - systems with smaller hard drives aren't a problem. However, these systems are likely to be sluggish, and that could cost you time even if it saves you money. Budget systems may use Intel Celeron processors. While more gigahertz is better, anything in those processor classes should be fine. That means an Intel Core i5 from the Coffee Lake, Kaby Lake Refresh, or Whiskey Lake lines, or an AMD Ryzen 5.įor better performance, look for Core i7 chips from the same lines as above, or Ryzen 7 chips - but expect to pay at least couple of hundred dollars more for the upgrade. Regardless of brand, though, you're looking for a middle-of-the-road processor that gives you good performance at a reasonable price. Most laptops use Intel processors (though HP, Dell, and Lenovo offer AMD processors, too). If your degree program asks for more, you should take their recommendations over ours. SEE ALSO: All the Best College Student Discounts and Freebies in 2019īelow, we've outlined the basic laptop specs you should look for.
If that's all your degree program requires, buying a laptop for college is simple. Any computer on the market today can do these things with ease. What Specs Do the Best Laptops for College Have? If you're like most college students, you'll need the ability to do the basics: word processing, note-taking, emailing, and online research. To find out, do a quick web search for your university name, degree program, and "laptop requirements." If you can't find them online, ask the admissions department or your academic adviser.
#What mac is best for college software
Universities often list general software requirements for undergraduates, but different degree programs may have their own necessities.
The last thing you want to do is show up for class with a laptop that can't help with your coursework, so it's important to find out what you need before you buy. If your major is among them, you'll likely have to cross Macs and Chromebooks off your shopping list. And must-use software for some majors may only run on Windows. Most students can get by just fine with low-end laptops for college, which are useful for note-taking and word processing. But some coursework may require specialized software that's more demanding.
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