A laptop can assist a student in their academic and personal life. They provide the same power as a desktop computer, but with the added convenience of mobility. Nowadays, there are many options for students to choose, from very lightweight, portable tablets, to bulky, high-performing gaming laptops. Here is a list of laptops curated for an average college student’s tasks, keeping in mind the importance of affordability. At the end of the day, any working desktop or laptop you can get your hands on is all one needs to be a successful student!
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Microsoft Surface Go 3
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a touchscreen tablet, with the ability to add on a keyboard accessory (sold separately) making it a two-in-one device. The Surface Go 3 is one of the first devices that will be preinstalled with the latest Windows 11 operating system from Microsoft. The Seattle-based company has included a USB-C port for charging, 1080p HD resolution webcam for video calls, and a battery that is quoted to last up to 11 hours of use. This device could’ve made the list simply due to its portability, coming in at a mere 1.2 lbs. The light weight combined with adequate specs to complete writing and internet browsing tasks, makes this a great device for any student. The Microsoft Surface Go 3 can be purchased on Amazon here.
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Asus Vivobook 15 OLED
Asus is a Taiwanese-based computer hardware company that has built a 30-year-old tradition of making reliable, top-class products. The Vivobook 15 comes with the reliability of an Asus laptop at an affordable price. The selling point of this laptop is the 15” OLED display that is easier for the eyes during long work or video streaming sessions. The device includes a battery life around seven hours when used at 50% display brightness, along with capable specs for performance. While this device doesn’t include features like a touchscreen, it provides enough power for student tasks and provides quality visuals at an affordable price. You can find a new Asus Vivobook 15” OLED on Amazon here.
Image via apple.com
Preowned Macbook Air (2018+)
Apple hardware is renowned around the world for its longevity and reliability. I can reiterate this claim from personal experience with my 2015 Macbook Air. The device’s battery died in January of 2022 after extensive use for nearly seven years. One of the biggest benefits of owning an Apple device is the benefit of being part of the famous Apple ecosystem. In short, if you own other Apple products and accessories, you will have a seamless connection between your devices. Sharing files with Airdrop or Bluetooth connection are examples of how Apple creates convenience for their customers. Apple provides the top specs for productivity and student tasks. This includes their high quality displays, as students are getting their money’s worth with a Macbook. The reason I’ve specifically suggested a preowned Macbook Air is the price reduction compared to buying a new one. As stated before, Macbooks are very reliable and you won’t see much of a difference buying one second hand. It is important to note when buying any secondhand devices, to make sure that you’re buying from a verified website (i.e eBay) and a credible seller on the website when you make the purchase.
Remember that you do not need these specifically to do well as a student, any computer you can get your hands on will do the job! Also, don’t forget that our CPP library provides a tech lending program that includes laptops for student use.
Which laptop will you be purchasing next? Let us know @ASICPP on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to stay up to date on events happening on campus!
