How to Choose the Best Laptop for College in 2024
If you’re a freshman headed to college this year, congratulations! And if you’re returning as a sophomore, junior, or senior, keep on keeping on! Today we’re going to help you prepare for the fresh semester. But before you pack your bags and begin the next chapter of your learning journey, you’d be wise first to equip yourself with the best laptop for college.
But hold your horses, don’t just close this tab and search “best laptops for college students” or something similar. Before you hit the PC store, take a few minutes to educate yourself about how to pick a laptop computer that will help you ace your college course this year. Read on to discover all you need to know about how to choose a laptop, as well as the purposes and features to look for. Find the best laptop for me!
Which operating system is best for college?
OS (operating systems) choices should guide your laptop selection. You’re probably familiar with Windows, macOS, and Linux, the three most commonly used operating systems for PCs. Apple’s macOS is popular in design, arts, and creative industries, while Linux is widely used in computer science and programming.
We are not here to besmirch these operating systems, but the truth is universities prefer Windows OS.
Being the world’s most used OS, Windows has the widest range of software compatibility. It also provides a strong integration with Microsoft Office, and supports a range of hardware configurations. On top of this, some universities, like Columbia Business School, prefer Windows OS because it integrates better with college and university level software. So, the first consideration that students should make is to select a laptop with Windows OS.
Choosing the best laptops for college
It’s easy enough to find PCs that run Windows OS, but next you should consider the purpose and use of the laptop. The requirements you’ll have for your laptop in college will likely be different from high school. While some humanities programs don’t really require high performance PCs, if you’re majoring in engineering, computer science and design, chances are you will have subject specific software that requires a high spec PC. And let’s not forget extracurricular activities. Gamers who go to college are likely to attend on-campus LAN parties, play online games with fellow students, or even compete in college league gaming. So if that’s your thing, then make sure that you choose a laptop for college that can also handle your gaming exploits.
1. Performance
As we touched on above, depending on your major and your gaming proclivities, you may need a more powerful laptop. Go for a current gen model, or one released last year, for future-readiness. Here we’ll outline the main considerations:
- CPU (Central Processing Unit): First, consider the brains of the beast: the CPU. Look for a laptop with the latest, or at least last generation's, Intel Core i5, i7, or i9 for more demanding users. If you prefer AMD, then seek out Ryzen 5, 7, or 9. A good CPU is crucial because it ensures smooth multitasking, allowing students to run multiple applications simultaneously without lag. It enhances performance for resource-intensive tasks like coding, video editing, and data analysis, which are common in various academic fields.
- RAM (Random Access Memory): As a student, it's common to have multiple browser tabs open simultaneously for coursework and research. Therefore, having sufficient RAM is essential. For smooth operations and multitasking, we advise a minimum of 8GB for Microsoft Office programs and basic internet browsing, and 16GB for design, multimedia, coding (virtual machines/containers), or engineering.
- GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): A good GPU is crucial for college students, especially those studying design, computer science, and engineering. For design students, a powerful GPU accelerates rendering and ensures smooth performance in graphic-intensive software like Adobe Creative Suite. Computer science and engineering students benefit from a robust GPU for tasks like simulations, 3D modeling, running virtual machines, and meddling with AI, which require substantial graphical processing power. Additionally, a good GPU enhances the gaming experience by delivering higher frame rates and better graphics, making it a valuable investment for students who game.
- HHD and SSD Storage: Storage is something you’ll use to save both your dissertations, photos and other important data. Typically stored on a HHD (Hard Disk Drive), the latest laptops also feature SSD (Solid State Drive) for quicker boot times and data access. For regular use, 256GB is probably enough, but go for 512GB or 1TB if you think you’ll need the extra space. Remember, you can also invest in an external hard drive for good measure.
2. Portability and battery life
The world of work that awaits you after college graduated to hybrid and remote working a few years back during COVID. Both students and employees today are expected to be adaptable, attending meetings and presenting in various locations, both physical and online.
You’ll be expected to haul your laptop around with you everyday at college. With this in mind, make sure you choose a model that isn’t too heavy and can fit comfortably into your backpack. If you’re moving around, going to various lectures, chances are that finding a power outlet won’t always be easy. Thankfully, many laptops today can handle 8, 10 and even 12+ hours of battery-powered use before charging.
3. Display
The screen size is a really important consideration to make when choosing a laptop. Commonly ranging from 11-17 inches, screen size influences the weight, price, and power of the laptop. As well as screen size, eye-protection features should also be considered, as you’ll likely be spending a lot of time looking at your display.
Smaller 11-13 inch models prioritize portability, and are often more affordable, but the screens may be too small to look at for more than a few hours at a time. 15-inch models are the most common laptop screen size, striking a balance between power, price and portability.
17-inch models are generally the reserve of gamers, video editors, and content creators, but may be useful for coders and engineers who run multiple programs at once. Also, the larger size allows for more powerful hardware under the hood.
Whatever size you select, make sure the display is at least Full HD (1920x1080) resolution, and OLED if you want to spoil yourself. High resolution aside, certain programs as well as individual learning habits will benefit from touchscreens for note taking, sketching and similar activities.
4. Connectivity and ports
Whether you’re a science or arts major, ensuring that your college laptop has a decent array of ports is vital for connecting peripherals and external monitors. Find a laptop with a range of USB (universal serial bus) ports including USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 ports for lightning fast data transfer and power delivery to phones and other devices. You’ll need an HDMI port for presentations to connect to displays, projectors and other screens. Finally, ensure that your new laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 and even Wi-Fi 6E if you want to future-proof your laptop for the emerging new Wi-Fi standard.
5. Budget and warranty
Cliché as it sounds, there really is a laptop for every budget. So, once you have settled on a number that you, or your parents are comfortable with, get online, or head to the store to see what models fit your budget. Whether you’re planning on spending $300, or even up to $5000 on your college laptop, Acer is in your corner, and we’ll give you a 10% student discount on eligible products.
Protecting your investment is also important. Beyond their standard warranties, Acer products have Acer Care extended service plan options. Acer Care Plus provides a basic extended service plan or an Accidental Damage Protection upgrade for laptops, desktops, Chromebooks, and tablets. For a limited time, any purchase of an Acer product includes a 10% discount on the corresponding Acer Care Extended Service Plan.
The takeaway
We hope that you’ve enjoyed learning how to choose the best laptop for college in 2024. Whether you’re a returning student or a freshman, make sure to get hold of a decent Windows laptop that can handle the tasks and programs required by your program. Choose a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 CPU, that has 8GB or more RAM. SSD is definitely the way forward for storage, so do your research and see what laptops appeal to you. Remember, also that portability and battery life are really important for students who may have classes in different locations throughout the day.
Depending on how you plan to use your laptop somewhat dictates the size of your display, but it’s always better to have a bit more screen real estate. To truly shine in the next stage of your learning journey, you'll also need ports aplenty to get connected and charge your phone and other devices. Finally, make sure you’re getting a deal that you’re happy with. Check out Acer’s range of college-friendly laptops today. With Acer’s 10% student discount via StudentBeans and 10% off extended warranty options (limited time only), you're bound to end up with a smile on your face.
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Edmund is an English copywriter based in New Taipei City, Taiwan. He is a widely published writer and translator with two decades of experience in the field of bridging linguistic and cultural gaps between Chinese and English.
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