Laptop buying guide for students: How to find the best laptops for students and our top picks

Laptops are indispensable tools for students, whether you’re attending online classes, writing assignments, conducting research, or simply unwinding with entertainment. In the digital age, getting work done, especially for students, can be difficult without a laptop.

The contemporary market is filled with a large of options, which may cause confusion to a first-time buyer, especially if they’re a student. That’s why we decided to create this buying guide for students who are currently looking for a new laptop.

What should a student look for in a laptop? How much RAM does a student need in a laptop? Can student laptops also play games? We answer these questions and more in our comprehensive guide that will simplify the process, provide detailed insights into various factors to consider, use cases of student laptops, and recommendations tailored specifically for students in India.

Why do you need a laptop?

Before exploring technical specifications, it’s crucial to identify your specific needs and usage patterns if you’re planning to buy a laptop. Are you a casual user who primarily uses a laptop for web browsing, document editing, and streaming videos? Or are you a more demanding student who engages in programming, video editing, graphic design, or gaming? These factors will help you find the right laptop, especially as a student. It’s also important to consider your budget constraints.

What are the key factors to consider before buying a student laptop?

Buying a student laptop involves considering various factors. Speed is of essence if you are going to be doing a lot of assignments or programming. In addition, the right display is also crucial for a student laptop if you’re spending long hours reading or writing. In addition, the right weight and dimensions are key factors in a laptop for students, especially if you wish to carry it with you wherever you go.

Also read: Convertible laptops: What they are, who they’re for, and which ones to buy

Operating system (OS) on laptops for students

Choosing the right operating system (OS) for a student’s laptop is essential for ensuring smooth and efficient performance in their academic activities. The OS impacts everything from software compatibility and user experience to system security and functionality. A well-chosen OS can improve students’ productivity, facilitate seamless integration with educational tools, and provide a stable platform for completing assignments, conducting research, and engaging in online learning. Considering factors such as ease of use, available applications, and long-term support will help students make an informed decision about a laptop that best suits their academic needs and personal preferences.

• Windows: The most popular OS, Windows offers a vast selection of software and compatibility with most academic applications, making it among the top choice for student buyers.

Check out a few Windows laptops below:

• macOS: Known for its user-friendly interface and stability, a MacBook is favoured by creative professionals and those in the Apple ecosystem. If you’re looking for a laptop for students, MacBooks are a great way to make your learning fun.

Check out a few macOS laptops below:

• Chrome OS: A lightweight and affordable option primarily designed for online use, Chrome OS laptops are ideal for basic tasks and cloud-based applications.

Check out a few Chrome OS laptops below:

Processor (CPU) on laptops for students

When choosing a laptop for students, the processor (CPU) plays a crucial role in overall performance and efficiency. A good CPU ensures smooth multitasking, quick load times, and the ability to handle various applications and software required for academic tasks – making a good CPU crucial on student laptops. Popular choices of processors for student laptops are mentioned below:

• Intel Core: The latest generations (11th or 12th) offer excellent performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. Intel Core i5 should be enough for most students, while Core i7 is suitable for power users.
• AMD Ryzen: A strong competitor to Intel, AMD Ryzen offers competitive performance and often better value for money. Ryzen 5 is a good starting point for student laptops, with Ryzen 7 for power users.

How much RAM do you need on student laptops?

RAM is a critical component in laptops for students, as it directly impacts the system’s ability to handle multitasking and run applications smoothly. Adequate RAM ensures that students can work on multiple assignments, browse the web, and use educational software without experiencing slowdowns or crashes.

• 8GB RAM: The minimum for smooth multitasking and basic tasks.
• 16GB: Recommended for students who run demanding applications, multitask heavily, or engage in content creation.
• 32GB or more: Ideal for specialised tasks like video editing, professional software, or running virtual machines.

Also read: Laptops vs desktops: A comprehensive comparison guide of power and portability

How much storage do students need on a laptop?

Storage is an important consideration for students when choosing a laptop, as it determines how much data, applications, and multimedia files they can store. Adequate storage ensures students can keep all their essential documents, software, and media readily accessible. Choosing the right storage capacity helps avoid running out of space and maintains smooth system operation, even though there are numerous ways to store data externally now.

Type of hard drive:

• SSD (Solid State Drive): Significantly faster than traditional HDDs, resulting in quicker boot times, snappier performance, and improved overall responsiveness. Prioritise SSDs over HDDs.

Storage capacity:

• 256GB/512GB: Sufficient for most students, accommodating the OS, applications, and a reasonable amount of data.
• 1TB or more: Recommended for those who store large files, media libraries, or numerous games.

Display on laptops for students

The display on a student’s laptop is vital for a comfortable and effective learning experience. A clear, high-resolution screen ensures easy reading of texts, viewing of multimedia content, and detailed visuals for projects. Factors like screen size, brightness, and colour accuracy play a role in reducing eye strain and enhancing visual quality on laptops. A good display contributes significantly to overall productivity and user satisfaction, especially for students.

Size:

• 13–14 inches: Ultraportable, ideal for students on the go.
• 15.6 inches: The most common size, offering a good balance of portability and screen real estate.
• 17 inches or larger: Suitable for users who prioritise screen size and require ample workspace.

Resolution:

• Full HD (1920×1080): The standard for most laptops, this resolution provides sharp visuals for everyday use.
• QHD (2560×1440) or 4K (3840×2160): This resolution offers higher pixel density for sharper visuals and is ideal for creative professionals and those who value visual fidelity.

Panel type:

• IPS: Offers wide viewing angles and accurate colours, this panel type is suitable for most users.
• OLED: Delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks, ideal for multimedia consumption and creative work.

Also read: Snapdragon X Elite laptops: Comprehensive buying guide to AI powered all day battery champions

Do students need Graphics Card (GPU) on laptops?

For most students, a dedicated Graphics Card (GPU) is not essential, as integrated graphics can handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and video streaming. However, students in fields like graphic design, video editing, game development, or engineering may benefit from a dedicated GPU for enhanced performance and smoother graphics rendering. A GPU ensures that demanding applications run efficiently, providing the necessary power for complex visual tasks and projects. Choosing the right GPU depends on the specific academic requirements of a student.

• Integrated GPU: Sufficient for basic tasks, web browsing, and casual gaming.
• Dedicated GPU: Necessary for demanding games, video editing, 3D modelling, and other graphically intensive tasks. Consider NVIDIA GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon RX series for optimal performance.

How much battery do students need on a laptop?

Battery life is a critical factor for students when choosing a laptop, as it determines how long they can work without needing to recharge. Ideally, a laptop should offer at least 8 to 10 hours of battery life to get through a full day of classes, study sessions, and extracurricular activities. If your classes are sporadic, even 6–8 hours of battery life is enough. However, a longer battery life ensures students can take notes, complete assignments, and participate in online learning without interruption, providing the freedom to study anywhere without constantly seeking power outlets.

Also read: Convertible laptops vs tablets: A comprehensive comparison guide with top options you can buy

What ports and connectivity options should a student laptop have?

• USB Ports: Make sure the laptop has enough USB ports for connecting peripherals like external drives, mice, and keyboards.
• HDMI/DisplayPort: For connecting to external monitors or projectors.
• Headphone Jack: Essential for audio output.
• SD Card Reader: Convenient for transferring photos and videos from cameras.

Budget considerations while buying laptops for students

Understanding the range of prices available and what they offer is crucial for students. In India, laptops are available across various price ranges:

• Budget laptops ( ₹20,000 – ₹35,000): Entry-level laptops suitable for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and multimedia consumption. They often feature Intel Celeron or Pentium processors, 4GB RAM, and 256GB SSD storage.
• Mid-range laptops ( ₹35,000 – ₹60,000): Such laptops offer better performance for multitasking, light gaming, and running educational software. These laptops typically come with Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 processors, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage.
• High-end laptops ( ₹60,000 and above): Premium models with superior performance for demanding tasks like video editing, programming, and gaming. They feature Intel Core i5/i7 or Ryzen 5/7 processors, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD storage. These laptops also offer features like dedicated graphics cards, high-resolution displays, and longer battery life.

Keyboard and trackpad quality on laptops for students

A comfortable keyboard and responsive trackpad on a laptop are essential for students, especially those who spend long hours typing essays, coding, or working on projects. Key factors to consider on student laptops include key travel (the distance keys move when pressed), tactile feedback (how keys feel when pressed), and layout (ergonomic design for comfort). Similarly, a responsive trackpad with accurate gesture recognition on a student laptop will add to your productivity. Testing these features in person or researching user reviews can help students find a laptop that offers a comfortable typing experience.

Check for build quality and durability on laptops for students

The durability of a laptop is critical for students who often carry their devices between classes, libraries, and home. A sturdy build quality ensures the laptop can withstand bumps, drops, and everyday wear and tear. Look for laptops with robust materials like aluminium or magnesium alloy, which offer better durability than plastic. Features such as reinforced hinges and spill-resistant keyboards also contribute to longevity. Investing in a durable laptop can save students from potential repair costs and ensure their device lasts throughout their academic career.

Recap: What should you look for in a student laptop?

Similar articles for you

Primebook 4G review: Does this budget-friendly Android laptop for students live up to its hype?

Gaming laptop buying guide: Transform the way you play games with our key considerations

Want reliable computing on a budget? Check out top refurbished laptops from multiple brands on Amazon

AI laptops: What they are, how they work, and which ones to buy

FAQs

Question : What specs should I look for in a student laptop?

Ans : Look for at least an Intel Core i5 or equivalent AMD Ryzen processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD storage for smooth performance and multitasking capability.

Question : Do students need a dedicated graphics card in their laptop?

Ans : Unless you’re into gaming or design work, integrated graphics (like Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon Vega) are usually sufficient and help extend battery life.

Question : What’s the ideal screen size for a student laptop?

Ans : A 13- to 15-inch screen size strikes a good balance between portability and usability for note-taking, reading, and watching lectures.

Question : Should I prioritise battery life or performance in a student laptop?

Ans : Aim for a laptop with good battery life (around 8-10 hours) for all-day use on campus. Performance should be adequate for running multiple apps smoothly.

Question : Are Chromebooks a good option for students?

Ans : Chromebooks are great for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and online research. They offer good battery life and are generally affordable, but they have limitations with certain software and offline use.

Disclaimer: At Livemint, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Mint has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.