Buying a laptop for school or college is a big deal since it will become one of the most important tools during your study. You’ll use it to communicate with your classmates, write your essays, and do extensive research for your assignments. That’s why when you’re looking for a laptop for sale, you need to make sure that it suits your needs.
However, finding the perfect laptop can be a stressful experience. Not only are there so many models to choose from, but you also have to think about how much money you have to set aside for the right laptop. Fortunately, your search is made easier if you know the laptop specs and features you’re looking for. Here are 8 features your next study laptop should have, so you can make the most out of it during your school or college years.
Correct Size, Weight, and Portability
Whether you’re taking online classes at home or going to face-to-face classes, you’ll have an easier time studying when using a right-sized laptop. Compact laptops are more comfortable to carry around and will fit most backpacks with a laptop compartment. They also complement your study table, so your movement isn’t restricted when you type your notes. The lightest models are around 11 to 12 inches long while 15 to 16 inches are the most popular sizes. Anything larger is better for students who’d rather leave their laptops on their desks all day.
Comes with Good Ergonomics
Aside from its size and weight, you also have to think about how the laptop is designed. You’ll be spending a lot of hours using this system, so you need to get a laptop that has good ergonomics. This way, you won’t feel strained even if you’re sitting in front of the laptop the entire day. Some design features you need to look out for can include the quality of the display screen, the layout of the keyboard, and the touchpad feel. When the laptop is able to deliver excellent ergonomics, you’ll be able to use it as efficiently as possible.
Has a Long Battery Life
It’s in your best interest to get a laptop that offers a long battery life. Even though you can leave your laptop charging, having it plugged in the socket for several hours can damage its electronics. You want a laptop that can handle an entire day of writing essays, watching lecture videos, and more. That’s why you should look for a laptop that has a battery life of at least 10 hours.
Good RAM and Processing Power
You need a laptop that can multi-task with you, so you have to make sure that it has a capable RAM and processor. RAM, or random access memory, determines the number of programs your laptop can run before you overload the system. The higher the RAM, the more programs you can run without a problem. Standard laptops come with 4GB of RAM. However, it’s better to invest in a system that has at least 8GB of RAM for a smoother performance.
The processor, on the other hand, is responsible for providing the instructions and power the laptop needs to do its work. The more optimized its performance, the faster your laptop can finish its job. If your workload isn’t too demanding, mid-level processor models (e.g. Intel Core i5, i6, and i7) will be enough. However, if you need something more power, processor models like Intel Core i9, AMD Ryzen 9 are what you need.
Amount of Internal Storage
Having enough internal storage in your laptop will ensure that you won’t need to get an external hard drive or USB to save all of your files. However, the amount of storage you need will depend on what you’re studying or taking in college. Most high school and college students require around 256GB to 512GB of space. If you’re taking art, media, and computer science courses, however, you’ll need a laptop that offers more internal storage.
Number of Ports
A laptop’s ports are often overlooked when purchasing a system. However, it can be a deal-breaker for students who need to plug several devices into the laptop when they’re studying. That’s why getting a laptop with more ports is a smarter move since you won’t have to purchase a USB hub to connect your other devices. Most laptops have a port that connects to a charger, headphones, USB, and type-C cable. Thinner laptops, on the other hand, have fewer ports because of their size.
Webcam Quality
If you’re taking online classes, you should definitely invest in a laptop that has a good quality webcam. This is because your studies require you to be seen by your teacher or professor for attendance and recitation purposes. You don’t necessarily need a webcam that takes footage in high definition. As long as the camera doesn’t make you look pixilated or lags with every move you make, it’ll be enough for your school or college life.
With laptops becoming an essential tool for school, it’s important to choose a system that suits your studies and study habits. The process can be overwhelming, but if you follow these tips, you’re sure to find the perfect study laptop in no time.