* An updated, fast and reliable laptop is a must for back to school
* Choose a model that offers plenty of features but also fits your specific needs/class requirements
* Battery power, memory usage and portability are all key factors
The new school year is here, and what better way to beat the back-to-school blues than with a brand new laptop? You’ll want to choose a model that suits your specific needs. After all, the right laptop can make all the difference when it comes to keeping up with your studies.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Here are our picks for the 5 best student laptops out right now, from budget-friendly best-sellers, to the super powerful cream of the crop.
1. HP Chromebook 11 G3
A basic setup for the budding student, the HP Chromebook offers a bundle of great features at a modest price. Sure, it doesn’t have all the extras that, say, the Acer Aspire has, but what it does feature is a sleek Intel Celeron N2840 Dual Core Processor, which makes it easy to run multiple applications simultaneously, and 16GB worth of internal storage, which is enough to store all those homework assignments.
2. ASUS Flip
A flexible laptop for the flexible student, the Asus Flip offers the same great look and feel of the Chromebook but at a fraction of the price. With an Intel Core 3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a wonderful 12.5-inch HD display, this Asus model offers everything a student needs — and then some. At just over 2.5 pounds, it’s super lightweight, while the 360 degree flexible hinge allows you all sorts of comfortable viewing configurations.
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3. Acer Aspire E 15
For the price, the Acer Aspire is one of the best deals out there. While it doesn’t offer the same level of sophistication and options as the MacBook Pro, it does offer 8GB of RAM, a powerful 7th Generation Intel Core i5 processor and enough battery power to last up to 12 hours straight on a full charge. The NVIDIA GeForce 940MX graphics card also makes gaming even easier, further showcasing how this is one laptop meant for more than just storing documents.
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop – Platinum
Microsoft’s answer to the MacBook, the new Surface Laptop includes an Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a beautiful 13.5-inch touchscreen display. The ultra-thin design helps it fit easily in your backpack and the 3:2 on-screen aspect ratio is great for when taking notes. The Surface’s PixelSense touchscreen display and Alcantara keyboard work wonderfully together.
5. Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch
If you’re willing to go all out, then this Apple MacBook Pro is arguably the cream of the crop. With a slimmed-down look and a much-needed stealthy cooling system, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is as portable as it is powerful. With an included 256 GB of storage and a 6th generation Intel Core i5 processor, the MacBook also features a beautiful HD display and lightning-fast load times. Unlike previous versions, the updated battery is able to run up to 12 hours on a single charge.
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