7 Things to Consider When Buying a Laptop for School

Computers are useful and are considered essential for everyday functions for work, school, and fun. While desktop computers are great, not everyone has the luxury of space or time, especially when you live in a cramped dorm or are in transit almost all the time. That’s why a laptop computer is an obvious choice for students who need to multitask.

It can be challenging to find the right laptop. There are thousands of options available out there, so which one should you pick? Here are some things you should consider before buying one.

Price

The tuition and other fees at school can be expensive, so it’s reasonable to budget funds. If having a laptop is within your means, you need to set a price so you can narrow down what you can afford.

Brand

Not all laptops are made the same. If you want to get the best bang out of your buck, stick to tried-and-tested brands that are known for their durability and reliability. Check out this list for reviews on various makers and their products.

Battery-Life Duration

The entire point of having a laptop for school is the convenience of taking it everywhere you go. Choose a machine that has a long battery life because it can be a hassle to find a charging station when you have a long day ahead of you. The last thing you want to do is be late for a class or, worse, sacrifice your breaks just so you can recharge the batteries.

Most laptops that have longer battery-life duration can be on the expensive side. However, you can always buy an extra battery pack so you can quickly replace the drained one. Additionally, you can also get a portable power bank to help your laptop tide over during long lectures.

Size Matters

If you are in good health, you can probably carry heavier laptops with no problem. However, size matters for those who have disabilities or are just not cut out to support the weight. If you belong to the latter, it’s important to find a laptop that’s not too heavy so you can lug it with you the whole day.

Portability is an important feature, so opt for thinner or larger machines that are available within your budget. Keep in mind that smaller and affordable laptops may not have the same computing power as their higher-end and bulkier counterparts do. You may want to rethink your options if you’re looking for beefier specs.

Be Particular about Specs

For some, buying a laptop is considered a luxury. You’re better off buying one expensive laptop than buy a cheap one year after year. If you want to use one computer for the entire duration of your schooling, be particular about the specs.

An inexpensive laptop may be easier on your wallet, but it’s most likely made up of slower processors or mediocre graphics performance. It probably won’t last for two years, and its retirement can come at an inconvenient time when you need a laptop the most.

Some specifications you need to see include the CPU, graphics chip, and RAM. You need components that will last for more than a couple of years or until you’re confident you have saved up enough to buy a new one. You don’t need to worry about storage because you can easily buy external hard drives or SSD nowadays.

Invest in Cooling Vents

Laptops in use are bound to heat up. Since they’re usually used at school, there’s a chance you may set them down on your lap because there are no tables around or because it’s more convenient for you.

Letting your machine heat up can be bad and uncomfortable on your skin. Get yourself a cooling pad if you anticipate copious laptop use in the future. The more you help your laptop cool down, the longer it will last.

Protective Covering

Over the course of using the laptop, there will be inevitable accidents that will happen. It helps to protect your laptop from these incidences, so get yourself a laptop sleeve. They don’t cost much, but they can help shield your machine from bumps, debris, and even liquids.

What other things should a student consider when buying a laptop for school? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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