Best Laptops for College Students:
Every college student knows that owning a good laptop is an absolute necessity, not a luxury. The vast majority of your coursework is now done on your laptop. Writing a research paper is an especially important factor in the mix of reasons. College life is more demanding than you ever imagined. There is no practical way to make it through without a laptop that functions well. Some students care more about memory, display, or storage. While others care more about the look and practical functionality for everyday use. Either way, there are some standard points that warrant deliberation.
You want to take into consideration a number of things when choosing which laptop to buy, the make being one of them. Other factors include durability, battery life, core specifications, and so forth. You’ll want to buy a laptop that is fast, so consider a dual-core i5 or i7 processor at 2.4 GHz, with 8GB of Ram. The issue is that these processors usually means the cost will be higher.
Although you can buy external hard drives for storage space, an internal hard drive with 320 GB (5400 RPM) is typically recommended. If you’re on-the-go a lot, I would suggest looking at the weight and size of your laptop choice as well. You don’t want to be lugging around a bulky laptop in your backpack all day. If you are a total tech novice, here is a beginners guide to understanding computer specifications. Amazon also has helpful laptop buying tips. Digit is another great site, you can set price drop alerts as well!
To make your hunt for a laptop a little easier, or at the very least to give you a starting point, we have created a list of some of the best laptops for college students. Given that price could be a deciding factor for you, we have tried to stick to the more affordable yet sturdy options. Of course, cheaper laptops may not be the best in terms of core specifications. We have also listed some of the more expensive options, but as college students, it might be helpful to consider these options that are still worthy. Luckily prices have actually dropped in the recent past. You can use websites like, amazon,TechBargains, and Overstock to find some good deals on laptops once you have an idea of what you’re looking for. This list starts with the most affordable, moving on to the most expensive.
On the more affordable side,
1. Lenovo IdeaPad 20E-15ISK 320E 15.6-inch Laptop
Cost: Between Rs 27-29,000.
Definately one of the most afforable option there. Currently, the price is in the Rs 27,000 range. The design is rather sleek an classy, with a solid build, and non-glossay display. However, he battery life of this laptop is only adequete. It performs decently, but i wouldn’t recommend pushing it too fast.
Specifications:
- 2GHz Intel Core i3-6006U processor
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB 5400rpm hard drive
- 6-inch screen, Integrated Graphics
- DOS operating system
- 2.0kg laptop
Here is detailed information on Lenovo IdeaPad’s.
Cost: Starting at RS.40,278
While this one is slightly more expensive, it does come with powerful intel technology, and some impressive security features. The battery life on this laptop is pretty good, up to 13 hours. The screen size and hard drive ensure that you can breeze through your tasks for the day.
Specifications:
- 3GHz Intel Core i3-7020U 7th Gen processor
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB 5400rpm hard drive
- 14-inch screen, Integrated Graphics
- Windows 10 Pro operating system
- 7.5kg laptop
- Touch FPR with anti-spoofing
- Ultra-sleek id with narrow beezel display
3. HP Notebook 15-DA0326TU
Cost: Starting at Rs.31,300
This is a pretty good option. The design is thin and light, with an average battery life of 7 hours and fast charging. The laptop also comes with Windows 10 home preinstalled, as well as an HDMI cable, two USB 3.0, and one USB 2.0.
Specifications:
- 7th Gen Intel Core i3-7100U processor, 2.4GHz
- 3MB cache
- Pre-loaded Windows 10 Home with lifetime validity
- 6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) WLED display
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Intel HD Graphics 620
- 1TB HDD
- Multi-touch gesture support
- 2 kg
Warranty: This genuine HP laptop comes with a 1-year domestic warranty from HP covering manufacturing defects and not covering physical damage.
4. Asus Vivobook X541U
Cost: Starting at Rs.28,800
This laptop is pretty stylish and powerful. It is backed with Lithium a Li-ion battery, that can keep your laptop running for around 3 hours. So, not the best battery life but definitely affordable. Another potential perk is that the Asus comes with Dual and SonicMaster audio.
Specifications:
- Core i3-7100U 2.40 GHz
- 3M Cache
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB HDD / DVDRW
- Intel HD Graphics
- 6″ FHD Anti- Glare
- 1 x HDMI / 1 x VGA port / 1 x USB3.0 / 1 x USB 3.0 / 1 x USB 2.0
- DOS / 1 Year Warranty
- 1.19 KGs
5. Acer Swift 3 SF315-52G-52XD
Cost: Rs.54,979
Slightly on the expensive side, but this product does come with an EMI option. (On a side note, this could be a great way for you to starting building a credit score, if you don’t already have one.)
Specifications:
- 15 8th / 8GM RAM
- RAM +16 GB
- OCTANE/NVIDIA MX 150
- DDR 5 GRAPHICS/
- 6″ Full HD IPS/Back
- LIT Keyboard/Windows
- 10+MS-Office 2016-NX.H1NSI.002
Cost: Rs.69,080
This would an awesome choice with a battery life of over 20 hours. It is thin and attractive. If you need a hybrid for computing and tablet use, and to it keep running all day long, suppose this is a price compromise that could be worth making. It is also an elegant design.
Specifications:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
- Adreno 540
- 8192MB
- 3-inch WUXGA+ LED IPS (1,920 x 1,280)
- 256GB GB
- WUXGA+ (1920 X 1280) touch display for ultimate interactivity
- 1,000 hours of connected standby
- Simultaneous Pen and Touch support
- 9mm
- 1.3kg with keyboard)
- 3-inch
- Up to 22 hours
- Bang & Olufsen Audi
- Windows 10 S
Connectivity: 4G LTE, Nano SIM, USB 2.0 Type-C, 5mm audio jack, microSD card
Getting more expensive…
1. HP Envy 13t
Cost: Rs.77,990
Whether typing up a 100-page thesis or just taking notes in class, having a comfortable, responsive keyboard allows you to get more work done faster! HP’s Envy 13t has one of the best keyboards in the industry, along with a lightweight aluminum chassis and nearly 10 hours of battery life.
Specifications:
- 6GHz Intel Core i5-8250U (1.6 GHz base frequency, up to 3.4 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB cache, 4 cores) 8th Gen processor
- 8GB LPDDR3-2133 SDRAM RAM
- 256GB hard drive
- 3-inch screen, NVIDIA GeForce MX150 (2 GB GDDR5 dedicated) 2GB Graphics
- Windows 10 Home operating system
- 10 hours of battery life, 1.21kg laptop
- 6 GHz base frequency, up to 3.4 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology
- 6 MB cache
- 4 cores
2. Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Cost: Rs.81,524
Getting more expensive! I know, but that seems about right given Asus’s powerful 8th Gen Core i5 processor with crazy good battery life. Asus meets the ultra-demanding MIL-STD-810G military standard for reliability and durability, undergoing a punishing test regime that includes extended tests for operation in harsh environments including extreme altitudes, temperatures, and humidity. It has also passed Asus internal laptop tests that far exceed the standards set by the industry
Specifications:
- 6 GHz Intel Core i5-8265U Processor 1.6 GHz (6M Cache, up to 3.9 GHz)
- 8GB LPDDR3 RAM
- 512GB hard drive
- 3-inch screen, Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Windows 10 operating system
- 1.9kg laptop
Cost: Rs.69,105
What! All these cool features and it’s affordable! Lenovo Yoga 920 is awesome. Its 360-degree hinged design is a perfect complement to the multi-faceted needs of a student. Over 10 hours of battery life give you plenty of time to get things done without having to power-up. It also folds over! Lenovo, offering 360 audio, flexibility, and luxury!
Specifications:
- 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U mobile processor
- 8GB system memory; 256GB solid state drive (SSD)
- Intel UHD Graphics 620
- 9″ touch screen for hands-on control
- 1920 x 1080 native resolution
- IPS technology
- LED backlight
- Windows 10 Home operating system
- Built for Windows Ink
- Lenovo’s Active Pen 2 stylus included
- 360° flip-and-fold design
- Weighs 3.02 lbs. and measures 0.5″ thin; 4-cell lithium-ion battery
- Bluetooth interface syncs with compatible devices
- 2 Thunderbolt USB Type-C ports/1 USB 3.0 port/ Wireless-AC/Built-in HD webcam with four microphones
- Built-in fingerprint reader
- Headphone/microphone combo jack.
- This laptop does not include a built-in DVD/CD drive.
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop
Cost: Rs.96,500.00
Pricey but another great product. This surprisingly light machine has a 13.5-inch PixelSense Display with the touchscreen, giving users the best of both notebook and table style configuration. The battery life is over 14.5 hours, and I wasn’t exaggerating when I said it was LIGHT. What makes this laptop even cooler is that it offers a number of options to personalize it to the colour you want!
- 60GHz Intel Core i5 7th Gen processor
- 8GB SDRAM RAM
- 256GB hard drive
- 5-inch screen, Intel HD 620 Graphics
- Windows 10 S operating system
5. HP ZBook Studio x360 G5 Convertible Workstation(2-in-One)
Cost: Rs.99,990
If tuition expenses aren’t already burning a hole through their pocket, then engineering students should consider saving up for this awesome laptop. Surprisingly it is thin and light for a workstation, and portable enough to take around campus. One definite perk is the sheer speed of this laptop.
Specifications:
- Windows 10 pro 64bit
- Fingerprint reader
- 1TB/5400 RPM
- 16gb (1x16GB) ddr4 2133
- AMD FirePro Radeon 4190 (2GB)
- LCD 15.6 FHD ag led SVA f/cam slim
- Integrated HD720p DM webcam
- Item Weight: 1.9 Kg
Ok, we’re now entering the super expensive zone. The over 1 lakh zone…
1.HP Spectre x360 (2 -in-One)
Cost: Rs.1,97,893
2-in-ones look luxurious. I once worked with someone who owned this laptop, and I remember thinking to myself, “wow, that laptop really looks good!” It also has a unique colour, it’s elegant, and it has a great battery life of over 12 hours. Great display too. The Specter is also thin, so definitely good if you’re walking around a lot.
Specifications:
- 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8565U mobile processor
- 16GB system memory for intense multitasking and gaming
- 512 GB Solid State Drive (PCI-e)
- 360° flip-and-fold design
- HP Spectre x360 13-ap0033dx
- 4-cell battery
- Power adapter
2. Dell XPS15
Cost: Rs.1,95,990
This model features the signature Killer 1535 Wireless-AC adapter, giving you smooth delivery of online content whilst prioritizing your applications. Need to pull an all-nighter or take notes in a dark classroom? A backlit keyboard helps you to keep up. Overall power, attractively packaged in a slim, compact aluminium design gives you the flexibility that matches a college student’s unpredictable lifestyle.
Specifications:
- Dell XPS 15 9570 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H Processor
- 9MB Cache
- Up to 4.1 GHz, 6 Cores
- 16GB 2x8GB DDR4-2666MHz
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti with 4GB GDDR5
- 512GB M.2 2280 PCIe Solid State Drive
- Windows 10 Professional
- 6″ FHD 1920 x 1080 Anti-Glare Non-touch IPS 100% sRGB 400-Nits display InfinityEdge
- 1year Dell Onsite Warranty
- GST Paid Bill
Cost: Rs.1,32,900
The MacBook Pro combines efficiency with user-friendly, creating a dynamic notebook option for college students. So many features make this a machine worth getting. Apple’s eye-catching Touch Bar and Touch ID are intuitive extras that make your life easier. Apple Pay, intelligent typing features, and automatic adjustments make this a laptop worth your while. Up to 10 hours of battery life, means you won’t have to concern yourself with charging almost for the whole day. Plus, the laptop is light enough so you don’t have to worry at all about added baggage.
Specifications:
- Up to 2.3GHz Intel Core i5 processor
- 8GB LPDDR3 RAM
- 256GB Solid State hard drive
- Intel Iris Plus 640 Graphics
- Mac OS Sierra operating system
- 10 hours battery life, 3.02 Pounds laptop
- Turbo boost up to 3.6GHz
- 720p face time HD camera
If you can, save up for this purchase and try using it as a way to enhance your credit score. We hope that this article was helpful. Thank you for reading!
We at StuCred believe in helping student flourish academically. If you just bought a new laptop and need help funding your education, download StuCred now!
Tags: Best Laptops For College Students, best laptops for college students 2018, best laptop for engineering students, Top laptops for college students
