A laptop is an invaluable tool for the average college student. Often entirely replacing the traditional pencil and paper, the portable device makes everything easier: whether you're writing a paper, sharing files, editing a photo, designing software, or producing a video. As such, it is important to pick the right laptop for the job.
Size
The only reason one should prefer a laptop over a desktop is portability. But even within the realm of laptops, there are different tiers of portability. You wouldn't want to haul this 12-pound monstrosity to class and back every day. A good weight range to aim for is 3-5 pounds. This encompasses most laptops that are not specifically built for gaming.
Screen size is another factor when it comes to portability. Anywhere from 13-15 inches will be small enough to conveniently fit into a backpack while still providing the screen space you need. Personally, I believe 15 inches is the magic sweet spot for a laptop.
Durability
On-the-go computers are much more susceptible to wear and tear (or, more appropriately, crack and smash). Choosing a laptop with an aluminum metal casing over a cheaper, plastic-clad laptop may save you from shelling out more money for a replacement. Some laptops feature keyboard membranes that protect from water damage. It is always a good idea to purchase a laptop sleeve. You might think you are careful enough and don't need one, but so did I—and I paid for it with a cracked screen.
Always, always, always invest in a protection plan. It may seem like a cash grab from Best Buy or Apple, but it can be a lifesaver, especially for new college students. The transition from high school to college is rough, both mentally for the student and physically for a laptop. Adjusting to an entirely new lifestyle and schedule is a little bit easier if you know you are covered if something happens to your brand new laptop amidst the chaos.
Operating System (OS)
Long has the war between Mac and Windows raged, while Linux prospers in a quiet corner. It all comes down to personal preference; maybe your parents had a PC growing up, so you are used to Windows. Maybe you're a hardcore programmer that wants complete control of the computer, so you go Linux. Maybe you like the way the little icons bounce when you click them on a Mac. I don't know. You do you.
If you have no bias one way or the other, or the other, there are different kinds of people who prefer each operating system. As previously stated, Linux hands the reins to the user, and is the ultimate OS for code wizards and power users. Macs are touted for their proficiency in creating art such as music, videos, or digital drawings.
However, buying a Mac means paying for the brand; Apple computers have incredibly low price to performance ratios and are easily matched by cheaper laptops from other brands. Windows is for, well, everyone else. More software is compatible with Windows than the other OSs, as it is the most popular OS. Windows users make up 91.39% of all desktop and laptop users (including Windows 10, 8.1, 7, and Vista). Mac and Linux users make up 6.43% and 2.18% of users respectively.
Specs
Hardware specifications. The most boring part of any computer buying guide. First comes the processor—the brain of the computer. It decides how fast the computer can do things. Any Intel Core i5 or i7 (or AMD equivalent) will work fine. For college students simply looking to write papers, send emails, and browse the internet, a beefy processor is not necessary. However, students doing 3D modeling or animation (such as for a design class) may opt for a higher end processor to meet their software needs.
Random Access Memory, or RAM, is temporary storage. It dictates how many things the laptop can do at once. For the aforementioned average college student, 4 GB of RAM is plenty, and also happens to be a common minimum for modern laptops. For students who want to use multiple resource-hogging applications alongside one another such as Photoshop, a digital audio workstation, or a CAD program, 8 GB or higher is a more appropriate number.
When it comes to storage, our favorite average college student wants to store his or her daily schoolwork and possibly a game or two. Most modern laptops have at least 256 GB of storage, which is plenty. Even for collegiate power users and design students, 256 GB is more than enough to store all your necessary programs and projects. As long as you aren't downloading massive video files or your entire Steam library, you won't run out of space anytime soon.
Now that the basic requirements are out of the way, the rest is personal preference. Do you want a touch screen? Multiple USB ports? A 2-in-1? It's all up to you, and I recommend talking to a specialist face-to-face before making a decision. The brains of Best Buy employees are brimming with nuggets of wisdom, so be sure to listen.
Personally, I prepared for college by purchasing a Lenovo Yoga 720 2-in-1. It was one of maybe a dozen laptops on display at Best Buy, so I didn't have too many choices, but so far it seems like a perfect fit (and Lenovo, if you're reading this, hit me up for a sponsorship).
