As we step into 2024, finding the best computer for college has never been more critical. With a range of coursework, projects, and research demands, students require reliable and efficient machines. Whether you’re looking for a laptop for taking notes, performing tasks, or preparing presentations, this article will guide you through the top-rated computers available on Amazon.
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HP Newest 14" Ultral Light Laptop for Students and Business, Intel Quad-Core N4120, 8GB RAM, 192GB... | $249.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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HP Portable Laptop, Student and Business, 14" HD Display, Intel Quad-Core N4120, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 64GB... | $217.92 | Buy on Amazon | |
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LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack for Women Work Travel Backpack Business Commuter Computer Bag Teacher... | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack, Business Anti Theft Slim Sturdy Laptops Backpack with USB Charging... | $17.59 | Buy on Amazon | |
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HP Chromebook 14 Laptop, Intel Celeron N4000 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB eMMC, 14” HD Display,... | $192.90 | Buy on Amazon | |
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YALUNDISI Vintage Backpack Travel Laptop Backpack with usb Charging Port for Women & Men College... | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Laptop Backpack,Business Travel Anti Theft Slim Durable Laptops Backpack with USB Charging... | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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![MAXTOP Deep Storage Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port[Water Resistant] College Computer Bookbag Fits 15 Inch Laptop Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41uV0ec26SL.jpg)
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MAXTOP Deep Storage Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port[Water Resistant] College Computer Bookbag... | $19.97 | Buy on Amazon | |
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SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port, College High School Backpack... | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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KROSER TSA Friendly Travel Laptop Backpack 17.3 inch XL Computer Backpack Water-Repellent College... | $46.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Contents
- Buying Guide for the Best Computer for College
- 1. Performance
- 2. Portability
- 3. Battery Life
- 4. Display Quality
- 5. Storage
- 6. Budget
- Top 10 Computers for College in 2024
- 1. Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
- 2. Dell XPS 13 (2024 Model)
- 3. HP Envy x360 (2023)
- 4. Lenovo IdeaPad 5
- 5. ASUS VivoBook 15
- 6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
- 7. Acer Swift 3
- 8. Razer Blade Stealth 13
- 9. ASUS ZenBook 14
- 10. HP Pavilion x360
- Conclusion
Buying Guide for the Best Computer for College
Before delving into the top 10 products, let’s discuss some essential factors you should consider when choosing the best computer for college:
1. Performance
The first consideration is the processing power. Look for at least an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPU for multitasking and running applications efficiently. A higher RAM of 8GB or more is recommended, especially for students in programs involving graphic design or data analysis.
2. Portability
As a student, you’ll likely carry your computer around campus frequently. Thus, weight and size matter. Aim for a lightweight laptop with a slim profile that makes it easy to slide into your backpack.
3. Battery Life
No student wants to be tied to a wall outlet. Choose a laptop that can last a full day on a single charge, ideally about 8 hours or more, to ensure it can keep up with your on-the-go lifestyle.
4. Display Quality
A good display is vital for long study sessions. Look for at least a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution to minimize eye strain during extensive use. Touch screens can also be beneficial for certain applications.
5. Storage
Fast storage is crucial for boot times and application launches. Consider a laptop with an SSD (Solid State Drive) instead of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for much faster performance. A minimum of 256GB SSD is recommended for most students.
6. Budget
While it’s easy to get carried away with features, it’s essential to stick to your budget. There are several great options available across various price points, catering to both frugal students and those looking to invest a bit more.
Top 10 Computers for College in 2024
1. Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
The Apple MacBook Air remains a staple for college students due to its sleek design and powerful internals. Powered by the M2 chip, it offers fantastic performance with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. The Retina display is vibrant and ideal for graphic-intensive tasks.
With a battery life of up to 18 hours, you won’t need to worry about charging while attending classes all day. Plus, with macOS, you have access to a robust suite of applications tailored for productivity and creativity.
Its lightweight design makes it extremely portable for students on the move, making it the best computer for college if you’re into graphic design or require a robust ecosystem for academic work.
- STRIKINGLY THIN DESIGN — The redesigned MacBook Air is more portable than ever and weighs just 2.7 pounds. It’s the incredibly capable laptop that lets you work, play or create just about anything — anywhere.
- SUPERCHARGED BY M2 — Get more done faster with a next-generation 8-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU and up to 24GB of unified memory.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. It draws on your personal context while setting a brand-new standard for privacy in AI. Coming in beta this fall.
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Go all day and into the night, thanks to the power-efficient performance of the Apple M2 chip.
- BIG, BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY — The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display features over 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide color and support for 1 billion colors for vibrant images and incredible detail.
2. Dell XPS 13 (2024 Model)
The Dell XPS 13 is consistently praised for its performance and build quality. The 2024 model comes with a 13.4-inch Full HD+ InfinityEdge display, powered by up to an Intel i7, paired with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. This compact laptop makes it a perfect choice for both students and professionals.
The battery life reaches up to 12 hours, which is commendable for a laptop of this size. Its sleek aluminum chassis and vibrant display are additional perks, making this one of the best laptops for college students who value aesthetics and performance.
- 【Powerful Performance】The Dell XPS 15 Business Laptop is equipped with 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H processor(24 MB cache, 10 cores, up to 4.90 GHz Turbo). Faster processors can access data faster without being blocked, allowing you to react quickly without waiting when processing large data or running demanding software, bringing a superior creative experience.
- 【Graphics】Equipped with Intel Arc Graphics A370M, which is significantly improved compared to integrated graphics cards. The A3 series graphics cards can run most mainstream games smoothly at 1080p quality.Intel Arc A370M Graphics allow you to import, edit and publish videos in full 8K.
- 【15.6" FHD+ Display】 The stunning 4-sided InfinityEdge display enables a large 16:10 screen and 92.9% screen-to-body ratio. 1920x1200 resolution, 60Hz, Anti-Glare, 500 nit, InfinityEdge with excellent color imaging. Large screens allow you to enjoy the immersive multimedia experience in the area.Integrated Eyesafe display technology reduces harmful blue light while maintaining vivid color.
- 【Upgrade】Equipped with Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM (4800 MT/s )significantly improves computer performance. Up to 2TB M.2, PCIe NVMe SSD storage space, free to store various data. It has faster startup times and more efficient data access.
- 【Windows 11 Pro & Lifetime Office】Stay up-to-date with the latest features and security enhancements using Windows 11 Pro. Enjoy a modern and intuitive user interface, enhanced productivity tools, and advanced security features for a seamless computing experience.𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙤𝙛𝙩 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖𝙡 2021 - Make the most out of your Microsoft Office: Bring your ideas to life. Get your hands on Microsoft Office for free, forever.(Any upgrade issues please send message)
3. HP Envy x360 (2023)
The HP Envy x360 offers versatility with its 2-in-1 design, catering to students who appreciate flexibility. It features an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, providing excellent performance for multitasking.
The 15.6-inch touchscreen display is perfect for presentations, and it transforms into a tablet, making it a great option for artists or those who prefer handwritten notes. Battery life is around 10 hours, enough for a full day of lectures.
- 【Memory & Storage】 Memory is 16GB high-bandwidth RAM to run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once smoothly, Hard Drive is 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer, and ample storage space
- 【Processor】 AMD Ryzen 5 5500U 2.1GHz 6-Core Processor up to 4.0GHz, AMD Radeon Graphics
- 【Screen】 15.6" diagonal FHD, IPS, micro-edge, WLED-backlit, multitouch-enabled, edge-to-edge glass (1920 x 1080)
- 【Ports】1 x USB 3.1 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x headphone/microphone combo, 1 x Multi-format SD media card reader; Wireless-AX Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 5
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on performance. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The 15.6-inch Full HD display offers vivid colors and clarity.
With a battery life of around 12 hours, it’s great for students needing all-day reliability. Its solid build quality, decent speakers, and ample ports make it the best computer for college students on a budget.
- MULTITASKING MASTER - The IdeaPad 1 is a thin and compact laptop that offers responsive performance and anticipates your every need for effortless on-the-go multitasking
- MORE EXPANSIVE DISPLAY - Indulge in a better binging experience by immersing yourself in your favorite shows with a borderless display for more screen while listening to clear, rich audio from two Dolby Audio speakers
- PERFORMANCE ON THE GO - Zip along while multitasking across several tabs, the new AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor built on UMA architecture delivers punchy mobile performance with a 20W thermal design point
- LIGHTEST PART OF YOUR DAY - Weighing just 3.5 lbs, the effortlessly cool cloud grey laptop is lighter than your water bottle and just as essential
- SOLID SECURITY - Keep your home life private and be seen only when you want to be with the 720p camera that comes with a physical privacy shutter
5. ASUS VivoBook 15
The ASUS VivoBook 15 strikes a balance between performance and price. Featuring a 15.6-inch Full HD display, Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, it provides good performance for everyday tasks.
Its lightweight build enhances portability, and the battery lasts up to 8 hours, making it suitable for students on the go. The stylish design with a range of color options is appealing to younger users, making it one of the best computers for college students looking for something trendy.
- 15.6” NANOEDGE DISPLAY — Super slim bezel design with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate, vibrant 45% NTSC color gamut and 250-nit sustained brightness
- AMD Ryzen 5 7520U PROCESSOR — Designed for thin laptops, this processor gives you fast performance for browsing and light gaming with longer battery life with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
- 8GB MEMORY + 512GB STORAGE — Faster memory that smoothly runs multiple applications at once with supersized storage for files, documents and more
- WI-FI 5 AND BLUETOOTH 5.1 — Seamlessly and quickly connect your devices
- SOUND BY SONICMASTER — Crisp, multi-dimensional sound with built-in speakers and an array microphone
6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is known for its premium build and portability. Equipped with the latest Intel i5 or i7 processors, 8GB RAM, and an SSD ranging from 256GB to 1TB, it handles demanding tasks effortlessly.
The 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen offers an immersive experience, and with a battery life of around 15 hours, it is definitely advantageous for long classes. The elegant design and outstanding performance make it an appealing option for college students.
- With 16 GB of memory, runs as many programs as you want without losing the execution
- The 13.5" 2256 x 1504 screen provides a great movie watching experience
- 512 GB SSD is enough to store your essential documents and files, favorite songs, movies and pictures
- 18 Hours battery run time helps you stay unwired and work longer non-stop
7. Acer Swift 3
The Acer Swift 3 is a budget-friendly ultrabook perfect for students. Featuring an Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, it manages everyday tasks with ease. Its lightweight design (under 3 pounds) makes it extremely portable.
The 14-inch Full HD IPS display ensures better viewing angles and clarity. Battery life lasts up to 12 hours, providing a reliable computer that can last throughout your busy schedule without frequent charging.
- Get high performance, responsiveness and long battery life with the Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor - up to 4.7GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12MB Intel Smart Cache
- 14" Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Widescreen LED-backlit 100% sRGB Display | Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 8GB Onboard LPDDR4X Memory and 256GB NVMe SSD
- 1 - USB Type-C Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) DisplayPort over USB Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 & USB Charging | 1 - USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (featuring power-off charging) | 1 - USB 2.0 port | 1 - HDMI port
- Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 | Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution | Up to 16 Hours Battery Life
8. Razer Blade Stealth 13
For students interested in gaming or graphic design, the Razer Blade Stealth 13 is an exceptional choice. It boasts an Intel i7, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, providing a powerful combination for multitasking and gaming.
The 13.3-inch Full HD display sports incredible color accuracy, making it perfect for creative professionals. Battery life around 10 hours means you can get through your day while still engaging in gaming or creative projects.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Designed for mobility: Ultra-thin, light and incredibly durable with a cnc unibody aluminum frame and long battery life.
- 120hz full HD thin bezel display: Super-fast 120hz full HD display that enables smooth visuals in games, with 100% sRGB color space.
- Razer chroma keyboard and precision touchpad: keyboard featuring single-zone rgb lighting with 16.8 million color options, and a precision glass touchpad.
- Complete connectivity — Includes thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, wireless AX, HD webcam utilizing windows hello, and 4-array mics.
9. ASUS ZenBook 14
The ASUS ZenBook 14 is a powerhouse housed in a compact design. It features an Intel i5, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, enabling excellent performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking. The 14-inch NanoEdge display offers stunning visuals.
With a battery life of up to 12 hours, you’ll find it reliable during long study sessions. Additionally, it maintains a sleek and professional appearance, making it suitable for class presentations or internships.
- 【Memory & Storage】The PC memory has been upgraded to 16GB DDR4 SDRAM for enhanced high bandwidth to easily switch back and forth between open applications; the Hard drive has been upgraded to 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD for fast boot-up and speedy data transfer
- 【Processor】13th Gen Intel Evo Platform Core i7-13700H Processor (14 Cores, 20 threads, 24MB L3 Cache, base at 1.80GHz, up to 5.00GHz), with Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 【Screen】14.5-inch, 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED Touch screen, (Screen-to-body ratio)89%
- 【Tech Specs】1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 , 1 x HDMI, 1 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth; Backlit Keyboard (On: F7); Windows 11 Pro
10. HP Pavilion x360
The HP Pavilion x360 is another excellent 2-in-1 device that caters to versatility and functionality. With an Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD, it handles multiple tasks competently.
The flexibility to use it as a laptop or tablet is perfect for note-taking and presentations. Battery life reaches around 9 hours, giving you a good amount of time to engage in study sessions without plugging in.
- FULL HD TOUCH DISPLAY - Intuitive touchscreen technology lets you control your PC right from the vibrant 1920 x 1080 screen, plus be entertained any way you choose with this PC’s 360-degree design
- INTEL CORE PROCESSOR - Offering more than just a performance score, this 13th Generation Intel Core i3-1315U processor advances real-world computing and delivers more ultra-efficient multi-tasking
- INTEL UHD GRAPHICS - Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite games
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage; and enjoy higher bandwidth and boosted performance with 8 GB DDR4 RAM memory
- GET A FRESH PERSPECTIVE WITH WINDOWS 11 HOME - From a rejuvenated Start menu, to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and content—Windows 11 is the place to think, express, and create in a natural way
Conclusion
Choosing the best computer for college in 2024 can dramatically impact your academic success. Each of these contenders offers unique features tailored to different user preferences and requirements. Whether you need a powerful laptop for demanding applications or a lightweight option for portability, it’s vital to assess your specific needs against the options listed.
From the advanced MacBook Air to the versatile Dell XPS 13, the choices are plentiful. Be sure to weigh the performance metrics, battery life, display quality, and your budget before making a decision. With any of these selections, you’re bound to find a laptop that suits your college needs and supports your educational endeavors.
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.