subject: Choosing The Best Laptops For College Students [print this page] College students rely on their laptop computers for nearly everything from writing papers and conducting Internet research to keeping in touch with their friends. Today, because so many different options exist in the world of mobile technology, it's important to shop around when trying to select the best laptops for college students. Price is unfortunately one of the main factors to consider though, because of high college tuition rates. It's important to research options before buying a laptop because even within a strict price range, a lot of flexibility is available. The best laptops for college students take the following factors into consideration:
Screen Size
The most popular laptops are around 15 inches, but screens can range in size from 10 inches for the smallest netbooks to 22 inch wide screens. Students should select a screen size large enough to use for comfortably completing lengthy assignments, but also need to consider mobility and should purchase a laptop that is small enough to easily transport from the dorm to the classroom.
RAM and Hard Disk
For adequate speed and performance, the recommended minimum RAM for a college student's laptop is 2GB. Also suggested is a minimum hard disk capacity of 160 GB, which should provide enough storage space for the average student over the course of four years.
Primary Function
What a computer will be used for used for, specifically, should be considered when selecting the best laptops for college students. Students studying graphic design, for example, should purchase a computer with more RAM and an advanced graphics card and business students will probably want to select a laptop with a simple, professional exterior design. Those who take online classes might want to choose a larger screen size because they'll be spending an increased amount of time on their computer.
The most important advice when choosing the best laptops for college students is to consider all of these factors and purchase a laptop based on criteria which most closely fits the student's needs.
