Some colleges and universities prefer to keep technical support concentrated on one platform, cutting down on software compatibility issues. Regardless of your personal preference, it may be best to check with your school for specific system requirements. There's no shortage of debate about whether Windows laptops are better than macOS laptops, or vice versa. Make sure your university's remote learning platform is web-based before committing to a Chromebook. For instance, Google Chromebooks are popular computers for students because they're cheap, efficient, and easy to use, but they come with a downside.Ĭhromebooks can't install software that isn't available on Google's online store, including programs like Microsoft Word, which is a problem if your college requires students to download specific applications. Your laptop needs to be adaptable for outside applications. If you're not sure what you need, contact the IT department at your school for advice. Some choices - such as wanting a bigger screen - come down to personal preference. You should also consider types of ports, RAM (the memory of a computer), and screen size. The processor is one of several specifications and components to consider when buying a laptop. While a faster processing speed may raise the price of a laptop, it also makes them more efficient. We've compiled the following tips and recommendations to help you research one of the best technology gifts for a college student in 2020: a laptop.Ī processor controls how fast a computer runs programs or completes tasks. You want to consider every laptop's specifications to make sure you spend your money wisely. Everything else - battery life, size and weight, keyboard and trackpad - is secondary, though still significant. In most cases, the most critical factor is the price-to-performance ratio, which helps you decide if the tag matches the performance durability. Each model has unique bells and whistles. With all that in mind, what is the best laptop in 2020? It's difficult to say. It's best to understand how a student will be using a laptop before getting them a present that falls short or aims too big. One might want a simple word processor that can also stream Netflix, while another may need a powerhouse for design and engineering. How students use their computers often varies, depending on their college major. But finding a laptop that's both built to last and meets their needs can be challenging, especially if you're buying it as a gift. It's their tool of choice when they're up against a deadline for an assignment, putting the finishing touches on a group project, or writing papers at dawn.

The right laptop can make all the difference for a college student.

Microsoft student discount on laptops