Last Updated on October 25, 2024
Choosing the right laptop for students can be a crucial decision, considering the needs for versatility, performance, portability, and affordability. Whether it’s for taking notes, programming, graphic designing, or casual browsing, students need reliable devices that balance power and portability. Below is a descriptive list of some of the best laptops for students in 2024, tailored for various needs.
Best Laptops for Students
1. Acer Swift Go Intel Evo Thin & Light Premium Laptop
(Image Credit: Acer)
The Acer Swift Go combines sleek portability with powerful performance, making it a top contender for students who need a reliable laptop for daily use. Its lightweight design allows students to carry it effortlessly from class to class, while the vibrant display ensures a rich visual experience. Ideal for tasks such as multimedia creation, coding, or even casual gaming, this laptop is perfect for students who need versatility.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Display: 14-inch 1920×1200 Touch Screen with 100% sRGB (vivid and sharp colors, ideal for design and media)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1355U (powerful for multitasking and performance)
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe (supports light gaming and multimedia editing)
- Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 (fast, efficient multitasking)
- Storage: 512GB Gen 4 SSD (quick boot times, ample storage for files and apps)
- Battery Life: Up to 10-12 hours (all-day usage)
- Weight: Less than 3 pounds (portable, ideal for on-the-go students)
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
Who is it best for?
Students involved in creative fields like design or those who need a lightweight yet powerful laptop for multitasking.
2. Lenovo Thinkbook 16 Ultra 7
(Image Credit: Lenovo)
The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Ultra 7 is a powerhouse designed for students who need serious computing power. With its large display and high-end specs, this laptop is suitable for demanding tasks such as programming, engineering simulations, and running complex applications. The AI Experience Copilot feature further enhances productivity by offering intelligent predictions and optimizations based on user behavior.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Display: 16-inch FHD (larger screen for productivity and multitasking)
- Processor: Intel 16-Core (ideal for heavy computing tasks)
- Graphics: Intel Arc (excellent for graphic-intensive tasks like video editing and 3D modeling)
- Memory: 32GB DDR5 RAM (handles intensive multitasking)
- Storage: 1TB SSD (ample space for storing large files, faster data access)
- Special Features: AI Experience Copilot, Thunderbolt port, Backlit Keyboard (productivity and flexibility in various environments)
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
Who is it best for?
Students in fields like engineering, data science, or AI who require a powerful machine capable of handling resource-heavy applications.
3. Dell Latitude 3540
(Image Credit: Dell)
The Dell Latitude 3540 is built for business students or those who require a reliable, durable laptop for everyday tasks. Its 15.6-inch display offers a larger screen perfect for working on documents, presentations, and other productivity tools. With its robust build and high-performance internals, this laptop is ideal for long hours of work and multitasking, from running productivity suites to handling web research and data-heavy projects.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (sharp visuals, good for productivity)
- Processor: Intel i5-1235U (10-core, surpasses older i7 models in performance)
- Graphics: Integrated Intel Graphics (sufficient for business tasks and light multimedia work)
- Memory: 16GB DDR4 RAM (solid for multitasking and handling multiple applications)
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD (quick data access and file storage)
- Special Features: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Windows 11 Pro (enhanced connectivity and business-class security)
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
Who is it best for?
Business students or students needing a reliable laptop with solid performance for everyday tasks.
4. Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320
(Image Credit: dell)
The Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 is a premium choice for students who value a compact design without sacrificing performance. Its edge-to-edge display and ultra-thin bezels create an immersive viewing experience, while the 12-core Intel i7 processor offers outstanding performance for demanding tasks. This laptop is perfect for students who need to run various applications simultaneously, such as programming, video editing, or creative design tools.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Display: 13.4-inch Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) (vibrant and high-resolution)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1260P (12-core, excellent for multitasking)
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe (capable of handling media work and light gaming)
- Memory: 16GB On-Board RAM (enough for running multiple apps smoothly)
- Storage: 512GB SSD (fast storage for apps, media, and files)
- Special Features: Sleek design, edge-to-edge display, touchscreen
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
Who is it best for?
Students seeking a high-performance, portable laptop for creative tasks, multimedia, or programming.
5. Apple MacBook Air 2024 (M3 Chip)
(Image Credit: Apple)
The 2024 MacBook Air with the new M3 chip continues Apple’s tradition of providing exceptional performance in a thin, lightweight design. The M3 chip enhances both performance and power efficiency, making this model perfect for students who need a reliable machine that can last all day without needing to be charged. Its beautiful 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display offers excellent color accuracy and sharpness, making it ideal for media consumption and content creation.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (stunning, sharp visuals)
- Processor: Apple M3 Chip (powerful performance and energy-efficient)
- Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU (great for media editing and design)
- Memory: 8GB Unified Memory (handles multiple tasks efficiently)
- Storage: 256GB SSD (quick access to files and apps)
- Special Features: Backlit Keyboard, Touch ID (secure and convenient)
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
Who is it best for?
Students in creative fields who appreciate Apple’s ecosystem or need a reliable, high-performance laptop for long-lasting productivity.
6. Dell Inspiron 7425 2-in-1
(Image Credit: Dell)
The Dell Inspiron 7425 is a versatile laptop that combines functionality with flexibility, perfect for students who want a hybrid device. The 2-in-1 feature allows the laptop to convert into a tablet, making it an excellent choice for note-taking, presentations, or watching lectures. The AMD Ryzen 5 5625U processor provides ample power for day-to-day tasks, while the 14-inch FHD+ touchscreen ensures a vibrant, interactive experience.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Display: 14-inch FHD+ Touchscreen (clear, responsive for tablet mode)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5625U (solid performance for multitasking)
- Memory: 8GB RAM (sufficient for general usage and productivity)
- Storage: 512GB SSD (good amount of storage for apps and files)
- Special Features: 2-in-1 design, Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader (added flexibility and security)
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
Who is it best for?
Students who want a versatile device for both productivity and creative tasks, ideal for switching between traditional laptop use and tablet mode.
7. ASUS VivoBook 16
(Image Credit: ASUS)
The ASUS VivoBook 16 is perfect for students who prefer a larger display but still want the portability of a laptop. The 16-inch WUXGA display provides plenty of screen space for multitasking, whether you’re working on essays, browsing multiple windows, or editing media. Its AMD Ryzen 5 7530U processor ensures solid performance for general usage, while the integrated AMD Radeon graphics handle light gaming and media work.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Display: 16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) (large, clear display)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7530U (good for daily tasks and multitasking)
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics (supports basic media editing and gaming)
- Memory: 8GB RAM (enough for most student needs)
- Storage: 512GB SSD (plenty of space for documents and media)
- Special Features: Fingerprint Sensor, Windows 11 Home (secure, modern OS)
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
Who is it best for?
Students who need a larger display for multitasking and prefer an affordable, reliable laptop with solid specs.
8. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chrome
(Image Credit: Lenovo)
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chrome is a budget-friendly option for students who need a basic laptop for browsing, writing, and online learning. With Chrome OS, this device runs efficiently with minimal hardware resources, which makes it ideal for students who primarily work with Google Apps (like Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive) or those who prefer cloud storage. The Intel N-Series N100 Quad-core processor is energy-efficient and perfect for basic computing tasks such as writing papers, attending online classes, or streaming videos.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Display: 14-inch FHD (sharp enough for casual work and streaming)
- Processor: Intel N-Series N100 Quad-core (designed for basic tasks)
- Memory: 4GB On-Board RAM (sufficient for Chrome OS tasks)
- Storage: 64GB Flash Memory (enough for Chrome OS; relies on cloud storage)
- Operating System: Chrome OS (fast, lightweight, and integrates well with Google services)
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
Who is it best for?
Students who need an affordable, lightweight laptop primarily for web-based tasks and productivity. It’s perfect for those who use Google Workspace heavily.
9. Apple MacBook Pro 2023 (M3 chip)
(Image Credit: Apple)
The 2023 MacBook Pro with the M3 chip is a performance beast, tailored for students who need a laptop that can handle high-demand tasks. Whether you’re an art student working with large video files, a computer science major running simulations, or simply a power user, the M3 chip offers groundbreaking efficiency and speed. The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is perfect for color-sensitive work like photo and video editing, thanks to its high contrast, brightness, and color accuracy.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR (outstanding visual clarity and contrast)
- Processor: M3 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU (unparalleled speed and efficiency for creative tasks)
- Memory: 8GB Unified Memory (optimized for multitasking and heavy workflows)
- Storage: 1TB SSD (massive storage for large files, videos, and projects)
- Special Features: Backlit Keyboard, macOS, Touch ID (security and Apple’s integrated ecosystem)
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
Who is it best for?
Students in creative fields (graphic design, video editing) or those who need a high-end laptop capable of running multiple intensive applications simultaneously.
10. HP Pavilion Aero 13.3 inch Laptop
(Image Credit: HP)
The HP Pavilion Aero 13.3-inch is an excellent lightweight option for students on the move. Despite its compact size, it delivers solid performance thanks to the AMD Ryzen 5 8640U processor and 16GB of RAM, ensuring that students can seamlessly run various applications at once, from word processing to light photo editing. The WUXGA display is a highlight, offering bright and clear visuals, and its small form factor makes it perfect for carrying around campus. The AMD Radeon graphics provide decent support for multimedia tasks, though it’s not designed for heavy gaming or high-end graphics work.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Display: 13.3-inch WUXGA (crisp and bright, great for working on documents and multimedia)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 8640U (excellent for multitasking and mid-range performance)
- Graphics: AMD Radeon (handles light photo/video editing)
- Memory: 16GB RAM (plenty for multitasking and performance-driven tasks)
- Storage: 512GB SSD (large enough for storing multiple files and projects)
- Special Features: Copilot Key, Windows 11 Home (great for productivity)
TODAY’S BEST DEAL
Who is it best for?
Students who need a portable, lightweight laptop for general productivity, online research, and light multimedia editing.
Choosing the right laptop for students in 2024 involves balancing portability, performance, and budget, while also considering the specific needs of the student. Whether you’re a creative professional, a business student, or just someone looking for a reliable device for everyday use, there’s a laptop on this list for you.
For students who need power and portability, laptops like the Acer Swift Go and Dell XPS 13 Plus offer impressive specs in lightweight designs. If you’re in a technical or engineering field, the Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Ultra and Dell Latitude 3540 provide the processing power and multitasking capabilities to handle heavy workloads. Creative students and Apple enthusiasts will find the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro excellent options for media editing, design, and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem.
For those who want affordability without compromising on performance, laptops like the ASUS VivoBook 16, HP Pavilion Aero, and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chrome deliver essential features at competitive prices.
Each of these laptops has its strengths, and the best choice depends on the user’s specific academic requirements. Whether you prioritize lightweight portability, superior display quality, or raw computing power, this list offers a range of options tailored to meet the diverse needs of students in 2024.
