Mistatech® •••Tips to buy laptop for students

Going off to high school or college without a decent laptop is like refusing to use pencil and paper. It instantly puts a ceiling on how much students can learn, how far they can go and how many lifelong abilities they can acquire. But don't just buy whatever is on sale; you need the right laptop for your specific needs.

Whether you're a student yourself or are shopping on behalf of a student, we've compiled eight tips on choosing the right student laptop to enhance learning now and in the future. Here are our quick tips, plus all the details you need to know.



Quick Tips

1. Go portable: 11- to 14-inch screen size, less than 4 pounds

2. Durability matters: Spill-resistant keyboards, MIL-SPEC tested are pluses.

3. Recommended specs: Intel Core m or Core i CPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Chromebooks can have less.

4. OS Options: Chromebooks are good for kids. Windows is best for productivity, but macOS is for art/design students.

5. Battery life: 8+ hours is ideal; 6+ hours is required.

6. Keyboard and touchpad: Look for responsive keys with deep travel.

7. Consider a 2-in-1: Great for drawing, pen-based note taking, working while standing up