Ah, college life. The perfect time for intellectual exploration, self-discovery, and crippling student loan debt. But don't let the latter dampen your spirits – because today we're here to talk about the best laptops for uni students in 2023.
We've scoured the market and narrowed it down to five top contenders that will meet the needs of any college student, whether you're a video editing guru or just need something for basic web browsing and word processing. So without further ado, let's dive in and compare the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4, Acer Chromebook 314, MacBook Air, Acer Swift 3, and Dell XPS 17.
From long battery life to fast processing power, these laptops have it all. So grab your highlighters, your textbooks, and maybe a coffee or two, and let's find you the perfect device to get you through college.
What should students look for in a laptop?
As a wise old saying goes, "The right laptop can make or break your college experience." Okay, maybe that's not an actual saying, but it should be! With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming for students to know what to look for in a laptop. Fear not, my studious friends! I've got you covered. Here are the key things to keep in mind when searching for the best laptop for college:
First and foremost, battery life is your best friend. You don't want to be tethered to an outlet all day, or worse, have your laptop die in the middle of a crucial lecture. Look for laptops with at least 8-10 hours of battery life, but aim for 11 or 12 if you can swing it. The MacBook Air M1 and Dell XPS 17 are both great options if you're looking for excellent battery life.
Next up, consider what you'll be using your laptop for.
If you're studying a creative field like video editing or graphic design, you'll want a laptop with strong processing power and a larger display. The MacBook Pro or Dell XPS 17 are great choices for this. If you're on a tight budget, the Acer Swift 3 is an excellent option with a low price point and good performance.
Another important factor to consider is the keyboard. As a college student, you'll be typing up a storm, so make sure you have a comfortable keyboard that won't cause hand cramps after hours of use. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 and Acer Chromebook 314 both have keyboards that are easy on the fingers.
Lastly, think about the price. As a student, you're probably on a tight budget, so you don't want to break the bank on a laptop. The Acer Chromebook 314 and Acer Swift 3 are both great options if you're looking for a budget laptop, while the Dell XPS 17 and MacBook Air M1 are pricier but offer excellent value. Remember, the best laptop for you is the one that fits your needs and your wallet!
Brief Overview of the 5 Best Laptops for Uni Students
As we scoured the market for the 5 Best Laptops for Uni Students in 2023, we wanted to make sure we found the cream of the crop. That's why we handpicked the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4, Acer Chromebook 314, MacBook Air, Acer Swift 3, and Dell XPS 17 for this exclusive list.
Each of these laptops boasts a unique set of features that are perfect for students in college or university. Need a lightweight, ultra-portable device that can keep up with your busy schedule? Look no further than the Acer Chromebook 314 or the MacBook Air. Or perhaps you're a student with a creative streak, who wants a powerful machine that can handle video editing or other types of creative work. In that case, you'll be thrilled with the Dell XPS 17 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4.
No matter what your needs are, we've got you covered with the best 5 laptops for students. From excellent battery life to affordable prices, these laptops are designed to make your academic life easier and more enjoyable. So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the top laptops for uni students in 2023.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
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Overview
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a great laptop option for students who prioritize both style and substance. It boasts a sleek design and excellent battery life, making it perfect for on-the-go work or study sessions. Its affordable price point also makes it one of the best student laptops on the market.
One of the standout features of the Surface Laptop 4 is its keyboard, which provides a comfortable typing experience that students will appreciate. Additionally, it has a generous 16GB of RAM and up to 256GB SSD, which provide fast performance and ample storage for creative work like video editing or intensive research projects.
For college students who need a device that can handle both work and play, the Surface Laptop 4 is a good option. While it may not be a gaming laptop, its processing power and performance are more than enough for web browsing, word processing, and even some light creative work. And with up to 11 hours of battery life, it can easily last through a full day of classes and studying.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is one of the best college laptops for students who want a budget-friendly device that delivers excellent performance, a comfortable typing experience, and long battery life. Its combination of style and substance makes it a top pick for any student on the hunt for a new laptop.
What Makes this Laptop Great
Well, well, well, let's talk about the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4. This is a laptop that is as stylish as it is powerful, and it certainly packs a punch when it comes to features. For starters, this laptop has an excellent battery life, which is a must-have for students who are constantly on the go. With up to 19 hours of battery life, you can work, watch movies, or even play games without worrying about running out of juice.
Speaking of games, this laptop is not specifically designed for gaming, but it can handle some light gaming pretty well. If you're not a hardcore gamer, this could be a good option for you. It's also great for students who need a device for video editing, as it has a powerful processor that can handle some of the most demanding video editing software.
The keyboard is another standout feature of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4. It's incredibly comfortable to type on, which means you can work on assignments for hours without feeling like your fingers are going to fall off. With up to 16GB of RAM, this laptop can handle a lot of multitasking, so you can have multiple tabs open at once without experiencing any lag.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is also an excellent option for college students on a tight budget. While it's not the cheapest laptop on the market, it offers a lot of value for the price. It has a sleek design and runs on Windows 10, which is perfect for web browsing and word processing. Plus, it has USB-C ports, which are becoming increasingly common and can be used to connect to external monitors or charge other devices.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a great option for students who need a device that is as stylish as it is powerful. It's not the best option for gamers, but it can handle some light gaming, and it's great for video editing and other creative work. With a long battery life, comfortable keyboard, and powerful processor, it's definitely worth considering.
Who was this laptop originally designed for?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 was designed for students who demand a lot from their technology without sacrificing style and portability. It's perfect for those who want to run multiple programs at once, take detailed notes, and complete projects with ease. Whether you're a college student, a professional, or simply looking for a high-quality device, the Surface Laptop 4 has something for everyone.
With a powerful Intel Core i5 processor and up to 16GB of RAM, the Surface Laptop 4 is equipped to handle even the most demanding tasks. Its slim and sleek design, combined with its long battery life and excellent performance, makes it an ideal choice for students who are always on the go. The laptop's comfortable keyboard and large touchpad make it easy to type up assignments, conduct research, or browse the web for hours without feeling fatigued.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is perfect for students who want a powerful, versatile, and stylish device that can keep up with their busy lives. Whether you're working on a research project, writing an essay, or streaming your favorite show, the Surface Laptop 4 is designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable.
What programs can this laptop run?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is no slouch when it comes to performance, and it can handle a variety of programs with ease. From basic word processing to more demanding tasks like video editing, this laptop is up for the challenge. With its Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and 8GB or 16GB of RAM, it can handle multiple programs at once without slowing down. This makes it a great choice for students who need to run several programs at the same time, whether it's for research or for creative projects.
As a laptop designed with students in mind, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 comes pre-installed with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. This makes it an ideal choice for students who need to do a lot of writing and research, as well as for those who need to create presentations for class. And for those who need to use more specialized software, the laptop is compatible with a wide range of programs, including Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, and more.
Whether you're a student who needs a laptop for basic web browsing and word processing or a more demanding user who needs to run complex programs for creative work, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a great option. With its powerful processor, ample RAM, and excellent compatibility with a variety of programs, it's a versatile and reliable choice for anyone who needs a high-performing laptop for school or work.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 has a sleek and stylish design that is perfect for any student who wants to make a statement.
The laptop has a powerful Intel Core processor that can handle heavy multitasking and demanding programs with ease.
It boasts a long battery life, so you won't have to worry about running out of juice during a long study session.
With the Windows operating system, you'll have access to a wide range of programs and applications to help you with your studies and personal projects.
The laptop also has a comfortable keyboard and a high-quality display, making it great for extended use.
Cons:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is not the most affordable laptop on the market, so it may not be the best option for students on a tight budget.
It doesn't have a dedicated graphics card, which means it may not be the best option for gaming or other graphics-intensive tasks.
While it has a good amount of storage space, it may not be enough for students who need to store large files or media.
The laptop doesn't come with a lot of ports, so you may need to purchase additional adapters if you need to connect to external displays or other devices.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a great option for students who want a powerful and stylish laptop that can handle a variety of tasks. While it may not be the most affordable option, its excellent battery life and high-quality display make it a great investment for students who need a reliable device for their studies.
Specifications and Technical Information
Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7
Memory: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x RAM
Storage: 256GB or 512GB or 1TB SSD
Display: 13.5-inch or 15-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 or 2496 x 1664 pixels, respectively
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon graphics
Ports: USB-C, USB-A, Surface Connect, 3.5mm headphone jack
Wireless: Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.0
Camera: 720p HD f2.0 camera with Windows Hello face authentication
Audio: Dual far-field Studio Mics, Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Atmos
Battery Life: Up to 19 hours of typical device usage
Operating System: Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro
Dimensions: 13.4 x 9.6 x 0.6 inches for the 15-inch model and 12.1 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches for the 13.5-inch model
Weight: 3.4 pounds for the 15-inch model and 2.8 pounds for the 13.5-inch model.
User Reviews
"I bought this laptop for my daughter who is starting college this fall, and she loves it! It's super lightweight and easy to carry around, but still has plenty of power for all her school work. The battery life is also really impressive, she can go all day without having to charge it."
"I've been using this laptop for a few weeks now and I'm really impressed with it. The keyboard is really comfortable to type on and the screen is nice and bright. I use it for video editing and it handles everything I throw at it with ease."
"I needed a laptop for work that I could take with me on the go, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 has been perfect. It's lightweight and easy to carry around, but still has plenty of power for all my work tasks. The battery life is also really good, I can go a full day without having to plug it in."
"I was hesitant to buy a laptop with Windows, but I'm so glad I went with the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4. It's a really well-built machine and everything runs smoothly. I also love the touchscreen, it's really responsive and makes it easy to navigate through my work."
"I'm a college student on a tight budget, and this laptop has been perfect for me. It's affordable but still has everything I need to get my schoolwork done. The battery life is also really good, I can go through a full day of classes without having to charge it."
Acer Chromebook 314
Overview
Ah, the Acer Chromebook 314, a laptop that delivers as much performance as it does convenience. With its affordability, it's a fantastic option for students looking for a great laptop for class or work.
Designed for web browsing and light productivity tasks, this Chromebook boasts an impressive 12-hour battery life that should keep you going through the whole day of classes or meetings. And it's not just the battery that's great, the 14-inch screen is perfect for multitasking, and the 1366x768 resolution is nothing to scoff at either. Plus, its keyboard is as comfortable as your favorite hoodie, so your fingers won't get tired during long typing sessions.
And, because it's a Chromebook, the Acer 314 is also pretty light on your wallet. So, if you're on a tight budget, but still want a good device for class, you might want to give it a look.
But, before you hit "buy", keep in mind that this isn't a powerhouse device that can handle video editing or creative work. So, if you're looking for something that can keep up with the heavy-duty stuff, you might want to look elsewhere.
What Makes this Laptop Great
The Acer Chromebook 314, a true champion of the budget laptop world! This sleek machine boasts a lot of bang for its buck, making it an ideal choice for students and those on a tight budget who don't want to sacrifice quality.
One of the standout features of the Chromebook 314 is its excellent battery life. With up to 12 hours of battery life, this laptop can last you through a whole day of classes, studying, and procrastinating on social media. Plus, it comes equipped with fast charging capabilities, so you can juice up your laptop quickly in between classes.
Another great thing about the Chromebook 314 is its operating system - Chrome OS. This user-friendly system is designed to make web browsing and word processing a breeze, perfect for those who don't need all the fancy bells and whistles of more powerful laptops.
All in all, the Acer Chromebook 314 is a fantastic option for students and budget-conscious individuals looking for a reliable, no-frills laptop that won't break the bank. With its long battery life, fast performance, and affordable price tag, this little machine is definitely one to consider.
Who was this laptop originally designed for?
The Acer Chromebook 314 was designed for anyone who wants a high-performance laptop without breaking the bank. It's perfect for college students, budget-conscious shoppers, and anyone who values portability and convenience. If you're someone who spends a lot of time browsing the web, working on documents, or streaming videos, this laptop is the perfect fit for you.
But wait, there's more! This laptop is powered by ChromeOS, Google's operating system that is designed specifically for online use. With an impressive 12-hour battery life, you'll be able to work all day without needing to recharge. It's perfect for those who are always on the go, as you won't have to worry about finding an outlet or lugging around a charger.
The Acer Chromebook 314 is designed for anyone who wants an affordable, high-performance laptop with long battery life and the convenience of ChromeOS. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone who simply needs a reliable device for web browsing, this laptop is an excellent choice.
What programs can this laptop run?
The Acer Chromebook 314 is perfect for students who mainly use their laptop for web browsing, word processing, and other light tasks. It is not designed for more demanding applications such as video editing or gaming. However, the Chromebook is equipped with Google's suite of web applications, making it a great option for students who rely on cloud-based tools like Google Docs or Google Sheets.
This laptop runs on Chrome OS, which is designed to work seamlessly with Google's online tools. Additionally, the Chromebook 314 has a long battery life, making it an excellent choice for students who need to use their laptop for extended periods without access to a power source. The laptop is also equipped with USB-C ports, which can be used to charge the device as well as connect to external displays and other peripherals.
While the Chromebook 314 may not be able to run more resource-intensive applications, it is a reliable and affordable device that is well-suited for students who primarily use their laptop for school-related work. Its focus on web-based applications and ease of use make it a great option for those who value simplicity and efficiency in their devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Great battery life: this laptop can last up to 12 hours, making it perfect for a full day of classes or studying.
Affordable price: the Chromebook 314 is one of the more budget-friendly laptops on the market, making it a great option for students on a tight budget.
Lightweight and portable: weighing only 3.3 pounds, this laptop is easy to carry around and won't weigh you down during a long day on campus.
Fast performance: thanks to its Chrome OS and Intel Celeron N4020 processor, the Chromebook 314 can handle basic tasks and web browsing with ease.
Comfortable keyboard: the Chromebook 314 features a full-sized keyboard that is comfortable to type on, which can be helpful for long essays or note-taking.
Cons:
Limited software options: as a Chromebook, the Chromebook 314 is limited in terms of software options, and may not be able to run certain programs that are commonly used by students.
Small screen size: the 14-inch screen on the Chromebook 314 may be too small for some users, especially those who need a larger display for video editing or other creative work.
Limited storage: with only 64GB of storage, the Chromebook 314 may not be the best choice for users who need to store a lot of files or media.
Limited processing power: while the Chromebook 314 can handle basic tasks with ease, it may struggle with more demanding programs or multitasking.
Limited offline capabilities: Chromebooks are designed to be used primarily while connected to the internet, so users who need to work offline may find the Chromebook 314 limiting.
Specifications and Technical Information
Processor: Intel Celeron N4020 or N4020C or Pentium Silver N6000
Memory: 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4 RAM
Storage: 32GB or 64GB eMMC
Display: 14-inch Full HD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600
Ports: 2 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A, MicroSD card reader, 3.5mm headphone jack
Wireless: Wi-Fi 5: 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0
Camera: HD webcam
Audio: Dual stereo speakers
Battery Life: Up to 15 hours of typical device usage
Operating System: Chrome OS
Dimensions: 12.8 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches
Weight: 3.3 pounds
User Reviews
"I bought this for my daughter for school and it's been a lifesaver. It's super light and easy to carry around, and the battery life is great. She uses it for online classes and homework, and it's been perfect for those tasks."
"I was a little skeptical about getting a Chromebook at first, but this one has been great. It's fast and efficient, and the display is clear and bright. I use it for web browsing and some light work tasks, and it's been perfect for those things."
"This laptop is perfect for college students. It's lightweight and portable, so I can easily carry it around campus. The battery life is amazing and I can get through a full day of classes without having to worry about finding an outlet. The keyboard is comfortable to type on and the touchpad is responsive."
"I'm impressed with the performance of this Chromebook. It's fast and smooth, and I haven't had any issues with lag or freezing. I use it for web browsing, streaming, and some light gaming, and it handles those tasks without any problems. The build quality is also solid and it feels like a durable device."
"I've been using this Chromebook for a few months now and I'm really happy with it. It's a great value for the price and it has all the features I need for everyday use. The screen is sharp and clear, and the battery life is impressive. The only downside is that the storage is a bit limited, but I use cloud storage so it hasn't been a problem for me."
MacBook Air
Overview
Ah, the MacBook Air – the lean, mean, green machine of the laptop world. This baby is a workhorse, the champion of college students, and the envy of light gaming laptops everywhere. It's one of the best laptops out there and a true contender for the title of "best student laptop.
The MacBook Air is a great laptop for creative work, with its M1 chip delivering fast performance that can handle video editing and other heavy tasks with ease. And let's talk about that keyboard – it's comfortable, responsive, and oh so satisfying to type on. Plus, the 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD make for a smooth and speedy experience.
But the real star of the show is that excellent battery life, clocking in at a whopping 11 hours of web browsing and up to 12 hours of movie playback. You can practically get through an entire day of classes without needing to plug in. And let's not forget that stunning 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 – it's a feast for the eyes.
All of this performance and beauty doesn't come cheap, of course, and the MacBook Air M1 can be pricier than some other options. But it's definitely worth the investment for students who want a reliable and versatile device that can handle everything from word processing to creative work. And with its sleek design, the MacBook Air M1 is the perfect device to tote around on campus or to that coffee shop where you pretend to study.
What Makes this Laptop Great
This laptop is a testament to the saying, "good things come in small packages." First off, let's talk about that M1 chip. It's like the engine of a Ferrari - powerful, fast, and reliable. The battery life is an absolute game-changer too. It's like the Energizer Bunny, it keeps going and going and going... for up to 18 hours! And let's not forget the sleek, lightweight design, which is perfect for those who are always on the go.
But the greatness doesn't stop there. The M1 MacBook Air is an excellent choice for students who want a laptop that can handle all their academic needs, from writing essays to running complex programs. Plus, it has an impressive 16GB RAM, which is like having a personal army of virtual assistants at your disposal. And let's not forget about the retina display, which is like looking into the eyes of an angel. It's so clear and vivid, you'll feel like you're living in a dream.
One of the best things about the MacBook Air is that it's so versatile. It's perfect for students, professionals, creatives, and even gamers (if you're not too picky). Whether you're looking to use it for web browsing, video editing, or just simple word processing, this laptop has got you covered. Plus, it has the latest operating system, so you know you're always up-to-date. And all of this comes at an affordable price, so you don't have to break the bank to own one. All in all, the M1 MacBook Air is like the Swiss Army Knife of laptops - it's versatile, reliable, and looks damn good while doing it.
Who was this laptop originally designed for?
The MacBook Air is a beast of a laptop and one of the best options for students who want a powerful machine without breaking the bank. One of the key features that sets this laptop apart from its competitors is the M1 chip, which delivers lightning-fast performance and excellent battery life. With up to 18 hours of battery life, you can easily make it through a full day of classes without having to worry about plugging in.
In addition to its impressive battery life, the MacBook Air has a lot to offer students, including a comfortable keyboard and trackpad, a high-resolution display, and a slim and lightweight design that makes it easy to carry around campus. It also has 8GB or 16GB of RAM, which makes it a great option for students who need to run resource-intensive programs like video editing software.