Cover Get the right laptop to suit your needs (Photo: Acer)
Get the right laptop to suit your needs (Photo: Acer)
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Knowing what specific features to look out for will save time and money
Choosing the right laptop for school is no easy feat and can get expensive quickly if you don’t know which features to prioritise based on your needs. We break it down on how to look for a device that best suits your needs.
Performance
At the heart of every laptop is a central processing unit called a processor or a chip. The processor is the most crucial piece of hardware that determines the speed and performance to bring everything together. Mouse clicks, video streams, gaming commands... you name it. The laptop’s processor can’t be changed or upgraded later, so making the right choice from the start is essential.
If you are going to use your laptop for basic tasks such as web browsing, assignments and word processing, the Intel Core i3 processor will suffice. However, it might be worth investing in a more powerful processor for students who require more power to run heavy programming or graphics-intensive software. The Intel Core i5 processor is an excellent mid-range option that can handle tasks like photo and video editing, gaming, and multitasking. For the most demanding tasks, such as 3D rendering and video encoding, an Intel Core i7 processor is one of the best choices in the market, giving you maximum performance.
Read more: Get the Acer TravelMate P2 for your schooling needs
Another critical feature to look out for in your desired device is SSD storage. With an SSD, your machine’s operating system will boot up more rapidly, allowing programmes to load quicker and files can be saved faster. On the other hand, the speed and performance of your system also directly correlate to the amount of random access memory (RAM) you have installed. If your system has too little RAM, it can be slow and sluggish. But on the opposite end, you can install too much with little to no added benefit. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 8GB of upgradable RAM for your computer to run as smoothly as possible.
Above Performance, portability and connectivity matter (Photo: Acer)
Performance, portability and connectivity matter (Photo: Acer)
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Portability
Weight is an important consideration for students as lighter laptops are easier to carry around the campus for study and discussion. This is influenced by a combination of performance, chassis durability, and battery life. In general, more powerful laptops tend to be heavier, but some manufacturers have managed to strike a balance between weight and performance. Longer battery life is also important because the hassle of looking for a power plug is real. If you tend to have butterfingers, a more durable chassis will come in handy. By considering these factors, students can find a laptop that is both portable and durable enough to withstand their needs.
Connectivity
When choosing a laptop for connectivity, there are a number of key criteria to consider. Sufficient I/O ports for peripherals, including both Type A and Type C USB ports, are a must-have for connecting external storage devices, such as hard drives and flash drives, as well as peripherals like printers, scanners, and webcams.
A built-in card reader is also handy for photography and videography enthusiasts for quick file transfers to and from memory cards. In our current wireless era, one would also need Bluetooth for connections to the mouse, keyboard, or earbuds.
Wi-Fi 6 provides higher data transfer speeds and can help to reduce lag and buffering when streaming content or playing games online. For those who prefer wired internet, an RJ-45 LAN port provides the option for a more stable and secure connection. Lastly, you will likely have to conduct presentations as a student, making an HDMI port essential for seamless connection to projectors or external monitors.
