Laptop Buying Guide for College Students

By Kent Yang | Staff Writer

School is officially back in session as the spring semester begins. Whether you are a freshman entering Mount Wachusett Community College for the first time or a returning student, having the right laptop for your classes can make all the difference. However, with so many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you understand key laptop components, evaluate your needs, and make an informed purchasing decision.

Understanding Laptop Components

Before selecting a laptop, it is essential to understand its main components and how they impact performance.

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) – Often referred to as the brain of the laptop, the CPU processes data, performs calculations, and executes tasks. A more powerful CPU ensures faster performance, especially for multitasking and demanding applications.
   
2. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) – The GPU is responsible for rendering images, videos, and handling graphics-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, and 3D modeling. Common types of GPUs you’ll see on Laptops are:
   • Integrated Graphics (iGPU), which is built into the CPU.
   • Dedicated Graphics Card or GPU.
     • Out of the two, dedicated Graphics are often better, better performance for high-end tasks. If you require a laptop for gaming, 3D modeling, or video editing, a dedicated GPU is highly recommended.
       
3. Random Access Memory (RAM) – RAM is where temporary data is stored for quick access. The amount of RAM in a laptop affects its ability to run multiple programs simultaneously. For analogy purposes, think of a room with balloons in it. If the room equates to your RAM and the balloons to data. The larger the RAM, the more balloons can fit inside the room.
   • 4GB RAM: Suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and light spreadsheet work.
   • 8GB RAM: Ideal for multitasking, complex formulas in Excel, entry-level photo editing, and light gaming.
   • 16GB+ RAM: Best for gamers, content creators, and professionals who run multiple demanding applications at once.
     
4. Storage – Storage determines how much data your laptop can hold. Laptops typically come with either a Solid State Drive (SSD) or a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). SSDs are significantly faster and more reliable than traditional HDDs. Most modern laptops come with SSD storage, measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). Keep in mind 1024GB equals 1TB, so for example, if you had to make the decision between 512GB vs 1TB. Go for the 1TB of storage, which is about twice.
   
5. Display – The quality of a laptop’s display affects its usability. Lower-end laptops typically feature Twisted Nematic (TN) or basic In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels with a standard 1920×1080 (1080P) resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. This is sufficient for general use. However, photographers and videographers should look for an IPS panel with at least 300 nits of brightness and a color gamut covering 72% NTSC or 100% sRGB for accurate color representation. Gamers should prioritize OLED or Mini LED panels with a refresh rate of at least 144Hz and a resolution of 2560×1440 for a smoother experience.
   
6. Chassis – The chassis, or body of the laptop, is made from different materials, including plastic and metal. Metal chassis options, such as magnesium-aluminum or plasma-ceramic aluminum, provide durability but tend to be heavier. Plastic chassis are lighter but may not be as durable in the long run. If you think of how a laptop is constantly in a cold and hot state, cold when it’s off, hot when it’s on. When plastic is heated, it expands, when it’s cold, it contracts. Repeated expansion and contraction can cause the material to degrade much faster than more durable materials such as metal. Laptop chassis or bodies with plastic are generally lighter, more affordable, but they’re worse at heat dissipation. Laptops with metal chassis are not only more durable, but they feel more premium, and dissipate heat more effectively which also means they can get hot to the touch, however in the long run, they will last significantly longer.
   
7. Cooling System – A laptop’s cooling system is crucial for maintaining performance, particularly for high-end gaming or professional use. Most cooling systems use copper heatsinks and heat pipes to dissipate heat. High-performance laptops may feature liquid metal thermal compounds for better heat transfer, ensuring that the CPU and GPU remain cool under load. Consumers don’t usually think about this part of a laptop unless they’re a PC Enthusiast or Gamer.
   
8. Battery – Battery life depends on the type of battery used. Most laptops use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which offer a balance of longevity and reliability. Slim and ultra-thin laptops often use lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries due to their flexibility in design. Understanding battery specifications can help you choose a laptop that meets your portability needs. A large capacity battery does not always mean it’ll last longer than the competition; it depends on how the manufacturer implements it.
   
9. Operating Systems – The operating system (OS) manages hardware and provides a user interface. Choosing the right OS depends on software needs, budget, and personal preference.
   • Windows: Highly versatile, supports a vast range of software, and is widely used in business, education, and gaming.
   • macOS: Offers a smooth experience, strong security, and is ideal for creatives using software like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, though it has limited compatibility with some applications and is expensive.
   • Linux: Open-source, highly customizable, and favored by developers and cybersecurity professionals, but lacks support for mainstream software like Adobe and Microsoft Office.
   • ChromeOS: Designed for web-based applications, affordable, lightweight, but has major limitations with software and offline functionality.
     
10. Webcam – A webcam is essential for online classes and video conferencing. Most budget laptops have 720p webcams, which can appear grainy, while higher-end models offer 1080p webcams with better clarity. Some premium laptops include IR webcams for facial recognition (Windows Hello). If video quality is a priority, consider a 1080p webcam or invest in an external webcam for improved performance.

New vs. Used Laptops

When purchasing a laptop, you may consider buying used to save money. However, it is important to ask yourself whether you have the technical knowledge to troubleshoot potential issues. Used laptops may come with wear and tear, battery degradation, or outdated hardware. If you are not comfortable fixing problems that arise, investing in a new laptop with a manufacturer’s warranty may be the better option.

Determining Your Needs

Before making a purchase, consider how you will use your laptop. Are you primarily taking notes and completing school assignments, or do you also plan to game, edit videos, or work on photography? If you need a multipurpose laptop for both school and gaming, look for a device with an adequate process and graphics card, at least 8GB of RAM, a minimum of 256GB of SSD storage, and a high-refresh-rate display etc. What I’ve just listed is normally referred to as the specifications of a PC. In softwares and games, there’s often a section called “System Requirement” where it lists out the minimum and recommended specifications. If your laptop meets the minimum, it will run the program, though possibly with limitations. Exceeding the recommended requirements ensures optimal performance. For students focused on photography or video editing who are looking to do professional work, I highly suggest a laptop with a color-accurate display and a dedicated GPU.

Prioritizing Features

Once you understand the specifications you need, differentiate between essential features and optional ones. Doing so helps prevent overspending. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you need a laptop with at least eight hours of battery life? If so, keep in mind that longer battery life is typically found in laptops with lower-powered processors, except for modern MacBooks with ARM chips.
• Do you need a touchscreen display, or is it just a nice-to-have feature?
• Will you benefit from additional ports, such as HDMI or USB-C?

By focusing on must-have features, you can refine your search and stay within budget.

Setting a Budget

Finally, set a realistic budget based on your needs. While it may be tempting to buy the cheapest option, ultra-low-end laptops (under $300) often come with insufficient storage and poor performance, leading to frustration. Below is a general price breakdown:

• Budget laptops ($300–$500): Suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and zoom meetings. This would be ideal for most students.
• Mid-range laptops ($600–$1,200): Ideal for students who multitask, play casual games, or perform light content creation. This is the ideal price range for many consumers.
• High-end/premium laptops ($1,200+): Designed for gaming, video editing, professional content creation, and advanced computing tasks. This is the ideal price range I’d consider for enthusiasts and for those who want high speed performance.

Common Mistakes When Buying a Laptop

• Buying Older Models – While older models can be more affordable, they may lack the latest hardware improvements, such as faster processors, better battery life, and enhanced security features. Additionally, newer models often fix flaws found in previous versions, such as overheating or poor display quality. Before purchasing, compare specs and ensure that the older model still meets your needs in terms of performance, software compatibility, and futureproofing.
  
• Expecting the Perfect Laptop – No single laptop excels in every category. Some offer powerful performance but sacrifice portability, while others prioritize battery life over raw power. Understanding your primary needs whether it’s gaming, content creation, business tasks, or casual use will help you make a realistic choice. Avoid the trap of chasing perfection; instead, focus on a laptop that best balances your most important requirements.
  
• Buying the Cheapest Laptop: Usually a Chromebook – Budget-friendly laptops, especially Chromebooks, can seem like a great deal, but they often come with significant limitations. Chromebooks rely heavily on cloud-based applications, which may not support the software you need, such as Adobe Creative Suite or advanced programming tools. Additionally, cheap Windows laptops may have weak processors, low RAM, and poor build quality, leading to slow performance and a frustrating experience.
  
• Brand Loyalty – Many buyers stick to a brand they’ve used before, assuming it’s the best option. While brands like Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and HP have strong reputations, they each have strengths and weaknesses. Instead of relying on brand loyalty, compare models across different brands based on hardware specs, user reviews, and price-to-performance ratio. A less popular brand may offer a better deal for your specific needs.
  
• Buying Used – Purchasing a used laptop can save money, but it carries risks such as hidden defects, worn-out batteries, and outdated hardware. Some used laptops may also lack warranty coverage or security updates. If buying used, purchase from a reputable seller, check the device thoroughly, and ensure the hardware is still relevant for modern applications. Certified refurbished models from manufacturers are a safer option.
  
• Bloatware – Many new laptops, especially budget models, come preloaded with unnecessary software (bloatware) that slows down performance and clutters storage. These pre-installed apps often include trial versions of antivirus software, manufacturer utilities, and promotional apps that you may never use. After purchasing, take the time to remove bloatware.
  
• Being a CIS/CS Major =/= Hardware Expert – Software development and IT management do not necessarily translate to deep knowledge of CPUs, GPUs, and thermals. Relying on research, expert reviews, and real-world testing is crucial to making an informed purchase rather than assuming that technical knowledge alone is sufficient.

Recommendation

With all the above in mind, the laptop I generally recommend to most students is the Lenovo Ideapad 1 15″ (82VG00MYUS). Lenovo has a long history of making quality laptops and the Ideapad is no different. It is available online and at local retailers such as Best Buy, Micro Center, and Walmart for approximately $330 to $350 before tax. What I love about this unit is that, for its price, it offers impressive specifications, including an AMD Ryzen 5 7520U processor with integrated AMD Radeon 610 graphics, 8GB of LPDDR5 memory, 256GB of SSD storage, and a 1920×1080 resolution display. Also, with a manufacturer-rated 7-hour battery life, this laptop is more than capable of handling note-taking, web surfing, processing word documents and excel spreadsheets throughout the day. The downside of this laptop is that its CPU is based on Zen 2 architecture, which was released in 2019. But don’t let that fool you, it is still capable of running eSports games, older titles, and even editing applications like Lightroom and Photoshop. At under $400, it’s hard to beat. However, at the time of writing, this model appears to be phasing out in the near future in favor of a newer iteration, which I anticipate will come at a significantly higher price due to new tariffs.

By carefully evaluating your needs, desired features, budgeting, and avoiding common mistakes, you can find the best laptop to support your academic and personal activities. So, make sure you invest in the right laptop to ensure a smoother, more efficient learning experience while balancing performance and affordability.