Top 10 Laptops for Students: Ultimate 2023 Buying Guide
As students, having a reliable and efficient laptop is essential for keeping up with assignments, research, and staying connected with classmates and instructors. With the vast range of laptops on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one that meets a student’s specific needs and budget constraints. Fortunately, we’ve researched and gathered the top ten laptops tailored to students across various fields of study.
Laptops for students need to strike the right balance between performance, portability, and battery life. A lightweight design is important so students can easily carry their device to and from classes, while sufficient power ensures smooth multitasking and the ability to run necessary software. In addition, an extended battery life allows for entire days of work without needing to frequently recharge.
When selecting a laptop, students should consider factors like processing power, memory, storage capacity, screen size, and available connections. The type of study a student is engaged in can also influence these factors; for example, a graphic design student may prioritize a high-quality display and color accuracy, while a computer science student may require better processing power.
We have spent numerous hours researching and evaluating laptops to find the best options for students based on these criteria, striving to cater to various needs and preferences. Let us now delve into the top ten laptops for students that deliver on performance, portability, and much more.
Top 10 Laptops for Students
In our pursuit to find the best options for students, we have compiled a list of our top 10 laptop recommendations.
HP Newest 14″ Ultralight Laptop for Students and Business
We recommend this HP 14″ Ultralight Laptop for students and business users seeking a reliable, budget-friendly option with versatile storage options.
Pros
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Dual array microphones for clear audio
- Impressive battery life with fast charging
Cons
- In Windows 11 S mode by default
- Average screen resolution
- Potential storage limitations for power users
Upon trying the HP Newest 14″ Ultralight Laptop, we found its sleek and lightweight design to be perfect for on-the-go students and professionals. It’s easy to carry from room to room or even on trips, making it a suitable daily companion for various users.
One standout feature was the dual array microphones, which came in handy during video calls and recording. The advanced noise reduction software ensured crystal-clear audio, which proves essential when attending virtual meetings or classes.
Battery life is another strong suit of this laptop, providing up to 11 hours of video playback and 9 hours of wireless streaming. The HP Fast Charge feature is particularly useful, charging the laptop from 0 to 50% in just 45 minutes.
However, it’s worth noting that this laptop initially operates in Windows 11 S mode, restricting app installations to those available in the Microsoft Store. Switching out of S mode is possible, but it could be a hurdle for some users.
We found the 1366 x 768 screen resolution to be sufficient for everyday tasks but not as crisp as higher-resolution options. Nevertheless, it may still meet the needs of budget-conscious students and professionals.
Lastly, while the laptop comes with dual storage options (64GB eMMC and a 128GB Micro SD), avid multitaskers and power users may find it limiting, especially considering the undeniable growth of storage-hungry applications and files.
In conclusion, the HP Newest 14″ Ultralight Laptop stands out as a reasonably priced device for students and business users who prioritize portability, clear audio, and impressive battery life. While it may have a few drawbacks, we believe it’s still an excellent choice for the right user.
2023 Newest HP Laptop for College Students & Business
We recommend this laptop for college students and business users who need a budget-friendly option with adequate performance and storage.
Pros
- Upgraded 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking
- 576GB combined storage (64GB SSD+512GB Card) for ample file space
- Intel Celeron N4120 processor with decent performance
Cons
- 14″ HD display has a basic 1366 x 768 screen resolution
- Not suitable for high-end graphical tasks
- Windows 11 Home initially comes in S Mode
We recently tried out the 2023 Newest HP Laptop and found that it’s a great value choice for college students and business users on a budget. Its upgraded 16GB RAM allows for smooth multitasking, so you can effortlessly run multiple programs and browser tabs at once.
The laptop offers a generous 576GB of storage, with a combination of a 64GB SSD and a 512GB card, giving you plenty of room to store vital digital data and work through large files with ease. This should be suitable for most students who need to keep a lot of documents, assignments, and media files on hand.
Powered by the Intel Celeron N4120 processor with four cores and a boost clock of up to 2.6GHz, this HP Laptop can handle everyday tasks efficiently. However, it’s not suited for heavy gaming or demanding graphical applications, as it comes with integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600.
One aspect we weren’t thrilled about is the 14-inch HD display which has a screen resolution of 1366 x 768–this might not be ideal for those who need ultra-sharp visuals. But on the bright side, it features a webcam and built-in microphone for online meetings and virtual classes.
The laptop runs on Windows 11 Home, but you should note that it initially comes in S Mode. You might need to switch out of S Mode to install some specific apps or software, depending on your requirements.
In conclusion, if you’re a college student or a business user on the lookout for an affordable laptop with adequate performance and storage, this 2023 Newest HP Laptop is worth considering. Its combination of upgraded 16GB RAM, sizeable storage, and a decent processor make it a good choice for everyday usage.
Acer Aspire 3 A314-23P-R3QA Slim Laptop
The Acer Aspire 3 is a reliable and efficient laptop for students, perfect for daily tasks and multitasking.
Pros
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor
- Vibrant 14.0″ Full HD IPS display
- Portable and sleek design
Cons
- Limited storage capacity
- Average battery life
- Windows 11 Home S Mode pre-installed
We recently had some hands-on experience with the Acer Aspire 3 A314-23P-R3QA, and we found it to be a great laptop choice for students. The AMD Ryzen 5 processor provides sufficient power for multitasking and running everyday applications, ensuring smooth performance.
One of the standout features is the 14.0″ Full HD IPS display. The screen delivers crisp, clear visuals and the narrow bezels offer an immersive viewing experience. The laptop’s slim, lightweight design makes it easy to carry on the go, perfect for the busy student lifestyle.
A minor limitation of the Aspire 3 is its storage capacity; the 512GB NVMe SSD might be insufficient for those who need to store a lot of files or install multiple applications. However, external storage options can easily solve this issue.
The battery life of the Aspire 3 is average, so you might need to charge it more frequently depending on your usage habits. Also, the laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home in S Mode, which restricts the applications you can install. Thankfully, it’s possible to switch out of S Mode for more flexibility.
In conclusion, the Acer Aspire 3 A314-23P-R3QA is a solid laptop choice for students in need of a reliable and efficient device for daily tasks, without breaking the bank. The powerful processor, vibrant display, and sleek design make it a great contender among top laptops for students.
HP 2023 Newest 14″ Thin and Light Laptop
The HP 2023 Newest 14″ Laptop is a perfect device for students and business users looking for a thin, lightweight, and efficient laptop with impressive battery life.
Pros
- Thin and lightweight design
- Efficient Intel Celeron N4120 processor
- Impressive battery life, up to 12 hours
Cons
- Limited storage capacity
- Not touchscreen
- Windows 11 Home in S mode
We recently tried the HP 2023 Newest 14″ Thin and Light Laptop and were impressed with its sleek and portable design. It easily fits into our backpacks and doesn’t weigh us down, allowing us to work comfortably from anywhere.
The Intel Celeron N4120 processor, combined with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, ensures a smooth performance with various applications and browser tabs opened simultaneously. We enjoyed the 14-inch HD display, which provided a crisp and clear viewing experience for videos, web browsing, and document editing.
One aspect that caught our attention is the laptop’s battery life. We found that it lasts up to 12 hours, making it ideal for students and busy professionals who need a reliable device throughout the day. The HP Fast Charge technology is also a significant advantage, allowing us to charge the laptop from 0% to 50% in just 45 minutes.
However, the laptop’s storage capacity might not be sufficient for users with extensive media libraries or large program installations. The 64GB eMMC and additional 128GB Micro SD storage are suitable for essential office and web apps but may require external storage solutions for larger files.
Another limitation is that the laptop is not touchscreen, which some users may find disappointing. It also comes with Windows 11 Home in S mode, which may not appeal to users who prefer the full Windows experience.
In conclusion, the HP 2023 Newest 14″ Thin and Light Laptop is a great option for students and professionals searching for a portable device with impressive battery life. It may not be ideal for users with extensive storage needs or those who prefer touchscreen functionality, but it provides superb value for its price.
HP Portable Laptop (Pink) with 1 Year Microsoft 365
The HP Portable Laptop is a budget-friendly option for students seeking a stylish and efficient device for everyday tasks.
Pros
- Lightweight and slim design
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Limited storage capacity
- Not suitable for heavy multitasking or gaming
- Not touchscreen
We recently had the chance to test out the HP Portable Laptop, and we found it to be a great option for students looking for a lightweight device at an affordable price. With a stylish pink design, this laptop is perfect for those who want to stand out.
One of the key features of this laptop is its portability. The slim design and 3.24-pound weight make it easy to carry around campus or to take on the go. Intel Celeron N4120, a quad-core processor, allows this laptop to handle everyday tasks such as browsing the web and creating documents without much trouble.
While the 16GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking, the 64GB eMMC storage can be limiting for those who need to store large amounts of data. However, cloud storage options are available to help alleviate any storage constraints. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to two days on a full charge for some users.
Though the HP Portable Laptop is perfect for basic tasks, it might struggle with heavy multitasking or running resource-intensive applications such as video editing software or AAA game titles. Additionally, some users might find the lack of a touchscreen to be a slight drawback.
Overall, we recommend the HP Portable Laptop for students who need a budget-friendly, lightweight laptop for everyday tasks and don’t require extensive storage or advanced computing capabilities. The stylish pink design is a bonus for those who want to add a touch of personal flair to their device.
HP 17.3″ Flagship HD+ Business Laptop
We believe this HP 17.3″ Flagship HD+ Business Laptop is a solid choice for students due to its performance, display, and storage capabilities.
Pros
- Powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1125G4 processor
- 17.3″ HD+ Anti-Glare LED IPS Non-Touch Display
- Upgraded 16GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Cons
- Non-backlit keyboard
- Slightly heavier at 5.25 lbs
- Windows 11 in S mode (requires manual switching)
We recently had the chance to use the HP 17.3″ Flagship HD+ Business Laptop, and we were quite impressed with its performance. The 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1125G4 processor delivers fast and responsive computing, making multitasking a breeze. This is perfect for students who need to run multiple applications and browser tabs at once for their coursework.
The 17.3″ HD+ Anti-Glare LED IPS Non-Touch Display offers clear, vibrant visuals and minimizes glare. This makes the laptop an excellent choice for working outdoors or in bright environments. However, we did notice that the laptop’s keyboard is not backlit, which might make it challenging to use in dimly-lit areas.
The upgraded 16GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD make this HP laptop an appealing option for students who require ample storage for their files and projects. Despite the laptop’s slightly heavier weight (5.25 lbs), the performance enhancements are worth it in our opinion.
One drawback to consider is that the laptop comes with Windows 11 in S mode, which restricts the installation of applications from outside the Microsoft Store. However, it is possible to manually switch to a regular Windows 11 operating system following the instructions provided.
In conclusion, the HP 17.3″ Flagship HD+ Business Laptop is a strong choice for students looking for a high-performing, spacious, and visually appealing device. Just be prepared to address the keyboard backlighting issue and switch out of Windows 11 S mode if needed.
HP 2023 Newest 14 Inch Laptop
This HP 14″ laptop is a reliable and budget-friendly choice for students and business users who need a lightweight device for everyday tasks.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Efficient Intel Celeron N4120 processor
- Long battery life
Cons
- Limited RAM for multitasking
- Storage capacity could be improved
- No DVD drive
We had the chance to use the HP 14″ Light and Thin Laptop for Business and Students, and we were quite impressed with its performance. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, and the sturdy construction can withstand daily use. The Intel Celeron N4120 processor offers a good balance of performance and power consumption, making it suitable for web browsing, document editing, and other everyday tasks.
The 4GB RAM, while sufficient for basic multitasking, might not be enough for those who need to run multiple applications and browser tabs simultaneously. That being said, we did appreciate the laptop’s long battery life, which lasted up to 11 hours and 30 minutes for video playback and 9 hours for wireless streaming. This ensures that you can work on the go without worrying about finding a power outlet frequently.
One downside we noticed is the limited storage capacity of 128GB, split between a 64GB eMMC and a 64GB Micro SD card. We recommend investing in an external hard drive if you need more storage space for large files and applications. Additionally, the laptop does not come with a built-in DVD drive, so you’ll need to purchase an external one if you require this feature.
The HP Fast Charge technology is a noteworthy feature, allowing the laptop to reach 50% charge in approximately 45 minutes. This is particularly useful when you need to quickly boost your laptop’s battery life in between classes or meetings.
Despite some shortcomings, the HP 2023 Newest 14 Inch Laptop is a solid choice for students and professionals looking for an affordable, portable, and reliable device for everyday use.
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e Gen 5
If you’re on the hunt for a durable, versatile laptop for a student, the Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e Gen 5 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Military-grade durability and water-resistant keyboard
- Flexible 360-degree hinge for multiple modes
- Decent performance with Intel Pentium N5030 processor and 8GB RAM
Cons
- Display resolution limited to 1366×768
- Slightly heavy for an 11.6-inch laptop at 3.4lbs
- Potential confusion over the inclusion of a stylus pen
Our experience with the Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e Gen 5 has been quite positive. It’s clearly designed with students in mind, featuring military-grade durability tests and a water-resistant keyboard. These features combined make it perfect for surviving the rigors of everyday school life.
The flexibility offered by the 360-degree hinge allows for multiple usage modes, making it convenient for various types of tasks like note-taking, web browsing, or even watching videos. The touch screen also adds another layer of interaction, although we wish the screen resolution was higher than 1366×768.
When it comes to performance, the Intel Pentium N5030 processor and 8GB RAM provide sufficient power for most student tasks, from researching and writing papers to running educational software. While it won’t win awards for gaming or heavy multimedia work, it’s more than enough for the target audience.
The major downside we found was the weight of the device, which, at 3.4lbs, feels a bit heavy for an 11.6-inch laptop. It’s still manageable, but you’ll definitely feel it in your bag. Additionally, there’s some confusion over whether a stylus pen is included, so make sure to double-check before purchase.
In conclusion, the Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e Gen 5 offers a great balance of durability, versatility, and performance for students. It’s able to handle the demands of a school environment while providing a solid computing experience. Just be prepared for the extra heft, and remember to check on the stylus pen situation.