There’s a lot of top tech to take with you to uni halls, and nothing will get you better prepared for classes, courses and essays like a new laptop.
But what should you go for? There's a lot to think about, so here are 5 questions to help you find that top, top laptop…
1. Are you Apple, Windows or Google?
You need to figure out which operating system is best for you. You might have a favourite that you’ll never stray from, but if you’re not sure, here’s a quick run-down of the big three:
Microsoft Windows: A Windows computer makes a great study buddy. Word and Excel are as familiar as your slippers and the controls and layout are easy to get your head around. And we’ve got a huge range of Windows laptops from all the big names.
macOS: This runs exclusively on Apple computers, loved by everyone from design students to creative pros. It’s the perfect operating system for the likes of Adobe Creative Cloud and other advanced programs.
ChromeOS: This is the operating system that Chromebooks run on. They’re a new breed of laptop - built around going online, and designed for speed, simplicity and security. That’s why Chromebooks are great for students.
2. Will it be your faithful companion?
If you’ll be carrying your laptop around campus most days, you want it to be as thin and light as possible – with a long battery life so you can ditch the bulky power packs.
A laptop with SSD (solid state drive) is a good shout if you’re looking for lightness and durability. These drives use flash memory to help your laptop boot up faster, and applications and programmes will load quicker.
Plus, you don't have to worry about them breaking down either because they’ve got no moving parts. That makes them much quieter too!
3. How much processing power does your laptop need?
The processor is your laptop’s brain. Intel Core and AMD Ryzen are the most popular, and here’s a quick guide to the type you’ll need based on what you’ll be doing:
Browsing the web and writing essays – Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3.
Using Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop for design projects – Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5.
Doing serious multitasking such as streaming Spotify, working in Excel and chatting online all at once – Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5.
Video editing, complex spreadsheet work and advanced 3D design – Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7.
4. Are you studying a design-related subject?
Design subjects like graphics, fashion and illustration need demanding software like Adobe Creative Cloud with Photoshop and Illustrator. So, look for a laptop with:
- A high-resolution screen for working up close on finer details of your projects.
- Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and a minimum 8GB RAM to meet the demands of Photoshop and other Adobe CC apps.
- 2-in-1 laptops that can transform into tablet mode, with a digital pen for designing directly on screen.
5. Will you be doing more than studying on your laptop?
If you’re planning to kick back after studies and binge on Netflix or Disney+ (other streaming services are available) you’ll want a laptop with a decent screen. A higher resolution display will give you a sharper, punchier and more detailed picture, so you’ll feel more like you’re at the cinema.
Fancy learning to cook rather than relying on expensive takeaways? Try and master a few basic dishes with some handy YouTube food tutorials. For watching videos and cooking at the same time, think about a 2-in-1 design with a touchscreen and stand mode - so you don’t have to mess around with the keyboard or trackpad.
Need more help?
We’ve got lots of advice on what to look for in a laptop for uni, and our laptop buying guide is packed with useful info. If you’d like to talk to a laptop expert, you can have a video chat with our colleagues on ShopLive. Or, check out our ultimate university tech checklist for more inspiration.
