New term, new tech questions. Get your child prepared with a new laptop for school.
What makes a good school laptop?
Here are the main features you’ll need to look out for and consider when buying a school laptop:
Operating system
Processor
Disc drive
RAM
Screen
Storage/SSD
Connectivity
Battery Life
Weight
1. What is the best operating system for a laptop?
Laptops come with different operating systems (or OS if you’re not in the know) which are suitable for different things. You and your child will need to decide which is the right laptop for schoolwork.
Windows 10
Windows is familiar and easy to use, whether browsing the web or using software like Word. Plus, it works on most laptops from a load of the big manufacturers – like Dell, Microsoft, Acer and Asus. So, you can focus on the fun stuff and choose from laptops with smart features like 2-in-1 or tablet mode to suit your exact needs.
Mac OSX
This only runs on Apple laptops and desktop computers. Its intuitive design is incredibly easy to use, so it’s quick to get to grips with. And if your child already has an iPhone or iPad then the two will sync neatly together. If your child likes to get creative too, Mac OSX comes with a suite of entry-level software like iMovie (for video editing) and Garage Band (for making music). Learn a ton while having fun!
Chrome
Built around Google's online services, work is done using online apps, then saved safely online. It’s only available on lightweight Chromebook laptops though. This software and hardware integration – on full display in 2-in-1 models like the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i - lets you multitask to the max.
2. What is the best processor for laptops?
Schoolkids probably won’t need a super-powered laptop, as their homework and entertainment needs won’t take up too much space or processing power. However, if you have a serious gamer or a budding designer in your home, you’ll need a machine with plenty of processing muscle.
A quick guide to processors:
Intel Core i3: Great for everyday computing - use Microsoft Office, surf the web and watch videos. The 12th gen version in the HP Pavilion makes simultaneous tasks an absolute breeze
Intel Core i5: Run Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Multitask with Spotify, web browsing and Word simultaneously
Intel Core i7: For heavy-duty creative work such as 3D modelling and advanced video editing
Intel Core i9: Made for high-end content creation – runs demanding creative programs and is essential for playing graphically intensive virtual reality games
3. How much laptop RAM will they need?
RAM (random-access memory) is a computer’s internal memory – the more you have the more efficiently it will run. A minimum of 4GB is needed for a standard everyday laptop. Opt for a laptop with 8GB or more, like the ACER Spin 713, if your child uses Photoshop or makes large documents.
4. How much laptop storage will they need?
A laptop with 256 GB of hard drive storage will give you more than enough room for saving the chunkiest of assignments. But if your child is going to be using any creative software, it might be worth going for one with 500 GB to save those much bigger files.
5. Is it worth getting an SSD laptop?
Yes! Everything is faster and easier with an SSD (solid state drive) – whether it’s booting up your laptop, loading programmes, or switching between tasks.
SSD is a type of storage that replaces the traditional – and some would say clunky – hard drive.
As well as being incredibly fast, they’re thin, light and quiet. You’ll notice the increased speed straight away when copying files and loading programs.
It’s great to have a bunch of these extras too:
Long battery life and fast charging for all-day work and play
An edge-to-edge display that packs more screen into a smaller laptop
A lightweight design - if your child is likely to be hauling their laptop to and from school, they’ll want something that’s light and portable. Especially if they move between classrooms regularly throughout the day
Style – go for a magazine-thin laptop wrapped in aluminium for a sturdy yet stylish design
Connectivity - whichever laptop you choose needs to have the right connectivity options. For example, HDMI to hook up to a TV, SD Card reader for memory cards and USB 3.0 or USB Type-C for cameras and hard drives
Disc drive - is your child given CDs or DVDs regularly as part of their homework? Or do they just want to watch a Blu-ray once in a while? As unlikely as this is nowadays, if they do, it’s a safe bet buying one with a built-in disc drive
If you’re still not sure about choosing a laptop over a desktop PC for your child, find out which is better for them?
