What questions should you ask before buying a laptop for uni? You’ve got lots to think about, and we’ll take you through what makes a good laptop for university below. But first of all, here’s what content creator, influencer and author Jack Edwards had to say about the HP Pavilion 14 – a powerful new Windows 11 laptop that we asked him to try out.
Check out what happened when Jack roadtested the Pavilion 14...
Why is a Windows 11 laptop so good for students?
A Windows 11 laptop like the one Jack tried above is a solid choice for university. Windows 11 is famously user-friendly, and you’ll have all these benefits to look forward to:
1. An intuitive touchscreen.
Just like all good Windows 11 laptops, the HP Pavilion 14 has a really intuitive touchscreen. You’ll be using your keyboard for serious note-taking and writing – obviously – but the touchscreen makes it much speedier to navigate around your screen. For example, you’ll find that most screen functions are easier to access. And if you’re doing design work on the likes of Photoshop, you’ll be able to draw and sketch directly on the screen (use a stylus for even greater accuracy and detail), as well as resizing images and zooming in and out
“If you get a notification on one side of your screen, you can immediately add it to the ‘to-do’ list on the other side of the screen using Widgets.” Jack Edwards
2. Snap layout.
If the thought of multitasking on a laptop fills you with dread, you should give Windows snap layouts a go.
Snap layouts make it really easy to keep all your windows open, accessible and organised. Basically, you can have multiple things open on the same screen at the same time. So for example, if you’re in a language class you can have a Zoom lecture, course notes, and an online translation app all in view together. Plus, you can resize any of the windows in a flash with your mouse or keyboard. Once you get used to snap layouts, you’ll wonder how you did without it.
“It’s super quick, super easy, so convenient!” Jack Edwards
3. A store worth visiting.
The Microsoft Store has been newly redesigned and revamped, so you can now easily find and download all favourite apps, games, music and movies. From OneDrive to TikTok, Spotify and Disney+, you’ve got loads to choose from. Plus, all of the apps have been verified for your security, so you know that they’re safe to install.
“There are loads of amazing apps on The Microsoft Store!” Jack Edwards
4. Impressive battery life.
If you’re moving from lecture to lecture, or even studying when you’re in the park and far from a charger, you need a laptop that can last all day – and even into late-night sessions at the library.
With up to 13 hours of power, the HP Envy 13 will have you covered. No scrabbling for a socket when you’re in the middle of something important!
5. 2-in-1 flexibility.
2-in-1 laptops are all about flexibility. That’s because they have a touchscreen, and either a 360-degree hinge or detachable keyboard. You choose whether you want to have the usual keyboard set-up or use it more like a tablet or notepad.
The HP Spectre x360 is a 2-in-1 with a 360-degree hinge. And thanks to Windows Ink & Pen, it’s got a few extra tricks up its sleeve. Pick up a digital pen (or even your finger) and you’ll find it works seamlessly with loads of Microsoft Office apps.
In OneNote, you can turn your laptop into a freehand calculator. Scribble down an equation and your laptop will work it out for you – saving you the hassle of typing complicated formulae out with symbols and superscript. Or in Word you can transform your digitally written notes into neat typing, making it way easier to revise from.
6. Security you can trust.
Security is a big deal at uni, where you’ll be using your laptop in lots of public spaces and using shared Wi-Fi networks, this becomes an even bigger deal. Look for features like a mute mic and privacy camera shutter. So if you don’t want to be seen or heard, you won’t be.
That’s keeping your personal info safe, now what about your work? Well, thanks to OneDrive, there’s no need to stress about that either. Just set up the PC folder backup and OneDrive will automatically back up and sync all the files in your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. Your coursework’s safe in the Cloud and you can access it from anywhere, even if something happens to your laptop.
Need more help?
If you’d like more help picking a laptop, our laptop buying guide is a good place to start. And if you’d like to talk to a laptop expert, give our in-store colleagues a call on ShopLive.
