Starting college is always an exciting time in every student’s life. It’s a new chapter they have waited for so long. They will study the topics that interest them, they will meet new friends, and learn how to face numerous challenges.
Still, there are many things that have to be done before you start this journey. Even though it may not seem like it at first, your laptop will become your best friend. Just wait until you are faced with numerous assignments, essays, and presentations you have to do. One of the best ways to ensure that you will complete these tasks smoothly, besides being organized and disciplined, is to get a laptop that meets all of your requirements. Here are some of the most significant ones you have to put on your list.
Table of Contents
Set a budget
The very first thing you have to do even before you start looking and exploring different devices is to set a budget. Surely you already know that the prices can greatly differ, so if you were to look at those that you cannot even afford, you would just waste precious time.
In addition, this whole process can prove to be overwhelming simply because it seems that your options are endless. You don’t believe us? Check out the VipHouse website, and you will see what we are talking about.
So, before you do anything, determine the amount of money you are ready to invest. Don’t worry. You will be able to find the perfect device for you regardless of the cost.
Operating system
Many people don’t consider this to be an important requirement. After all, you only have two options, both of them work great, and almost every app and software are available for both. Most people opt for Windows simply because many laptops have it already installed. However, depending on what you are studying, you may need to get Linux or Mac OS. If you will need to use specific software that doesn’t run on Windows, then there is no point in getting a laptop that doesn’t support Linux or Mac OS.
Processing power
The power of the devices needs to a second thing you consider. Naturally, this requirement will completely depend on how you want to use the laptop. If you need it only to write papers, surf the Internet, watch videos, and use social media platforms, a simple device with the Intel Core i3 processor will be good enough, or you can check out the best free laptops with food stamps at resettips.com and find the right device for you.
On the other hand, if you are an avid gamer or need something that can support multiple software apps at the same time, you will need to get something stronger like, the Intel Core i9 processor. It is quite simple. If you need a powerful laptop, you need to go with the one that has a powerful processor. It is the key element that will make the device run faster, and therefore, support your multi-tasking habit or simply boost your experience.
RAM
While on the subject of essential elements, you have to think about how much storage you will need. Generally speaking, most laptops come with 4GB of RAM, which is a pretty decent number. These can support some of the widely used apps and programs. If you go with one of these, you will be able to complete simple tasks, watch videos, and even play some video games.
On the other hand, let’s go back to specific programs you will need for your studies. We already mentioned this when we discussed the operating system, and this is another moment when you have to think about it. If this is the case with you, then you will need to invest a little bit more money and get a laptop with 8GB of RAM.
Hard drive
How many files do you keep on your laptop? How many programs and apps do you use? Do you store movies or just keep documents and photos? Yes, these are all the questions you have to answer to be able to determine how much storage you need. Generally speaking, you can choose between a 500GB and 2TB hard drive. Keep in mind that you can go with the 500GB one, and then you can purchase an additional hard drive if it turns out you need more storage.
Battery life
Many people would agree that battery life is the most important thing you have to inquire about when buying any device. It becomes even more significant when it comes to laptops. It doesn’t matter how great your device is if you have to carry a charger with you always and look for places to plug it in.
Yes, manufacturers are constantly working on upgrading the battery life of their devices, but in most cases, a single charge is not enough. Plus, consider the fact that laptops that have powerful processors, large screens, high storage capacity, and the like use a lot of power, which means that it is crucial to inquire about the battery they include before making the final decision.
Weight
Not a lot of people care about the weight of their laptops, but as a student, you need to. Why? Well, you will probably have to carry it to classes often to work on some practical assignments or to give presentations. If you will do this on a regular basis, our advice is to look for a device that is lightweight simply because it will be more convenient.
On the other note, if you will keep it in your room for most of the time, you can go with the one that is a bit larger, and that includes a larger display. Obviously, the size of the display can be an important requirement if you will be spending a lot of time in front of it. Plus, it is more convenient when it comes to playing games and watching movies.
Wrapping up
To sum up, these are some of the most important things you have to look for in a new laptop. Depending on your studies, some of these may be more or less crucial, so you should find the one that is within your price range. Our advice is to think about all these elements and determine what you need before starting the search.