Every laptop is not designed equal, and when it comes to going to college, you need to get the right machine. Students who are doing an art course may not need a laptop with the same specifications as those doing an engineering course. So how do you select the best laptop for college? Read on to find out.
1. Choose the Right Processor and RAM
Different students have varied processor and RAM needs. If you are using your computer for light tasks like assignments, basic games, and software, then either an Intel Duocore or an Intel Core i3 is okay. If you run heavy applications and games, you may need an Intel Core i5 or Core i7. As for RAM, most laptops come with 4GB RAM, which is okay for small tasks like watching movies or assignments and watching movies. However, you can always upgrade for heavy software.
2. Choose a Good Operating System
Some people prefer the Apple operating system, whereas others prefer Windows or Linux. However, it helps to find out from your college if they have any preferences on laptops based on the software they use. Also, if you want to run other software, you need to get a computer that allows you to do so. For example, you can install a software that runs on Windows on a Mac, but you cannot install the same software on a Windows laptop. In addition, pricing might affect the kind of operating system you get since many affordable computers run on Windows or Linux.
3. Determine the Amount of Storage You Need
College studies involve storing a lot of files, and most laptops come with hard drive capacities of between 500GB and 2TB. 500GB is enough for all your learning activities. However, if you plan to store movies and install massive games, then you need more space, which you can get using an external hard drive.
4. Choose the Right Graphic Card
Graphic cards come in two options—integrated and discrete. Integrated graphics are slower compared to the discrete ones. Your usage needs will determine the kind of images you will need. If you only perform basic tasks like playing simple games, then go for integrated graphics. If you use graphic-intensive software or games, go for either AMD Radeon cards or NVIDIA GeForce cards.
5. Battery Capacity
Make sure to choose a laptop with a good battery capacity since you will need your computer to be portable.
