Best Laptops for Students

Posted on October 19, 2023 by resourcefulman

Using computers in the classroom has changed a bit since we played Oregon Trail on the Apple IIe. Now they’re integrated into the classroom, with students opening Chromebooks as early as kindergarten to take tests and do math homework. As kids get older and move from grade to grade, they will need laptops for research and writing, writing code, and of course, streaming videos and playing Minecraft.

But not every device will do everything your child needs or be as easy to use as he or she would like. We’ve put together this list of the best laptops for your kids so they can excel in their learning and you can get the most bang for your buck.

HP Pavilion 14 Laptop

Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U
GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 16 GB
Memory: 256 GB
Display: 14 inches, 1920 by 1080.
Dimensions: 12.8 x 0.67 x 8.53 inches.
Weight: 3.11 lbs

Your student may not like the way they look on the Pavilion’s non-upgradeable 720p webcam, but if they’re looking for a lightweight, affordable laptop that can get the job done, this is it. Its features, including a rival HD screen and powerful Intel Core i5 processor, make it much more versatile than its pricier contemporaries (and usually come with discounts). The laptop can be easily connected to a monitor, and its memory, speed, and GPU can be upgraded. Just make sure they bring a charger with them, as battery life is a sticking point for some users.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno GPU
RAM: 4 GB
Memory: 64 GB
Display: 10.95 inches, 2000 x 1200, touch.
Dimensions: 10.2 x 0.31 x 6.5 inches.
Weight: 2.09 lbs

This 2-in-1 device fits easily into a bag or backpack, making it ideal for completing a task at the local Starbucks the night before, and if you spill a latte on your desk, the portable keyboard is waterproof. Your student probably won’t mind that this laptop doesn’t have a headphone jack if they have a pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones. If your family is on a budget, this laptop is ideal for the most basic tasks; just don’t expect him to do any heavy lifting.

Scientist Tanoshi

Processor: Quad Core
GPU: N/A
RAM: 2 GB
Memory: 32 GB
Display: 10.1 inches, 1280×800, touch.
Dimensions: 10.2 x 0.9 x 7.2 inches.
Weight: 2.45 lbs

If you regularly watch Shark Tank , you may be familiar with the company that created this laptop. It’s a durable hybrid device that’s affordable enough for elementary school students interested in the Internet or participating in distance learning. It includes a detachable keyboard and the ability to use some of its features offline. It also has plenty of parental control features so kids don’t stumble across anything inappropriate.

Google Pixelbook Go

Processor: Intel Core i5-8200Y
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 615
RAM: 8 GB
Memory: 256 GB
Display: 13.3 inches, 1920×1080, touch.
Dimensions: 12.2 x 0.5 x 8.1 inches.
Weight: 2.3 lbs

Lightweight, beautiful, and well-built, this laptop will last a full day on a single charge, making it ideal for last-minute cramming. It also boasts an amazing webcam for studying from afar, and powerful speakers that make lectures (or, frankly, music) audible clearly. But USB-C ports and the Chrome operating system can limit users’ options, meaning students may spend more time in the computer lab than they’d like.

Dell Chromebook 3110

Processor: Intel Celeron N4020
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600
RAM: 4 GB
Memory: 16 GB
Display: 11.6 inches, 1366 x 768
Dimensions: 11.96 x 0.82 x 8.19 inches.
Weight: 2.85 lbs

My youngest son occasionally plays games on an iPad protected by five inches of foam, but the way he handles it, I know deep down he’ll find a way to break that thing sooner or later. However, this 2-in-1 device seems to be able to handle anything my kid can handle, from the rubber bumpers on the case to the spill-resistant keyboard. It’s also affordable, so it won’t break the bank if the inevitable happens.

Acer Spin 311 Chromebook

Processor: Intel Celeron N4000
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600
RAM: 4 GB
Memory: 32 GB
Display: 11.6 inches, 1366 x 768
Dimensions: 11.7 x 0.82 x 8.1 inches.
Weight: 2.6 lbs

It looks like a MacBook, but the similarities end once you open this 11.6-inch device. What this 2-in-1 device lacks in display and battery life, however, it more than makes up for in price, especially if you’re looking for a product for elementary or middle school students. It also doesn’t offer much storage space, but with plenty of USB-A and USB-C ports, your student can solve that problem with an external drive.

Microsoft Surface Go 3

Processor: Intel Core i3-10100Y
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 615
RAM: 8 GB, 16 GB
Memory: 128 GB
Display: 10.5 inches, 1920×1280, touch.
Sizes: ‎9. x 0.33 x 6.9 inches
Weight: 1.2 lbs

Reviewers weren’t kind to the latest version of this laptop/tablet , but if you don’t have a lot of students, Windows 11 can support multiple users. And since it uses the operating system and software that everyone has used in various versions since the 80s, you know it will be easy to use. The biggest benefit for parents is the short battery life, keeping your student tied to a power source.

Apple MacBook Air

Processor: Apple M1 (8-core processor)
GPU: Apple M1 (7- or 8-core GPU)
RAM: 8 GB, 16 GB
Memory: 256 GB
Display: 13.3-inch IPS, 2560 x 1600, 60 Hz.
Dimensions: 11.97 x 0.63 x 8.36 inches.
Weight: 2.8 lbs

Every laptop has its downsides, but if you’re going to nitpick about the number of USB ports or the MacBook’s pre-installed software, you’re just trying to talk yourself out of one of the best investments you’ll make for your student, especially if he’s an iPhone user, so how many applications work seamlessly from the processor to the smartphone. More importantly, these computers will last a long time, even if your student decides to try a seven-year college plan. Take advantage of Apple’s education pricing and grab one of these.

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