Knowing what features to look for in a back to school laptop is essential for the new college student. Students are generally on a tight budget and do not need all of the latest technology but simply require some basics. Here are a few things for which to look and a few things that are not completely necessary.
Laptop Size
One of the top features is size and weight of the laptop. No student wants to be carrying a heavy bag to and from his classes or the library. Instead, he needs something that is highly portable. Various manufacturers offer different sizes.
• The average screen size is between fifteen and sixteen inches and this is plenty for college use.
• Some laptops currently feature smaller screens at thirteen to fourteen inches that still have full-sized keyboards and excellent graphics.
• It is difficult to use anything smaller than this, and notebooks and iPads do not have all the features that a student would need.
• Eighteen inch screens or larger are generally far too heavy for the average collegiate to want to carry.
• Some manufacturers offer extremely thin laptops, which make transportation of them much easier.
Battery Life
A second major feature is battery life. This is vital for the individual who is not able to sit near an electrical outlet at class, the library or the coffee shop. Students should search for batteries that have lives of more than four hours and that can recharge quickly.
User-friendly Keyboard
While home computers may most often be used for surfing the web, laptops used at college are typically used more for typing than for any other activity. Term papers, homework assignments and staying in touch with family and friends by email or online chat require a great deal of typing. It is imperative to find a quiet keyboard that will not be distracting to classmates or sleeping roommates.
Extended Warranty
Since laptops are in seemingly constant transportation, they have a high incidence of damage. This is especially true in dormitory rooms. Purchasing the extended warranty can be a lifesaver if something is spilled on the laptop or if it is dropped. This will also cover technical issues and can help a student get a new laptop quickly.
Various Technical Specifications
Although the items mentioned previously are among the most important, some other items deserve attention as well.
• Experts recommend three to four gigabytes of memory these days since many students download large programs and files.
• Many students find that a high quality webcam helps them to communicate with family and friends back home as well as carry on online chats with college friends.
• A CD and DVD burner is essential for many homework projects. Some prefer a BluRay player in combination with a DVD player.
• A tough firewall and high quality antivirus software are necessities for any computer.
• A wireless mouse aids some students with browsing speed.
• Students who often work with numbers, such as mathematics or accounting majors, will find that a wireless numerical keyboard is a wise investment.
In conclusion, knowing what features to look for in a back to school laptop can help any student understand which features are necessary and which are simply extraneous. Choosing from these options will keep the student within his budget and will give him a laptop that will last during all four years of college.
About the author: Gerald Smith is a contributing writer at privatestudentloan.org.
