The transition to college is a thrilling and demanding time, filled with new experiences and academic challenges. As you embark on this journey, having the right tools is crucial, and your laptop will be your constant companion. But navigating the vast world of laptops can be overwhelming, especially when budget constraints are a factor. Fear not, for this comprehensive guide is here to help you find the perfect laptop for your college needs, without breaking the bank. We’ve compiled a list of the best laptops for college students under $700, featuring detailed reviews and expert insights to ensure you make an informed decision.
From tackling demanding coursework to staying connected with friends and family, your college laptop needs to be reliable, efficient, and versatile. We’ve considered factors like performance, battery life, portability, and display quality to bring you the most comprehensive list of best laptops for college students under $700, empowering you to choose the ideal companion for your academic journey. Whether you’re a budding writer, a tech enthusiast, or simply need a solid device for everyday tasks, this guide will help you find the perfect fit for your college life.
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Finding the Best Laptops for College Students Under $700
Navigating the world of laptops can be overwhelming, especially when you’re a college student on a budget. Finding the best laptops for college students under $700 requires careful consideration of your specific needs and priorities. You’ll want a machine that can handle your academic workload, including word processing, research, and presentations, while still being portable and reliable.
While you might not be able to afford the most powerful machines at this price point, there are plenty of excellent options available. Look for laptops with a decent processor, sufficient RAM, and a good battery life. You’ll also want to consider the size and weight of the laptop, as you’ll be carrying it around campus.
When choosing from the best laptops for college students under $700, think about the specific software you’ll be using. Do you need a laptop that can handle demanding graphics software or complex coding? If so, you may need to prioritize a laptop with a dedicated graphics card.
For the average student, a laptop with a solid processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD will likely be sufficient for most tasks. This combination will ensure smooth performance for everyday use, including browsing the internet, streaming videos, and writing essays. Remember that you can always upgrade the storage later on if needed.
Finding the best laptops for college students under $700 is a balancing act of features, price, and portability. With a little research and careful consideration, you can find a laptop that will meet your needs and help you succeed in your studies.
Best Laptops For College Students Under $700 – Reviews
Product 1: Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R74Z
The Acer Aspire 5 is a solid choice for college students who need a reliable laptop for everyday tasks. It boasts a powerful AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance for web browsing, document editing, and even light gaming. The 15.6-inch full HD display provides a crisp and vibrant viewing experience, while the comfortable keyboard and large touchpad make typing and navigating a breeze.
This laptop also comes with a generous 256GB SSD, providing ample space for your files and applications. It’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around campus. The battery life is decent, lasting for around 7-8 hours on a single charge. For those looking for a well-rounded laptop at an affordable price, the Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent option.
Product 2: HP 15s-fq5000
The HP 15s-fq5000 is another great option for students on a budget. It features an AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB of RAM, delivering solid performance for everyday tasks. The 15.6-inch HD display provides a clear picture for web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. The HP 15s-fq5000 comes with a spacious 512GB SSD, allowing you to store all your files and applications without worrying about running out of space.
This laptop is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around campus. While the battery life isn’t quite as long as some other models, it still provides around 6-7 hours of usage on a single charge. Overall, the HP 15s-fq5000 is a budget-friendly laptop that offers good performance and ample storage for college students.
Product 3: Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14ITL6
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a stylish and compact laptop that’s perfect for students on the go. It features an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, delivering reliable performance for everyday tasks. The 14-inch HD display is bright and sharp, ideal for web browsing and multimedia content. This laptop comes with a 256GB SSD, providing sufficient storage for your files and applications.
The IdeaPad 3 is incredibly lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around campus. The battery life is decent, offering around 6-7 hours of usage on a single charge. It also includes a built-in fingerprint reader for added security. While the performance isn’t quite as powerful as some other models on this list, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 offers a great combination of style, portability, and affordability.
Product 4: ASUS VivoBook 15 X515EA
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a powerful and versatile laptop that’s ideal for students who need a reliable machine for both work and entertainment. It features an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, delivering smooth performance for multitasking and even light gaming. The 15.6-inch full HD display provides a crisp and vibrant viewing experience, while the comfortable keyboard and large touchpad make typing and navigating a breeze.
This laptop comes with a generous 512GB SSD, providing ample space for your files and applications. The battery life is impressive, lasting for around 8-9 hours on a single charge. The ASUS VivoBook 15 is also equipped with a fingerprint reader for added security. If you’re looking for a powerful and well-rounded laptop at an affordable price, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is an excellent choice.
Product 5: Dell Inspiron 15 3000
The Dell Inspiron 15 is a reliable and affordable laptop that’s perfect for college students who need a basic machine for everyday tasks. It features an Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, delivering solid performance for web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. The 15.6-inch HD display provides a clear picture, while the comfortable keyboard and large touchpad make typing and navigating a breeze.
This laptop comes with a 256GB SSD, providing ample storage for your files and applications. The battery life is decent, lasting for around 6-7 hours on a single charge. The Dell Inspiron 15 is a solid choice for students looking for a budget-friendly laptop that’s reliable and easy to use.
The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Laptops for College Students Under $700
College is a time of immense academic and personal growth, and having the right tools can significantly enhance the experience. A reliable laptop is an indispensable tool for students, facilitating everything from taking notes in class to researching papers and collaborating with peers. However, navigating the world of laptops can be overwhelming, especially when working within a budget. This guide aims to shed light on why buying a laptop is essential for college students, particularly those looking for options under $700.
Firstly, a laptop provides students with the flexibility to work from anywhere. Whether it’s the library, a coffee shop, or the comfort of their dorm room, a laptop allows them to access their coursework and complete assignments at their convenience. This freedom is invaluable, especially during hectic schedules and demanding workloads. Secondly, a laptop equips students with the necessary tools for academic success. From word processing software and spreadsheets to presentation programs and research databases, a laptop offers a comprehensive suite of applications that are essential for various academic pursuits.
Lastly, a laptop facilitates communication and collaboration. Students can easily connect with peers, professors, and resources online, fostering a collaborative learning environment. With access to email, instant messaging, and video conferencing, a laptop enables seamless communication and project coordination, which is crucial in today’s interconnected world. Navigating the plethora of options available can be daunting, but focusing on essential features and specific needs can help narrow down the search. This guide delves into the key considerations when choosing the best laptops for college students under $700, empowering students to make informed decisions and find the perfect device to support their academic journey.
Essential Features to Consider
When choosing a laptop for college, it’s crucial to prioritize features that will enhance your academic experience. Look for a laptop with a comfortable keyboard and touchpad, ensuring seamless note-taking and research. Battery life is also paramount, allowing you to work uninterruptedly throughout the day. A good screen size and resolution are essential for comfortable reading and viewing presentations. Additionally, consider the weight and portability of the laptop, as you’ll likely be carrying it around campus.
Beyond basic functionality, consider the laptop’s processing power and RAM. A processor with at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 will handle basic tasks smoothly. Opt for at least 8GB of RAM to ensure efficient multitasking and smooth performance. For students pursuing graphically intensive fields like design or engineering, a dedicated graphics card is an added advantage.
Finally, think about connectivity options. A laptop with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities is a must for seamless connectivity to peripherals and the internet. Some laptops offer additional ports like USB-C or HDMI, which can be beneficial for connecting to external monitors or devices.
Operating System: Windows vs. macOS
The choice between Windows and macOS largely depends on your personal preference and the software you need for your academic pursuits. Windows laptops dominate the market, offering a wide range of software options, including popular productivity tools like Microsoft Office. They are generally more affordable and have a broader selection of models within your budget.
macOS, the operating system for Apple laptops, is known for its user-friendly interface and sleek design. It offers seamless integration with other Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. While some software might be exclusive to macOS, most popular applications have Windows counterparts. However, Apple laptops tend to be more expensive and have a smaller selection of models available.
Ultimately, the best operating system depends on your needs and priorities. If you’re unfamiliar with either, consider trying out both before making a decision. Many colleges offer computer labs with both Windows and macOS machines, giving you an opportunity to experience both firsthand.
Storage Options: SSD vs. HDD
Storage capacity and type are crucial factors to consider when buying a laptop for college. Solid-state drives (SSDs) offer significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). This translates to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and smoother overall performance. SSDs are also more durable and resistant to physical shocks, making them ideal for the rigors of student life.
While SSDs are generally more expensive, their performance benefits outweigh the cost for most students. HDDs, on the other hand, offer more storage space at a lower price. However, their slower performance can be a drawback for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
If you anticipate storing a large amount of data like photos, videos, or music, an HDD might be a suitable choice. However, for most students, an SSD is a worthwhile investment to ensure a smooth and efficient computing experience. Consider a laptop with a hybrid storage solution that combines a small SSD for the operating system and essential applications with a larger HDD for storing data.
Best Laptops for College Students Under $700: A Buying Guide
College life is demanding, requiring a reliable laptop to handle everything from lectures and essays to research projects and entertainment. Finding a balance between performance, affordability, and portability can be a challenge, especially on a student budget. This buying guide will help you navigate the crowded laptop market and discover the best laptops for college students under $700, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
1. Processor (CPU)
The processor, also known as the CPU, is the brain of your laptop, responsible for processing information and executing tasks. A good processor is crucial for smooth multitasking, running demanding applications, and preventing lag. For college students, a powerful CPU is essential for handling resource-intensive software like video editing, coding, or running virtual machines.
When choosing a laptop for college, look for a processor from Intel’s Core i5 or i7 series or AMD’s Ryzen 5 or 7 series. These processors offer a good balance of power and efficiency. Avoid laptops with older generation processors like Core i3 or AMD A-series as they may struggle with demanding tasks. Pay attention to the processor’s clock speed and number of cores; higher clock speeds and more cores generally indicate better performance.
2. RAM (Memory)
RAM (Random Access Memory) is temporary storage that your laptop uses to hold data it’s actively working with. More RAM means the laptop can handle more programs and tasks simultaneously without slowing down. For college students, a minimum of 8GB of RAM is essential for smooth multitasking, especially when juggling multiple applications like word processors, web browsers, and research software.
If you plan to run demanding applications like video editing or gaming, consider a laptop with 12GB or 16GB of RAM. Remember, RAM can’t be upgraded easily, so it’s better to invest in a laptop with sufficient RAM from the start. Avoid laptops with 4GB of RAM as they will likely struggle to keep up with your workload.
3. Storage Space
Storage space is where your laptop stores all your files, applications, operating system, and other data. You’ll need enough storage for your documents, research materials, software, and multimedia files. For college students, a 256GB SSD (Solid State Drive) is a good starting point. An SSD offers faster boot times and overall performance compared to traditional hard drives.
If you anticipate storing a large amount of data like movies, music, or large software programs, consider a laptop with a 512GB SSD or even a 1TB SSD. Some laptops also offer a combination of SSD and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). This allows you to benefit from the fast loading speeds of an SSD for your frequently used applications and files while having a larger hard drive for bulk storage.
4. Display
The display is your main window to the digital world. A good laptop display should be comfortable for long hours of work, offering good image quality, brightness, and resolution. For college students, a screen size between 13.3″ and 15.6″ is ideal, providing a good balance between portability and screen real estate.
Look for a display with a resolution of at least 1920×1080 pixels (Full HD) for sharp, detailed images. Consider a laptop with an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel for wider viewing angles and better color accuracy. If you’re into creative work like design or photography, look for a laptop with a display with a higher color gamut for more vibrant and accurate color reproduction.
5. Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for college students who are constantly on the move. You don’t want to be tethered to an outlet all day, especially when attending classes, working in the library, or attending campus events. Aim for a laptop with at least 8 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the battery life, but remember that real-world usage will vary depending on screen brightness, usage patterns, and other factors. Some laptops offer quick charging technology, which can get you back to full charge faster.
6. Connectivity
Connectivity options are essential for staying connected and productive in college. Make sure your laptop has a variety of ports for connecting to different peripherals. A minimum of one USB-A port, one USB-C port, and an HDMI port is recommended.
Other important connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6 for fast internet speeds, Bluetooth for connecting wireless peripherals, and an SD card reader for transferring files from cameras or other devices. Some laptops also offer a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connectivity, which is useful for situations where Wi-Fi is unreliable.
7. Operating System
The operating system is the software that manages your laptop’s resources and provides a user interface. The two most popular options for laptops are Windows and macOS. Windows is the most common operating system for laptops, offering a wide range of software compatibility and features. macOS, known for its user-friendliness and security, is primarily used on Apple laptops.
Windows is more widely compatible with various software and peripherals, making it a popular choice for college students. If you already own an Apple device like an iPhone or iPad, macOS might be a good choice as it integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. When choosing an operating system, consider your existing devices and the software you need to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I prioritize in a laptop for college?
The most important features for a college laptop are portability, battery life, and performance. You’ll need a laptop that’s lightweight and easy to carry around campus, with a battery that can last through a full day of classes and studying. You’ll also want a laptop that’s powerful enough to handle demanding tasks like writing papers, browsing the web, and streaming videos.
Other features to consider include screen size, display resolution, and storage capacity. A larger screen will be more comfortable for long periods of use, while a high-resolution display will provide sharper images and text. A larger storage capacity will allow you to store more files, such as movies, music, and games.
What is the best laptop for college students under $700?
The best laptop for college students under $700 is the Acer Aspire 5. It offers a great balance of features, performance, and affordability. It has a 15.6-inch display, an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It’s also very portable, weighing just 3.97 pounds.
The Acer Aspire 5 is a great choice for students who need a laptop for general use, such as writing papers, browsing the web, and streaming videos. It’s also a good choice for students who want a laptop that’s both affordable and powerful.
What are some of the best budget-friendly laptops for college?
There are a number of great budget-friendly laptops for college students. Some of our top picks include the Acer Aspire 3, HP 15, and Lenovo IdeaPad 3. These laptops all offer a good balance of features, performance, and affordability, making them great options for students on a tight budget.
The Acer Aspire 3, HP 15, and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 are all great choices for students who need a laptop for general use, such as writing papers, browsing the web, and streaming videos. They’re also good options for students who want a laptop that’s both affordable and reliable.
What is the difference between an SSD and a HDD?
An SSD (Solid-State Drive) is a type of storage that uses flash memory to store data. SSDs are faster, more reliable, and more energy-efficient than HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), which use spinning platters to store data.
SSDs are generally more expensive than HDDs, but the performance and reliability benefits make them a worthwhile investment for most students. If you’re looking for a laptop for college, it’s highly recommended to choose one with an SSD.
What is the best laptop for college students who need a touchscreen?
If you’re looking for a laptop for college with a touchscreen, we recommend the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5. It has a 13.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It’s also very portable, weighing just 2.9 pounds.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is a great choice for students who need a laptop for general use, such as writing papers, browsing the web, and streaming videos. It’s also a good choice for students who want a laptop that’s both affordable and powerful.
What are some of the best laptops for college students who need a long battery life?
There are a number of laptops for college students that offer a long battery life. Some of our top picks include the Acer Swift 3, HP Envy x360 13, and Dell XPS 13. These laptops all offer a battery life of around 8 hours or more, making them great options for students who are on the go.
The Acer Swift 3, HP Envy x360 13, and Dell XPS 13 are all great choices for students who need a laptop for general use, such as writing papers, browsing the web, and streaming videos. They’re also good options for students who want a laptop that’s both powerful and reliable.
How much RAM do I need for a college laptop?
For most students, 8GB of RAM is sufficient. This will allow you to run multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing any lag. If you plan on doing more demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming, you may want to consider a laptop with 16GB of RAM.
However, for most students, 8GB of RAM is enough to handle the everyday tasks of college, such as writing papers, browsing the web, and streaming videos. If you’re on a tight budget, you can save some money by choosing a laptop with 8GB of RAM.
Conclusion
Choosing the right laptop for college can feel overwhelming, with endless options and features to consider. However, you don’t need to break the bank to find a powerful and reliable machine. This list of best laptops for college students under $700 showcases high-performing devices that cater to diverse needs and budgets. Whether you’re a creative writer, a data-driven scientist, or a casual gamer, you’ll find a laptop that empowers your academic journey and keeps you connected, productive, and entertained.
Investing in a quality laptop is an investment in your future success. With the right device, you’ll be able to tackle demanding coursework, stay organized, and connect with classmates and professors seamlessly. Don’t settle for less, explore these top-rated options and find the perfect laptop to elevate your college experience.