What Is a Good Laptop for a Student?
Choosing a laptop for a student doesn't have to be difficult. Knowing what to look for will make finding the perfect laptop easier. Student laptops don't have to be expensive, either. By knowing which features are needed as opposed to what the student wants can greatly reduce the price. Shopping in advance also will allow you to find discounts. With a little information, you can find the most suitable laptop for a student.
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Misconceptions
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Students don't need the latest high-end laptop for school use. Despite what may be popular, a cheaper model with fewer features is perfect for a student's use. You don't need to purchase a specific brand or model, either. This is a common misconception, especially if the school promotes a certain brand or model. If the laptop meets a student's needs, the laptop will work just as well as another brand.
Size
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Laptops can weigh as little as 1 pound and have a screen size of only 12 inches. The larger the screen size, the more the laptop weighs. Medium-weight laptops of less than 8 pounds are popular with students. With the weight of books and notebooks, a low- to medium-weight laptop is necessary.
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Types
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Three main types of laptops are available for students. PCs are Windows-based laptops and are compatible with most school networks. Apple laptops run Mac operating systems. Apple computers have fewer virus issues than PCs but typically cost more. Linux-based laptops are sold online. Apple and PC laptops can be formatted to run Linux, a free operating system. Laptops are available for students with a standard LCD screen, as a tablet and touchscreen. Tablets have a rotating screen and also have a touchscreen feature. Touchscreens are stationary but can be used with a stylus.
Function
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A good student laptop is equipped with a word processor for reports and notes. Students need access to the Internet as well. Wired and wireless network cards are appropriate. Laptops geared to students also have applications for managing and playing music and videos. The ideal student laptop also has anti-virus software to protect the student's files. A student laptop doesn't need the fastest processor or the most memory on the market as long as the laptop runs programs necessary for school work and a little fun on the side such as music and games.
Location
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Student-geared laptops are sold both online and in most electronics stores. During and before holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, most laptops are discounted. Student laptops are best found during the months of May, June, July and August as back-to-school specials are run.
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