Best back to school laptops
Here’s Currys PC World’s pick of the perfect laptops for primary school, high school and uni.
No matter what stage of education your child is at, access to a computer is important. And while usually they might have had access to a school laptop or computer, social distancing will make this harder for the 2021 academic year.
But which laptop is best for schoolwork? Laptops for school children don’t necessarily mean ones designed specifically for kids. Just ones with the right spec and price point to suit them and you.
Best laptop for primary school students
Focus on weight and durability. Remember, if this is just a basic laptop for school, power isn’t all that important.
You’re going to want something light. And it’s got to be able to take a knock every now and then, even if it’s only used at home. So, the best laptop for primary school students is something made from durable materials. Preferably something spill-proof too.
Good laptops for kids don’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of affordable laptops for kids.
Currys PC World recommends: Microsoft 10” Surface Go
The Microsoft Surface Go is a 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop. And that’s really what makes it the best laptop for primary school age. They can let out their arty side, but it’s also a good opportunity for them to practice their handwriting - like a mini whiteboard.
Having a Microsoft Surface to take to school is ideal too because it’s so portable. It’s seriously light at only 562g. Plus, it has 8 hours battery life- more than enough to last the whole school day. So even though this is a basic laptop, it promises a ton of fun and learning for any kid.
Best laptop for high school students
For high school students, there’s a bit more focus on extra-curricular activities. It’s not as simple as asking ‘what is the best laptop for school-work?’ The best laptops for high school students need to keep up with their work and their free time. Browsing on social media, streaming, as well as handling all the different applications they might need. When it comes to good laptops for high school, you need a multi-tasker.
Most schools will use software like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud. They’re important for writing essays, creating presentations and editing video footage or photos. So, a laptop that can help a student get familiar with them is a plus.
Storage capacity is also important when it comes to good laptops for high school students. It’s easy to store stuff on the cloud now and it makes laptops more affordable for high school students, since SSD storage is durable, but definitely more expensive.
Currys PC World recommends: Asus Flip Chromebook C433TA 14" Intel® Core
Most laptops will start getting slower as more stuff gets installed on them. With a Chromebook like the Asus Chromebook Flip that doesn’t happen - its speedy and doesn’t need much maintenance. Open it up during a lesson and it’s ready to go.
Being a 2-in-1 Chromebook also makes it a great laptop for on-the-go schoolwork. Of course, you get all the normal functionality of a regular laptop, but you can scribble handwritten notes on it or use it as more of an e-reader to go through online textbooks.
All in all, this is an affordable Asus laptop that’ll take your teenager through work and play.
Best laptop for uni students
Whether it’s Skype or Zoom, video conferencing software is a big deal for studying now. The best laptop for uni students is one that makes using them easy, with a good screen and built-in camera.
The best laptop for university students has to be something light. When life does go back to normal, the trek around campus will be back too. And you don’t want to be lugging something heavy around all day. A good laptop for uni should also have a long-lasting battery life.
Of course, although you’ll want an affordable laptop for university, it’s important to remember this has to last three or four years. So, it needs to be good quality and durable too.
Currys PC World recommends: Apple 13.3" Macbook Air
A Macbook Air for university is a great choice. As the name suggests, they’re super light. And that doesn’t come at the expense of battery life either, with a hefty 12 hours.
While they may not be cheap, a Macbook definitely delivers great value. Apple’s laptops are sleek, powerful and definitely built to last. The new magic keyboard on Macbook Air is a case in point- designed specifically to make typing faster and keys stand the test of time.
The Retina Display screen also makes it great for streaming shows or doing multimedia projects. Plus, its 256GB of SSD storage give you plenty of room while also keeping loading speeds fast. It’s no wonder why Macbook, for students, is such a popular choice.
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Article was originally published by our partners at Currys PC World.