Check with your campus IT department.
Also, check with the department you plan to study in.
Keep in mind that department suggestions are a baseline, though.
Theyre usually underpowered compared to what you’re able to actually buy.
Use them as a starting point, and go up from there if you better.
you’re able to evenrun Windows from an external SSD to save space.
However, if youre a gamer, you may prefer a Windows-based laptop, just for selections sake.
Start with screen size and weight.
In fact, sometimesbuying two computers is cheaper than buying one.
Get as big a battery as you’ve got the option to.
test whether your candidate laptops have replaceable batteries.
Bigger batteries mean more weight, so keep that in mind as well.
You may find better battery life in a more modest machine.
Get the right hard drive for your storage needs.
Think about some of your hobbies and interests.
That includes thingslike laptop stands,laptop bags, chargers, and so on.
Also, see to it the laptop you buy has the ports to connect what you better plug in!
Were not saying you should buy a gaming laptop, though.
Gaming laptops are notoriously expensive, big, and heavy.
However, you might want to look at higher-end models than you would have considered otherwise.
Those are the basics to get you started.
If you have specific needs, youll have a longer list of questions.
In every case, find your own power-to-portability sweet spot.
Youll have to make some compromises to save money, but also to avoid buying more than you need.
Similarly,dont step down too far just to save money.
You know flimsy when you feel it.
Dont be afraid to pay for the things you like.
Youre buying a equipment youll probably use for a few years, so double-check youre content with your purchase.
Even so, confirm you read reviews of the laptops you consider.
You dont want to sacrifice something you actuallyneedfor a shiny feature you mightwant.
We havea few Ultrabook suggestions here, and our friends atGizmodohave greatin-depth laptop reviews.
The Wirecutter also hasreviews and their favorite pick here.
Theres really no substitute for actually playing with a laptop before you buy one.
Check back with your campus IT department to see if they have a purchasing program.
If your campus has one, its worth checking out.
Also, almost every campus bookstore and IT office has discounted or free software bundles for students.
Almost every major PC manufacturer offers student discounts, and many even offer software or peripheral bundles.
Weve run downa couple of placeswhereyou can get student discounts, includingdeep discounts on software.
see to it you save whenever you’ve got the option to.
Trust us, youll need the money for textbooks.
Weve mentioned in the past thatextended warranties are rarely worth it, but those rare times usually involve laptops.
If you hate the idea of an extended warranty, at leastuse a good credit card for your purchase.
Youll get more protection than the standard warranty offers.
If youre the hands-on bang out, head over toiFixitand see if your laptop is listed.
Youll get an idea of how difficult it is to open up and repair yourself.
Worst case, something does happen and you have a head start ondeciding to fix or replaceyour laptop.
However, you dontreallyknow what youll need in college until you actually get there.
Once you find out, youll be better equipped to buy the best laptop for you.
For most students, your laptop will pull double duty for work and play.
Youll also need to be able to take it with you to class or to the library.
That makes it even more important to be really happy with the one you buy.