If you're shopping for a new laptop for school or college, cost will probably be at the forefront of your mind, but great value doesn't mean tolerating poor performance or shabby stylings.Manufacturers are coming to realize that everyone values a well-designed device, and there's now a great selection of laptops that are powerful enough for any project, and so well designed that any student would feel proud to carry one between classes.Here, we've picked out the very best laptops and convertibles that strike the perfect balance of speed, price and aesthetics.
Looks aren't everything, but why not have them if you can1.
Microsoft Surface LaptopStylish and tough - Microsoft's answer to the MacBookCPU: Intel Core i5-i7 | Graphics: Intel HD 620 Graphics | RAM: 4GB-8GB | Screen: 13.5-inch (2256 x 1504) PixelSense display | Storage: 128GB 512GB SSDStylish designExcellent screenSuperb performanceWindows 10 S is limitedNo USB-CThe Surface Laptop is Microsofts answer to the MacBook a super sleek device thats part computer, part status symbol.
Its aluminium shell (available in Platinum, Burgundy and Graphite Gold) is sleek yet durable, its screen is superb and its responsive keyboard makes typing a joy.The base model is powerful enough for everyday needs, but if you need a little more power you can upgrade to a higher spec hardware configuration for an extra fee.The Surface Laptop comes with Windows 10 S as standard, which means you can only install apps from the Microsoft Store.
Dont worry, though if you need other software, you can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for free, then use whichever programs you like.Read the full review2.
Asus C300Impressive performance in a candy-coloured shellCPU: 2.16GHz dual-core Intel Celeron N2830 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 2GB | Screen: 13.3-inch 16:9 HD (1,366 x 768) | Storage: 32GB SSDAll-day battery lifeLightweightBudget priceChrome OS is limitingGreat-looking laptops dont have to be expensive.
A Chromebook is a great option for school and college if your work mainly involves writing essays and browsing the web.
The Asus C300 is a superb example of the type light, beautifully designed, and available in fun primary colours (plus a more sedate black).
Its battery life is outstanding, so you wont be hunting around for a plug socket in the middle of class, and its display is superb for the price.Chromebooks can only run apps from the Chrome Store and Google Play, so design students who need Photoshop will want to give it a miss, but for anyone else the Asus C300 is a real bargain.Read the full review3.
HP Spectre x360A super-sleek convertible that's perfect for carrying between classesCPU: 1.8GHz Intel Core i7-8550U | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) touch panel (WLED, IPS) | Storage: 256GB SSDStylus includedExcellent battery lifeGood-looking displayAnnoying keyboard layoutFor students who need a more powerful portable, the HP Spectre x360 is a great choice.
This 2-in-1 looks stunning whether youre using it in laptop or tablet mode, and is amazingly thin and light.It comes with a stylus (the HP Pen), which makes working on its 13.3-inch touchscreen a breeze particularly for sketching and taking notes.
There's a generous SSD for keeping your work secure, and its even powerful enough for a few gaming sessions between classes.That extra oomph will cost you a little more than a lower-powered laptop, but might be worth it for more demanding classes.Read the full review4.
Dell XPS 13One of the best laptops around today, but style doesn't come cheapCPU: 8th generation Intel Core i5 i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) 4k (3840 x 2160) | Storage: 256GB-1TB SSDStunning optional 4K displaySuper lightweightExceptional performancePricey for a student laptopIf a student loan is burning a hole in your pocket, the Dell XPS 13 is one of the best laptops you can buy right now.
No Smarties-coloured chassis here this is a serious piece of kit with grown-up style to match.Its impressive hardware spec mean it'll easy handle any project even heavy graphics and CAD work and you can boost it even further with optional extras.The XPS 13's chassis is just 3.4mm thick, making it one of the leanest devices you can slide into a satchel, and it's available in two stunning colour schemes: silver on black, and rose gold on alpine white.It's a serious investment, but this is a laptop that will serve you well for years to come and it looks simply stunning.Read the full review5.
Apple MacBook Air (2017)Apple's trademark style with a student-friendly price tagCPU: 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 6000 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (1440 x 900) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display | Storage: 256GB 512GB flash storageGenerous storageExcellent keyboard and trackpadDesign a little datedIt might not be the latest model, but the 13in MacBook Air would be just right for slipping into a students backpack, and the companys logo will carry more than a little cachet on campus.The MacBook Air comes in a wide range of different configurations, so you can pick the hardware that best suits your needs and your budget.
Even the most basic model features an Intel Core 15 processor, 8GB RAM and up to 512GB storage not bad for such an affordable laptop, and you can always beef up the capacity by keeping some of your work in the cloud.Read the full reviewThis article is brought to you in partnership withmE8oYX4R3w4kTBJm729Lxa.jpg#