Best College Laptops 2019
Every college student needs a laptop, but with so many choices at so many different prices, it can be homework in itself to find out which one to get. Start by reviewing our recommendations for the best laptop for your college major, and then check with your specific school to make sure its configuration meets the minimum requirements. Of course, we love all of our picks, so if you see one outside of your major, it's still a great machine.
If you're undecided on your major or your school doesn't have any recommended specs, consider a laptop that's easy to carry around in a backpack, lasts 8 hours or more on a charge and has a high-res (1080p or greater) screen for easy multitasking. We also have a detailed list of laptop buying tips for students.
News and Updates (February 2019)
- The new Lenovo IdeaPad 730S is one of our favorite 13-inch laptops. Here is our full review.
- We reviewed the MSI PS63 Modern, an ultralight 15.6-inch laptop with a discrete GPU.
- In our full review, we consider the new Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA one of the best ultrabooks for the money.
Whatever laptop you get, you'll also want to pick up a few extras, such as a comfortable mouse, a well-appointed backpack and perhaps a solid all-in-one printer. And don't forget to preload some antivirus software before you head to campus. If you're going to use a multi-monitor setup in your dorm room, try a good docking station, either over USB or Thunderbolt 3.
Laptop Guide
Laptop Buying Guide: 8 Essential Tips
The Best & Worst Laptop Brands
Laptop Tech Support Showdown: Undercover Report
Should I Buy a Chromebook? Buying Guide and Advice
Laptops with the Longest Battery Life
Chromebooks vs. Windows 10 Laptops: What Should You Buy?
Why You Shouldn't Buy a Touch-Screen Laptop
Out of the Box Tips: Set Up Your New Laptop Like a Pro
Chromebook vs. Tablet: Which Should You Buy?
Laptop Buying Tips for Students
10 Key Features to Look for in Your Laptop
How to Buy a 2-in-1 Laptop Hybrid
USB Type-C FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
How to Get Rid of Your Old Laptop
Laptop Warranties: What They Cover
Which Laptop Features Are Worth the Money?
Gaming Laptop Buying Guide: Find the Right Rig
10 Reasons Why Consumers Should Buy Business Laptops
Which MacBook is Right for You?
5 Things to Look For in Your Next Laptop Keyboard
How to Configure Your Laptop: Specs That Matter
Which Graphics Card Do You Need?
The Perfect Laptop? Here’s What It Should Have
Why 78 Percent of Laptop Screens Suck
A Guide to Computer Ports and Adapters
13 Ways to Make a Slow Laptop Faster
How to Tell If You Can Upgrade Your Laptop
Laptop Locks Guide: Do You Need One?
10 Features You Can Skip to Save Money
Laptop Buying Guide: 8 Essential Tips
The Best & Worst Laptop Brands
Laptop Tech Support Showdown: Undercover Report
Should I Buy a Chromebook? Buying Guide and Advice
Laptops with the Longest Battery Life
Chromebooks vs. Windows 10 Laptops: What Should You Buy?
Why You Shouldn't Buy a Touch-Screen Laptop
Out of the Box Tips: Set Up Your New Laptop Like a Pro
Chromebook vs. Tablet: Which Should You Buy?
Laptop Buying Tips for Students
10 Key Features to Look for in Your Laptop
How to Buy a 2-in-1 Laptop Hybrid
USB Type-C FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
How to Get Rid of Your Old Laptop
Laptop Warranties: What They Cover
Which Laptop Features Are Worth the Money?
Gaming Laptop Buying Guide: Find the Right Rig
10 Reasons Why Consumers Should Buy Business Laptops
Which MacBook is Right for You?
5 Things to Look For in Your Next Laptop Keyboard
How to Configure Your Laptop: Specs That Matter
Which Graphics Card Do You Need?
The Perfect Laptop? Here’s What It Should Have
Why 78 Percent of Laptop Screens Suck
A Guide to Computer Ports and Adapters
13 Ways to Make a Slow Laptop Faster
How to Tell If You Can Upgrade Your Laptop
Laptop Guide
More Tips
- Laptop Buying Guide: 8 Essential Tips
- The Best & Worst Laptop Brands
- Laptop Tech Support Showdown: Undercover Report
- Should I Buy a Chromebook? Buying Guide and Advice
- Laptops with the Longest Battery Life
- Chromebooks vs. Windows 10 Laptops: What Should You Buy?
- Why You Shouldn't Buy a Touch-Screen Laptop
- Out of the Box Tips: Set Up Your New Laptop Like a Pro
- The Best Time to Buy a Laptop
- Chromebook vs. Tablet: Which Should You Buy?
- Laptop Buying Tips for Students
- 10 Key Features to Look for in Your Laptop
- How to Buy a 2-in-1 Laptop Hybrid
- USB Type-C FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
- How to Get Rid of Your Old Laptop
- Laptop Warranties: What They Cover
- Which CPU is Right For You?
- Which Laptop Features Are Worth the Money?
- Gaming Laptop Buying Guide: Find the Right Rig
- 10 Reasons Why Consumers Should Buy Business Laptops
- Which MacBook is Right for You?
- 5 Things to Look For in Your Next Laptop Keyboard
- How to Configure Your Laptop: Specs That Matter
- Which Graphics Card Do You Need?
- The Perfect Laptop? Here’s What It Should Have
- Why 78 Percent of Laptop Screens Suck
- A Guide to Computer Ports and Adapters
- 13 Ways to Make a Slow Laptop Faster
- How to Tell If You Can Upgrade Your Laptop
- Laptop Locks Guide: Do You Need One?
- 10 Features You Can Skip to Save Money