BUYING A COMPUTER IS FUN!
For many students, coming to college means buying a new computer. While technology changes very rapidly, we want to suggest the best options to give you the computing experience that best suits your needs--and will be a great device to use for several years to come. And the best part is you're getting to buy new technology! It'll be fun!
First, we want you to keep these important items in mind:
- Choose something you are comfortable with. Don't get a Mac if you've only ever used Windows.
- Get a device you'll be able to carry around to classes without it being a burden. No one wants to carry a heavy laptop across campus every day!
- Don't get an iPad or a Chromebook. We love iPad, but from a college-use perspective there are some things that may not work. This is even more true for Chromebooks. Both are great companion devices, but you'll want a laptop that runs Windows 11 or MacOS as your primary device.
- If you like to take notes with a pen, we recommend a laptop that supports that functionality and is also a great laptop device. See below for our recommendation of a Surface Pro, but there are other options out there.
- As a college student, you're entitled to a student discount from many vendors. We'll showcase the ones we see here on TechSite, but these are not the only options out there. Of the vendors we use regularly, Dell, Apple, Microsoft, HP and Lenovo all have student discounts options throughout the year. Also, check for back-to-school, graduation or Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales that give you an even larger discount on some devices!
- We provide Microsoft Office to you as a currently enrolled student for free. You can get it by logging in to the Microsoft 365 tile on Hornet 365 or here on TechSite. This includes up to 5 devices and can be on your computers and mobile devices.
BUT EXACTLY WHICH COMPUTER SHOULD I BUY?
It's hard to say which computer will best meet your needs. But here are a few models, and more importantly the hardware specs, that we think will give the best guidance on helping to pick the right one.
DELL XPS OR HP ENVY LAPTOP
WHY? This is your typical laptop. We have experience with the XP and Envy line, but there are many others. Also, check out other vendors like Lenovo's ThinkPad line if you're looking for an alternative.
SPECS
- Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Intel Core i7 Processor (i5 is acceptable, too)
- 16 GB Memory
- 256 GB SSD or larger
- 13" screen or larger
Estimated cost: $1099
*Note that costs are going to fluctuate in current times. These are just to give you a rough idea of what to expect.
SURFACE PRO 9
WHY? This tablet by Microsoft will give you a touchscreen device with the ability to write or draw on the screen.
SPECS
- Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Intel Core i5 Processor (i7 is acceptable, too, but will cost more)
- 16 GB Memory
- 256 GB SSD or larger
- 13" screen or larger
- Slim Pen 2 (for writing)
- Surface Pro Signature Keyboard (required for typing)
Estimated cost: $1460
*Note that costs are going to fluctuate in current times. These are just to give you a rough idea of what to expect.
MACBOOK AIR
WHY? This is the Mac model that we think works for most college students. If you're doing a lot of graphic design work, video editing or other resource intensive work, you'll want to look at a MacBook Pro option.
SPECS
- MacOS
- M2 Processor
- 16 GB Memory
- 256 GB SSD or larger
- 13" screen or larger
Estimated cost: $1279
*Note that costs are going to fluctuate in current times. These are just to give you a rough idea of what to expect.
EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY