REVIEW | Five Laptop Options for High School Students
Photo Credit: Apple
With the holiday season approaching soon, students may be considering the purchase of a new device in the new year. However, prices for these devices are usually overly expensive. Here are some laptops that are affordable, reliable, and highly productive for school purposes.
Acer Aspire 5
If you are a student who comes in under a budget and you’re looking for a laptop that will perform well and last you through the day, the entry-level Acer Aspire 5 is the perfect device for you. With a price ranging from $300 to $750, this model of the Aspire 5 is an affordable laptop. It contains an 11th-Gen Intel CPU, with sturdy design and weight of 1.7 kilograms. Although its performance is nothing special and its graphics are sub-par, it is more than enough to get students through several years of school work.
MacBook Air M1
Now, if you want a laptop that is lightweight, efficient, and graphically pleasing, the classic Apple MacBook Air M1 is the way to go. The M1 MacBook Air is a more convenient option for high school students than the newer but more overpriced M2 MacBook Air. With a starting price of around $800, this laptop is one of the most universally useful laptops you can buy. It weighs 1.29 kilograms, coming with the Apple M1 8-Core CPU, the Apple M1 7-Core GPU, and a great battery life. This laptop is especially exceptional for in-school work as it is very quiet, it doesn’t overheat easily, and its overall performance is quick and reliable. Furthermore, the whole structure of the device carries a very sleek and glossy visual flair, which many students enjoy. Overall, the Apple MacBook Air M1 is an exceptional laptop for productivity and efficiency, both in school and at home.
HP Pavilion Aero 13
Students often want to have their device with them at all times. However, phones may not be the best option, as their screens are too small and they are ineffective for school work. A more productive alternative would be the HP Pavilion Aero 13. This laptop’s price ranges from $750 to $1,125. It comes with a set of really promising specs, including an upgrade to the keyboard, display, storage, and Wi-Fi card. The HP Pavilion Aero 13 may not scream “budget-friendly laptop”, but you are actually getting quite a lot of value for the money. Additionally, the device is highly convenient, weighing just under one kilogram and being a smaller laptop in general. Overall, this device performs excellently with everyday tasks and school assignments.
Dell XPS 13
If you are a student who mainly prefers Windows over other brands, the Dell XPS 13 is the laptop you deserve. With a starting price of $599, it is one of the cheaper laptops in this list. This specific laptop has long been a top recommendation for Windows users looking for a MacBook Air alternative. The device is thin, lightweight, and carries a great build. Its battery life, graphics, and performance are exceptionally strong. The Dell XPS 13 is a very cost-efficient and convenient laptop for students and is a great alternative to the Mac if you are on a budget.
Acer Chromebook Spin 714
The final pick here is the Acer Chromebook Spin 714. This laptop normally lists for around $700. It is a great device, as it has a sturdy design, nice-looking display, strong performance, and long battery life. With an updated 13th-Gen Intel Core i5 processor, this device still works with USI pens. Although there are less expensive options, if you want a Chromebook that will last you for years, this laptop is for you. The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is a reliable and visually pleasing device that is perfect for getting schoolwork done in a productive way.