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Everyday Carry Gadgets – The best laptops for college students and remote learning in 2020
With the new semester fast approaching, students are not only meeting the usual set of challenges: finding their way around campus, meeting new people, and getting stuck in with their courses — they must also do all of this in the middle of a pandemic. Hardcover books, photocopies, handwritten assignments, and full on-campus courses are…
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With the new semester fast approaching, students are not only meeting the usual set of challenges: finding their way around campus, meeting new people, and getting stuck in with their courses — they must also do all of this in the middle of a pandemic.
Hardcover books, photocopies, handwritten assignments, and full on-campus courses are now being replaced with e-books, distance learning platforms, classes on Zoom, and collaboration over mobile apps — increasing reliance on laptops, smartphones, and tablets to work successfully both on campus and at home.
A back to school laptop now needs to go beyond what we may have expected in 2019. COVID-19 has posed a challenge for students and businesses alike, and when purchasing a new device, everyday use, support for potentially resource-hungry programs — such as design or photography software — specifications suitable for videoconferencing sessions, and portability all need to be considered.
However, these devices do not have to cost the Earth, and below, ZDNet has compiled a selection of devices to suit every budget.
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MacBook Pro
MacBook Pros are a common sight on college campuses across the West. They are expensive — especially, arguably, given the specifications on offer — but they are solid workhorses and will last throughout a college career.
The latest version of the MacBook Pro, starting at $1299, is available with either a 13- and 16-inch Retina display, and the standard models are also equipped with a Touch Bar and fingerprint sensor, up to a 2.3GHz 9th-generation Intel i9 processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD storage, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Apple is also offering MacBook Pros for discount, starting at $1199, in the Education store, with free AirPods thrown in.
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MacBook Air
As ZDNet has previously recommended in our remote student gadgets roundup, Apple’s MacBook Air a more lightweight macOS option which could be an excellent option for students that need a machine powerful enough to manage videoconferencing and remote study applications, but is also portable — and so can be taken up to campus as and when necessary.
Coming in at only 2.8 pounds, the standard 13-inch MacBook Air comes with up to a 1.1GHz quad-core 10th-generation Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and Intel Iris Plus graphics. If you’re willing to wait, these specifications can be boosted with custom builds containing up to an Intel i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 2TB SSD storage.
MacBook Airs are also on offer with a starting price of $899 and free AirPods in the Education Store.
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HP 11.6-inch Chromebook
Chromebooks have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their portability and suitability for completing basic tasks on the road and so could be a strong option for students this year.
The HP Chromebook is a budget-friendly, 11.6-inch model complete with all the basics a student might need for their studies. Specification-wise, you can expect an Intel Celeron N3060 processor, 4GB RAM, 16GB storage, two USB ports, built-in speakers, and the Chrome operating system. There is also a MicroSD card slot for content transfers and additional storage, and the device runs on Chrome OS.
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Acer Chromebook Spin 11
The Acer Chromebook Spin 11 is a budget-friendly option for students who want to focus on portability and who want a flexible device.
The laptop is convertible and has been designed with a flexible hinge that allows the device to be used as a traditional laptop, tented, or as a tablet. The Spin sports an Intel Celeron N3350 processor, 11.6-inch HD Touch display, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, and a stylus can be used instead of the touchpad or keyboard.
As the laptop runs on Chrome OS, users have access to a variety of Google Apps. While this device is not suitable for power-heavy applications, students will be well-equipped for performing basic tasks, study, and writing up assignments in Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides.
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HP Pavillion X360
HP laptops are generally considered reliable options, and for students who need a machine that will last the course of their college career, the HP Pavillion X360 is a solid contender.
The laptop sports a 360-degree hinge and a 14-inch 1366 x 768 display, as well as a 10th-generation Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. The HP Pavillion X360 runs on the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
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Dell Inspiron 15 5000
A more traditional laptop suitable for students who don’t need a portable device — given its weight and size — is the Dell Inspiron 15. Over at Dell, you can pick up a model complete with a 15.6-inch Full HD display, touchscreen capabilities, up to an Intel i7 processor, 8GB RAM, up to 512GB SSD storage, and the Windows 10 Home operating system. The starting price is $599.99.
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Lenovo Flex 5
Over at Costco, the Lenovo Flex 5 is currently on sale with a $50 discount, a model that will suit students who need a relatively powerful machine able to cope w
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