When it comes to gearing up for college, selecting the best computer for college is vital for a successful academic journey. With the increasing reliance on technology in education, students need a computer that is not only efficient but also portable and durable. In 2024, with numerous options available on Amazon, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the top 10 computers that meet the needs of college students. Whether you need a laptop for taking notes, researching, or creating projects, we have you covered.
1. Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
The Apple MacBook Air with M1 chip is a top contender for the best computer for college, offering exceptional performance, battery life, and build quality. With a sleek and lightweight design, it’s perfect for students on the go. The Retina display delivers stunning visuals, while the performance of the M1 chip ensures that you can handle demanding software and multitasking with ease.
Key Features:
- Apple M1 Chip with 8-core CPU and GPU
- 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- 256GB SSD storage (configurable to 2TB)
- 8GB RAM (upgradeable to 16GB)
This laptop is particularly suitable for students majoring in design, engineering, or any field requiring resource-intensive applications. Its premium quality justifies its price tag, making it a long-lasting investment.
- Retina display; 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology (2560x1600 native resolution)
- Apple M1 chip with 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), a 7-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB memory | 128GB SSD
- Backlit Magic Keyboard | Touch ID sensor | 720p FaceTime HD camera
- 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatible | Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
2. Dell XPS 13 (9310)
The Dell XPS 13 is another fantastic laptop choice for college students. Known for its impressive display and performance, this laptop packs a punch in a compact form factor. Its InfinityEdge display maximizes screen space while keeping the device very portable.
Key Features:
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor options
- Up to 32GB RAM
- Up to 1TB SSD storage
- 13.4-inch 4K UHD+ display or Full HD+ options
- Excellent battery life of up to 12 hours
This device is ideal for engineering or business majors who may require performance and multitasking capabilities. Its build quality and performance make it one of the best computers for college in 2024.
- 13.4-inch OLED 3.5K (3456x2160) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 400-Nit Display
- 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1195G7 Processor (12MB Cache, up to 5.0 GHz)
- 16GB 4267MHz LPDDR4x Memory Onboard; 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
- Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2 x 2) and Bluetooth 5.1
- Windows 11 Home, English
3. HP Pavilion 15
The HP Pavilion 15 combines performance and affordability, making it an excellent option for students on a budget. With a larger screen and solid performance, it’s perfect for studying, streaming, and light gaming.
Key Features:
- Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 options
- 15.6-inch Full HD display
- Up to 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD storage
- Good battery life (up to 8 hours)
This laptop is versatile enough for daily tasks and offers a decent performance level for students pursuing various fields. If you are looking for an affordable yet capable machine, this is one of the best computers for college you can find.
- 【Processor】 Intel Core i3-1115G4 (up to 4.1 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 cache, 2 cores, 4 threads)
- 【Display】 15.6" diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), touch, micro-edge, BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC, Touch Screen, enjoy your photos, movies, and games with the crisp quality.
- 【RAM and Storage】RAM is upgraded to 16GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; Hard Drive is upgraded to 1TB PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer.
- 【Ports】1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C 5Gbps signaling rate; 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 1 HDMI 1.4b; 1 AC smart pin; 1 headphone/microphone combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home Operation System
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 5
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 offers a balanced approach in terms of performance, design, and cost. This laptop is suitable for different types of students, from those focused on writing papers to those engaging in creative projects.
Key Features:
- AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 options
- 14/15.6-inch Full HD display
- Up to 16GB RAM
- Up to 512GB SSD storage
- Impressive battery life – about 10 hours
Ideal for college students looking for a reliable workhorse, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is great for multitasking and can handle various college applications smoothly.
- 【Powerful Performance】 Experience superior computing with the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, outperforming the i7-1185G7 in speed and efficiency for all your multitasking needs.
- 【Long-lasting Battery】 Stay productive on the go with up to 9 hours of battery life, ensuring you stay powered throughout the day without needing constant recharges.
- 【Immersive Audio Experience】 Enhanced with Dolby Audio, enjoy crystal-clear sound quality that brings your music, movies, and video calls to life.
- 【Ultra-Fast Connectivity】 With Wi-Fi 6 technology, enjoy faster and more reliable internet connections, whether at home or on the move, for seamless streaming and downloads.
- 【Bundle】Add the laptop and the 3-in-1 bundle to the cart. Due to package size constraints, the 3-in-1 bundle may be shipped in a separate package (product promotion is limited to U.S. orders only).
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a stylish and powerful laptop option, perfect for students who prioritize portability and aesthetics. With a sleek design and vibrant display, it’s tailored for both work and play.
Key Features:
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen processors
- 13.5-inch or 15-inch touchscreen display
- Up to 32GB RAM
- Up to 1TB SSD storage
- Battery life up to 19 hours
This laptop is particularly suitable for students in visual arts or those who spend a lot of time on multimedia tasks. It’s reliable, powerful, and easily portable, making it one of the best computers for college in 2024.
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 features 11th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 13.5-inch PixelSense Touchscreen Display (2256 x 1504) resolution
- 256GB Solid State Drive, 16GB RAM, Intel Core i7-1185G7 (3.0 GHz base frequency, up to 4.8 GHz burst frequency, 12 MB cache, 4 cores)
- Clean, elegant design thin and light, starting at just 2.76 pounds., Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620
- Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi: 802.11ac Wireless LAN, Surface Pen NOT Included
- USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, SD Card Slot., Windows 11 Pro
6. Acer Swift 3
The Acer Swift 3 is a fantastic budget-friendly option that does not compromise on performance. Ideal for students who need a lightweight laptop for taking notes and online research, it checks all the necessary boxes.
Key Features:
- Up to AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i7 processors
- 14-inch Full HD IPS display
- Up to 16GB RAM
- Up to 1TB SSD storage
- Battery life around 12 hours
This laptop is a great blend of professionalism and fun, offering a solid build and respectable performance for various college tasks. If you’re looking for an affordable yet reliable laptop, the Acer Swift 3 is one of the best computers for college.
- Get high performance, responsiveness and long battery life with the Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor - up to 4.7GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12MB Intel Smart Cache
- 14" Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Widescreen LED-backlit 100% sRGB Display | Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 8GB Onboard LPDDR4X Memory and 256GB NVMe SSD
- 1 - USB Type-C Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) DisplayPort over USB Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 & USB Charging | 1 - USB 3.2 Gen 1 port (featuring power-off charging) | 1 - USB 2.0 port | 1 - HDMI port
- Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 | Acer Bio-Protection Fingerprint Solution | Up to 16 Hours Battery Life
7. ASUS ZenBook 14
The ASUS ZenBook 14 is a highly portable laptop that does not skimp on performance or features. With its classy design, it’s perfect for students who want to make a statement while also needing to handle demanding tasks.
Key Features:
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processors
- 14-inch Full HD display with thin bezels
- Up to 16GB RAM
- Up to 1TB SSD storage
- Battery life up to 22 hours
Particularly great for business or creative majors, this laptop provides ample power and portability, making it a worthy investment for any college student.
- Go the extra mile with the remarkably sleek Zenbook 14 OLED. Seize every moment using the enhanced extended-life battery, amplify your efficiency with the top-tier Intel Core Ultra Processor Series.
- Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 125H 1.2 GHz (18MB Cache, up to 4.5 GHz, 14 cores, 18 Threads); 8GB Soldered LPDDR5 Memory, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
- Display: 14" WUXGA (1920x1200) OLED, 16:10, 500nit, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, Eye Care, touch, Glossy; Integrated Intel Graphics - Support to expandable with 2 monitors via HDMI & Thunderbolt 4 Ports. Maximum supported resolution of 4k (3840x2160) @60Hz.
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1 TMDS, Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) + Bluetooth 5.3; Backlit Keyboard; US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard; FHD IR Webcam with Privacy Shutter.
- Brand New Computer has been resealed to upgrade Windows, One-year WRT from ASUS. Windows 11 Professional 64-bit, with AI-powered Copilot, offers intelligent assistance for a variety of tasks. It's ideal for School Education, Designers, Professionals.
8. Samsung Galaxy Book Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro is a stunning laptop that offers the convenience of Windows on a beautiful AMOLED screen. Light, fast, and efficient, it’s a great option for students looking for something stylish and powerful.
Key Features:
- Intel Core i5/i7 processors
- 13.3-inch or 15.6-inch AMOLED display
- Up to 16GB RAM
- Up to 1TB SSD storage
- All-day battery life (up to 20 hours)
This laptop is a smart choice for students in creative fields who appreciate high-quality visuals, whether for graphic design or video editing. It stands out as one of the best computers for college in 2024.
- POWER FOR YOUR MOST PRODUCTIVE DAYS: Breeze through every task with a powerful Intel processor; Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 155H; Enhanced with AI Intel ARC Graphics
- POWERFUL. LIGHT. AMAZINGLY SLIM: Take premium power on the go with an ultralight and amazingly slim laptop; 16” Thickness: 12.5mm, Weight: 3.44 lbs; 14" Thickness: 11.6mm, Weight: 2.71 lbs
- BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE ULTIMATE SCREEN EXPERIENCE: Tackle what you need to do then kick back with what you love to do on a spacious 14" or 16" Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen that’s bright, crisp and vivid
- A PACKED BATTERY FOR YOUR STACKED DAYS: Achieve your goals – and more – with a long-lasting battery that goes the distance; 16”: 76Wh (Typical) 65W Adapter; 14”: 63Wh (Typical) 65W Adapter
- OUR MOST ADVANCED GALAXY BOOK SECURITY YET: Have peace of mind while bringing your big ideas to life with our most advanced Galaxy Book security available; Secured Core PC; Secured by Knox
9. HP Envy x360
The HP Envy x360 is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop that provides great adaptability for students. Whether you need a laptop for typing notes or a tablet for reading e-books, this device covers all your bases.
Key Features:
- AMD Ryzen 5/7 options or Intel Core i5/i7
- 13.3-inch or 15.6-inch Full HD touchscreen
- Up to 16GB RAM
- Up to 1TB SSD storage
- Battery life up to 13 hours
This laptop is perfect for students who value flexibility, making it one of the best computers for college where you can easily shift from work to leisure mode.
- 【14'' FHD IPS Touchscreen Display】Navigate, create, and write naturally with utmost precision on this responsive touchscreen. Elevate your digital encounters and immerse yourself in a captivating virtual world like never before. 【2-in-1 Design 】Convert to a tablet with the flip of a screen around a 360° hinge.
- 【13 Gen Intel Core i7-1355U Processor】Effortlessly accelerate your creativity while powering through new levels of productivity in this blazing fast 10-core processor. Embrace highly efficient multitasking, powering through new levels of productivity and unleashing your full potential in a boundless journey.
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM】Experience abundant high-bandwidth performance that seamlessly tackles resource-intensive tasks. Smoothly run multiple applications simultaneously and deliver lightning-fast responsiveness that keeps you in the flow. 【1TB PCIe SSD】Delivers lightning-fast boot-up speed, enhanced storage capabilities, and support for high-definition video playback. Effortlessly store an extensive digital library and access your virtual world with ease.
- 【Backlit Keyboard】Enjoy comfortable and accurate typing, even in dim light. 【HP Wide Vision 5MP IR Camera】Video chat with your entire team in stunning details thanks to the 88-degree wide-angle field of view. Infrared sensor assists safe log-in through face recognition. 【Intel Iris Xe Graphics】Designed to enhance your visual experience, Intel Iris Xe Graphics delivers vibrant colors, sharp details, and fluid animations, empowering you to achieve professional success with amplified productivity.
- 【Windows 11 Home】Family, friends, passions, music, creations, games – Windows 11 is the one place for it all. 【Fingerprint Reader】Enhance laptop security with seamless fingerprint authentication, ensuring convenient access while protecting your data and personal information. 【Ports & Accessories】2 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x USB-C 3.2, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1x Headphone Jack, 1x Micro SD card reader. Dual speakers by Bang & Olufsen. Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth. 3.35 lbs. Natural Silver.
10. Lenovo Chromebook Duet
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a unique option for students seeking a versatile and affordable device. This 2-in-1 Chromebook serves as both a laptop and a tablet, making it great for light tasks and browsing.
Key Features:
- MediaTek Helio P60T processor
- 10.1-inch Full HD touchscreen
- 4GB RAM
- Up to 128GB eMMC storage (with cloud storage options)
- Battery life up to 10 hours
Perfect for note-taking, web browsing, and multimedia consumption, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is suitable for students focused more on lighter schoolwork rather than intense applications.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon SC7180. 2.55 GHz Snapdragon SC7180 Eight-Core
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- 128GB eMMC TLC SSD
- 13.3" 1920 x 1080 FHD Display, Untether your hybrid life with the world’s first detachable Chromebook with OLED display
Buying Guide for the Best Computer for College
When selecting the best computer for college, consider the following factors to ensure you make an informed decision:
1. Purpose and Usage
Identify what you need the computer for. Will you be using it primarily for writing papers, programming, graphic design, or gaming?
2. Portability
As a college student, you need a computer that is lightweight and easily portable. Look for laptops with a weight under 4 pounds for convenience.
3. Battery Life
Long battery life is crucial for students who spend hours in class, libraries, or cafes without access to charging. Opt for computers that offer at least 8-10 hours of battery life.
4. Performance Specifications
A good balance of RAM (at least 8GB) and a dual-core processor or better will ensure smooth performance, especially when multitasking.
5. Operating System
Consider which operating system you’re comfortable with. Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS each have their pros and cons based on software compatibility.
6. Budget
Your budget will play a significant role in your decision. While high-end laptops offer top performance, there are also many budget-friendly options that will serve well in a college setting.
7. Upgradability
Some laptops allow you to upgrade RAM and storage, which can extend the life of your device and improve performance over time.
8. Build Quality
Consider a laptop with a sturdy build quality, as it will likely be subjected to daily wear and tear in a college environment.
9. Display Quality
A high-resolution display is beneficial for media consumption and long writing sessions. Look for Full HD (1920×1080) resolution at minimum.
10. Reviews and Recommendations
Finally, checking user reviews and expert recommendations can provide valuable insight into the best computer for college in 2024.
In conclusion, the right computer can make a significant difference in your college experience. Whether it’s the power of a MacBook Air, the versatility of a 2-in-1 device, or the reliability of a budget-friendly option, choose wisely to suit your academic needs. With this list and buying guide, you’re now equipped to find the best computer for college on Amazon in 2024!