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Best HP Laptops for College Students 2019
Finding the right laptop as a college student is crucial. You’re going to use your computer for a variety of different tasks including writing papers, streaming videos, and playing games, as well as participating in online discussions about homework. This is why it is important for you to have a solid device that can perform all of these tasks while holding a charge over several hours.
HP® has a number of laptops that can work well for college students, and we are constantly updating our devices to provide the best technology to help students complete their work and have fun as well.
What is the best laptop for a college student?
When you’re looking for a laptop for your college years, you should keep these 4 qualities in mind.
1. Reliability
It’s likely that you’ll use your laptop almost every day as a college student, whether you are taking notes in class or fighting the competition in an online game. Reliability is extremely important when it comes to choosing the right computer for your needs.
The last thing you need is a crash the day you have an assignment due. Knowing that your computer comes from a quality brand like HP® is the first step toward finding the right device that can suit your needs. That way you can spend less time worrying about how your laptop will perform and more time getting your work done.
2. Weight
If you plan to carry your device from one class to the next, it can be helpful to have a laptop that doesn’t weigh too much. Throughout the course of the day, a heavy computer can wear on your shoulders if you are carrying it in a backpack. Choose the right balance of weight and performance so that you can knock out all your tasks and not feel fatigued after walking back to your dorm.
3. Battery life
When you’re taking notes in class, it’s crucial that your laptop’s battery keeps you powered up and working. Having a long-lasting battery can save you from the hassle of power downs and help you avoid stress during a presentation or in the middle of your favorite show. Many laptops on the market now have battery lives that last up to 13 or 15 hours, so you don’t always have to be plugged in or find an outlet when you take your computer with you.
4. Price
Of course, price can also be a big factor in which laptop you choose. Few students can afford a high-end laptop while they are also paying tuition, but that doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on performance power and storage. One way to narrow down your options is to determine whether or not your computer needs to last you through the years after college or whether you just need a device for your time as a student.
Whichever decision you make, there are cheap laptops for college students that will last you more than a few years, so keep an eye out for those. And don’t forget to shop the sales like the weekly deals from HP. You can sometimes get a high-end device for a bargain-basement price.
What performance specs should a laptop have for college students?
What you are studying and what projects you are expected to turn in during your college career can affect which performance specs you will choose for your laptop.
1. Processor and graphics card
If you plan to major in computer science, graphic design, or other areas where you will be using your computer to create visual projects, you should look into devices with a more advanced processor and a higher-quality graphics card. This is also true if you will use your laptop for gaming with after your work is done. You may need a different type of laptop (like an HP OMEN) in order to play the type of games that you enjoy. There are some amazing devices that allow you to manage both work and play and are reasonably priced for the college student.
2. Storage space
For students who need to store a large number of files, having enough hard drive space can factor into which laptop would be best for your purposes. Many HP computers allow you to customize how much space you have for storage. This is helpful if you need to run multiple types of software or you need to keep photos and videos on your device for editing later.
3. Display size and features
As computers become more interactive, having a multi-purpose screen can allow you to be more creative with your projects. For those interested in graphic design or photo and video editing, a 2-in-1 laptop that has a tablet mode might be ideal for those who plan to take notes during lectures or use several types of media in art classes. Then you can reconnect your screen to your keyboard when you are ready to start drafting a new paper.
Several types of laptops also offer the ability to place them in a variety of positions. Some HP laptops make it possible for you to put them in tent mode for better viewing of videos or presentations, while you can use the included stylus on the screen in any position. What you choose can depend on what types of homework assignments you expect to have and what activities you enjoy in your leisure time.
5 best HP laptop for college students
Whether you are looking for a device that supports your gaming habit or has plenty of storage for your photography class, you’re sure to find the right laptop for you in this selection from HP®.
1. HP ENVY 17t laptop
The HP ENVY family has long been a favorite line among college students because of its high quality of performance. The HP ENVY 17t laptop has powerful options for a core processor and a discrete graphics card, including the Intel Core™ i5 processor and NVIDIA® GeForce® MX250, making this one of the fastest laptops that a student can buy.
Starting with 8GB of memory and 1TB of storage, this device has room for all the necessary software for school as well as the games, music, and other media you need to unwind once homework is finished. The battery supports fast charge, which means it can recharge up to 50% in just 45 minutes. That feature alone makes this laptop ideal for students frequently using it on-the-go.
Additional features:
- 17.3-inch anti-glare display
- Bang & Olufsen quad speakers with HP Audio Boost
- Privacy camera kill switch
2. HP Chromebook x360 laptop
As one of the most customizable options on this list, the HP Chromebook x360 is perfect for students looking for an affordable laptop with plenty of power. With 8GB of memory and a 14-inch touch screen, you’re ready to hit the books or start studying for your next test. The 360-degree hinge gives the flexibility to go from watching your favorite shows to typing up your paper in a matter of seconds. Plus, with 13 hours of battery life, you’re ready to tackle a huge paper or spend the next few hours avoiding your homework.
Additional features:
- Diamond-cut touchpad
- Four modes for productivity
- B&O PLAY dual speakers
3. HP Spectre Folio laptop
With the power of an 8th Generation Intel Core i5 processor and a durable hinge, the HP Spectre Folio offers reliable performance and the flexibility to work in different modes. It was built to last during long days on a single charge and lets you access the internet from anywhere with a built-in 4G LTE connection.
This laptop also comes with a speedy 256GB solid-state drive (SSD), so you can store all of your files locally. You have your choice of color as well, so you can make this device your own and travel in style.
Additional features:
- 13.3-inch touch display
- Windows 10 Home 64
- Full-sized backlit keyboard
4. HP Pavilion 17z touch optional laptop
The latest from the HP Pavilion line, the HP Pavilion 17z comes with the powerful dual-core AMD A9-9425 processor and AMD Radeon™ R5 Graphics. It also features a 17.3-inch diagonal HD+ display, which helps you enjoy gaming and streaming media that much more.
It’ll also keep you motivated during long study sessions, because you know you’ll have a great device to play with once you’re done. And with up to 8 hours of battery life, this laptop will keep going during long study sessions in the library or your dorm room.
Additional features:
- 1TB of SATA storage
- Absolute Home & Office security software
- HP TrueVision HD camera with digital microphone
5. HP ZBook 17 G5 laptop
For students who need desktop-level performance and a large screen, the customizable HP ZBook 17 G5 has you covered. With an NVIDIA Quadro® graphics card and the HP DreamColor 4K UHD display, you’re set to take on even the most complex of projects. Plus, with up to 2TB of storage (and triple that with additional drives), this is the ideal device for those interested in video or photo.
Whether you are considering a career that allows you to work with high-level data or you just want a laptop that can take on any software program you throw at it, the HP ZBook 17 G5 offers top-of-the-line customization and reliability.
Additional features:
- 16GB of Intel Optane™ memory
- Optional fingerprint reader
- SD card reader
In summary
For the ultimate value, HP® is the best brand to help you start out your new life as a college student. Having a device that can support you during late-night study sessions and that can help you get good grades is invaluable. You should consider looking into a variety of different HP laptops in order to find the one that suits your needs and that will help you to succeed well into the future.
