Qualities of the Best Laptops for Online College

The key over here is to find a functional over a flashy laptop. For instance, you might want to forego the looks or the weight of the laptop. After all, these are not the major requirements for online college. On the other hand, you cannot afford to cast a blind eye to the processor or the storage capacity of the laptop. To give you a better idea over here, let’s list down the major and minor product requirements for the best laptops for online classes.

Major / Must-Have Requirements for Online College Classes Laptops

1. Good Processor

The processor is the heart of a laptop. For starters, they can consider an Intel Core i7 processor. But, those who can afford to spend more don’t have to necessarily settle for the Intel Core i7 processor. They can consider something better so that they can beam with pride over their smart decision. Let’s put it this way: If you can spend more than $750, do not compromise on anything less than the 5-th generation i3/i5. For others, the Intel Core i7 processor should be a good bet.

2. SSD Storage

Anyone who has owned a laptop in the past may already know that SSD storage is way faster, lighter, and reliable than its HDD equivalent. Basically, HDD is a thing of the past. On the other hand, SSD is a newer technology. They use less energy and keep the laptop cooler than usual. Don’t you think that this is strong enough information to build a case in favor of SSD storage? Depending on your budget, the chart below will tell you what you can expect for your price point.

Under $800 – 1 TB HDD

$800 to $1150 – 250 GB SSD

Above $1150 – 500 GB SSD

If your budget exceeds $1150, you can also consider 1 TB HDD instead of 500 GB SSD.

3. 8 GB Memory

The combo of a good processor, SSD storage, and RAM is needed for a laptop to perform at its efficient best. 8 GB or higher memory should be the ideal pick over here for the laptop to operate easily and fast. So, you should aim for at least 8 GB. Let’s put it this way: 8 GB is good, 16 GB is perfect, and 32 GB is OMG. Of course, online college students might hardly ever utilize the full 32 GB capacity. So, don’t stress too much to acquire 32 GB. As hinted above, 8 GB should be fine. Go for 16 GB only if you are an engineering, architectural, photography, computer science, or video editing student.

Key Notes: Keep in mind that the majority of the laptops out there above 13.3″ have slots for a memory upgrade. So, getting an 8 GB RAM is not the end of the world. You can always upgrade it to 16 GB or a higher RAM in the future depending on your growing needs. Basically, you can go the extra mile anytime down the road.

Minor Requirements for Online Classes Laptops

1. Battery Life

Since physical presence is not needed for attending lectures, students taking online classes or courses can afford to latch on to a laptop with not-so-great battery life. Given that battery life is not a crucial feature, you can say ‘yes’ to laptops with average battery life. The idea is not to duck out crucial features to get a good performing laptop without paying a jaw-dropping price for it. So, have the nerve to prioritize performance over battery life. For online studies, you should be better than ‘fine’ making this decision.

2. Graphics Card

This is an extra feature that online college students can consider to enhance the gaming experience in their free time. Now, here’s a powerful reminder. Not every other laptop out there may unexpectedly feature a dedicated graphics card. Not sure if you will be stunned or not, but most laptops under $700 don’t come with a dedicated graphics card. If you can afford to spend more than 800 bucks, you can consider GTX 950M and GeForce GTX 960M graphics card. Both are good entry-level graphics cards for video editors and gamers.

Key Notes: If you are someone who is an intense gamer, you might want to go for a high-end graphics card so that your laptop doesn’t slow down when playing games. That said, be prepared to spend at least $1500 for a laptop that features high-end graphics card. The GeForce GTX 980M graphics card is a good choice for those who can spend two grand or more on a laptop.

3. Touchscreen

A touchscreen is another great additional feature that can be considered on laptops for online college for a tablet-like experience and easy navigation. A touchscreen will greatly benefit someone who is a online student plus a working individual. It’s good for Internet surfing and entertainment as well. This isn’t to say that a touchscreen is the smartest idea ever in the evolution of the laptop. Well, the deciding factor will depend on the price vs. performance output.

Keep in mind that a touchscreen will add a few hundred dollars to your laptop budget. Moreover, the advantages are not flabbergasting. Furthermore, you won’t use it as much as you think you will. Therefore, we have labeled it as a minor requirement for online college laptop. So, don’t make it a hungry piece of equipment. You will do well without it as well.

4. Illuminated Full-Size Keyboard

Compared to a standard keyboard, it’s far more convenient to use a full-sized backlit keyboard. A keyboard with a number pad is ideal for online college students who do a lot of ‘number’ typing. An illuminated keyboard also helps one operate the laptop easily in the dark. Not to forget the fact that a fully illuminated keyboard looks quite flashy as well. Therefore, it gains a slight edge over laptops that don’t feature an illuminated full-size keyboard.

Key Notes: If you are deciding whether an illuminated full-size keyboard is necessary or not, it’s most likely not. But if you don’t mind spending a little extra, you can go for it. A full-sized backlit keyboard will help, but it won’t make a world of difference. So, you will be able to live without it. It’s just weight and cost for those who don’t appreciate the number pad, aesthetics, or the backlit display.