I'm a high school junior looking for a good laptop that will last through college. What features should I prioritize, and are there any models you recommend?
Your choice of laptop should primarily depend on the type of work you'll be doing, your budget, and your personal preferences. However, there are some general features you should consider when choosing a laptop both for high school and college:
1. Performance & Storage: Get a laptop with an i5 or i7 processor as they strike a good balance between performance and price. You might also want to consider one with a solid-state drive (SSD) over a hard disk drive (HDD) as an SSD tends to be faster, more durable, and quieter. A minimum of 8GB RAM is suggested to ensure smooth multitasking.
2. Battery Life: Long battery life is essential, especially if you'll be using the laptop in different locations throughout the day. A laptop that promises at least 8 hours should be sufficient.
3. Portability & Durability: Laptops between 13 and 15 inches often provide the best balance between usability and portability. You may also want to consider durability. For example, models with aluminum bodies could be more robust.
4. Operating System: This decision often boils down to personal preference and the software you intend to use. Windows is usually best for flexibility and is compatible with most applications. MacBooks are favored for their solid build and smooth operating systems, while Chromebooks are typically less expensive and simpler but might lack certain software compatibility.
As for specific models, if you prefer Windows, you might want to consider the Dell XPS 13 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3. Both of these laptops have good battery life, solid performance, and are lightweight. If you're a fan of Apple, the MacBook Air is a reliable, lightweight option with excellent battery life. If you're on a budget, consider Chromebooks like the Google Pixelbook Go, which have excellent battery life and are suitable for web-based applications.
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