Best laptops for programming college students?

I'm planning to major in computer science and need a laptop I can use for programming. What are some of the best models you'd recommend for college students who are into coding? Something reliable and not too expensive would be awesome!

Several laptops could serve you well for your Computer Science studies. The important features to consider when choosing a laptop for programming are a speedy processor, a good amount of RAM, a comfortable keyboard, as well as a solid-state drive for quick boot and load times.

1. Acer Aspire 5: For those operating on a tighter budget, this laptop is a solid choice. It offers a decent AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The 15.6" Full HD IPS display is a plus for coders who need more screen space.

2. Asus ZenBook 13: This laptop offers programming-friendly features at a mid-range price point. The ZenBook boasts an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The full HD 13.3" display is an IPS panel for better viewing angles and color accuracy. It's also really portable.

3. Lenovo ThinkPad E15: Lenovo's ThinkPad line is known for its sturdiness and great keyboards - something that you'll appreciate when you're coding for long stretches. This one comes with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. It also has a 15.6" Full HD display.

4. Apple MacBook Air M1: If you're interested in working with iOS, then a MacBook would be your go-to. The latest MacBook Air comes with Apple's own M1 chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Also, its high-resolution Retina Display can be easier on your eyes during long coding sessions.

Remember that these are just recommendations. You should do your research to find the laptop that best suits your needs and fits within your budget. Additionally, your school might have specific requirements for your program, so it can be helpful to ask the department for recommendations.