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29 Apr 24

The Best Budget Laptops for Taking Notes, Multitasking, Gaming, and Carrying Around (According to a Senior)

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Having a reliable laptop that won't break the bank, apart from other college essentials is indeed necessary to survive your first year in college. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. Fortunately, there are plenty of budget-friendly laptops under $1000 that offer great performance and features for students.

When it comes to selecting a laptop, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you'll want to think about what you'll be using it for. Will you be using it for basic tasks like web browsing and word processing, or will you need something more powerful for graphic design or video editing? You'll also want to consider factors like battery life, screen size, and portability.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a list of the best budget laptops under $1000 for college students. From sleek and lightweight Chromebooks to powerful Windows laptops, there's something for every student on this list. So, whether you're on a tight budget or just looking for a great deal, read on to find the perfect laptop for your needs.



FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A BUDGET LAPTOP

When you are on a tight budget, it can be challenging to find a laptop that meets all your requirements. However, it is possible to find a budget laptop that is suitable for college students. Here are some factors to consider when buying a budget laptop:

1. Performance

When it comes to performance, you want a laptop that can handle basic tasks such as browsing the internet, running Microsoft Office, and streaming videos. 

A laptop with a minimum of 4GB RAM and an Intel Core i3 processor should be sufficient for these tasks. 

However, if you plan on using more demanding software or multitasking, you may want to consider a laptop with more RAM and a faster processor.

2. Durability

College students are always on the go, and their laptops need to be able to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. 

Look for laptops with a sturdy build quality and a durable chassis. Laptops with metal or carbon fiber bodies tend to be more durable than those made of plastic. 

Additionally, laptops with spill-resistant keyboards are a good investment, especially if you plan on using your laptop while eating or drinking.

3. Battery Life

Battery life is an essential factor to consider when buying a laptop. 

You want a laptop that can last for at least 6-8 hours on a single charge. 

Look for laptops with energy-efficient processors and high-capacity batteries. Additionally, laptops with fast-charging capabilities can be convenient, especially if you are always on the go.

4. Portability

Portability is another critical factor to consider when buying a laptop for college. You want a laptop that is lightweight and easy to carry around. 

Look for laptops with a screen size of 13-15 inches, as they tend to be more portable than larger laptops. 

Additionally, laptops with thin and light designs are ideal for students who need to carry their laptops around all day.

5. Warranty

Finally, you want to make sure that your laptop comes with a warranty. Most laptops come with a one-year warranty, but some manufacturers offer extended warranties for an additional cost. 

Look for laptops with a warranty that covers hardware defects, as well as accidental damage protection.

BEST LAPTOPS UNDER $1000 FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS


Honestly, finding a laptop that is both affordable and powerful can be an insurmountable challenge. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of great options available for under $1000. Here are some of the best laptops under $1000 for college students.

A. Performance Laptops

If you need a laptop that can handle demanding tasks like video editing or programming, you'll want to look for a performance laptop. 

These laptops typically have powerful processors and plenty of RAM to handle intensive workloads while multitasking.

Light yet powerful laptop to use to work on side projects and study.

VIEW ON AMAZON

Our top choice is the Acer Aspire Slim 3. This laptop has an AMD processor, 12GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, making it a great choice for multitasking and running demanding programs.

It comes with some special features which includes fingerprint reader, backlit keyboard, and a numeric keypad.

Specifications:

Processor: ‎AMD 3.5 GHz ryzen_3

Ram: ‎12 DDR4

Hard Drive: ‎1 TB SSD

Average Battery Life: 10 hours

Display: 15.6 full HD

Pros:
  • It comes with an upgraded 12 GB DDR4 RAM memory, which is faster than order models and super great for multitasking
  • The Quad core processor is a perfect combination of performance, power consumption, speed, and value
  • Multiple screens can be connected using USB ports, can also be used to connect external graphics card.
  • It has a decent web cam 1080p
  • It works with Linux straight out of the box, if you wanted a laptop to use with Linux for software development. Just install Manjaro and you are good to go
Cons:

  • The screen might be much bigger than expected


Great Chromebook for students who access Google Docs for homework and intuitive to operate. 

It has an anti-glare technology, that allows you to enjoy clear and crisp visuals even in bright environments, enhancing your viewing experience whether you're watching lectures or working on assignments.

Comes with 20GB of high-bandwidth RAM, allowing you to have more than enough space for all your files and projects.

Specifications:

Processor: ‎Celeron N4500 processor

Ram: 20 GB

Hard Drive: ‎1 TB SSD

Average Battery Life: 10 hours

Display: 15.6 inches

Pros:
  • Comes with a range of ports including HDMI, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and a headphone/microphone combo jack.
  • Has a pre-installed Windows 11 Home operating system which offers a modern and user-friendly interface
  • The 128GB storage offers ample space for storing files, documents, and multimedia.
Cons:
  • It does not have a touch screen.

B. Convertible Laptops

Convertible laptops are great for college students because they can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. This makes them perfect for taking notes in class or reading textbooks.


Can perform everyday tasks like browse online, listen to music, stream movies, and video chatting with friends.

Our top runner up for convertible laptops is the FUNYET 2 in 1 laptop. This laptop has a 14-inch touchscreen display that can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing you to use it as a tablet. 

Whether you're attending classes, working remotely, or simply need a reliable device, this laptop won't disappoint.

Specifications:

Processor: ‎Intel UHD Graphics 620

Ram: ‎16 GB

Hard Drive: ‎512gb SSD

Average Battery Life: 8 hours

Display: 14 inches

Pros:
  • It has some pretty dim lighting that’s indeed multicolored, which is a nice touch.
  • The high speed ports effortlessly allow for external storage and Wi-Fi streaming.
  • It's an affordable laptop that balances performance and portability.
  • The SSD and ample memory, boot times are quick, and multitasking feels seamless.
  • Comes with pre-installed Windows 11 pro system.
Cons:
  • None


The near perfect and budget-friendly for basic computing needs (word processing, watching Netflix, web browsing, blogging, writing a novel, taking classes, etc...)
.

Weighing just 3.4 lbs. and measuring 18.9 mm thin, this 2-in-1 convertible laptop ensures you stay agile and productive wherever you go.

Its highly responsive 14" IPS touchscreen, coupled with AES Pen support, effortlessly transforms to suit your workflow, whether you prefer flipping, standing, folding, or spinning.

Specifications:

Processor: 3.8 GHz core_i3

Ram: ‎8 GB

Hard Drive: ‎128 GB SSD

Average Battery Life: 8 hours

Display: 14 inches

Pros:
  • Easy to switch from Windows S to full Windows Home, which is my preference and why I opted for this over a Chromebook.
  • inexpensive laptop that is super lightweight, super portable, looks nice, performs great, and is perfect for basic computing.
  • There are two full sized USB-A high speed ports for memory sticks, hard drives or whatever you want to use. 
  • There is also a Dual mode USB-C port that can output video, charge the battery, or transfer data. 
Cons:
  • It's not a laptop for multitasking like gaming, video editing, or demanding graphics work


Great Chromebook for students who access Google Docs for homework and intuitive to operate. 

The follow up runner in the best budget performance laptop series is the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i. This laptop has an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it a great choice for students who need a lot of power for their work.

Most importantly, if you find yourself using chrome almost all the time, then this chromebook is an absolute must have college dorm essential. You will instantly find yourself loving this laptop even if you are an award-winning anti-chromebook person.

Interestingly, it has the ability to open all the way and use it like a tablet (tent mode), hence it doubles as a laptop and as a tablet for watching all your favorite movies.

Specifications:

Processor: ‎3 core_i3

Ram: ‎8 GB LPDDR4X

Hard Drive: ‎128 GB SSD

Average Battery Life: 10 hours

Display: 13.3 full HD

Pros:
  • The Chromebook feature enables it to sync with your Google account to let you check your email and other G-suite apps with ease.
  • It comes with two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, a microSD card reader and an AUX jack for headphones or microphones.
  • It comes with an in built anti-virus software, so you dont need to download or join other expensive software programs.
  • It comes with a descent sized spill resistant keyboard and the wider screen resolution looks pretty impressive.
Cons:
  • There is difficulty in adding another browser espescially Firefox.  

C. Ultrabook Laptops

Ultrabook laptops are thin, lightweight, and portable, making them a great choice for college students who need to take their laptop with them everywhere they go.


This sleek and compact laptop has a durable design meeting military-grade standards, you can rest assured that the Zenbook 14X OLED can handle your busy academic and social life.

With its versatile connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI ports, you can easily connect to external monitors for a seamless dual-screen setup, perfect for writing papers while referencing multiple sources.

Specifications:

Processor: 4.7 GHz core_i5

Ram: ‎8 GB

Hard Drive: ‎512 GB SSD

Average Battery Life: 12 hours

Display: 14.5 inches

Pros:
  • Laptop can last up to 10 hours on a single charge.
  • Featuring Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and Wi-Fi 6E, the Zenbook 14X OLED offers a wide range of connectivity options.
  • Offers smooth multitasking and fast data access, ideal for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
  • Offers smooth multitasking and fast data access, ideal for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
Cons:
  • For users requiring more graphics power for tasks such as 3D rendering or gaming, the lack of a dedicated GPU may be a drawback.
  • The premium features come at a cost, making it relatively more expensive compared to other laptops in its class. Students on a tight budget may need to consider more affordable alternatives.

This Ultralight Laptop strikes an excellent balance between portability, performance, and affordability, making it a top choice for those college student busy lifestyles. 


With its sleek design, powerful performance, and convenient features, this ultrabook is perfect for college students seeking a lightweight yet capable user-friendly laptop for their academic journey.

If you're specifically attending virtual lectures, writing papers, doing remote work, or collaborating with classmates, this ultrabook has everything you need to succeed in college.

Specifications:

Processor: 4.7 GHz core_i5

Ram: ‎16 GB

Hard Drive: ‎128 GB SSD

Average Battery Life: 10 hours

Display: 14 inches

Pros:
  • It came with a 1 year Microsoft office subscription.
  • It's perfect for all-day use without constantly needing to recharge.
  • Comes with an additional cloud storage options and a microSD card slot
Cons:
  • Has a limited storage capacity
  • It can slow down and freeze if you are working on it a lot
  • It’s not touch screen

D. Gaming Laptops

If you're a college student who enjoys gaming, you'll want to look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card and plenty of processing power. 

Also note that, gaming laptops typically have shorter battery life due to their high-performance components, so you may need to keep the laptop plugged in during extended gaming sessions to avoid running out of battery power.


This is a great budget-friendly laptop for anyone looking for a gaming laptop or something fast for multitasking.


This laptop delivers immersive and competitive gaming performance, allowing you to enjoy smooth gameplay and lifelike visuals.

The dual-fan cooling system, dual-intakes, and quad-exhaust port design help keep temperatures in check during intense gaming sessions, preventing overheating and maintaining optimal performance.

Specifications:

Processor: 4.5 GHz core_i5

Ram: ‎8 GB

Hard Drive: 512 GB SSD

Average Battery Life: 4 hours

Display: 15.6 inches

Pros:
  • Comes with a killer Ethernet E2600 and Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650, minimizing latency and ensuring a smooth online gaming experience, giving you an edge over the competition.
  • The full HD IPS display ensures sharp visuals and fluid motion, enhancing your gaming experience with crisp graphics and minimal motion blur.
Cons:

  • The battery can't last very long  


Another gaming laptop with raving reviews on Amazon is the Asus TUF laptop, it delivers seamless gaming and productivity, allowing you to handle demanding tasks with ease.

Comes with a 90-day pass to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, giving you access to over 100 high-quality games for whenever you need a break from your studies.

Specifications:

Processor: 4.5 GHz ryzen_5

Ram: 4 DDR5

Hard Drive: 512 GB SSD

Average Battery Life: 4 hours

Display: 15.6 inches

Pros:
  • The backlit keys comes with four different color modes which is a nice touch.
  • You can expand the RAM up to 64 and it has 2 slots for SSD M2, which helps it to remain valid for a long time.
  • The laptop maintains optimal temperatures during intense gaming sessions, ensuring reliable performance without excessive noise.
Cons:

  • The battery can't last very long  

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) ABOUT BEST LAPTOPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

1. What are the key features to look for in a budget-friendly laptop for college?


When shopping for a budget-friendly laptop for college, consider features such as processor speed, RAM capacity, storage type (SSD or HDD), battery life, display quality, and portability.

Look for a balance of performance, durability, and affordability that meets your academic and personal needs.


2. What is the ideal price range for a budget-friendly laptop for college students?


The ideal price range for a budget-friendly laptop for college students can vary depending on individual budgets and requirements.

Generally, laptops priced between $300 to $800 offer a good balance of performance and affordability, with options available for various needs and preferences.


3. Are there any specific laptop brands known for offering quality budget-friendly options for college students?


Yes, several laptop brands are known for offering quality budget-friendly options for college students, including Acer, ASUS, HP, Dell, Lenovo, and Microsoft.

These brands offer a range of laptops with different specifications and features to suit different budgets and preferences.

4. What are the advantages of choosing a Chromebook as a budget-friendly option for college?

  1. Chromebooks are a popular choice for budget-conscious college students due to their affordability, lightweight design, long battery life, and integration with Google's suite of productivity tools.

  3. They are ideal for tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and email, making them suitable for most college-related activities.

5. Can I find budget-friendly laptops with enough power to handle demanding tasks such as graphic design or video editing?


While budget-friendly laptops may not offer the same level of performance as high-end models, there are options available with sufficient power to handle demanding tasks such as graphic design or video editing.

Look for laptops with dedicated graphics cards, higher RAM capacity, and faster processors within your budget range.


6. What are some ways to save money when purchasing a budget-friendly laptop for college?


Look for sales, discounts, and promotions offered by retailers, especially during back-to-school season.

Consider purchasing refurbished or open-box laptops from reputable sellers to save money without sacrificing quality.

Additionally, compare prices and features across different models to find the best value for your budget.

7. Are there any additional costs to consider when purchasing a budget-friendly laptop for college?


In addition to the cost of the laptop itself, consider any additional costs such as software subscriptions, accessories (e.g., laptop bag, mouse, external hard drive), and extended warranty or protection plans.

Factor these costs into your budget to ensure you're fully prepared for your college computing needs.


This post showed you all of the best laptops for college students!

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