We’ve done research and testing to find the best laptop for college students in 2024. Two of the top picks are detailed below. See the full list at CNET.
com . MacBook Air M1 CNET TAKE: With the arrival of the M3 MacBook Air, Apple dropped the M1 model from its lineup and positioned the M2 MacBook Air as the new budget option at $999. The M1 Air lives on as an exclusive at Walmart for only $649.
It has a slightly smaller screen at 13.3 inches than the 13.6-inch display you get with the M2 and M3 models.
The M1 also has 400 nits in brightness, a 720p camera and a tapered design. And it still offers solid overall performance for most users and a long battery life of up to 18 hours. HP Pavilion 14 Plus CNET TAKE: The HP Pavilion Plus is a good fit for students because it delivers a stylish and solid all-metal chassis, good battery life and numerous configuration options at reasonable prices.
It’s available in 14- and 16-inch sizes. We tested the 14-inch model, which is better for students who will take it across campus each day. HP offers AMD and Intel processors, and it can be configured with entry-level discrete graphics, too.
There are also multiple displays to match your budget, including a beautiful OLED panel. The starting price is $850 but is often discounted for hundreds less. CNET.
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