The first thing to do is to develop a clear sense of exactly what you need in a college laptop. If you are primarily concerned with the basics, like word processing, internet access, wireless, et cetera, you may be fine with something as inexpensive and simple as a netbook. These are extremely compact, relatively no-frills laptops intended for basic needs. Unless you plan to study something like music or video editing, which may involve more elaborate software and capabilities, a netbook should meet virtually all of your academic needs.

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For most courses, you will only need to be able to write and edit on your computer, to participate in online discussion groups, and to e-mail, and almost any currently sold laptop will allow you to do those things. If you intend to study music or something involving video editing, you may need to do some research into higher-end laptops with more memory and possibly with more software included at the time of purchase. If you know your potential major and believe it may require particular computer capabilities, you might contact a professor or department chair to inquire about recommendations. Remember, the best laptop for college students depend on each individuals needs.

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Aside from academic needs, of course, you may want to consider other uses for your laptop. If you are interested in watching streaming video, for example, you may want to select a laptop with HD (High Definition) video capability, or higher-end wireless technology. You might also think more about audio and speaker quality than you would if you were thinking of your computer as a primarily academic tool.

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Once you figure out what features and capabilities you need, do some research about what brands are most reliable and represent the best deals. Consumer Reports is a good site for product reviews, and customer reviews on sites like Amazon.com can give good guidance. Hewlett Packard, Toshiba, and Dell are all reliable and well-reviewed throughout the range of laptop options, but each produces some specific models that are superior to others. You will also need to decide whether you want to go with a PC or a Mac. Both have advantages — PCs tend to be loaded with software that will be compatible with what most others have (like Microsoft Word), while Macs tend to be very good for music recording and similar applications.

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In closing, choosing laptops for college comes down to three steps: decide what you need for school, decide what you want beyond those necessities, and do some research to find out who makes what you need best for the best price. If you think of the process systematically like this, you should be able to make a solid choice with a minimum of worry.

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There are many options and features that that you’ll find in laptops for students in, or starting college. Since all students have different needs, there are going to be a wide variety of things that influence their decisions. This is also one of the most important investments that a student will make. I have had my laptop since I began college and have been very happy with the choice that I made.

In my opinion, cost, ease-of-use, and the aesthetic elements of a laptop are some of its’ most important features of the best laptop for college students.

First, a student should decide how much they want to spend on a college laptop. The range of prices is very large. A basic laptop can be found for around five-six hundred dollars, while pricier and more complex models can be as much as two thousand. If you are only going to use your laptop for word processing and emailing, then a cheaper version may suffice. If you play computer games, or use applications that “eat” a lot of memory (i.e. music or architecture programs), then you may want to spend more to get a better system in your computer. If money is tight, going cheap may be best as you can always upgrade a few years down the line.

Students should make sure that their laptops are easy-to-use. Go to the store and try one out or talk to other students for recommendations. Also, finding out if you are a Mac or PC person may be the first step in this direction.

Lastly, aesthetics can mean a lot to many students. If you are going to take your computer out of the house a lot, then make sure it is portable. Get a laptop that isn’t too heavy or bulky. On the other hand, let’s say a student has poor vision. In that case, a laptop with a bigger screen may be the way to go.

These are just a few aspects of a laptop that could influence a student’s decision. Sit down and write a list of what is important for you. Also, I would always advise looking long and hard for good deals. It’s not fun when you buy a laptop and then find it for sale at a different store.

I’ve experienced using both a Mac and a PC/Windows and each of them have their good points as well as their bad. When I need to do my writing or working with spreadsheets, I prefer to be on a PC/Windows. I grew up with DOS then switched to Microsoft/Windows. I know the programs like the back of my hand and I complete my work rather quickly. A Mac was introduced to me when I needed better streaming video and graphic abilities. I see a Mac being more of the what the future needs. Mac also makes it quicker to operate with less keystrokes.

As you shop for a laptop for college this year, remember to tell the salesman exactly what your needs are. Yes, you’ll need to work with a word program and would want to have a better media player, but you can save money by cutting back on what you really won’t need? Do you need to have a CD/DVD burner? If you don’t, talk to the salesman about installing the basic CD/DVD and then put the money you saved toward boosting up your gig’s. Don’t want those extra programs? You know, the ones that are never used once you get the computer home. Talk to them about how you can swap it for more RAM.

Those are just a few of the different ways to build the best college laptop for you. No one else but you is really going to use it so why not have it the way you need it to be. So, what really is the best college laptop? The one that was made for you and your needs, not one off the “showroom floor”

Depending on different groups of individuals you ask will make a difference. Typically you would ask someone that you know, but do you ask the right person to answer. I’ve been a PC user for the last 20+ years. I’ve never used a Mac in my life. That does not mean that the Mac is better. It just means that a PC works for what I need it to do. Why should I try to change now? Both systems are good for what each person needs them for. If the PC did not live up to what I needed from it, I would have no choice but to learn how to use a Mac.

There are different opinions out there on this issue but here’s a couple of misconceptions on both of them.

#1- PC’s are too bulky compared to a Mac

Not True, there are some model from each of them that range in size.

#2-It’s too hard to learn how to use a Mac.

People who never used a computer before have learned to use a Mac faster than a PC. Less keystrokes for similar tasks.

#3-PC’s are faster than Mac.

With a Mac having less keystroke to do the same task, it does not sound likely.

#4-There’s no difference between Mac’s and PC’s .

If there wasn’t a difference between them, how come they’re not compatible?

#5-The Mac is the Best college laptop.

If your major is technology or multi-media, then this statement may be right. Mac’s seem to flow smoother.

#6-Windows/PC’s are cheaper

They sometimes do have higher initial purchase cost, but as of total cost over the life of owning them Mac are substantially lower.

#7-Schools should be using windows/PC’s since more businesses do.

Who really knows what the future holds for the technology/information era. With all the entrepreneurs that are on the rise in the internet world, it really depends on if both systems can out-perform the other and expand to the next level.