The 5 Best Laptops For Online Schooling Reviewed

Many articles would have you believe that the newest Macbook is an absolute must when it comes to getting your education online, but in our opinion, their price tags are absolutely ridiculous, and you’re basically paying for a logo.

Notoriously short on cash, most students will either be relying on mom and dad to pick up their new laptop or scouring the internet for the most affordable option, so we’ve done the hard part and brought you five of our favorite laptops right now.

Specifications can be confusing, especially for the less technologically inclined – maybe you’re a mature student heading back to school with no idea what kind of computer you need? Never fear!

Online schooling might sound complicated, but you’ll mostly be watching videos, attending virtual lectures, and using word processing software to complete your assignments. Still, though – what do you actually need for that?

Ensuring you don’t waste your time and hard-earned summer job money on a laptop that’s far too powerful for your needs or won’t be able to run the programs necessary for your course, our Buyer’s Guide spells out all that online learners need to know.

You’ll also find answers to some of the frequently asked questions that students have when it comes to looking for a new laptop in our thoroughly researched FAQs section, for even more peace of mind. See you in school!

Best Laptops For Online Schooling

1. Acer Aspire 5

Powerful, portable, and at an affordable price, we recommend the Acer Aspire 5 to students in a hurry to get organized before the start of the semester, as it delivers on every important factor in its suitability for online schooling.

It’s already preloaded with Windows 10 in S mode, the most compatible operating system available right now, so getting set up and downloading any software needed for your studies will be swift and simple.

Superior sharpness is achieved with a crisp full HD 15.6” screen, so every classmate will be crystal clear, and thanks to the ultra-thin bezel, it’s still lightweight enough for easy work on the go, especially bearing in mind the seven-hour battery life.

Night owls studying into the early hours will appreciate the convenience of the backlit keyboard, allowing you to work as late as you want without disturbing anyone, and you won’t have to squint at the keys!

You’ll find up to date connectivity, including HDMI, USB 3.1 and 2.0 ports, with a wifi connection that’s approximately three times faster using next generation 2×2 802. 11ac signals – no need to worry about cutting out in the middle of class.

Every word your professor says will be audible thanks to patented Acer TrueHarmony technology, bringing deeper bass and louder volume with their innovative speaker designs.

2. ASUS L203MA-DS04 VivoBook

Built with the busy student in mind, this durable 11.6 cinch laptop from ASUS’ popular VivoBook range is designed for maximum mobility, with up to 10 hours of battery life from just one charge.

Just shy of the size of an A4 sheet of paper and weighing in at just over two pounds, you’ll need to be careful not to forget it’s in your bag! Perfect to take anywhere, you’re free to attend class from all over the house, even outside if you like.

A resilient 180 degree hinge allows the screen to lie completely flat for screen-sharing in groups, whilst the full-sized ergonomic keyboard allows for taking notes at great speeds in comfort, despite the compact size.

Speaking of speed, a pair of efficient Intel processors prevent lag whilst listening to lectures, plus the HDMI, reversible USB-C and two classic USB 3.1 ports keep you connected for ultra-fast data transfer.

Stunning, cinema-quality visuals are created by ASUS Tru2Life technology, which optimizes sharpness and contrast by 150 percent in comparison with competitors, working with impressive dual SonicMaster speakers to bring you HD streaming.

3. Acer Spin SP111-33-C6UV

Combining laptop and tablet to bring users the ultimate two in one experience at a much more budget-friendly price than competing brands, the Spin 1 is the second laptop on our list from Acer for a reason.

It might be affordable, but it certainly doesn’t look like it, thanks to a gunmetal-gray chassis built from aluminum that’s reinforced by thick screen bezels to minimize potential damage during the impressive 360 degree screen movement.

Weighing in at under three pounds with an 11.4” display, it’s on the small side, which can be handy when you’re fighting for space in a smaller home, at the library, or studying on the go.

Such a bright, colorful screen is surprising, especially given the touch-screen capabilities. Thankfully, though it’s small and thin, you can still find two USB and a HDMI port, as well as a headphone jack, for connecting accessories with ease.

The keyboard is responsive, not succumbing to the stiffness or flexing of keys you might expect from a 2-in-1 device, so typing along with class won’t be a problem, and 64GB of internal storage will be plenty of space to save those notes.

An included stylus for touch screen use supports 1,024 pressure levels, so there’s no need for budding artists to upgrade to a better one, as this should suit all of your needs just fine, and it feels natural to hold.

4. Lenovo IdeaPad 2020

Ideal for online schooling, the 2020 edition of Lenovo’s successful IdeaPad comes ready to go with a year’s worth of free Microsoft Office 365 membership, which can set you back a pretty penny if you don’t already have it.

At fourteen inches, the anti-glare HD screen is perfectly sized for watching videos and attending virtual classes, whilst retaining portability; thanks to a lithium ion battery you’ll have seven hours of uninterrupted usage before needing to charge.

The 64GB internal hard drive offers more than enough storage space for all of your work, with an upgraded 4GB DDR4 RAM making multitasking not just possible, but smooth and quick – great if you’re a fan of multiple browser tabs!

Alongside those solid specs runs Windows 10 in S mode, the easiest and most compatible operating system, so downloading any programs you need for your course or class won’t be a problem.

All of the classic connection ports are featured, with 2 USB and 1 HDMI port and a combination headphone and microphone jack, plus a built in webcam, meaning you’re ready to start school as soon as you switch it on.

5. HP 14a-na0020nr Chromebook

Sleek and stylish in Ceramic White, Forest Teal or Mineral Silver, this take on the Chromebook from well-known manufacturers HP is a budget-friendly purchase that won’t set you back technologically.

With Google Play store capabilities, all of the Android apps you’ll know and love if you’re team Samsung can run on and connect with this device, especially useful in conjunction with the touchpad, supporting four finger gestures.

Anti-glare technology and up to thirteen hours of battery life mean you can set up to work wherever you want, without being restricted by a need to avoid the sun or stay near a power supply.

At a svelte fourteen inches, you may be worried about losing out on viewability, but thanks to the 82% screen to body ratio, alongside a rich micro-edge HD SVA display, fitting every classmate on screen is still a breeze.

Eco-friendly students will be pleased to know this laptop was constructed with the environment in mind, using low-halogen and mercury free backlights; Energy Star certified and EPEAT Silver registered, you can surf the net guilt free.

The built-in webcam has you ready for Zoom classes right out of the box, so there’s no need to worry about buying a separate camera – it’s high quality, too, if you still want to look your best, even from at home.

Laptops For Online Schooling Buyers Guide

There are quite a few factors to consider when it comes to which laptop is best for your online schooling experience, mostly driven by what you’ll be studying and the requirements of your course.

Each is important, so read carefully!

Display Size

Laptops are typically categorized by their display size, so this is an excellent place to start as it will help narrow down your choices – it won’t really alter your user experience very much, it mostly depends on your preference.

15-inch laptops tend to be the most popular choice, as they aren’t much heavier than their smaller counterparts but maximize display size, especially helpful if you need to take notes AND watch a lecture or class at the same time.

Smaller sizes proffering 11-12 inch or 13-14 inch displays are thinner and more portable if you’d prefer something that’s easier to lug around over a larger screen – the difference in price is minimal, so it really is up to you.

Weight

You’ll find that a laptop’s weight and display size go hand in hand, which makes sense – the smaller the screen, the smaller the computer, the less it weighs, right?

Smaller 11-13 inch laptops tend to weigh in at between two and three pounds, so they’re ultra portable and won’t take up too much space in your bag, either, but you’ll find 14-15 inch models only see a slight weight increase, to around 5 pounds.

Manufacturers recognize the consumer’s desire for sleeker, smaller, lighter products, so you’ll find any laptop being produced today is going to be suitable for working on the go, regardless of which you go for.

Battery Life

Okay, if most of your schooling will take place online this year, you aren’t going to be far from an outlet for charging, but that’s beside the point; when in-person teaching resumes, you’ll need at least six or seven hours of charge for classes, minimum.

Being chained to your desk is never fun, so if your laptop boasts a full twelve hours, you’ll be able to move around the house during a Zoom call and stretch those legs without missing anything. You could even take class al fresco and work outside!

Coffee shop or library working is popular with a lot of students, mainly for your proximity to delicious caffeine; they’ll usually have places to plug in, but here it’s other people you’ll be competing against, and longer battery life will help you win.

Storage Capacity

Although it’s possible to buy additional storage devices to keep your school or college work safe, you want to get a laptop that won’t quickly fill up and begin to run slow once your workflow builds up, especially if you prefer to type your notes.

We recognize that if you’re a student buying your own computer, you might not have enough for a device that boasts 256 or 512GB, so a few of the laptops we’ve opted for have 64GB storage, which is plenty just for online schooling purposes.

If you have the budget to afford more storage, great! You’ll be able to use the laptop for multiple purposes like gaming or music production, and able to run the complex programs required for engineering and other courses that utilize powerful software.

Should you find yourself running out of space, use Google Drive! It’s a free, reputable online storage service that allows you to create and store documents of all descriptions all in one place, without the need for buying an external device.

Webcam and Microphone

Whilst you can purchase these separately and plug them in (provided you have enough USB ports), your life will be a whole lot easier if you opt for a laptop with a built-in camera and mic.

This shouldn’t be too difficult to achieve, as they’re a staple in the majority of household electronics these days, but it’s important to check – you won’t be able to participate in class otherwise, unless you want to drop another fifty bucks.

Quality isn’t especially important, but the more megapixels the better when it comes to the webcam, and as long as your microphone can pick you up audibly, you don’t need it to be a state of the art, expensive setup.

Operating System

Most of us will be familiar with Windows OS, which in our opinion is the easiest to navigate and most likely to be compatible with any software you need to download for class, as it’s preferred worldwide.

However, if you do have a preference for Mac, that’s fine, just know you might struggle a little more when it comes to setting up programs, although it does have the perk of being compatible with your iPhone and iPad, should you have one.

As we’ve already said, Apple computers are always going to run you at least $500 more than a perfectly good Windows equivalent, as you’re paying for the brand more than anything else. But hey, we aren’t judging. You do you!

One other consideration is the Chrome OS, which comes built into all Chromebook devices, no matter who they’re manufactured by; they’re more affordable, but limited in their compatibility with other software, and can run slowly when offline.

What Do You Study?

Of course, it’s all well and good us telling you the generalized specs you should be looking out for in a laptop suited to online schooling, but the degree subject you’re majoring in is important for context.

Literature students, say, will only really need a laptop with internet access and word processing documents to complete the majority of their course, where Engineering majors will likely require far more power to run complex programs and software.

More creative students might benefit from spending a little extra to get a laptop that converts into a touchscreen tablet, as this allows you to seamlessly transition from typing up notes to sketching when required.

It’s worth checking out all of the information your school or university is providing about the online learning methods they use, as this will give you a clearer picture of what to look for – necessary storage space or processing speeds, for example.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which laptop lasts the longest?

There is no specific laptop that will last the longest, instead, there are many factors that will impact the lifetime of your device.

The average lifespan of a laptop is between 3 and 5 years, with good care being a big influence. As long as you buy a laptop with a durable design and take good care of it your laptop should last for a long time.

What are the major differences between a regular laptop and a Chromebook?

Chromebooks utilize Chrome OS, which is much less widely recognized than Mac and Windows operating systems when it comes to program compatibility, which is your primary concern when it comes to a laptop for online schooling.

You’ll be more than fine if you just need the device for making notes, participating in virtual classes and writing essays, but if you’re taking a class or studying a course that uses specialist software you might be best to avoid Chrome OS.

How much RAM is necessary for online classes?

4GB is the average amount of RAM on a more affordable laptop, which is what you’ll be looking for if you’re only planning on using it for school; if your course utilizes extensive or complicated software, you may be better opting for 8GB.

What software is necessary for online schooling?

While there are only a few essential programs that are actually needed, there are several that can make your experience better. For a great list of programs that will help with online schooling:

Related Articles

• Laptop for Watching Movies
• Lenovo Laptops
• Laptops for 3D Modeling
• Laptop for Animation
• Laptops for Grad School