When you first start college, everything is so incredibly overwhelming! Where to buy books, where are classes, and why is everything online? It is important for every college student to either have a computer or have access to one.
But where do you start? Desktop or laptop? Apple or Windows? Samsung or HP? It’s hard to figure out what you want and what you need when there are so many options.
Here, we are going to walk through a few of the best desktop computers for students as well as the best laptops. Still not sure what to get? Each computer will even have a suggested degree group!
For Art, Music, and Architecture
For these degrees it is very important to have a computer that can handle the amount of work that most digital art and editing programs need. From personal experience, even a gaming computer has to kick it into high gear to handle some of those programs.
MacBooks
One of the most common and tailored-to-the-arts laptops is the vast majority of Apple MacBooks. From professional artists, to those just starting out, MacBooks are well known for their durability and their quick processing for music, art programs, and even architectural programs.
HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
A common theme among computers needed for arts is the advanced graphics cards. These heat producing elements are harder to install in laptops because a laptop only has limited cooling abilities. This gaming desktop has high powered visuals in a compact tower which makes it easier to store.
A desktop can give you more storage, better graphics, and higher processing speeds without causing a PC tower to overheat. This is where you have to make a choice between functionality and power: do you need a laptop to take with you or is a desktop going to be what you need?
For Science, Engineering, and Medical
These fields of study require a lot of data processing but, at times, also require programs that need a lot of visual power from your computer. Think of looking at a picture of how your knee joint works: if you can’t see the finer details, then how are you going to know what is going on?
HP 22 All-In-One PC
You want graphics? You got it. High internet processing and speeds? They’re yours! Do you need to be able to run complex programs or data processing programs? Then this is a desktop that you want.
The best part about this desktop is not just its multifunctionality: when it says all-in-one it means it! This PC is both a monitor and a PC: this means you don’t have to spend extra funds on a monitor, cables, and a larger place to store your desktop
Dell (G15)
The new and improved Dell gaming laptop is very customizable. To be honest, it could probably fit in any degree category, but because of its options it is going to be a great way to make sure you get what you need to study.
The options are for the video card which is stocked with basic to advanced GeForce cards, memory from 8-32GB; 256GB-1TB hard drive, three different display types, three different colors, and two types of keyboards. With these options you can really get the computer that you need for your degree.
For Education, Law, Business, and Government
For these types of degrees, you’ll need a computer that is able to hold a solid internet connection; download photos, documents and even whole books; all while still giving the power you need to run data and make beautiful presentations.
Microsoft Surface
One thing to keep in mind about Microsoft Surface is that it really isn’t a gaming computer (except for the most recent edition). Yes you can game ,you can draw, and run Microsoft art programs and processing programs. However, this computer is a work horse meant for helping you get through dense amounts of reading, large documents, and quick communication.
Acer Chromebook
If you want a computer that can easily take care of processing documents, be taken anywhere, and still stream videos for break time, a Chromebook is definitely what you want.
They are definitely a no frills computer that is far more affordable than most other laptops. One thing to keep in mind with chromebooks is to make sure that you get the largest amount of storage that you can afford so that you can store your documents as well as any Google apps.
Conclusion
Buying a computer for your education is going to be a big price tag with most computers and laptops. Fortunately, a computer or laptop is a one time purchase that will get you through your college career. Picking the right one can be challenging but if you keep this guide in mind, the choice will be much easier!
