Remember when your backpack felt heavy with textbooks? Now, a laptop is often just as important for school! But with so many choices, how do you pick the perfect one without breaking the bank or getting one that’s too much or too little?
Choosing a laptop for high school can feel like a big test itself. You need something that can handle homework, research, maybe even some creative projects. But you also don’t want to spend too much money on features you’ll never use. It’s tricky to find that sweet spot!
This guide is here to help. We’ll break down what really matters when picking a laptop for school. You’ll learn how to choose a device that’s just right for your classes, your budget, and your life as a student. Ready to find your perfect school companion?
Our Top 5 Laptop For High Schoolers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Laptop For High Schoolers Detailed Reviews
1. HP High-Performance 17.3″ Laptop
Rating: 9.0/10
The HP High-Performance 17.3″ Laptop is a powerful machine designed for productivity and everyday use. Its large touchscreen makes it easy to navigate, and the combination of memory and storage ensures smooth multitasking and quick access to your files. This laptop comes packed with features to help you get things done efficiently.
What We Like:
- The 32GB of RAM allows you to run many apps at once without slowing down.
- You get a fast 1TB SSD for quick boot-ups and file transfers, plus extra space with the 128GB eMMC.
- The 17.3-inch HD+ touchscreen is great for viewing and interacting with content.
- The Intel Core i3-N305 processor, with 8 cores, offers good performance for daily tasks.
- Wi-Fi 6 provides faster and more reliable wireless internet.
- Windows 11 Pro offers helpful features for organizing your work and collaborating.
- The included numeric keypad makes entering numbers easy.
- It has a webcam for video calls and an HDMI port for connecting to external displays.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1600 x 900 screen resolution is HD+ but not Full HD, which might be noticeable for some users.
- The 250 nits brightness might not be enough for use in very bright environments.
- The base clock speed of the processor is 0.8 GHz, which is quite low, although it boosts up to 3.8 GHz.
This HP laptop offers a solid set of features for its price, making it a good choice for students and professionals. It provides a large display and ample memory for multitasking, ensuring a smooth user experience.
2. HP High-Performance 17.3″ Laptop
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the HP High-Performance 17.3″ Laptop, a powerful machine designed for your busy life. This laptop boasts a large, clear touchscreen for easy navigation and a speedy processor that handles many tasks at once. With plenty of memory and storage, you can keep all your important files and run all your favorite apps without slowdowns. Its sleek silver design looks great too, making it a stylish and functional choice for work and play.
What We Like:
- You get a huge amount of RAM (32GB) which means you can open lots of apps and internet tabs without slowing down.
- The storage is massive, with a super-fast 2TB SSD plus an extra 128GB eMMC for quick startups.
- The 17.3-inch HD+ touchscreen is big and bright, making it easy to see everything and interact with your apps.
- The Intel Core i3-N305 processor has 8 cores, giving you good performance for everyday tasks.
- Windows 11 Pro helps you stay organized and work more efficiently.
- It has Wi-Fi 6 for fast internet connections and a numeric keypad for easier number entry.
What Could Be Improved:
- The processor, while good for many tasks, might not be the best for very demanding games or heavy video editing.
- The storage setup splits between eMMC and SSD, which is good but means the 128GB eMMC is a smaller, slower drive for the operating system.
- The display resolution (1600 x 900) is HD+, which is fine, but some users might prefer a sharper Full HD (1920 x 1080) screen.
This HP laptop offers a great balance of speed and storage for most users. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and capable machine for daily computing.
3. HP High-Performance 17.3″ Laptop
Rating: 9.3/10
This HP High-Performance 17.3″ Laptop is a powerhouse for your daily tasks. Its large touchscreen makes it easy to use. The silver finish looks sleek and modern. It’s built for speed and storage, so you can do more without waiting.
What We Like:
- The 16GB of RAM lets you run many apps and browser tabs at once without slowing down.
- You get both a fast 1TB SSD for speedy boot-ups and a 128GB eMMC for extra storage.
- The Intel i3-N305 processor has 8 cores, giving you good performance for everyday use.
- The 17.3″ HD+ touchscreen is big and bright, making everything look clear.
- Wi-Fi 6 means faster and more reliable internet connections.
- Windows 11 Pro offers great features to help you stay organized and productive.
- It includes a handy numeric keypad, perfect for typing numbers quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 128GB eMMC storage is quite small and might fill up quickly.
- The HD+ resolution (1600 x 900) isn’t as sharp as Full HD (1920 x 1080).
- The processor, while having 8 cores, is an i3 and might struggle with very demanding tasks like heavy video editing or gaming.
- The 250 nits brightness on the display might not be enough for very bright outdoor conditions.
This HP laptop offers a solid blend of performance and storage for general use. It’s a great option if you need a large screen and plenty of space for your files.
4. HP 15.5″ High Performance FHD IPS Laptop
Rating: 8.6/10
Looking for a laptop that can handle your daily tasks and more? This renewed HP 15.5″ High Performance laptop is a fantastic option. It packs a punch with its speedy Ryzen 5 processor and a generous 20GB of RAM, making multitasking a breeze. Plus, the 512GB SSD means you’ll boot up fast and have plenty of space for your files and apps. The vibrant 15.5-inch FHD IPS display brings your content to life with sharp details and great colors, perfect for watching videos or working on projects. With the latest WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, you can enjoy super-fast internet and connect your devices smoothly.
What We Like:
- The Ryzen 5 processor speeds up tasks like browsing and opening apps.
- 20GB of RAM lets you run many programs at once without slowing down.
- A 512GB SSD provides quick loading times for your computer and files.
- The 15.5″ FHD IPS display offers clear and colorful visuals.
- Ultra-Fast WiFi 6 ensures quick internet downloads and uploads.
- Bluetooth 5.3 makes connecting wireless devices simple.
- Comes with Windows 11 for a modern user experience.
- Includes an HP AC charger.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a renewed product, there might be minor cosmetic imperfections.
- The AMD Radeon Graphics are good for everyday use but not for heavy gaming.
This HP laptop offers a great balance of performance and features for its price. It’s a solid choice for students, home users, or anyone needing a reliable machine for everyday computing.
5. ASUS VivoBook 15 High Performance Laptop in Mint Green Intel 8-core i3 up to 3.8Ghz 8GB RAM 256GB SSD 15.6in FHD Web Cam HDMI W11 (1504 – Renewed)
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to be impressed by the ASUS VivoBook 15, a high-performance laptop that’s as stylish as it is capable. This renewed gem comes in a refreshing mint green color and packs a punch with its Intel 8-core i3 processor, speedy SSD, and vibrant Full HD display. It’s designed to keep up with your daily tasks, whether you’re working, studying, or enjoying your favorite entertainment.
What We Like:
- Super slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- The Intel 8-core i3 processor is powerful for everyday tasks.
- A fast 256GB SSD means quick boot-ups and app loading.
- The 15.6-inch FHD display offers clear and bright visuals.
- Windows 11 Home is included for a modern experience.
- The webcam and built-in microphone are great for calls.
- Fast charging gets you back to work quickly.
- AI noise cancellation helps with clear audio during calls.
- The 180-degree ErgoLift hinge makes sharing your screen easy.
- A fingerprint sensor offers secure and fast logins.
- It has plenty of ports for all your devices, including USB-C and HDMI.
- The mint green color is a fun and unique choice.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a renewed product, availability might be limited.
- The 45% NTSC color gamut might not be ideal for professional graphic design.
This ASUS VivoBook 15 is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish laptop that won’t break the bank. It balances performance and portability well, making it a solid choice for students and everyday users.
Choosing the Right Laptop for High School: Your Essential Guide
Why a Laptop Matters for High Schoolers
High school is a big step! You’ll use your laptop for homework, research, projects, and maybe even some fun. Picking the right one makes a huge difference. This guide helps you find a laptop that’s perfect for your school needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Operating System (OS)
This is like the brain of your laptop. The most common ones are:
- Windows: Very popular, works with tons of programs.
- macOS: Found on Apple MacBooks, known for being easy to use and stylish.
- ChromeOS: Used on Chromebooks, great for internet tasks and simple apps.
Think about what your school uses or what you and your family are already familiar with.
2. Screen Size and Resolution
A good screen makes reading and working easier. Most high school laptops have screens between 13 and 15 inches. A clear screen (higher resolution) shows sharper pictures and text.
3. Storage Space (SSD vs. HDD)
This is where your files, photos, and apps live. Look for an SSD (Solid State Drive). SSDs are much faster than older HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). This means your laptop starts up quickly and programs open fast.
4. Battery Life
You don’t want your laptop to die during class! Aim for a laptop that lasts at least 8 hours on a single charge. This lets you get through a school day without hunting for an outlet.
5. Processor (CPU)
The CPU is the laptop’s engine. For most high school tasks like writing papers, browsing the web, and using educational apps, an Intel Core i3 or i5, or an AMD Ryzen 3 or 5 is usually enough.
6. RAM (Memory)
RAM helps your laptop run multiple programs at once smoothly. 8GB of RAM is a good starting point for most students. If you plan to do more demanding tasks like video editing, consider 16GB.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Laptops for students need to be tough. Many are made with sturdy plastic. Metal bodies, like aluminum, are even more durable and feel more premium. Good hinges that don’t feel loose also mean your laptop will last longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters:
- Fast SSD storage: Makes everything quicker.
- Good build materials: Prevents damage.
- Long battery life: Keeps you working anywhere.
- Comfortable keyboard and trackpad: Makes typing and navigating easy for long periods.
Quality Reducers:
- Slow or small storage: Makes your laptop feel sluggish.
- Poor battery life: Limits where you can use it.
- Flimsy construction: Can break easily.
- Low-quality screen: Makes text hard to read.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good laptop for a high schooler should be easy to use and handle everyday tasks without a hitch. This includes:
- Taking notes in class: A lightweight laptop is easy to carry.
- Writing essays and reports: A comfortable keyboard is essential.
- Researching online: A fast processor and good Wi-Fi connection are key.
- Working on presentations: A clear screen helps you see your work.
- Collaborating on projects: Easy-to-use software is important.
- Light entertainment: Watching videos or listening to music.
Some students might use their laptops for more advanced things like coding or graphic design, which would require more powerful specs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the best operating system for a high schooler?
A: Windows and macOS are great all-around choices. ChromeOS is excellent if you mostly use web-based tools and apps.
Q: How much storage do I really need?
A: At least 256GB SSD is recommended. If you store lots of photos or videos, consider 512GB.
Q: Is a touchscreen important?
A: It can be helpful for some tasks, like drawing or using certain apps, but it’s not essential for most students.
Q: What if my budget is tight?
A: Look for Chromebooks or older models of Windows laptops. Refurbished laptops can also be a good value.
Q: How important is the brand?
A: While brands like Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo offer good laptops, focus more on the specs and features that meet your needs.
Q: Should I get a laptop with a webcam?
A: Yes, most laptops come with a built-in webcam, which is useful for online classes and video calls.
Q: How do I protect my laptop?
A: Use a sturdy case or sleeve when carrying it. Avoid spills and drops.
Q: Can I upgrade my laptop later?
A: Some laptops allow you to upgrade RAM or storage, but this varies by model. It’s often best to get what you need initially.
Q: What about gaming?
A: If gaming is a priority, you’ll need a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, which is usually more expensive and might not be necessary for schoolwork.
Q: Where can I buy a good laptop for school?
A: You can find them at major electronics stores, online retailers, and directly from manufacturer websites.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.