Best Laptops For College Students Under $500 (Top Picks)

Looking for the best laptops for college students under $500? I know it is hard to find a laptop that is both affordable and provides top-notch features.

That’s why my team and I decided to go through all the popular models and shortlist the ones that are perfect for students. It took us months, but we have finally made our list of top laptops.

Why trust us? Well, we researched the market, did hands-on testing, checked user reviews, and did surveys to decide the best laptops for college students under $500. Let’s delve further.

Now, check out the top 8 laptops we have selected for you. We’ve also made a table of comparison of these devices to give you an idea about which one is better.

8 Best Laptops For College Students Under $500

My team and I have shortlisted the top eight laptops that college students can use without any hesitation. They cater to broad requirements, and students of every major can use them.

HP 15.6 Inch Laptop 11th Gen Intel Core i5

Pros:

• Excellent performance with 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor
• Comfortable keyboard for long study sessions
• Long-lasting battery life
• HD IPS display for a great viewing experience
• Fast charging
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Available in silver color only.

HP 15 Intel Core i5 is our overall best pick for college students, and there are many reasons behind our decision. Let’s start with the processor. It is powered by the 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor, which means it packs a punch when it comes to performance. It’s ideal for both study sessions and Netflix marathons.

Plus, the battery life is impressive, so you won’t need to be always hunting for a power outlet during long study sessions in the library.

When we used this laptop, we also noticed that the keyboard was comfortable. It is perfect for typing up essays or coding assignments without straining your fingers. 

Now, the display. It’s high quality, which means your videos and images will be clear and vibrant. It is great for educational videos and online lectures. And the best part? It’s affordable for students.

Key Criteria:

• Performance: 9.5/10
• Comfort: 9.5/10
• Battery Life: 9/10
• Display Quality: 10/10

What Do College Students Think of this Laptop?

Well, college students who’ve used the HP 15.6 generally have positive feedback. They particularly like its performance, saying it’s fast and reliable for both studying and entertainment. Some students have also praised the lightweight design and the bezel display. The best part? This laptop is suitable for students with every type of major.

Bottom Line/Overview: To sum it up, the HP 15 Laptop with 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor is a solid choice for college students. It offers excellent performance, a comfortable keyboard, and long battery life, all under $500. This laptop is ideal for students needing a reliable machine for study and entertainment/.

Acer Aspire 5 A515-45-R74Z Slim Laptop

Pros:

• Slim and lightweight design
• Powered by AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor
• FHD IPS display delivers clear, vibrant visuals
• Backlit keyboard enables seamless late-night study sessions
• Generous storage capacity
• A cost-effective choice for students

Cons:

• The speaker quality could be better.

Moving on to the Acer Aspire 5 A515-45-R74Z Slim Laptop. After putting it to the test, we found this laptop to be slim, lightweight, and super portable – a dream for any busy college student. Furthermore, when we tried this product, the AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor impressed us with its efficient multitasking and speedy performance.

Whether you’re working on multiple assignments, streaming a lecture or running demanding software, this laptop handles it all smoothly.

The Full HD IPS display was a highlight in our trial. We were amazed by its crisp and clear visuals. They will surely add a sense of comfort to your study sessions.

That’s not it; we also like its backlit keyboard. You can comfortably continue your work, even during those late-night study sessions. And the storage? Well, there is ample capacity to save all your important documents, academic projects, and even your favorite films or music.

However, as per our expertise, there’s room for improvement in the speaker quality. Still, considering its price tag, these are trade-offs that many students can overlook.

Key Criteria:

• Performance: 9/10
• Portability: 9/10
• Display Quality: 9/10
• Storage: 9/10

What Do College Students Think of this Laptop?

Based on our observations and feedback from college students, the Acer Aspire 5 is appreciated for its portability and robust performance. Its lightweight and slim design makes it a hit among students who often move between classes, study groups, and cafes. Students have also praised its 11-hour battery life.

Bottom Line/Overview: After conducting experiments with the Acer Aspire 5 A515-45-R74Z Slim Laptop, we can safely say that it’s an excellent choice for business or liberal arts students who value portability and a sleek design.

ASUS VivoBook 15 F515 Laptop: Best budget laptop for students

Pros:

• Compact design
• Comes equipped with Intel i3 Processor for smooth performance
• Includes both a USB Type-C port and HDMI for greater connectivity
• Comfortable backlit keyboard
• Budget-friendly for students

Cons:

• The audio quality could be better

ASUS VivoBook 15 F515 is for you if you want a compact laptop. It is only 0.7 inches thin, which means you will be able to fit it in your bag easily. Plus, it weighs less than 4 pounds, so you won’t face trouble lifting it either. 

When we tried ASUS VivoBook 15 F515 Laptop, we were impressed with its Intel i3 Processor. It offers a smooth performance, handling your academic workload with efficiency. So, whether you’re typing out an essay, creating a presentation, or streaming a lecture, you won’t have to worry about system lag.

Moreover, we found the addition of both a USB Type-C port and HDMI to be quite handy for greater connectivity. This means you can connect a variety of devices and external displays without any hassle.

One of the standout features we discovered during our test was the backlit keyboard. It’s comfortable and allows you to work efficiently, even in low-light conditions. However, we noticed that while the ASUS VivoBook 15 is budget-friendly and packed with features, there’s room for improvement. Our findings show that the audio quality could be enhanced.

Key Criteria:

• Design: 8.5/10
• Performance: 9/10
• Connectivity: 9/10
• Keyboard: 9/10

What Do College Students Think of this Laptop?

College students have a positive view of the ASUS VivoBook 15. Most of them have praised the compact design and reliable performance. Some have also lauded the HD display, which made making presentations easier for them.

Bottom Line/Overview: We are sure that the ASUS VivoBook 15 F515 Laptop is a suitable choice for college students who need a compact, efficient, and connective laptop. So, this laptop is ideal for students who often work in different settings and need to connect various devices. But if you’re an audiophile, you might want to consider other options.

Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop

Pros:

• Thin and lightweight design (ideal for portability)
• Equipped with latest AMD Ryzen 3 7320U Processor
• DDR5 RAM
• The comfortable keyboard makes typing easy
• WiFi 6 supported

Cons:

• Limited storage space

Moving onto the Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop. After trying out this product, my team and I agreed that its best quality is its slim and lightweight design. For students always on the move, this laptop can be your reliable companion.

Its processor also does not disappoint if you are looking for steady performance, which is also what makes it perfect for your day-to-day academic tasks. Be it working on an assignment, or running applications, this laptop does it all without hanging/lagging.

Another feature that caught our attention during the testing was the Full HD LED-backlit display. This means your study materials, web pages, or movies will look clearer and more vibrant, reducing the strain on your eyes.

In addition, the comfortable keyboard makes typing a breeze, especially during those long study sessions.

Key Criteria:

• Design: 8.5/10
• Performance: 8.5/10
• Display: 9/10
• Keyboard: 8.5/10

What Do College Students Think of this Laptop?

After reading the feedback from college students, it’s safe to say that the Acer Aspire 3 is appreciated for its portability, performance, and visual experience. Some students have praised its camera and audio quality as well.

Bottom Line/Overview: Our analysis of this product revealed that the Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop is a good fit for college students looking for a portable and reliable laptop under $500. It’s also particularly suitable for someone who values a clear display and a comfortable typing experience.

Lenovo Chromebook: Touchscreen Best Laptops for College Students Under $500

Pros:

• Convertible design for flexible usage
• Offers fast boot times and performance thanks to the Chrome OS
• Excellent battery life
• 720P camera
• Affordable for students

Cons:

• Limited to Chrome OS apps and functionalities

After putting the Lenovo Chromebook C340 laptop to the test, we found its convertible design to be quite convenient. You can switch between a traditional laptop and a tablet depending on your needs, making it a flexible companion for both your studies and leisure time.

When we tried this product, we appreciated the touchscreen feature that allows for an interactive operating experience. This can come in handy when navigating through documents and websites or even for some light doodling.

Furthermore, Chrome OS provides smooth performance and boots up fast. It’s perfect for quickly jumping into your assignments or online classes. And who can forget the excellent battery life? It will last you a whole day of classes without needing a recharge.

Key Criteria:

• Design: 8/10
• Performance: 8.5/10
• Battery Life: 9/10
• Display: 8.5/10

What Do College Students Think of this Laptop?

College students love the Lenovo Chromebook C340 for its versatility, touchscreen feature, and excellent battery life. Some have also liked its numeric keyboard and 720p camera. However, some students wished for a better display quality and expanded functionalities.

Bottom Line/Overview: After trying out the Lenovo Chromebook C340 Laptop, we think it’s a suitable choice for students who value flexibility, interactive operation, and long battery life. It is also ideal for IT students who mainly use web-based applications and services for their academic needs. That’s why it is one of the best laptops for college students under $500.

You Might Also Like: Best Laptops For IT Students (The Ultimate Review)

ASUS Chromebook C425 Clamshell Laptop

Pros:

• Portable
• Features a Full HD NanoEdge display for sharp visuals
• Powered by Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor for speedy performance
• Excellent battery life for a full day of usage

Cons:

• Limited to Chrome OS apps and functionalities

After using ASUS Chromebook C425 Clamshell Laptop, we found that the lightweight and sleek design are its stand out features. These two makes this laptop super portable, which means it is perfect for the on-the-go college days.

Its Full HD Nano-edge display will also leave a positive impression. Whether you’re working on an assignment, streaming a video, or browsing the web, you’ll laud its sharp, clear visuals every time.

What’s more? Well, the Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor. It delivers a speedy performance, ensuring smooth operation even when you’re multitasking. Moreover, the battery life is excellent, lasting through your entire day without requiring a charge.

However, our analysis of this product revealed that, similar to other Chromebooks, it’s limited to Chrome OS apps and functionalities.

Key Criteria:

• Design: 9/10
• Performance: 8.5/10
• Display: 8/10
• Battery Life: 9/10

What Do College Students Think of this Laptop?

Almost every college student appreciates the ASUS C425 Chromebook for its portability, sharp display, and long-lasting battery. Yet, some wished for more versatility in terms of apps and better audio quality.

Bottom Line/Overview: ASUS C425 Clamshell Laptop is an excellent choice for students who need a lightweight, powerful, and long-lasting laptop. It’s particularly well-suited for those who primarily use web-based services for their academic work. If you can overlook the limitations of Chrome OS and the average audio quality, this is one of the best laptops you can get under $500.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – (2023)

Pros:

• Sturdy and sleek design for a modern look
• Comes with an Intel i3 Processor for steady performance
• 1TB HDD storage space
• Features a comfortable keyboard for efficient typing
• Crystal clear audio.

Cons:

• Battery life could be better

Now, let’s talk about the Lenovo IdeaPad 3. After putting it to the test, we were quite taken with its sturdy, sleek design. It has a modern and professional look that you’ll be proud to carry around.

Its Intel i3 Processor offers steady performance. It can handle multiple applications simultaneously, making it a great fit for your academic tasks or casual web browsing.

One of the notable highlights we discovered during our tests is the ample storage space. With a 1TB HDD, you’ll have plenty of room for your academic files, multimedia, and more.

When we tried this product, we also appreciated the comfortable keyboard. It offers good travel and a responsive touch, making those long typing sessions more efficient and less tiring. However, we think its battery life and display are somewhat inferior to other laptops we tested.

Key Criteria:

• Design: 8/10
• Performance: 8.5/10
• Storage: 9/10
• Keyboard: 8/10

What Do College Students Think of this Laptop?

Based on our observations and feedback from college students, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is appreciated for its design, steady performance, and ample storage. However, some students mentioned that they wished for a better battery life and a Full HD display.

Bottom Line/Overview: As per our expertise, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – (2023) is a great choice for students who need a reliable, good-performing laptop with lots of storage. It’s especially suitable for those who have a lot of files to store and manage.

HP New Laptop Intel Core i3

Pros:

• Features a touchscreen for interactive navigation
• Equipped with Intel Core i3 for smooth operation
• Good amount of storage for all your academic files
• Reliable battery life
• Comes at a student-friendly price

Cons:

• Not the lightest laptop around

The last one on our “best laptops for college students under $500” list is the HP New 15.6″ HD Touchscreen Laptop Intel Core i3. After trying out this product, we found that the touchscreen is a great addition. The thing is that it not only gives you another way to navigate but also makes some tasks much more convenient.

The Intel Core i3 processor ensures a smooth operation. Whether you’re working on an assignment, browsing the internet, or watching a video lecture, this laptop handles it well.

Another noteworthy feature is its storage capacity. We have found from using this product that there’s plenty of room for your academic files, applications, and even some movies and music. Also, the battery life is quite reliable. It’ll keep you powered through your classes and study sessions.

Key Criteria:

• Design: 8/10
• Performance: 8.5/10
• Storage: 9/10
• Battery Life: 9/10

What Do College Students Think of this Laptop?

The HP New 15.6″ HD Touchscreen Laptop Intel Core i3 gets positive reviews for its touchscreen, performance, and storage. Yet, some students wished for a more modern design and a lighter weight.

Bottom Line/Overview: Our analysis of this product revealed that the HP New 15.6″ HD Touchscreen Laptop Intel Core i3 is a good choice for students who appreciate an interactive experience and need plenty of storage. If you’re okay with a more traditional design and a bit of weight, then this laptop is a reliable and affordable option under $500.

Comparison Table- Best Laptops for College Students Under $500

Noe, you know about the best laptops you can get if your budget is less than $500. Let’s now compare them side by side to give you an idea about their performance, design, features, and battery life.

Laptop	Design	Performance	Special Feature	Battery Life
HP 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor	Sturdy, sleek	High with Intel Core i5	Full HD Display	Long-lasting
Acer Aspire 5 A515-45-R74Z Slim Laptop	Slim, modern	Solid with AMD Ryzen 3	Backlit Keyboard	Good
ASUS VivoBook 15 F515	Compact, stylish	Good with Intel i3	NanoEdge Display	Moderate
Acer Aspire 3 A315-24P-R7VH Slim Laptop	Slim, portable	Reliable with AMD Ryzen 3	Comfortable Keyboard	Good
Lenovo Chromebook C340 Laptop	Convertible, versatile	Smooth with Chrome OS	Touchscreen	Excellent
ASUS Chromebook C425 Clamshell Laptop	Lightweight, sleek	Speedy with Intel Core m3	Full HD NanoEdge Display	Excellent
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – (2023)	Sturdy, sleek	Steady with Intel i3	Ample Storage (1TB HDD)	Moderate
HP New 15.6″ HD Touchscreen Laptop Intel Core i3	Traditional, sturdy	Smooth with Intel i3	Touchscreen	Reliable

Also Read: ASUS vs HP: Which Laptops Are Better and Why?

How We Choose These Under $500 Laptops For College Students?

Choosing the right laptops for our reviews is no simple task. My team and I spent significant time and effort to ensure we’re recommending the best options to you. That’s why we followed a strict criteria and only shortlisted those laptops that were both budget-friendly and offered supreme features.

Here’s a peek into our process:

Researching the Market: Understanding the Options Available

Well, the first thing we do is thoroughly explore the laptop market. This means going through various brands and models, understanding their offerings and what sets them apart. From HP to Acer, Asus to Lenovo, we leave no stone unturned.

After all, each brand has its unique strengths, and we want to make sure we’re taking a holistic view of what’s available. There’s more.

You know, the technology world is constantly evolving. What’s cutting-edge today might be obsolete tomorrow. So, it’s crucial for us to stay on top of the latest trends and technological advancements. This allows us to recommend laptops that aren’t just great now, but will remain relevant and useful for years to come.

Defining the Target Audience: Identifying College Student Needs

To provide useful recommendations, we must understand who we’re recommending for. In this case, college students. We conduct surveys and interviews to understand their laptop preferences and requirements. Do they need powerful processors for heavy software? Do they prefer lightweight models for portability? These insights guide our selection process.

The thing is- not all college students have the same needs. An art student might need a high-resolution screen for their designs, while a computer science student might need powerful performance for coding. Therefore, we selected only those laptops that cater to broad requirements of every college student.

Setting the Budget: Establishing the $500 Price Limit

Budget is often a major deciding factor, especially for college students. That’s why we’ve set a $500 price limit for our recommendations. We believe it’s possible to find quality laptops that don’t break the bank. And we’re here to prove it.

However, we also understood that it’s not just about price. A cheap laptop that doesn’t meet your needs isn’t a good deal. So, we carefully evaluated each laptop to ensure it provides good performance and features for its price.

Hands-On Testing: Personal Use and Assessment of Key Features

My team tried these laptops and I kept recording the notes. These were the main points we considered in this step:

Considering Performance

When we used these products, the first thing we did was run performance tests. These tests helped us gauge the processing power of the laptops. After all, no student wants a laptop that lags or freezes in the middle of important tasks.

Assessing RAM and Storage Capacity for Everyday Tasks

Then comes assessing RAM and storage capacity. These two factors greatly affect the laptop’s ability to multitask and store important files. Higher the RAM, the smoother the multitasking; the more storage, the greater the convenience.

Evaluating Portability, Battery Life, and Display Quality

Our tests also involve evaluating portability, battery life and display quality. We know that these factors contribute to user convenience. A portable laptop with long battery life is ideal for students constantly on the go, and a good-quality display makes everything look better!

Evaluating Operating System Suitability for College Applications

Not to forget the operating system. It’s no secret that the right OS can make all the difference. It needs to be compatible with college applications and user-friendly.

Testing Software Compatibility and User Experience

The next step is testing software compatibility and user experience. Note that a laptop that’s compatible with a wide range of software and provides a good user experience is always a win (especially if it is under $500).

Checking Longevity: Laptop Durability and Upgrade Potential

A durable laptop that can be upgraded in the future is a wise investment. Therefore, we analyzed the build quality, sturdiness, and upgrade options to ensure we recommend laptops that last for years.

In-Depth Reviews: Analyzing Expert Opinions and User Feedback

In our review process, we also took into account expert opinions. We studied insights from reputable tech reviewers, so that we could get a more comprehensive understanding of each laptop.

Moreover, we also checked the user reviews to see what college students were talking about the “Specific laptop.” We highly focused on them because by analyzing these reviews, we could find consensus and patterns.

User Surveys: Collecting Feedback from College Students

To better understand real user satisfaction, we conducted surveys among college students. These surveys provided direct feedback about how well the laptops meet their needs.

Finally, we analyzed common pain points and praises. By understanding what users love and hate about the laptops, we were finally able to recommend options that truly cater to your needs. That’s how we choose the best laptops for college students under $500.

See More: Is Gateway a Good Laptop or Not?

Key Considerations When Choosing a Laptop for College

It is better to consider a few factors before deciding which laptop you should get. Here are the key considerations we suggest you should keep in mind.

Determine Your Budget Range

First up, you need to determine your budget- the financial limit you’re comfortable with. This is perhaps one of the most crucial factors, as it directly influences what kind of laptop you can get. But don’t worry; with advancements in technology, even budget laptops now offer great performance and features.

Consider the Weight and Size of the Laptop

You should also consider the laptop’s portability (whether you can easily carry it or not). After all, as a college student, you’ll be lugging it around campus regularly. And trust us, the last thing you want is a heavy, bulky laptop weighing you down.

Ideally, you’d want a laptop that’s lightweight and compact without compromising on screen size. A 13 to 16-inch laptop is typically a good balance between portability and usability. And as for weight, something under 5 pounds should be manageable.

Battery Life

Then comes battery life. It’s pretty simple – the longer, the better. Imagine being in the middle of a lecture or assignment, and your laptop dies.

You’d want a laptop that can last you through a typical day of college without needing to be constantly plugged in. You should aim for at least 7 hours of battery life (though more is always better). Also, keep in mind that factors like screen brightness and the applications you’re running can affect battery life.

Assess the Performance

Your laptop needs to be able to handle your college tasks efficiently. This is where the laptop’s processing power, RAM, and storage come into play.

The processor is like the brain of your laptop, affecting its overall speed and efficiency. You should aim for at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 for smooth performance. As for RAM, 8GB should suffice for most college students, though more is always better.

Then there’s storage. You’ll need enough space to store all your assignments, notes, and maybe even some movies and games. A solid-state drive (SSD) is preferable to a hard disk drive (HDD) as it’s faster and more reliable, though it can be pricier.

Operating System Preference

Now, let’s talk about the operating system (OS). This is a personal decision based on your preferences and software compatibility needs.

Windows is the most commonly used OS and is compatible with a wide range of software. MacOS, Apple’s OS, is known for its smooth performance and seamless integration with other Apple devices. ChromeOS, used in Chromebooks, is a lightweight OS that’s great for basic tasks and web browsing.

Display Quality

Your laptop’s display is another important consideration. You’ll be staring at this screen for hours each day, so it needs to be comfortable to look at.

First, consider the resolution. A full HD display (1920 x 1080 pixels) is ideal for clear, sharp images. Then, consider the color reproduction. A screen that can display a wide range of colors accurately will make everything look better, whether you’re writing an essay or watching a movie.

Keyboard and Trackpad

As a college student, you’ll be typing a lot, so a comfortable keyboard is a must. Look for one with well-spaced keys and good key travel (the distance the keys move when pressed).

The trackpad should also be responsive and smooth to use. Features like multi-touch gestures can also enhance your user experience.

Connectivity Options

Let’s dive right into connectivity options. Now, I know it doesn’t sound that interesting, but it’s more important than you might think. A laptop might check all the boxes, but if it doesn’t have the ports you need to connect your devices and accessories, it can be a real downer.

Consider what you’ll be connecting to your laptop. Maybe a USB mouse? Or an external monitor via HDMI? Ensure your laptop has enough and the right kind of ports for these. A combination of USB Type-A and Type-C ports would be ideal. Also, don’t forget about HDMI for display output.

Wireless Connectivity

You’ll want a laptop that supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 for fast and reliable internet connections.

Then there’s Bluetooth. Whether it’s for connecting a wireless mouse, headphones, or transferring files, Bluetooth can come in handy. Therefore, make sure your laptop supports the latest Bluetooth version too.

Build Quality

College life can be rough on a laptop, so you’ll need one that can take a hit. It should be able to handle at least 12 hours without overheating. It must be able to survive coffee spills too. So, you’ll want a laptop that’s durable and well-built.

Storage Type

As discussed above, you have two main options: SSD and HDD. SSDs, or Solid State Drives, are faster, quieter, and more reliable than HDDs or Hard Disk Drives (but they are more expensive per GB).

On the other hand, HDDs offer more storage capacity for the price. If you have a lot of files to store and don’t mind slightly slower speeds, an HDD could work for you. Alternatively, some laptops offer a combination of both – an SSD for the operating system and frequently used programs and an HDD for storage.

Graphics Capability

If you’re into gaming or plan to do design work on your laptop, you’ll need a laptop with a dedicated graphics card. This gives your laptop the extra “oomph” to handle graphics-intensive tasks smoothly.

But if you’re like most college students, using your laptop mainly for tasks like browsing, writing papers, and watching Netflix, an integrated graphics card should suffice.

Upgradability

In a perfect world, your laptop would stay as fast and efficient as the day you bought it. But in reality, with new software and updates, your laptop might need a boost down the line.

Some laptops allow for upgrades to the RAM and storage, helping to extend the laptop’s life. It can be a cost-effective way to improve performance and future-proof your investment.

Security Features

Keeping your data secure is now more important than ever. Features like fingerprint readers and facial recognition can provide an extra layer of security. Plus, they can make logging in quick and convenient.

Reviews and Ratings

Well, what’s the first thing you do when you’re shopping for something online? You check the reviews, right? The same goes for laptops. User reviews can provide valuable insight into how a laptop performs in real-world situations. It’s good to know the specs, but there’s nothing like a real user’s perspective to tell you how it works in practice.

Warranty and Customer Support

Remember, even the best laptops can run into issues. That’s where warranty and customer support come in. Make sure the laptop has a decent warranty period. Also, do some digging into the brand’s reputation for customer service. Doing this can save you a lot of headaches down the line.

Compatibility with Educational Requirements

If you’re a college student, there’s another thing you need to consider: compatibility with your college requirements. Some colleges or courses require specific software or hardware specifications. Make sure your laptop meets these requirements to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you start your course.

Ergonomics: Consider the Laptop’s Design

You might be spending a lot of time on your laptop, so you’ll want to make sure it’s comfortable to use. Check out the keyboard and trackpad. Are they comfortable? Are they responsive? Also, consider factors like heat management and fan noise. A laptop that turns into a mini heater or sounds like a jet taking off is not ideal.

Multitasking Capability

If you’re like most students, you’ll have multiple tabs and applications open at once. You’ll need a laptop that can handle this without slowing down. Look for a laptop with a powerful processor and enough RAM to keep things running smoothly.

Anticipate Your Future Needs

You should also think about your future needs. You might be using your laptop for more than just college work. Perhaps you’re planning to do an internship that requires specific software, or maybe you plan on doing graphic designing or video editing.

It’s best to get a laptop that can handle these potential future requirements.

That’s all the key considerations for choosing the perfect laptop for college that is under $500.

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Final Words

In conclusion, the HP Intel Core i5 is the best laptop for college students. The reason? Well, it provides 15 times better performance than traditional laptops when it comes to memory and storage. It is also thin and lightweight, which means you can easily carry it to your classes and don’t get bothered by its weight.

Most students have also praised the laptop’s display, and all the credit goes to the Intel Iris Xe Graphics. Furthermore, it can easily run for more than 7 hours, so you will be able to use it without constantly worrying about plugging in the charger.  On top of this, HP offers a one-year warranty on this laptop.

Due to these reasons, we have chosen HP Intel Core i5 as our best laptop for college students under $500.