Millions of college students will soon be heading off to campus. As they pack bags and nail down schedules, do these students have the laptop computers they need?
College students should check to see if their school has any specific system requirements, or offers price breaks for purchasing from certain vendors.
But if a PC fits then bill, then here’s Bergen IT’s top choice.
Recommended Computer:
Lenovo Flex 3 (80JM001NUS) with an Intel Core i5 processor
Price: Approx. $600-$700
Lenovo Flex 3:
Flexible Workhorse for College Students
Lenovo’s durable and flexible laptop is not only for high school or college students, but for anyone on the go. This third iteration of the Flex series is a serious workhorse that should withstand a good four years of pounding while keeping up to date.
The Lenovo Flex is available with both Windows 8.1 and the new Windows 10 operating system. If you are having trouble finding the Flex with Windows 10, purchase the version with Windows 8.1. It is fully compatible with Windows 10, and is available as a free upgrade.
Spend $100 More for Higher Capacity
The $600 version of the Lenovo Flex 3 laptop comes with a 500 GB hard drive and 4 GB of RAM. This is perfectly adequate for most general use.
But for high school or college students we advise getting the approximately $700 model. This version sports a 1 TB hard drive and 8 GB of RAM. Students have a tendency to fill the hard drive not only with term papers but also with music, movies, and photos. So, this higher capacity will come in handy. Also, as software becomes more demanding, the additional RAM will make a big difference in performance.
Flex Model Has Four Display Modes
Another thing we like about the Flex model for high school or college students is its four display modes: Laptop, Stand, Tent, and Tablet. Stand and Tent are great for presentations, playing a video, or displaying a slideshow. Tablet mode allows you to fold the screen completely backward over the back of the computer; Windows immediately switches over from operating like a laptop to working as a tablet.
Need a Blu-ray Drive?
Don’t need Blu-ray playback or recording? LG Electronics 8X USB 2.0 Slim Drive GP50NB40 is only $26.
The only thing missing, at least for some users, is a CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive. If you really need it, you can pick up an external drive such as the Pioneer Slim External Blu-ray Drive BDR-XD05B. It sells for $95 on Amazon.
If you don’t need Blu-ray playback or recording, then the LG Electronics 8X USB 2.0 Slim Drive GP50NB40 fits the bill nicely at a mere $26.
Our “College Student” choice – recommended laptop pick on Amazon:
Lenovo Flex 3 15.6-Inch Touchscreen Laptop (Core i5, 8 GB, 1TB HDD) 80JM001NUS
The lower priced option:
Lenovo Flex 3 15.6-Inch Touchscreen Laptop (Core i5, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB HDD) 80JM001MUS
Keep in mind that prices can change rapidly, although summer pricing is generally good until after school starts. The price tag then shoots up until the holidays.
Questions?
Want to go deeper, or consider other computer choices for college? Nathan Hinkle is a college student in Oregon. He’s been doing an annual review since his own computer fell apart sophomore year.
Contact Bergen IT:
Have questions about getting the right computer equipment? Bergen IT is happy to help.
solutions@bergenit.net
201-689-1823
www.bergenit.net
Bergen IT is a client-centered, comprehensive tech support and strategy company for businesses, professionals, and homeowners. The company services customers in the NJ and New York City metropolitan area, including northern New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic, NJ), Manhattan and the Bronx, Rockland and Westchester, and can remotely assist clients across the USA.
Bergen IT provides computer, mobile device, audio, TV, and home theater services. Our focus is on providing personal attention, reasonable rates and top-notch expertise. For more information, go to: www.bergenit.net.