The best new laptops for students

best laptops for students
Editorial team

From hybrid laptops and convertible tablets to dynamic dual screens, the latest tech will transform student life

Whether you’re heading off to uni (we've made a uni packing list for you) or studying at home, choosing a new laptop is one of the first – and most important – decisions that students need to make.

You want a study buddy capable of going the distance, but – with so many choices and variables to consider, from size and weight to price and RAM – it can be hard to decide on The One.

‘When purchasing a laptop for university, it’s important to think about the course you’re taking, how you’ll be using the device and what’s important to you,’ explains Will Paterson, Partner & Buyer.

‘Will you be transporting your laptop? If so, portability will be important and you should consider weight and screen size. If speed matters to you then you’ll want to think about purchasing a laptop with a fast processor.’ Five star-rated and bound to impress, here are the best new laptops for 2024. Oh, and we've created a handy laptop buying guide too.

Best investment buys

If you’re able to spend more, it’s worth investing in technology that will see you through to the end of your course and beyond.

‘Innovation is now –  if you want to increase your productivity, a dual screen device is a must,’ says Will, who recommends the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge Laptop. ‘If dual screen isn’t for you, Microsoft Surface offers a beautiful range of investment-worthy laptops and 2-in-1 devices.’

The latest Apple MacBook Air is going to be in hot demand for students this summer. Super‑light, super slim (just over 11 millimetres) with up to an 18 hour battery life means it's easily portable and gives you flexibility. Power comes from the new M3 chip which runs without a fan, making it silent as well as fast. It even boasts a 15-inch Liquid Retina display and 1080p FaceTime HD camera – plus, at John Lewis, you get a 2 year guarantee for extra peace of mind.

Best value

On a budget? Thanks to technological advances, it’s now perfectly possible to pick up a do-it-all laptop with solid specs and a premium feel for less than £500.

‘The Lenovo Ideapad Slim 3 is a great all rounder without breaking the bank,’ says Will. ‘While the HP Pavilion SE i5 is a real hero buy for students on a budget. Less than £800, it’s compact, lightweight and portable, with a 10-hour battery life – perfect for taking to lectures.’ 

Best ultraportable and 2-in-1 devices

Hybrid, ‘convertible’ or 2-in-1 laptops combine the processing power of a laptop with the convenience and portability of a tablet. Perfect if you prefer a touch screen experience or like to use a stylus – they have a premium feel and are great for travel, lectures, movie nights and everything in between. 'Microsoft Surface laptops – in particular the Microsoft Surface Pro – are compact, lightweight and available at a range of price points,’ says Will.

Best for performance and design

If you’re starting a design course, picking the right laptop is critical. ‘We’ve seen lots of innovation in this space of late,’ says Will. ‘For creating content, touch screen laptops, display and graphics are of the utmost importance.’

The ASUS ZenBook 14 Laptop combines great performance with elegant design. ‘This lightweight device makes it easy to transport across campus and boasts an extended-life battery while the latest Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor will ensure you can multitask quickly,’ says Will. ‘Wind down in the evening watching your favourite shows with the 14” OLED Touch Screens offering a fantastic viewing experience.’

Best for work and play

Student life doesn't stop at lectures and assignments – pick a good all-rounder and your laptop will work just as hard for you during your downtime as it does when you’re up against a deadline. ‘The HP OMEN 16-u0004na Gaming Laptop combines beautiful design with innovative technology,’ Paterson advises.

If you’re a recreational gamer, you’ll want to look to high-performance gaming laptops with great graphics. ‘The ASUS TUF is perfect for entry-level gamers, while the ROG Strix will help you take your gaming up a notch,’ says Will.

Best laptop accessories

Once you’ve checked out our laptop buying guide and invested in your new laptop you’ll want to protect it, nay enhance it – with the very best accessories. From Microsoft 365 and laptop bags, mice & keyboards, printerscables, adaptors, leads and chargers, to home office furniture (desks, desk chairs and desk lamps) and computer software and data storage that won’t break the bank.

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