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The 5 best laptops for college in 2024

Published

8 months ago

January 30, 2024

Minnesota News Beat

The 5 best laptops for college in 2024 — Acer, Apple, Asus, Dell, Lenovo

Whatever your budget or operating system preference, there’s a laptop computer from a trusted brand that can help meet the demands of college head on. Our team of in-house technology experts has curated this roundup of the laptop computers that are ideally suited to college students. They’re affordable, feature-packed, have a long battery life, a decent size display and are easy to transport between classes, the library and a dorm room.

The best laptop computers for college students

We’re here to help you choose the best computer to meet your needs, so also be sure to check out our coverage of The 5 best laptops for 2024, The 5 best budget laptops of 2024, The 5 best Chromebooks for 2024 and The 5 best desktop computers for 2024.

Best laptop for college students overall: Dell XPS 15

Plenty of computing power. Compact form factor. A battery life up to 13 hours. That’s why we’re fans of the Dell XPS 15. With this computer, you get a 15.6 inch LCD display with a 1,920 x 1,200 pixel resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. While we would have preferred a brighter display with touchscreen functionality, this one does offers a decent maximum brightness of 500 nits.

The XPS 15 is powered using a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H processor. We like that the computer comes with an impressive configuration that includes 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD for storage. For wireless connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. And it includes a 720p webcam, so it easily handles video calls or online classes. Combine this with an assortment of ports and you wind up with a well-rounded computer that’s ready for the rigors of everyday college life.

Best budget laptop for college students: Asus Viviobook Laptop

For a college student looking for an inexpensive, yet decently powered Windows-based laptop, look to the Asus Vivobook. This is more of an entry-level computer in terms of its power and speed, but it’ll easily run most Windows and cloud apps and showcase them on a vibrant 16-inch display.

The laptop meets US MIL-STD 810H standards for durability and has a battery life of up to 10 hours. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity and includes a nice collection of USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports, an HDMI port and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Despite a large 16 inch display (which gives you plenty of on-screen space for multitasking), the computer weighs in at just 4.1 pounds. You would not want to use this computer for editing video or playing demanding video games, but it’ll easily handle everyday computing tasks, including online gaming and video streaming.

Best Apple MacBook for college students: 14″ MacBook Pro with M3 processor

Apple MacBook Pro with M3 Processor — Amazon

For college students on a budget, but who want an Apple laptop, a MacBook Air is fine. But if you need more power and speed, get his 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 processor. This is the least powerful of Apple’s new lineup of M3 processors, which includes the M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max, but with its 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, it offers more than enough speed and power for the typical student. (And it blows away any of the M1 or M2 processors featured in the MacBook Air or older MacBook Pro models.)

You also get a high-resolution Liquid Retina XDR display that offers a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits. For wireless connectivity, this MacBook Pro supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. It’s also bundled with two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, an SDXC memory card slot, an HDMI port and a headphone jack. The laptop’s keyboard is backlit and includes a TouchID sensor, so you can unlock it and approve online purchases with a quick fingerprint scan.

One of the most appealing features of the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 processor is its up-to-22-hour battery life. This will easily get you through a full day of classes, several hours of homework and even a movie afterward.

Best Chromebook for college students: Asus Chromebook Plus CX34

For the college student who relies primarily on the cloud, the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is a versatile and relatively inexpensive option. While this model lacks a touchscreen, it does offer a nice selection of ports, as well as Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless connectivity.

The CX34 runs the ChromeOS operating system, which makes it compatible with Android apps. But it already comes with a hefty selection of Google Workspace apps and integrates with Google online services, including Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, Calendar, Chrome, Google Photos and Meet. You also get seamless Google Drive access for cloud storage.

Right out of the box, it’s ready to handle many of the tasks a college student needs a computer for. This Chromebook has a traditional laptop computer design and weighs in at just 3.17 pounds, so it’s easy to transport within a backpack or laptop case. Battery life is up to 10 hours.

Best premium laptop for college students: Lenovo Yoga Book i9 2-in-1

Lenovo Yoga Book 9i 2-in-1 13.3 — Amazon

Lenovo has taken the concept of a high-end display a giant step forward. The Yoga Book 9i offers two 13.3-inch OLED touchscreens and a detachable keyboard. This gives you more functionality and on-screen real estate than a typical 2-in-1 laptop or a traditional one.

With two displays, you can run two apps at the same time; a single app on both screens; or reposition the screens to face in opposite directions — a great option for presentations or collaborations. What we love most about this laptop is its innovative design that really improves functionality.

And what’s even more remarkable is the small size and low weight of this laptop. It offers a sleek and ultra-modern appearance. You also get enough computing power for advanced applications. When the Yoga 9i’s displays are positioned like a traditional laptop, the detachable keyboard can be placed over part of the bottom screen, so you can enjoy traditional laptop functionality. The keyboard stays put thanks to magnets.

And when you’re done with a hectic day of academics, this computer is ideal for gaming or streaming video.

What are the best laptops for college students?

We recommend you choose a computer from a well-known brand and try to anticipate what your computing needs will be throughout your college years, so you won’t need to replace the computer before you graduate. This might mean spending a bit more upfront for a higher-end computer, but for the investment, you’ll likely wind up with a computer that offers better overall performance and a fast internet connection.

For the thrifty college student, a Chromebook can be a viable and low-cost option. But be warned: These computers rely heavily on continuous internet access for tasks like data storage or content streaming. With the exception of Android mobile apps, they’re not designed to store applications or a lot of data, documents, files, photos or content locally.

To get the most out of the laptop computer, stick with an operating system that’s compatible with the equipment you already use, such as your smartphone, smartwatch, tablet and desktop computer. People already invested in the Apple ecosystem will benefit the most from a MacBook laptop. An Android fan can take advantage of a Windows or ChromeOS computer, while someone with a Windows machine should purchase a laptop that also runs Windows.

15 factors to consider when choosing a laptop for college

Here’s a rundown of the 15 most important features and functions to look for when shopping for a laptop computer that you’ll rely on heavily in college:

Design: There are traditional laptop computers, 2-in-1 computers (that serve as a laptop computer and tablet), laptops with a touchscreen display, laptops that are extra thin and lightweight, and those are designed to be extra rugged. So ask yourself: What will you be using the laptop for?
Operating system: Your three main options are Windows, MacOS or ChromeOS. Focus on the OS of the equipment you’re already using. Also, make sure your laptop runs the very latest version that operating system. At the moment, this means either Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, MacOS Sonoma or Chrome OS (version 15633.69.0).
Display size, type, resolution, brightness and refresh rate: In addition to non-touch and touchscreen displays, the screens built into laptop computers vary in size, display type, resolution, brightness and refresh rate. Think about the level of detail, vibrance and color accuracy you want to see. In general, larger displays that offer high resolution, a higher-than-average brightness level and a faster refresh rate will increase the computer’s price, as will choosing a higher-end display type, such as an OLED.
Stylus and touchscreen support: Some (but far from all) laptop computers offer a touchscreen display with stylus support. With a touchscreen, you get additional ways to interact with the computer to enhance your productivity. A stylus allows you to handwrite or draw directly on the screen, or annotate files as you’re reading or working with them.
CPU and GPU: A computer’s CPU (central processing unit) impacts processing power, while its GPU (graphics processing unit) determines how efficiently the computer handles graphics and animations. The faster and more powerful a computer’s CPU and GPU, the more expensive it will be.
RAM: Consider this the computer’s short-term memory. It’s used to manipulate data while applications are running. Having more RAM (or unified memory in the case of MacBooks) will determine how smoothly and efficiently a computer runs.
Internal storage: A computer’s internal storage determines how much content can be stored locally. This includes apps, data, documents, files, photos and other types of content. If you rely heavily on cloud apps and file storage, internal storage is less important. For the average user, we recommend a laptop with at least 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, although you may need 1TB. Chromebooks typically have a lot less internal storage, since their main focus is on cloud-based computing.
Battery life: If you’ll often use your laptop on the go, a more powerful battery will keep the computer running longer. Longer battery life is less critical if you’ll primarily be using the computer at a desk close to an electrical outlet.
Wired and wireless connectivity: All laptops have built-in ports such as USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports; HDMI; Ethernet; a 3.5mm headphone jack; or a memory card slot. The port array you need depends on what equipment you’ll be connecting to the computer (without needing an optional dock or hub). Also pay attention to the computer’s wireless connectivity. All offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but make sure they’re the most recent — either Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Cellular connectivity should support 5G, which is significantly faster than 4G LTE.
Speakers: If you plan to use the speakers built into your laptop, make sure your machine offers at least two. Some of the latest laptops offer at least four speakers and an integrated subwoofer to generate robust, room-filling audio.
Keyboard layout: A computer’s keyboard design and layout, along with the size and location of the touchpad, dictates how comfortable it is to type on. Some laptop keyboards include a numeric keypad on the right side, a separate line of function keys along the top, or other specialty keys. Some laptop computers offer backlit keys (which makes it easier to type in the dark) or customizable RGB lighting.
Dimensions and weight: The size of the computer’s display is a key factor in determining its overall dimensions and weight. Dimensions and weight impact how easy it is to carry and the size of the case or backpack you’ll need.
Webcam and microphone: You’ll want a laptop with a high-resolution webcam (that offers at least 1080p resolution), along with quality microphones to ensure you’ll be clearly heard during web calls or virtual classes.
Price of accessories and upgrades: If you plan to stream video or audio, no matter how good the integrated speakers are, you’ll also want to invest in quality Bluetooth headphones or earbuds that offer noise cancelling and spatial audio. This will allow you to have private and more immersive listening experiences.
Special features: This might mean two separate displays or a more rugged (or even waterproof) design. Before spending extra money for these features, make sure they’re things you’ll actually use.

Which laptops are best for college students who need high performance or play video games?

Seek out an option that offers the most powerful CPU and GPU you can afford, along with a higher amount of RAM and 1TB or more of internal storage. We also recommend an OLED display, or at least one that offers a 120Hz refresh rate.

Any of the MacBook Pros with an M3 processor will likely serve you well, but if you can afford one with an M2 Pro or M2 Max processor, you’ll get more computing power and better overall performance. The mid-range M3 Pro chip offers a 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU, while the M3 Max offers up to a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU.

For Windows users, at the moment, the 14th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU is Intel’s fastest and most powerful mobile processor. It’s a 24-core processor with a 5.6Gz clock speed. A viable alternative is a AMD Ryzen processor. At the moment, the 16-core Ryzen 9 7945HX3D is one the company’s fastest mobile processors. Keep in mind, with a faster and more powerful CPU and GPU, more RAM, more internal storage and a higher-end display comes a higher price tag for the computer.

Can college students get a discount on a laptop computer?

Many computer companies, including Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, Razer and Samsung offer student discounts if you shop directly from their respective websites. The Apple website also offers a discount to students. But if you head over to Amazon you’ll sometimes find laptops and related gear on sale at prices that are even lower. Meanwhile, B&H Photo has its own student discount program that applies to a wide range of laptops and other consumer tech gear.

Whether you need to know about the very best laptop computers, the latest TVs, TV soundbars, desktop computers, smartphones, tablets, home projectors, or any other types of tech, we’re constantly expanding and updating our coverage to offer the most helpful and timely advice.

Jason R. Rich

Jason R. Rich (www.JasonRich.com) is an internationally recognized consumer technology expert with more than 30 years’ writing experience. He’s also an accomplished author and photographer. One of his most recently published books, The Remote Worker’s Handbook: How to Effectively Work From Anywhere ($24.99, Entrepreneur Books) is now available from Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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CBS News

Tajikistan nationals with alleged ISIS ties removed in immigration proceedings, U.S. officials say

Published

1 hour ago

October 6, 2024

Minnesota News Beat

When federal agents arrested eight Tajikistan nationals with alleged ties to the Islamic State terror group on immigration charges back in June, U.S. officials reasoned that coordinated raids in Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia would prove the fastest way to disrupt a potential terrorist plot in its earliest stages. Four months later, after being detained in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, three of the men have already been returned to Tajikistan and Russia, U.S. officials tell CBS News, following removals by immigration court judges.

Four more Tajik nationals – also held in ICE detention facilities – are awaiting removal flights to Central Asia, and U.S. officials anticipate they’ll be returned in the coming few weeks. Only one of the arrested men still awaits his legal proceeding, following a medical issue, though U.S. officials speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive proceedings indicated that he remains detained and is likely to face a similar outcome.

The men face no additional charges – including terrorism-related offenses – with the decision to immediately arrest and remove them through deportation proceedings, rather than orchestrate a hard-fought terrorism trial in Article III courts, born out of a pressing short-term concern about public safety.

Soon after the eight foreign nationals crossed into the United States, the FBI learned of the potential ties to the Islamic State, CBS News previously reported. The FBI identified early-stage terrorist plotting, triggering their immediate arrests, in part, through a wiretap after the individuals had already been vetted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, law enforcement sources confirmed to CBS News in June.

Several months later, their removals following immigration proceedings mark a departure from the post-9/11 intelligence-sharing architecture of the U.S. government.

Now facing a more diverse migrant population at the U.S.-Mexico border, a new effort is underway by the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice and the Intelligence Community to normalize the direct sharing of classified information – including some marked top-secret – with U.S. immigration judges.

The more routine intelligence sharing with immigration judges is aimed at allowing U.S. immigration courts to more regularly incorporate derogatory information into their decisions. The endeavor has led to the creation of more safes and sensitive compartmented information facilities – also known as SCIFs – to help facilitate the sharing of classified materials. Once considered a last resort for the department, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has sought to use immigration tools, in recent months, to mitigate and disrupt threat activity.

The immigration raids, back in June, underscore the spate of terrorism concerns from the U.S. government this year, as national security agencies point to a system now blinking red in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, with emerging terrorism hot spots in Central Asia.

A joint intelligence bulletin released this month, and obtained by CBS News, warns that foreign terrorist organizations have exploited the attack nearly one year ago and its aftermath to try to recruit radicalized followers, creating media that compares the October 7 and 9/11 attacks and encouraging “lone attackers to use simple tactics like firearms, knives, Molotov cocktails, and vehicle ramming against Western targets in retaliation for deaths in Gaza.”

In May, ICE arrested an Uzbek man in Baltimore with alleged ISIS ties after he had been living inside the U.S. for more than two years, NBC News first reported.

In the past year, Tajik nationals have engaged in foiled terrorism plots in Russia, Iran and Turkey, as well as Europe, with several Tajik men arrested following March’s deadly attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow that left at least 133 people dead and hundreds more injured.

The attack has been linked to ISIS-K, or the Islamic State Khorasan Province, an off-shoot of ISIS that emerged in 2015, founded by disillusioned members of Pakistani militant groups, including Taliban fighters. In August 2021, during the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, ISIS-K launched a suicide attack in Kabul, killing 13 U.S. service members and at least 170 Afghan civilians.

In a recent change to ICE policy, the agency now recurrently vets foreign nationals arriving from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries, detaining them while they await removal proceedings or immigration hearings.

Only 0.007% of migrant arrivals are flagged by the FBI’s watchlist, and an even smaller number of those asylum seekers are ultimately removed. But with migrants arriving at the Southwest border from conflict zones in the Eastern Hemisphere, posing potential links to extremist or terrorist groups, the White House is now exploring ways to expedite the removal of asylum seekers viewed as a possible threat to the American public.

“Encounters with migrants from Eastern Hemisphere countries—such as China, India, Russia, and western African countries—in FY 2024 have decreased slightly from about 10 to 9 percent of overall encounters, but remain a higher proportion of encounters than before FY 2023,” according to the Homeland Threat Assessment, a public intelligence document released earlier this month.

A senior homeland security official told reporters in a briefing Wednesday, that the U.S. is engaged in an “ongoing effort to try to make sure that we can use every bit of available information that the U.S. government has classified and unclassified, and make sure that the best possible picture about a person seeking to enter the United States is available to frontline personnel who are encountering that person.”

Approximately 139 individuals flagged by the FBI’s terror watchlist have been encountered at the U.S.‑Mexico border through July of fiscal year 2024. That number decreased from 216 during the same timeframe in 2023. CBP encountered 283 watchlisted individuals at the U.S.-Canada border through July of fiscal year 2024, down from 375 encountered during the same timeframe in 2023.

“I think one of the features of the surge in migration over recent years is that our border personnel are encountering a much more diverse and global population of individuals trying to enter the United States or seeking to enter the United States,” a senior DHS official said. “So, at some point in the past, it might have been primarily a Western Hemisphere phenomenon. Now, our border personnel encounter individuals from around the world, from all parts of the world, to include conflict zones and other areas where individuals may have links or can support ties to extremist or terrorist organizations that we have long-standing concerns about.”

In April, FBI Director Christopher Wray warned that human smuggling operations at the southern border were trafficking in people with possible connections to terror groups.

“Looking back over my career in law enforcement, I’d be hard-pressed to think of a time when so many different threats to our public safety and national security were so elevated all at once, but that is the case as I sit here today,” Wray, told Congress in June, just days before most of the Tajik men were arrested.

The expedited return of three Tajiks to Central Asia required tremendous diplomatic communication, facilitated by the State Department, U.S. officials said.

Returns to Central Asia routinely encounter operational and diplomatic hurdles, though regular channels for removal do exist. According to agency data, in 2023, ICE deported only four migrants to Tajikistan.

Margaret Brennan,

Robert Legare and

Camilo Montoya-Galvez

contributed to this report.

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CBS News

Here Comes the Sun: Ralph Macchio and more

Published

4 hours ago

October 6, 2024

Minnesota News Beat

Here Comes the Sun: Ralph Macchio and more – CBS News

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Actor Ralph Macchio sits down with Lee Cowan to discuss the sixth and final season of “Cobra Kai.” Then, Tracy Smith visits The Broad museum in Los Angeles to learn about Mickalene Thomas’ exhibition “All About Love.” “Here Comes the Sun” is a closer look at some of the people, places and things we bring you every week on “CBS Sunday Morning.”