The best laptops for Students

Refurbished Laptops

Refurbished laptops are a perfect option for students! Between student loans and a limited overdraft, most students only have a limited budget to purchase a new device. A refurbished machine provides you with a cheap laptop, that functions just as well as its new counterparts.
Here at Stone Refurb, our refurbished devices are hand-selected by our team of experts before being rigorously tested to ensure high quality and optimal performance. Each laptop is diligently repaired and given an industry-standard grade that reflects the condition of the computer.

What laptop should I buy?

With over 25 years of experience, we are often asked “what laptop should I get?” by students. The simple answer is that everyone’s needs are different and it is important to buy a laptop that suits your requirements.
Most students only need a laptop for general studies; however, some students may undertake a more computer heavy course such as web design which means you may need a more powerful processor or a superior graphics card.
Our best advice for students of what to look for when buying a laptop is to research your chosen device carefully. We also recommend taking into account the grade of the machine and find that Grade B or above would be suitable for students. A Grade B laptop will only have minor cosmetic damage to the casing, meaning its internal hardware should stand the test of time throughout the length of your course.

Laptops for generic use

Most university students will want to use their laptop for work and play, only requiring general use from their device.
From binge-watching the latest series to typing up your dissertation, the majority of users will only require access to a word document and the internet, meaning there is no need for excessive storage capabilities or high-definition screens.
Here is our rundown of the best laptops for generic use, making choosing your laptop simple!

Best laptop for schoolwork

Lenovo 100e Chromebook – New
With 4GB RAM, the Lenovo 100e Chromebook is a fantastic laptop for homework. With the Chrome Operating System preinstalled you simply need a Gmail account to make use of Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides free of charge.
Your first 15GB of cloud storage with Google is completely free, which is more than enough storage for your class notes and dissertation. With an internet connection, you can access your document from any device across campus – which is handy for the days you don’t want to take your laptop to the library!

Best laptop for gaming

HP EliteBook – Grade B
The HP EliteBook 850 G2 is a great laptop for some light gaming in your downtime. Whether your machine is for work or play, or both, the HP EliteBook 850 G2 is configurable to your needs to ensure it gives you the experience you require.
Showcasing 8GB of memory, you can download all of your favourite games and save all of the document you need for your course. The laptop also has a 2.20GHz processor, perfect for keeping up with the lightning-fast speeds and movements of any game on the market.

Best laptop for watching films

Acer TravelMate – Grade B
This laptop is a terrific option for those that cannot get enough of their favourite series and trilogies. With a massive 15.6-inch screen and integrated graphics, you will feel like you are stepping into the sets of your favourite scenes.
For those that prefer discs to downloads, the laptop has one disc drive so that you can watch all your favourite DVDs time and time. The laptop also contains HDMI ports, allowing you to connect your laptop to the big screen for even better viewing.

Laptops by course

Of course, some courses require more heavy use of computers than others. Design courses such as graphics, fashion, or textiles often incorporate a lot more computer centred work than courses such as law or business management.
In these circumstances, sometimes having a more powerful desktop is a better option as it allows you to have a more high-definition monitor and enhanced components. That being said, you cannot heft a desktop around campus and therefore a laptop is almost always a necessary addition.
We’ve rounded up our favourite laptops for computer heavy courses below

Best laptop for graphic design

Apple MacBook Air – Grade C
Apple products are world-renowned for their sleek design and minimal aesthetic, meaning it is no wonder that you feel inspired when working on a MacBook Air. The MacBook Air is thin and lightweight, making it perfect to carry between seminars, yet it packs a powerful punch with its processors and high-resolution display.
Each MacBook comes with OS X El Capitan pre-installed. Operating system updates are available free of charge from the Mac App Store so that you can get the latest software at no additional cost.

Best laptop for architecture students

Acer Aspire – Grade C
The superb Acer Aspire E5-573 comes with 4GB of memory and a 250GB hard drive, providing ample power to run most architecture-related software without a hitch. Each laptop has Windows 10 preinstalled, meaning you’ll be using an operating system that is a staple across the industry.
The device has a 15.6-inch screen and integrated graphics, providing a crisp display that is perfect for making your CAMCAD drawings come to life.

Best laptop for programming

Lenovo ThinkPad – Grade B
This nifty little device is perfect for programmers. Showcasing a 4GB memory and a 250GB hard drive, this machine can easily process numerous lines of code as you work hard on your assignments.
The laptop also has an impressive 15.6-inch display screen, allowing you to easily see every character to prevent any mistakes. This machine offers much-needed flexibility, reliability, and durability for such as computer centred course.

Final thoughts

Whatever you chose to study, it is important to have a refurbished laptop that can cope with your hard work and has the longevity to see you through your academic achievements.
If you need a little help finding the perfect device for you, use our efficient computer finder. In just a few short questions, we can assess your needs and find your ideal PC so that you can focus on what matters most.