12 best laptops for study

Top computer ratings

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The richest variety of laptops of various configurations that the modern market offers us, allows us to satisfy any needs of even the most discerning users – from the simplest office work to processing heavy and resource-intensive graphics. The rating-review offered today by experts is devoted to a special category of portable computers – notebooks for study. To begin with, let's briefly figure out what characteristics of modern laptops are important in this particular context.

How to choose a laptop for study

If we consider a laptop as a tool for obtaining education, which involves its operation within the walls of an educational institution, daily carrying with you, storage in a hostel, etc., somewhat different characteristics come out on top in importance.

Dimensions, weight, physical endurance

Since a student may have to carry a laptop with him every day, transfer it between classrooms and university buildings, it is important that the device is as light as possible, the case is as strong as possible, the 'iron' is as resistant to shock loads as possible. Ideally, it would be nice if the surface of the case was not a brand.

Therefore, it is recommended to take a closer look at the build quality, the absence of deflections, squeaks, backlash. The optimal solution is an aluminum case, but this does not always eliminate all problems, and high-quality plastic can also cope with the task.

Autonomy

The second important point is battery life. During a lecture, seminar or practical lesson, and even during a break, conditions for recharging will not always and not everywhere. It is necessary to pay attention to the battery life declared by the manufacturer, the actual battery capacity and compare with the expected loads and user reviews.

Security and protection of information

In the classroom, dormitory and other places where the educational process is taking place, the laptop will inevitably have to be left unattended at least occasionally. Therefore, it is highly desirable to protect both information from unauthorized access, and the device itself from theft. The first is reliably provided by a fingerprint scanner, with the second the Kensington lock does a good job.

Screen and graphics card

There are also special requirements for the screen in the context of the conditions for using a laptop by students and high school students. Matte or anti-reflective coating is highly desirable, good viewing angles, a significant margin of brightness. This is provided by almost any IPS-matrix, and if the TN-matrix is ​​more attractive at the price, then only high-quality. Screen size and resolution, as well as a powerful graphics card, are important for a fairly narrow range of specialties.

Processor, memory, hard drive

Finally, those characteristics that provide productivity and are most valued by the mass of buyers, for students and schoolchildren have almost the lowest value. Therefore, here you can start off with an extremely affordable budget.

Ranking of the best laptops for study

Nomination a place Name of product price
Best Low-Cost Laptops for Study 1 Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E480 RUB 33,688
2 HP ProBook 440 G5 RUB 45,980
3 DELL INSPIRON 5770 RUB 29,990
4 ASUS Vivo Book Max X541UV RUB 29,468
5 Lenovo IdeaPad 520 15 RUB 38,297
6 Prestigio SmartBook 141C RUB 10,827
Best Value Laptops for Study 1 Apple MacBook Air 13 Mid 2017 RUB 54,390
2 DELL INSPIRON 7567 RUB 50,990
3 Lenovo IdeaPad 320s 13 RUB 37 954
4 HP PAVILION POWER 15-cb000 RUB 60 585
5 Acer TravelMate P2 RUB 23 692
6 ASUS Vivo Book Pro 15 N580GD RUB 64 898

Best Low-Cost Laptops for Study

The first large group in the ranking is the most affordable devices in terms of price, the performance of which is enough to cover most of the typical educational and related tasks. All models are equipped with a Kensington lock slot, standard combo audio in / out, wireless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules, and an RJ-45 network card.

Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E480

Rating: 4.8

Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E480

Let's start with a fairly powerful machine from a well-known budget electronics supplier Lenovo. The model is notable for a very rich selection of modifications, very good physical parameters and characteristics of functional modules.

Laptop dimensions for study – 329.3x242x21.9mm, weight – 1.75 kg. In this dimension, the developers have placed a screen with a 'compromise' diagonal of 14 “and a matte finish. The high-quality IPS-matrix is ​​offered in two resolutions – 1366×768 or 1920×1080.

The center of computing can be a Core i3, i5 or i7 processor on 2 or 4 cores with a frequency of 1600 to 2200 GHz. RAM memory capacity – from 4 to 8 GB, it is physically possible to install memory up to the 32 GB limit. The video module can be an integrated UHD Graphics 620 card from Intel or a separate Radeon RX 550 from AMD with 2 GB SMA memory.

It is possible to select a complete set with hard media. In the 'stripped down' version – a classic HDD with a capacity of 1 TB, in the maximum – a pair of SSD + HDD. SSD capacity – from 256 GB. There is a slot for reading memory cards 3 in 1. There is no optical DVD drive.

For connecting external devices, there are three USB 3.1 ports, one USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI video interface. A fingerprint scanner is used for strict authorization.

The operating time declared by the manufacturer is as much as 13 hours, but one must understand that this figure is more than arbitrary. The actual battery capacity is 45 Wh.

The laptop can be equipped with a backlit keyboard as an option.

Advantages

  • weighs less than 2 kg;
  • a wide range of modifications;
  • there is a fingerprint scanner;
  • easy access to the 'internals' (upgradeability);
  • high-quality assembly;
  • backlit keyboard as an option.

disadvantages

  • easily soiled case;
  • insufficient margin of screen brightness.

HP ProBook 440 G5

Rating: 4.7

HP ProBook 440 G5

The second number in our ranking is a laptop for study from the famous American company Hewlett-Packard. This model is almost identical to the previous one in terms of technical parameters, performance and available modifications, but it weighs much less and, on average, is slightly cheaper.

The dimensions of the laptop are 336x238x20mm, the weight is 1.63 kg. The screen size is 14 “diagonally, the matrix is ​​IPS with a resolution of 1366×768 or 1920×1080, depending on the selected configuration. The screen coating is matte.

The processor selection options are completely similar to the previous model – Core i3, i5 or i7 on 2 or 4 cores with a frequency of 1600 to 2400 MHz. The RAM is installed in a volume of 4 or 8 GB, you can upgrade up to 16 GB (two slots are provided). The possibilities for the graphics subsystem are slightly wider – in the minimum configuration, an integrated HD Graphics 620 card from Intel or a separate GeForce 930MX from NVIDIA with 2 GB memory is available.

It is possible to install both a single traditional HDD with a capacity of 1TB, and a pair of media with a non-mechanical SSD with a capacity of 128 to 256 GB. There is no optical DVD drive, there is a memory card reader.

Compared to the above-described laptop from the same manufacturer, this model has wider peripheral capabilities. In addition to two USB ports of different generations, there are also VGA-out (D-Sub), DisplayPort, HDMI-video interface. There is a fingerprint scanner.

The battery is composed of 3 cells with a total capacity of 48 Wh.

Advantages

  • optimal performance;
  • sufficient screen brightness;
  • attractive appearance;
  • simple upgrade without loss of warranty;
  • light weight.

disadvantages

  • faulty cooling;
  • high-frequency squeak.

DELL INSPIRON 5770

Rating: 4.7

DELL INSPIRON 5770

The third number in the ranking of the best laptops for study is a rather bright model from DELL (USA). It is remarkable, first of all, for its impressive screen size, due to which it is recommended for students mastering specialties related to graphics (design, engineering, video editing, etc.).

The linear dimensions of the laptop are 415.4 × 279.2 × 25mm. The screen size is 17.3 “, the matrix is ​​an inexpensive TN with a matte finish, the resolution is 1600 × 900 or 1920 × 1080 to choose from. Due to the screen size, this model cannot be super light by definition, its weight is 2.79 kg.

The choice of processor in this case is even wider than in previous models. In addition to the Core i3-i7, the manufacturer also offers a configuration based on a low-cost mobile Pentium processor. The cores are Kaby Lake or Skylake-U with a frequency of 1600 to 2300 MHz. Standard RAM options are 4 GB or 8 GB, with an upper expansion limit of 16 GB. The video subsystem can be HD Graphics 610 from Intel or a dedicated Radeon 530 from AMD with 4GB memory in maximum configuration.

Variations with hard drives are similar to those described above – one classic 1 TB HDD or 'tandem' – HDD and SSD with a capacity of the latter from 128 to 256 GB. In contrast to the two previous solutions, this model is equipped with an internal DVD-RW drive. There is also a memory card reader.

Hosted interfaces include four mixed-generation USB ports, including one with PowerDelivery support and video streaming (assuming discrete graphics). There is also an HDMI video output.

Advantages

  • wide range of configurations;
  • Beautiful design;
  • large screen;
  • availability of a DVD drive that can be replaced with an SSD.

disadvantages

  • TN-matrix (optional replacement for IPS).

ASUS Vivo Book Max X541UV

Rating: 4.6

ASUS Vivo Book Max X541UV

Further in the rating, experts offer a laptop for study, made by ASUS, very good in terms of configuration and technical parameters. Importantly, this model is on average more than half the price of any of the previous ones.

The dimensions of the laptop are 381.4×251.5×27.6mm, weight – 2 kg. This dimension allowed the developers to accommodate a relatively large 15.6 “screen with a TN-matrix with a resolution of 1366 × 768 or 1920 × 1080. As an option, a screen with touch functions can be installed.

Modifications of the laptop are available based on processors from Intel – Core i3 or i5 on two Kaby Lake, Skylake or Skylake-U cores and frequencies from 2000 to 2500 MHz. The nominal capacity of the RAM is 4 or 8 GB. Expansion is possible, but it must be borne in mind that there is only one slot for the RAM. Variations with a video subsystem are also available – for example, a simple integrated card from Intel can be responsible for graphics, or a discrete mobile NVIDIA GeForce 920MX with 1 or 2 GB memory. As an option, there can be two working video cards.

Available modifications provide for the availability of only a mechanical hard drive HDD with a capacity of 500 to 1000 GB. There is an internal optical DVD-RW drive and card reader.

Peripheral devices are connected to the laptop through the following ports. Three connectors USB 2.0, 3.0 Type A, 3.0 Type-C, VGA-out (D-Sub) and HDMI video out.

Advantages

  • attractive appearance;
  • sufficiently high performance;
  • affordable price;
  • thoughtful ergonomics.

disadvantages

  • few USB ports;
  • rather weak TN-matrix (lack of brightness and viewing angles).

Lenovo IdeaPad 520 15

Rating: 4.5

Lenovo IdeaPad 520 15

Now, within the framework of our rating, we will consider another laptop from Lenovo, which, in terms of technical parameters, is comparable to the ThinkPad model described above, and at a price significantly cheaper. A noticeable advantage of this model is the metal case.

The linear dimensions of the laptop are 378x260x22.9mm, weight – 2.2 kg. Screen size – 15.6 “diagonal, IPS FullHD 1920 × 1080. Matte non-reflective surface.

The functional center of electronics, depending on the buyer's choice, can be a Core i3, i5 or i7 processor on 2 or 4 cores with a frequency from 1600 to 2700 MHz. Equipped with RAM-memory with a capacity of 4 to 12 GB. A fairly wide choice of video card configurations is offered – from the minimum integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 to dedicated GeForce 920MX – 940MX manufactured by NVIDIA with 2 or 4 GB of memory. As an option, a complete set with two video cards is possible.

With hard media, different variations are possible, as in previous models: one traditional magnetic HDD with a capacity of up to 2000 GB in a budget configuration, or a pair of disks where a non-mechanical SSD with a capacity of 128 GB or more is reserved for the system. A card reader is installed.

A set of USB ports is used to connect peripherals, including USB 3.0 Type-C, HDMI video interface. Built-in fingerprint scanner. Can optionally be equipped with a backlit keyboard.

Advantages

  • stylish 'youth' design;
  • optionally backlit keyboard;
  • body material – aluminum;
  • high-quality IPS-matrix.

disadvantages

  • few interfaces for peripherals.

Prestigio SmartBook 141C

Rating: 4.4

Prestigio SmartBook 141C

And the compact laptop of the Prestigio brand closes the group of the rating of inexpensive laptops for study. The technical characteristics of this model are extremely minimalistic, but due to this, the cost of the laptop is record-breaking. It is a smart purchase for high school students.

The dimensions of the laptop are 329.14×220.44×23.6mm, the weight is the smallest in the group – only 1.45 kg. The diagonal dimension of the screen is 14.1 “, the matrix is ​​IPS with a matte coating and a resolution of 1920 × 1080.

The control center is an economical Atom x5 processor with 4 Cherry Trail cores with a frequency of 1.44 GHz. 2 GB DDR3 RAM is integrated. The built-in module Intel HD Graphics 400 is used as a graphics subsystem.

The functions of the hard drive are performed by a solid-state eMMC block with a capacity of 32 GB. No optical drive. There is a slot and a device for memory cards.

The set of connectors for connecting external devices is as laconic as the electronic insides of a laptop – there are only two USB ports – 2.0 and 3.0 Type A, HDMI video interface and Mini HDMI.

The claimed autonomy is 8 hours of continuous operation with a battery capacity of 9000 mAh.

Advantages

  • high build quality;
  • IPS matrix;
  • long battery life;
  • the most attractive cost.

disadvantages

  • extremely limited technical characteristics of 'hardware'.

Best Value Laptops for Study

The second and final group of devices are study laptops, which our experts ranked for the best combination of cost, quality and efficiency. All of the following models, except for the MacBook Air, contain a Kensington lock slot, are equipped with the necessary wireless communications – Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Apple MacBook Air 13 Mid 2017

Rating: 5.0

Apple MacBook Air 13 Mid 2017

Let's start with the most notable laptop not only in our review, but on the market in general. It is noticeable, of course, primarily by the brand itself. In addition, this particular model with the proposed configuration refutes the established opinion about products Apple as the embodiment of high cost – the price of this 'apple' laptop is quite acceptable.

The laptop is made in a very recognizable, elegant and laconic design with a typical aluminum case. Its dimensions are 325x227x17mm, weight – 1.35 kg. The 13.3 “diagonal screen contains an inexpensive but high-quality TN-matrix with a glossy surface. The resolution is 1440×900.

A laptop is designed based on a Core i5 processor from Intel on 2 cores with a frequency of 1800-2200 MHz. Built-in LPDDR3-1600 MHz RAM memory with a resource of 8 GB. Video subsystem – only built-in card brand HD Graphics 6000 manufactured Intel.

There is only one hard drive – a non-mechanical SSD with a capacity of 128 to 512 GB. There is no optical drive, a card reader is available.

The set of connectors for connecting peripherals is expectedly poor, like almost all computers Apple, but it may be quite enough for educational tasks – two USB 3.0 Type A connectors and one Thunderbolt 2.

The lithium-polymer battery with a capacity of 54 Wh provides a very good autonomy – the manufacturer claims an average battery life of about 12 hours.

The laptop keyboard has a pleasant backlighting.

Advantages

  • brand;
  • good autonomy;
  • metal case;
  • super thin and lightweight;
  • relatively affordable, as for Apple cost.

disadvantages

  • device-specific Apple lack of ports.

DELL INSPIRON 7567

Rating: 4.9

DELL INSPIRON 7567

The second number in this rating group is a striking solution from the American manufacturer DELL in all respects. This is exactly the option that is necessary for students studying professions related to the production of resource-intensive graphics (design, video editing, 3D modeling, etc.).

This is not the largest, but the most massive model in the review. The linear dimensions of the laptop are 384.9×274.73×25.44, weight – 2.62 kg. It is notable for its elegant but expressive design, in which 'gamer' notes are unobtrusively but clearly visible. Available in two dominant colors – black and red. The screen size is 15.6 “diagonal. The resolution of the TN-matrix is ​​1920×1080.

The set of available modifications is based on Intel Core i5 or i7 processors on 4 Kaby Lake-H cores with a frequency from 2500 to 2800 MHz. Nominal DDR4 RAM is from 8 to 16 GB. If desired, the memory resource can be expanded up to a maximum of 32 GB. The video module can be either an integrated graphics card or a dedicated GeForce GTX 1050 (Ti) from NVIDIA with 4 GB of memory on board.

Of the options for hard drives, either a traditional 1 TB HDD in the minimum assembly is assumed, or a set of 128 GB non-mechanical media and a traditional 1 TB one.

The provision of peripherals for a laptop is not the richest, but minimal enough for educational tasks – an output to a wired local network, a set of USB interfaces of various generations and standards, an HDMI video interface, a standard headset output.

A very good autonomy of the laptop is provided by a capacious 74 Wh battery, made up of 6 cells.

Advantages

  • decent build quality;
  • expressive appearance;
  • high-quality cooling;
  • game appearance and parameters;
  • high ergonomics;
  • long battery life.

disadvantages

  • complaints about subwoofer breakage.

Lenovo IdeaPad 320s 13

Rating: 4.8

Lenovo IdeaPad 320s 13

The third item in the ranking of the best laptops for study is a decent and fairly inexpensive solution from Lenovo. The main advantage of the laptop is its compact size and minimal weight.

The dimensions of the laptop are 307.4x211x16.9mm, the weight is 1.2 kg. Such dimensions allowed the developers to place a screen with a dimension of 13.3 “, an excellent IPS-matrix with a matte outer surface and 1920×1080 image detail. All electronic 'stuffing' is placed in an aluminum case with a laconic but attractive design. An ergonomic keyboard with a pleasant two-level backlighting adds charm to the device.

You can choose from a fairly wide range of configurations based on Core i3, i5 or i7 processors from Intel on 2 or 4 Kaby Lake (R) cores with a frequency of 1600 to 2400 MHz. RAM memory is hard-wired – 4 or 8 GB and does not imply expansion. The video module can be either an integrated HD (UHD) Graphics 620 from intel, or a dedicated mobile GeForce MX150 from NVIDIA with 2GB of memory.

Hard drive – only non-mechanical SSD with capacities from 128 to 256 GB with connection via M.2 interface. There is no DVD drive, there is a card reader.

The peripheral support is rather austere – one USB 2.0, 3.0 Type A and 3.0 Type-C ports, HDMI video interface, a typical headset output.

Another plus of this model is a very good autonomy, which is provided by a capacious six-cell battery.

Advantages

  • metal case;
  • light weight;
  • thin;
  • strong, high-quality build;
  • good autonomy.

disadvantages

  • you cannot expand the RAM.

HP PAVILION POWER 15-cb000

Rating: 4.8

HP PAVILION POWER 15-cb000

Now consider a very decent study model from Hewlett-Packard. Its remarkable feature is that even standard modifications provide, if not top-end configurations of modules, then certainly not minimal ones.

The dimensions of the laptop are 378×252.2×24.1, the weight is 2.21 kg. The screen is installed with a diagonal size of 15.6 “. The IPS-matrix is ​​offered in the only resolution version – 1920×1080. The covering is matte. The keyboard is equipped with a pleasant backlight. The slot for the Kensington lock is built in.

The manufacturer offers only two options for equipping the processor – Core i5 or i7 from Intel on 4 Kaby Lake-H cores with a frequency of 2500 to 2800 MHz. A wide choice of RAM-memory configurations – from 4 to 16 GB with a frequency of 2133 or 2400 MHz. The developers made a serious emphasis on the video subsystem – the integrated one was not considered at all, but two options are offered – the GeForce GTX 1050 (Ti) with 2 or 4 GB memory. DVD drive is not installed.

With hard drives, variations are allowed – a traditional 2000 GB HDD or a 'tandem', where in addition to the HDD (5400 or 7200 rpm to choose from) there is also a non-mechanical SSD of 128 or 256 GB. There is a slot for reading memory cards.

The laptop is equipped with a good set of USB interfaces – different generations and standards, including those with high-speed data transfer and support for Sleep and Charge technology. There is also an HDMI video interface.

Autonomy of work is provided by a capacious 70 Wh battery. The declared conditional operating time is 11.4 hours. The nominal full charge time is 1.5 hours.

Advantages

  • powerful electronics;
  • reliability;
  • good autonomy;
  • productive video.

disadvantages

  • noisy cooling system.

Acer TravelMate P2

Rating: 4.7

Acer TravelMate P2

The penultimate position in the ranking of notebooks for study from is a decent and inexpensive laptop from Acer. The TravelMate P2 line includes several series with different sets of modifications. We will consider the most popular – P259-MG, which has left other series far behind in demand.

The dimensions of the laptop are 381.6x259x30.2mm, the weight is 2.4 kg. Screen size diagonally – 15.6 “. Matrix – inexpensive TN-type, which largely determined the affordable price of the computer. The ability to detail the image is offered in two versions – 1366×768 or 1920×1080. Matte surface.

The central control unit is a Core i3 or i5 processor from Intel on two Skylake-U cores with a frequency from 2000 to 2300 MHz. The RAM has a capacity of 4 GB or 8 GB and can be subsequently upgraded to a maximum of 32 GB with two slots. The graphics card can be integrated in the cheapest option, or a dedicated mobile GeForce 940MX from NVIDIA with 2GB of memory.

With rigid media, variations are acceptable, as with most of the models described above. So, in the minimum assembly, the drive can be a traditional HDD (5400 revolutions) with a capacity of up to 2000 GB or two media, where the HDD is complemented by a non-mechanical one with a capacity of 128 GB or more. There is a DVD-RW drive and a card reader.

The set of peripheral interfaces is small, but sufficient for most of the educational tasks: USB standards 2.0, 3.0, 3.1 Type-C; VGA video output (D-Sub), HDMI video interface. There is a Kensington lock slot.

The battery capacity of this model is 2800 mAh in four cells.

Advantages

  • solid assembly;
  • good autonomy;
  • very comfortable trackpad;
  • efficient cooling with minimal noise;
  • affordable price.

disadvantages

  • 'average' screen;
  • inconvenient location of ports.

ASUS Vivo Book Pro 15 N580GD

Rating: 4.7

ASUS Vivo Book Pro 15 N580GD

At the end of the rating, and along with the entire review, experts suggest paying attention to a powerful laptop for study from ASUS. Its peculiarity is modules of outstanding power and functionality, even in the smallest configuration. Ideal for students whose educational process is associated with the use of resource-intensive software, including graphics. This is the only model in the review equipped with a 4K matrix.

The laptop has a sturdy metal case, its dimensions are 380x256x20.5mm, weight – 1.99 kg. The screen size is 15.6 “diagonal, the matrix is ​​high-quality IPS with an outstanding resolution of 3840×2160 (4K). The screen surface is matte.

The buyer's choice is offered in two basic configurations – based on Core i5 or i7 processors on 4 or 6 Coffee Lake (H) cores with a frequency of 2200 to 2300 MHz. As for the RAM memory in this model, ASUS does not exchange for trifles, but immediately offers at least 8 GB or 16 GB (the maximum possible volume). The same goes for the video card – no integrated 'under-cards', only a discrete and full-fledged GeForce GTX 1050 from NVIDIA with 4 GB of memory.

The configuration with hard drives also does not provide for cut-down options – a tandem of 1 TB HDD (5400 rpm) and a non-mechanical SSD with a capacity of up to 256 GB is installed immediately. It was decided to abolish the optical DVD drive, there is a slot for memory cards.

To provide peripherals, there are four USB ports – two 2.0 and one 3.0 each, an HDMI video interface. There is a Kensington lock slot, a fingerprint scanner, a backlit keyboard.

Autonomy (not the most, however, outstanding) is provided by a lithium-polymer battery with a capacity of 47 Wh.

Advantages

  • 4K screen;
  • metal case;
  • powerful electronics;
  • increased shock resistance.

disadvantages

  • insufficient battery power;
  • large and heavy power supply.


Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

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