5 best laptops you can use easily.

“I do not fear computers. I fear lack of them.”

— Isaac Asimov

1. DELL XPS 13

SPECIFICATIONS-

CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620

RAM: 4GB – 16GB

Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080; non-touch) – UHD (3,840 x 2,160; touchscreen)

Storage: 128GB – 1TB SSD

REASONS TO BUY +Powerhouse performance

+For student use and beyond

TODAY'S BEST DEALS US$949.99

If you're looking for one of the most refined and revitalised laptops on the market, look no further than the impressive Dell XPS 13. When it comes to performance you won’t be left wanting, thanks to its super slick 8th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7 CPU, while you can game lightly with the Intel UHD Graphics 620 graphics card.

Add in a repositioned webcam (for vlogging and streaming purposes, naturally) and a simply stunning 13.3-inch Full HD display and you’ve got a powerhouse in portable form.

The only caveat is it’s quite the investment, but it'll definitely see you through college, uni and beyond, and that raw quality and longevity, for us, make it the best student laptop in the world in 2019.

Note that this laptop got a minor upgrade at CES 2019 ready for the new year, making it better than ever.

2. ACER CHROMEBOOK 15

SPECIFICATIONS

CPU: Intel Celeron 3205U 1.5GHz (dual-core)

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics

RAM: 4GB

Screen: 15.6-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 pixels

Storage: 32GB SSD

Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0

Camera: 720p

Weight: 4.85 pounds

Dimensions: 15.08 x 9.65 x 0.95-inches

REASONS TO BUY +An amazing monitor

+Long-lasting battery

+Very attractive price point

TODAY'S BEST DEALS US$199

The Chromebook 15 is a ridiculously cheap student laptop that's also very capable. The hardware is in line with that price, with lower specs across the board – but as the machine runs Chrome OS, it doesn't matter too much, with the laptop still delivering a fast and responsive usage experience. 

And that 15.6-inch screen is an absolute delight, by the way. Again, its speakers are poor, with flat treble and weak bass – but at this price, you can afford an iPod as well. One of the best student laptops going in 2019 for those shopping on a budget, and who don't need a host of extra

3. HUAWEI MATEBOOK X PRO

SPECIFICATIONS

CPU: 8th generation Intel Core i5 – i7

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620, Nvidia GeForce MX150 2GB GDDR5

RAM: 8GB – 16GB

Screen: 13.9-inch 3K (3,000 x 2,080)

Storage: 512GB SSD

REASONS TO BUY+Clean and vibrant display

+Impeccable battery performance

TODAY'S BEST DEALS US$989

If you're going to kickstart your education, regardless of the subject or the level, why not invest in a student laptop that's not only built to last, but also one of the most powerful laptops you can buy in 2019? That’s what Huawei is offering with the robust MateBook X Pro, and it's going to have you covered whatever your subject.

Its attractive and sleek chassis is home to a lovely 13.9-inch 3K display, a meaty Nvidia GeForce MX150 2GB GDDR5 GPU, and a battery that will serve you well through even the lengthiest of all-nighters.

With all these specs and more, the Huawei MateBook X Pro has proved itself the new gold standard, and one of the very best 2019 laptops for students available.

4. HP PAVILION 14

SPECIFICATIONS

CPU: 8th generation Intel Core i5-8250U

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620

RAM: 8GB

Screen: 14-inch (1,920 x 1,080)

Storage: 256GB SSD

REASONS TO BUY +Specs to handle most student needs

+Solid build quality that will last

TODAY'S BEST DEALS US$629.99

We've got a lot of time for the HP Pavilion range of laptops: not the most stylish or the most powerful computers, but no-nonsense laptops that marry decent specs with good build quality. Numerous configurations are on sale besides the one we've highlighted here, so take your pick.

When it comes to picking the best student laptop, you want value for money rather than the best specs or the most dazzling display. This HP Pavilion 14 is just about affordable enough for most students and won't let you down while you're at college or university.

5. HP ENVY X360

SPECIFICATIONS

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2500U quad-core 2-3.6GHz

Graphics: AMD Radeon RX Vega 8

RAM: 8GB DDR4

Screen: 13.3-inch FHD IPS LCD

Storage: 128GB SSD

REASONS TO BUY +Very versatile form factor

+Rather impressive looks

TODAY'S BEST DEALS US$599

If you like the HP brand but want to spend a little bit more than the Pavillion costs (see above), the HP Envy x360 might be for you. It manages to marry some decent specs with some very decent looks at a price that's not quite as exorbitant as you might think, looking at it.

With AMD powering the CPU and GPU, this is a laptop that's going to handle most of the tasks you throw at it, besides intensive gaming and video editing – it's perfect for writing up essays, or doing some research on the web, or putting together a budget spreadsheet to work out where all your money is going.

And as this is a 2-in-1, when the working day is over you can flip the HP Envy x360 into tent mode and enjoy some Netflix or YouTube on the bright, crisp 13.3-inch screen. Definitely one for your best student laptops shortlist.