Best Computers for College Students

The first thing you need to consider while buying a computer for college students is if you want to go for a laptop or a desktop computer. The biggest advantage of laptops over a desktop is portability. Laptop computers today have become lightweight, come with great features, and some brands are so reasonable, that they compete with desktop computers that are loaded with the same features. However, the biggest advantage of a desktop computer over laptops is that they are cheaper compared to desktops, and you can buy a large LCD screen of a desktop, but if you go for a larger screen in a laptop then the price increases and carrying a large laptop is also not that easy. So, first consider what you want to invest in a laptop or a desktop? If you need portability and a medium priced product, then laptops are the best. However, if video editing or other computer graphic related work is required and you want a computer loaded with heavy configurations but under a decent budget, then consider a desktop. However, remember than you can't carry a desktop computer around. Mentioned below, are different tips on selecting the best computers for college students and the various models options from which you can choose.

What to Look For?

Here is a list of things you things you need to look for while buying the desktop or laptop computers for college students.

• The size of a laptop monitor can be around 13-15 inches. While the size of a desktop PC can be 18 inches or higher.
• The RAM should be minimum 2GB, as it will offer good speed and performance. The hard drive should be minimum 160 GB, because after a while the data will increase. So, selecting a good capacity of hard disk is important, so that you don't need to burn discs or use an external hard disk to store your data.
• A good graphics card is also necessary, as students do need basic photo editing for their projects. A 512 MB graphics card should suffice. If hardcore computer graphic designing or video editing is done, then consider 1 - 2 GB of graphics card, of a well-known brand like NIVDIA.
• Another aspect is to select a laptop/desktop which looks good too. As the looks of a PC matter for college students. If it is a laptop, then you can pick one with a good design and some graphics on it. However, if it is a desktop PC is selected, then a sleek black or white will do.

Top Computers for College Students

These were the tips on selecting the best PC for college students. The above configurations were minimum that should be present, because as time passes by more advanced features will be added to laptops or desktops. So, it is wise that you select a product which is loaded with some extra features, so that you don't have to replace the old laptop or desktop within a short period.

Dell Studio 15: This is one of the most practical and laptop for students, as it has got it all. It comes for a price of USD 900. It looks good, has a Core 2 Duo processor, in-built 2 mega pixel camera, decent battery life, and a good sound system.

Sony VAIO VGN-FZ280E: It is thin and light, has a Blu-ray compatible writer, Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, and a large 250 GB hard drive.

Apple MacBook: The MacBook is a very good-looking laptop, and the prices of this laptop starts at USD 1299. It has a Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, and a 160GB hard disk capacity, which also includes nVidia GeForce 9400M graphics card and a 13 inch display.

Assembled Desktop PC: If you are thinking of buying a desktop PC, then assembling a computer is the best deal for you, as you can pick the individual features you need installed in the machine. Make a list of the must have configurations and other requirements like Wi-Fi, extra USB sockets, extra-large hard disk, etc. Talk to a couple of computer stores who assemble desktops, and get an estimate.

Dell XPS One: If you don't want to go for an assembled computer then consider this desktop. Dell XPS One comes with a large 20" high-definition wide-screen monitor. It has a Core 2 Duo processor, 320 GB hard disk and an ATI Radeon graphics card, with a DVD-RW or Blu-ray optical drive.

iMac: Another good choice of desktop computer is the iMac, which comes with a screen of 20 to 24 inches high-resolution monitor. It has a sleek design, and a Core Duo 2 processor up to 3GHz along with nVidia or ATI Radeon graphics card.

These were tips on selecting the best computers for college students. So, select any of the above models which suits your budget, and meet the configuration requirements of a computer that you want.