Laptops!

To kick off the blog I thought I'd cover one of the more fun essentials for university - laptops. As someone who already owned a desktop, I did previously wonder if there was any point in getting a laptop since it could do everything the smaller device could. However, once I took into consideration that I couldn't sling the desktop tower and monitor into my bag and head off to a lecture, or head anywhere for that matter (I had Starbucks in mind), I was set on a laptop. 

So which one should you get?

For the purposes of comparison I shall rate each laptop out of 5 on portability, specifications and value for money.

Obviously this list will mean different things for different people; some of you might need a laptop for essays and notes while others may be video editing or utilising heavy software. Price is probably the most important factor though, after all, we're students...

Lenovo IdeaPad 110 (£250) - Intel Celeron 1.6GHz, 4GB RAM, 500 GB storage, 15.6"

If you're on a tight budget, the IdeaPad might tempt you as it's reasonably quick, especially on simple tasks like Facebooking or watching YouTube on the good size screen. Writing essays/notes should be no difficulty either. However it's quite heavy and clunky at 2.2kg, and is too slow for many tasks.

Portability [2] Specs [2] Value [3]

HP 15 (£350) - AMD A8-7410 2.2GHz, 8GB RAM, 1TB storage, 15.6"

For £100 more, the HP 15 offers a faster processor coupled with more RAM (which aids speed) and more storage for files, so you can easily browse the web and write up documents. The added speed may mean you could use more demanding software, though heavy editing is off the cards. At 2kg though it may not be the best to carry around. 

Portability [3] Specs [3] Value [4] 

HP x360 2 in 1 (£400) - Intel Pentium 2.1GHz, 4GB RAM, 1TB storage, 15.6"

Although a downgrade in specs, this laptop is also a fully functioning tablet with a 1080p screen and crisp B&O speakers that is best used for both watching videos and typing notes in your lectures. Though together it weighs 2.3kg, in tablet form it becomes lighter and easier to carry.

Portability [4] Specs [3] Value [4]

DELL Inspiron 15 5000 (£500) - Intel Core-i5 2.3GHz, 8GB RAM, 1TB storage, 15.6"

The Inspiron steps up in processing power, and this coupled with a HD screen may be ideal for design/media students as well as essay-focused students who can rely on its large storage and easy capability to run Office. As it utilises a 15.6" screen it isn't the lightest laptop though at 2.2kg.

Portability [2] Specs [4] Value [3] 

ASUS Zenbook UX305 (£600) - Intel Core M-6Y30, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, 13.3"

The UX305 rivals the MacBook Air for portability, weighing just 1.2kg. With a 3200x1800 resolution 13.3" screen too, it is a crisp, stylish and lightweight machine to carry wherever you go. It also comes with B&O speakers to get the most out of your media. High intensity applications may not be best suited for the comparatively low power processor however. 

Portability [5] Specs [3] Value [3]

ASUS K501UB (£700) - Intel Core-i5 2.3GHz, 8GB RAM, 1TB storage, 15.6"

The K501UB is a powerful all-rounder with a fast dual-core processor, lots of storage and, impressively, 2GB Nvidia GeForce graphics for 3D media on its 1080p screen. The machine itself looks sleek and stylish too, and it is capable of most student tasks. At 2kg, screen size in mind, it may be difficult to carry everywhere. 

Portability [3] Specs [4] Value [3] 

Apple MacBook Pro 13.3" with Retina display (£999) - Intel Core-i5 2.7GHz, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage

The MacBook Pro is my favourite, and the laptop I currently own. I admit it seems a little overpriced, but as usual Apple's build quality is impeccable. The Pro is light at 1.6kg, stunning with a resolution of 2560x1600, and powerful. It has no problems running nearly all software a student could require, for example, video editing. As an Apple product it also boasts a high resale value and near virus free operating system. 

Portability [4] Specs [4] Value [5]