STACK #255 January 2026

BACK TO SCHOOL 2026

TECH FEATURE

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Looking beyond the basic specs 5 laptop features that matter continued

Getting the best bang for your buck Entry-level laptops often use older or lower-power processors, smaller SSDs, and simpler designs, but still work well for younger students or light web-based workloads. They’re a good option for families on a budget. Mid-range laptops usually offer the best balance of performance and longevity. Newer processors, faster SSDs, stronger build quality, and better battery life make them a great choice for high school students who need a device that can last several years. Premium laptops focus on performance, durability, and advanced features such as dedicated graphics, high-end displays, faster SSDs, and more sophisticated thermal systems. These models suit students taking demanding creative or technical subjects and typically last the longest.

Neural Processing Units (NPUs) and why they matter Today’s laptops increasingly include an NPU – a dedicated chip designed to handle AI-powered tasks efficiently. For students, that can mean clearer video conferencing during remote lessons, smoother multitasking during group projects, and better performance in creative or media-focused subjects.

Dedicated graphics (GPU) vs integrated graphics Most laptops rely on integrated graphics, which are fine for everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and video playback. However a separate, dedicated graphics processor (GPU) can make a noticeable difference for high school students working with 3D modelling, animation, advanced photo or video editing, A dedicated GPU can also extend the life of a laptop as digital learning tools become more graphically demanding. The trade offs are cost, weight and

Ports and connectivity Ports influence how easily a laptop fits into everyday school routines. Being able to plug in a USB drive and headphones, or connect to a monitor without searching for an adapter, keeps things simple. Schools often recommend USB-A, HDMI, or USB-C with display out. Wi-Fi stability and Bluetooth reliability also contribute to smoother use. They’re not key specs, but they do shape everyday usability – like cloud-based work – more than you might expect. The bottom line Digging beneath the basic specs doesn’t mean getting lost in technical details. It simply means looking at the features that shape how the laptop really performs during a school day, and harnessing the advantages they bring. The more confidently you compare these behind-the-scenes features, the easier it will be to pick a laptop that offers great performance and smart value for money.

An NPU isn’t essential for a school laptop, and schools don’t currently require AI-specific hardware. But as operating systems and apps continue adding AI-powered features, an NPU helps keep the laptop feeling up to date and capable for longer.

battery life, so these devices are best for students with specific creative or technical subjects rather than for general school use .

JANUARY 2026

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