STACK #244 February 2025

TECH FEATURE

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BACK TO UNI

A good, high-specification laptop is more than just a device – it’s a student’s constant companion, study buddy, project partner, and entertainment hub throughout university years. Words Bec Summer LAPTOPS

D esktops have their perks, but they’re not exactly built for campus life. A laptop is a tried-and-true form factor that can follow you everywhere – lectures, libraries, cafes, public transport – and is versatile enough for research, taking notes, writing essays, designing, coding, video editing, and more. Better yet, laptops are self contained with everything you’ll need, but are easy to accessorise as required – plug in an external monitor, a mouse, etc, and you can be even more productive. Before you go laptop shopping, it’s important to first check the university’s BYOD (bring your own device) minimum and recommended requirements, which can vary between unis. And some faculties like medical and engineering can have their own recommendations.

drives. A 512GB SSD is a great starting point, but 1TB may be necessary for students working with large media files. If you want to conserve laptop storage space, sign up for cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox to store documents, videos, photos, and other files on external servers for access online as needed. Some brands can even offer free subscriptions to these services for a year or two, so keep that in mind. Long battery Life

What to look for in a laptop for uni

Display resolution A sharp and vibrant display makes long hours of reading or designing a lot more comfortable on the eyes – opt for Full HD 1080p resolution or higher. Processor (CPU) For smooth multitasking and

Uni students often spend long hours on campus, hopping from class to class, so a battery that can last eight hours or more on a single charge is recommended. You don’t want to be hunting for power outlets during back-to-back classes. Portability and durability Students carry their laptops from class to class all day long, so a slim and lightweight design is the way to go – 13-15 inches is perfectly portable. University laptops can tend to take a beating and are a workhorse throughout the year, so be sure to pick a durable model that can stay the distance. Ports and connectivity USB-C, HDMI, and 3.5mm headphone

Why do I need a high specification laptop for uni? University tasks often go beyond basic computing and can require software for things like design, data analysis, coding, 3D modelling, and video editing. A high-specification laptop can keep up with the demands of more complex courses and workloads. Buying a high-spec laptop might seem daunting, but there are many quality mid-range models available that won’t break the bank. Think of it as a long-term investment. A more advanced laptop is essentially future-proofed to keep up with evolving tech and your needs throughout your university years and beyond.

handling complex programs and AI-assisted tasks, look for at least an Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 processor. RAM A minimum 8GB of RAM will ensure a laptop doesn’t slow down during multitasking. If you can, aim for 16GB or above for even faster and smoother performance. Storage Solid-state drives (SSD) are faster and more reliable than hard

jacks offer flexibility for connecting peripherals, projectors, and wired headphones.

14 FEBRUARY 2025

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