In the ever-changing landscape of technology, students in 2024 are looking for affordable and reliable options to power their learning and digital lives. Laptops have become essential productivity tools, allowing users the flexibility to work from anywhere while still packing performance. However, not everyone needs the highest specs or wants to break the bank on their next laptop purchase. In this article we talk about Top 7 Budget Laptops for Students in 2024.
That’s where budget-friendly laptops come into play – offering great value for both casual use and demanding applications like photo/video editing or gaming. In 2024, there are plenty of options to choose from various manufacturers like Dell, Lenovo, Acer, and others that can meet your needs without emptying your wallet.
So let’s take a look at the top choices students should consider for their next laptop purchase in 2024:
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (AMD)
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is an excellent all-around laptop for students seeking a reliable and affordable workhorse. Powered by AMD Ryzen 3000 series chips, it delivers snappy performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming media, and working with office applications.
One of the key advantages of this laptop from Lenovo is its AMD processor options, which provide a great balance between performance and power efficiency. The IdeaPads come standard with AMD chips like the Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 that offer decent power for everyday work but enough juice to handle gaming or other intensive workloads in the evenings after classes.
This laptop hits top marks on the fundamentals like build quality, portability, battery life and is a reliable and affordable choice for students who need performance without making sacrifices.
Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook
Among budget shopper’s favorites, the Dell XPS ultrabooks continue to impress. The XPS 13 is a delightful little laptop loaded with class-leading internals that can double as both productive workhorse and portable gaming machine with their power and portability.
While pricier configuration options with Intel’s latest chips are also available, students will likely prefer to opt for one of the AMD-powered setups that offers solid performance for general productivity tasks and a portion of the cost savings off the retail models.
HP Pavilion 17.0 Amethyst
If you’re specifically looking for a budget option with some of the most powerful chips from AMD, the HP Pavilion Amethyst lineup offers great bang for the buck. With a choice of AMD chips like the Ryzen 5 and 7 models, this is a “free” performance option that can easily handle demanding tasks like gaming, editing videos and other pro-level applications.
Asus ZenBooks
Another top choice for performance is one of Asus’ ZenBooks from the Taiwanese manufacturer. These premium laptops come standard with high-end components from AMD and Intel such as the Ryzen CPUs and Nvidia Geforce GPU options like the RTX 4090. Highly recommended for potential demanding workloads like gaming and video editing.
*Bonus tip: It’s always worth checking around the key shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals in the fall each year for price cuts from manufacturers.
Lenovo ThinkPad
Let’s go to the classic – Lenovo’s legendary line of productivity-friendly work horses – the ThinkPads. Specifically designed for the workplace, ThinkPads like the basic T480 models are a must to consider when in the market for a new laptop.
While less exciting than the latest gaming rigs, they can easily handle everything from demanding tasks in coding, editing, creative applications and just good old fashioned computing off the couch.
Acer Nitro Spin 3
If you want a portable laptop that can do double duty for work and playbytime, check out the Acer Nitro Spin 3. This powerful “2-in-1” series is a great solution for running demanding apps over both laptops and tablet modes alike.
HP Envy 17.3
For home working or studying, consider the HP Envy 17.3 – a great desktop replacement. While beefy, it’s still light and portable enough to be considered an “ultramobile” for working on the sofa or anywhere you want to kick back.
At this point, someone may start thinking of getting a lightweight laptop like a Lenovo Yoga for easy transport. The Pro version can also be an option when it’s time to upgrade from the basic models.
Note that many top chip options are off-the-shelf so you can get the latest and greatest chips from makers like AMD and Intel.
Regardless, it’s hard to go wrong with options from manufacturers like:
- Lenovo
- Acer
- Dell
- and other top brands
Whether you need an ultraportable for studying on the go, a lightweight laptop for couch working, or more power for demanding workloads – the options from top makers have it covered.
From this list, the options can range from entry-level budget picks to higher-end selections so you can equip yourself to thrive in the year ahead.
What are you planning to tackle? By equipping yourself with the right gear now, you’ll be able to take on the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2024. I sincerely hope you find this “Top 7 Budget Laptops for Students in 2024” article helpful.
Zayn Shaikh is a tech analyst at SortingTech.com, where he focuses on streaming, technology, and the latest methods and tricks for cord-cutting. With a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and 4 years of industry experience, Zayn is dedicated to simplifying complex tech trends and providing actionable insights. His expertise covers a broad range of topics, from emerging technologies to practical tips for enhancing your digital life. For up-to-date tech advice and facts, connect with Zayn on Instagram.