{"id":2105,"date":"2026-05-05T17:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T17:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/?p=2105"},"modified":"2026-05-05T17:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T17:30:00","slug":"need-a-laptop-for-college-i-tested-dozens-to-find-the-7-best-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/?p=2105","title":{"rendered":"Need a laptop for college? I tested dozens to find the 7 best options"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"link_wrapped_content\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-bigbite-multi-title\"\/>\n<p>The right laptop can really make or break your college experience. From navigating packed lecture halls to powering through all-nighters, reliability is key. But that doesn\u2019t mean you need the most expensive model out there\u2013believe me, you don\u2019t want to end up spending on stuff you won\u2019t even need.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s where we come in. We\u2019re here to simplify the decision by cutting out the noise and focusing on what truly matters. Whether portability, battery life, or everyday performance is your top priority, we\u2019ll help you find the one that best fits your needs. <\/p>\n<p><!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-1 PRE @@--><!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-1 POST @@-->\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"instant-buy-box\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr id=\"instant-buy-box-row-1\" class=\" pricing-details-row\">\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Acer-Swift-16-AI-3.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Acer Swift 16 AI\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCheck on Amazon\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"pros-cons-row \">\n<td colspan=\"4\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-show\" data-title=\"Acer Swift 16 AI\">Show Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros-cons-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"pros-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Pros<\/p>\n<ul class=\"pros-list\">\n<li>Sleek, sturdy design<\/li>\n<li>Sharp OLED screen<\/li>\n<li>Pleasantly tactile keyboard<\/li>\n<li>Good battery life<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"cons-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"cons-list\">\n<li>AI features still lacking<\/li>\n<li>Some keyboard keys too cramped<\/li>\n<li>Too many pre-loaded apps<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-hide\" data-title=\"Acer Swift 16 AI\">Hide Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr id=\"instant-buy-box-row-2\" class=\" pricing-details-row\">\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Acer-Aspire-Go-15-head-on.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Acer Aspire Go 15 (2025)\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tView Deal\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"pros-cons-row \">\n<td colspan=\"4\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-show\" data-title=\"Acer Aspire Go 15 (2025)\">Show Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros-cons-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"pros-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Pros<\/p>\n<ul class=\"pros-list\">\n<li>Great value<\/li>\n<li>Solid display<\/li>\n<li>Generous RAM and storage for the price<\/li>\n<li>Reasonable webcam and mic<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"cons-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"cons-list\">\n<li>Slow Intel N-series CPU<\/li>\n<li>No fingerprint reader or facial recognition<\/li>\n<li>Middling battery life<\/li>\n<li>No keyboard backlight<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-hide\" data-title=\"Acer Aspire Go 15 (2025)\">Hide Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr id=\"instant-buy-box-row-3\" class=\" pricing-details-row\">\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC00972.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"MSI Prestige Flip 14 AI+\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tView Deal\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"pros-cons-row \">\n<td colspan=\"4\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-show\" data-title=\"MSI Prestige Flip 14 AI+\">Show Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros-cons-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"pros-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Pros<\/p>\n<ul class=\"pros-list\">\n<li>Impressive battery life<\/li>\n<li>Colorful OLED panel<\/li>\n<li>Strong performance (with the right settings)<\/li>\n<li>Great connectivity<\/li>\n<li>Sleek, lightweight design<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"cons-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"cons-list\">\n<li>Display could be brighter, faster, and sharper<\/li>\n<li>Keyboard feel is inConsistent<\/li>\n<li>Battery takes a hit in practical use<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-hide\" data-title=\"MSI Prestige Flip 14 AI+\">Hide Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr id=\"instant-buy-box-row-4\" class=\" pricing-details-row\">\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/macbook-neo-front-3.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"MacBook Neo\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tView Deal\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"pros-cons-row \">\n<td colspan=\"4\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-show\" data-title=\"MacBook Neo\">Show Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros-cons-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"pros-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Pros<\/p>\n<ul class=\"pros-list\">\n<li>Distinguished and sturdy design<\/li>\n<li>Excellent single-core CPU performance<\/li>\n<li>Great-looking display<\/li>\n<li>Nothing feels cheap<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"cons-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"cons-list\">\n<li>Different USB implementations on the two ports<\/li>\n<li>Trackpad lacks pressure-sensitivity<\/li>\n<li>Multi-core performance lags<\/li>\n<li>No P3 color gamut support<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-hide\" data-title=\"MacBook Neo\">Hide Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr id=\"instant-buy-box-row-5\" class=\" pricing-details-row\">\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/hero.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Asus Chromebook Plus CX34\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tView Deal\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"pros-cons-row \">\n<td colspan=\"4\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-show\" data-title=\"Asus Chromebook Plus CX34\">Show Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros-cons-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"pros-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Pros<\/p>\n<ul class=\"pros-list\">\n<li>Zippy processor performance<\/li>\n<li>Nice keyboard<\/li>\n<li>A wide array of connectivity options<\/li>\n<li>Chic design<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"cons-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"cons-list\">\n<li>Battery life isn\u2019t competitive<\/li>\n<li>The display\u2019s 16:9 aspect ratio feels a little cramped<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-hide\" data-title=\"Asus Chromebook Plus CX34\">Hide Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr id=\"instant-buy-box-row-6\" class=\"instant-buy-box-row-hidden pricing-details-row\">\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/PXL_20250523_111538119.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Microsoft Surface Pro (2025)\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCheck on Amazon\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"pros-cons-row instant-buy-box-row-hidden\">\n<td colspan=\"4\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-show\" data-title=\"Microsoft Surface Pro (2025)\">Show Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros-cons-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"pros-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Pros<\/p>\n<ul class=\"pros-list\">\n<li>Compact and well-built<\/li>\n<li>Good office performance<\/li>\n<li>All Copilot Plus features available<\/li>\n<li>Good battery life<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"cons-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"cons-list\">\n<li>Narrow screen to work on<\/li>\n<li>No HDR support<\/li>\n<li>No charger included<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-hide\" data-title=\"Microsoft Surface Pro (2025)\">Hide Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr id=\"instant-buy-box-row-7\" class=\"instant-buy-box-row-hidden pricing-details-row\">\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/acer-nitro-v-16-ai-2.jpeg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Acer Nitro V 16 AI\u00a0\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tView Deal\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"pros-cons-row instant-buy-box-row-hidden\">\n<td colspan=\"4\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-show\" data-title=\"Acer Nitro V 16 AI\u00a0\">Show Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros-cons-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"pros-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Pros<\/p>\n<ul class=\"pros-list\">\n<li>Large touchpad compared to alternatives<\/li>\n<li>16-inch 1200p display at a low price<\/li>\n<li>Lots of physical connectivity<\/li>\n<li>Good battery life for a budget gaming laptop<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"cons-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-sub-heading\">Cons<\/p>\n<ul class=\"cons-list\">\n<li>Sub-par CPU performance<\/li>\n<li>Terrible audio quality from built-in speakers<\/li>\n<li>Wireless connectivity stuck on the Wi-Fi 6 standards<\/li>\n<li>Slightly more expensive laptops offer better value<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"pros-cons-row-heading pros-cons-wrapper-hide\" data-title=\"Acer Nitro V 16 AI\u00a0\">Hide Pros &amp; Cons <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"chevron-icon\" viewbox=\"0 0 320 512\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M151.5 347.8L3.5 201c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17l19.8-19.8c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0L160 282.7l119.7-118.5c4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0l19.8 19.8c4.7 4.7 4.7 12.3 0 17l-148 146.8c-4.7 4.7-12.3 4.7-17 0z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<tfoot>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"at-a-glance-show-more-button\">Show 2 More<\/button><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"at-a-glance-show-less-button\">Show Top 5 only<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tfoot>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--@@AT_A_GLANCE@@--><\/p>\n<p><strong>Why you should trust PCWorld for laptop recommendations and advice:<\/strong> It\u2019s in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We\u2019ve been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who\u2019ve applied not only performance benchmarks but also rigorous usability standards. We\u2019re also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-product-chart product-chart\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item \" id=\"product-chart-item-1\">\n<p><h2 data-p_name=\"Acer Swift 16 AI\" class=\"product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title \" id=\"acer-swift-16-ai-best-overall\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAcer Swift 16 AI \u2013 Best overall\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"large-pro-cons-product-chart-section\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"wp-lightbox-container\" data-wp-context=\"{\" imageid=\"\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" class=\"product-chart-item__image\" alt=\"Acer Swift 16 AI - Best overall\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Acer-Swift-16-AI-3.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-body\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-columns\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"pros\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>Sleek, sturdy design<\/li>\n<li>Sharp OLED screen<\/li>\n<li>Pleasantly tactile keyboard<\/li>\n<li>Good battery life<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"cons\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>AI features still lacking<\/li>\n<li>Some keyboard keys too cramped<\/li>\n<li>Too many pre-loaded apps<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__information\">\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-label\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrice When Reviewed:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-value\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$1,199.99\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__pricing-details \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__pricing-details--label\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBest Prices Today: \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison\">\n<div id=\"New\" class=\"new_products_tab tabcontent truncated_table\">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  amazon_vendor\" style=\"grid-template-columns:38% 18% 38%\">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/wp-content\/themes\/idg-base-theme\/dist\/static\/img\/amazon-logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-content\">\n<h3 class=\"\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-acer-swift-16-ai\">Who should buy the Acer Swift 16 AI?<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a great college laptop, the Acer Swift 16 AI is ridiculously easy to recommend. It\u2019s light enough to carry around campus at just over three pounds, and the 16-inch 2880\u00d71800 OLED screen looks amazing whether you\u2019re typing up notes or watching Netflix after a full day of exams. It comes with an Intel Core 7 chip, Intel Arc graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD, so it\u2019s fast enough for schoolwork or research.<\/p>\n<p>Battery life is pretty darn good, too. It lasted around 17 hours in our testing, and you can charge it quickly using one of the two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" id=\"acer-swift-16-ai-further-considerations\">Acer Swift 16 AI: Further considerations<\/h3>\n<p>The OLED screen is the real highlight here. It\u2019s bright, colorful, and clear. The keyboard also feels really good for long typing sessions, and even though the touchpad\u2019s a bit smaller than most, it still works fine for the day-to-day stuff.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re after something lightweight and reliable, the Acer Swift 16 AI is one of the best around. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"product-chart-review-link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRead our full <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAcer Swift 16 AI review\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-2 PRE @@--><!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-2 POST @@-->\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item \" id=\"product-chart-item-2\">\n<p><h2 data-p_name=\"Acer Aspire Go 15 (2025)\" class=\"product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title \" id=\"acer-aspire-go-15-2025-best-budget-laptop-for-students\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAcer Aspire Go 15 (2025) \u2013 Best budget laptop for students\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"large-pro-cons-product-chart-section\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"wp-lightbox-container\" data-wp-context=\"{\" imageid=\"\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" class=\"product-chart-item__image\" alt=\"Acer Aspire Go 15 (2025) - Best budget laptop for students\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Acer-Aspire-Go-15-head-on.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-body\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-columns\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"pros\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>Great value<\/li>\n<li>Solid display<\/li>\n<li>Generous RAM and storage for the price<\/li>\n<li>Reasonable webcam and mic<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"cons\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>Slow Intel N-series CPU<\/li>\n<li>No fingerprint reader or facial recognition<\/li>\n<li>Middling battery life<\/li>\n<li>No keyboard backlight<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__information\">\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-label\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrice When Reviewed:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-value\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$499\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__pricing-details \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__pricing-details--label\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBest Prices Today: \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison\">\n<div id=\"New\" class=\"new_products_tab tabcontent \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/squirrels-live.getsquirrel.co\/assets\/images\/retailers\/35161_6512e7a80b4e3205aaec2e6d8d71d205.png\" alt=\"Best Buy US\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$279.99\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.datafeedr.com\/m\/15267.jpg\" alt=\"Target \" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$279.99\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/wp-content\/themes\/idg-base-theme\/dist\/static\/img\/amazon-prime-logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon Prime\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$299.99\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  amazon_vendor\">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/wp-content\/themes\/idg-base-theme\/dist\/static\/img\/amazon-logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$329.99\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"price-comparison__hidden-records-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/wp-content\/themes\/idg-base-theme\/dist\/static\/img\/walmart-logo.svg\" alt=\"Walmart\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$345\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-content\">\n<h3 class=\"\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-acer-aspire-go-15-2025\">Who should buy the Acer Aspire Go 15 (2025)?<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re on a tight budget and just need a laptop for research and writing essays, the Acer Aspire Go 15 (2025) is a great option. It\u2019s nothing fancy, but you shouldn\u2019t have any problems streaming lectures or writing papers.<\/p>\n<p>It comes with solid basics for the price (it\u2019s currently $279.99 at Best Buy) \u2014 an Intel Core i3 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. That\u2019s enough to handle most of your school work without any problems. The 15.6-inch 1080p screen is also spacious with good viewing angles, which is nice for both work and Netflix binges.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" id=\"acer-aspire-go-15-2025-further-considerations\">Acer Aspire Go 15 (2025): Further considerations<\/h2>\n<p>This laptop keeps it simple \u2014 no touchscreen, no backlit keys. But it runs smoothly thanks to the generous amount of RAM and storage. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"product-chart-review-link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRead our full <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAcer Aspire Go 15 (2025) review\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-3 PRE @@--><!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-3 POST @@-->\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item \" id=\"product-chart-item-3\">\n<p><h2 data-p_name=\"MSI Prestige Flip 14 AI+\" class=\"product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title \" id=\"msi-prestige-flip-14-ai-best-battery-life\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMSI Prestige Flip 14 AI+ \u2013 Best battery life\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"large-pro-cons-product-chart-section\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"wp-lightbox-container\" data-wp-context=\"{\" imageid=\"\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" class=\"product-chart-item__image\" alt=\"MSI Prestige Flip 14 AI+ - Best battery life\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DSC00972.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-body\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-columns\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"pros\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>Impressive battery life<\/li>\n<li>Colorful OLED panel<\/li>\n<li>Strong performance (with the right settings)<\/li>\n<li>Great connectivity<\/li>\n<li>Sleek, lightweight design<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"cons\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>Display could be brighter, faster, and sharper<\/li>\n<li>Keyboard feel is inConsistent<\/li>\n<li>Battery takes a hit in practical use<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__information\">\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-label\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrice When Reviewed:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-value\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$1299\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-content\">\n<h3 class=\"\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-msi-prestige-flip-14-ai\">Who should buy the MSI Prestige Flip 14 AI+?<\/h3>\n<p>If you need a laptop that can keep up with your busy schedule, the MSI Prestige Flip 14 AI+ has insane endurance\u2013seriously, this sleek convertible refuses to quit. During PCWorld\u2019s offline video playback test, the 78.6Wh battery lasted a jaw-dropping <em>34 hours<\/em> on a single charge. That result trumps almost every other laptop we\u2019ve come across so far. Not only is it long-lasting, but it\u2019s also no slouch in the performance department.<\/p>\n<p>Inside it\u2019s got an Intel Core Ultra X7 357H (Panther Lake!) CPU, 32GB of RAM, and Intel Arc B390 graphics, so it breezes through everyday performance. It also features a 14-inch 1920\u00d71200 60Hz OLED touchscreen, which is rich with color and responsive. The included stylus is nice for taking notes by hand.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" id=\"msi-prestige-flip-14-ai-further-considerations\">MSI Prestige Flip 14 AI+: Further considerations<\/h3>\n<p>The MSI Prestige Flip 14 AI+ is definitely impressive, but it\u2019s not without flaws. The OLED\u2019s display, for example, only tops out at 294 nits\u2013it\u2019s decent but it\u2019s not going to razzle-dazzle you. The webcam\u2019s 1080p footage is also sort of grainy, and while performance is acceptable for daily use, it doesn\u2019t have the power of a souped-up workstation.<\/p>\n<p>Still, $1,299 is a great price for the marathon battery life and the flexible 2-in-1 form factor.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"product-chart-review-link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRead our full <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMSI Prestige Flip 14 AI+ review\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-4 PRE @@--><!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-4 POST @@-->\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item \" id=\"product-chart-item-4\">\n<p><h2 data-p_name=\"Apple MacBook Neo\" class=\"product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title \" id=\"macbook-neo-best-macbook-for-students\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMacBook Neo \u2013 Best MacBook for students\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"large-pro-cons-product-chart-section\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"wp-lightbox-container\" data-wp-context=\"{\" imageid=\"\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" class=\"product-chart-item__image\" alt=\"MacBook Neo - Best MacBook for students\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/macbook-neo-front-3.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-body\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-columns\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"pros\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>Distinguished and sturdy design<\/li>\n<li>Excellent single-core CPU performance<\/li>\n<li>Great-looking display<\/li>\n<li>Nothing feels cheap<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"cons\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>Different USB implementations on the two ports<\/li>\n<li>Trackpad lacks pressure-sensitivity<\/li>\n<li>Multi-core performance lags<\/li>\n<li>No P3 color gamut support<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__information\">\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-label\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrice When Reviewed:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-value\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$599\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__pricing-details \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__pricing-details--label\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBest Prices Today: \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison\">\n<div id=\"New\" class=\"new_products_tab tabcontent \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  amazon_vendor\">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/wp-content\/themes\/idg-base-theme\/dist\/static\/img\/amazon-logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$589.99\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/wp-content\/themes\/idg-base-theme\/dist\/static\/img\/apple-logo.svg\" alt=\"Apple\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$599\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/squirrels-live.getsquirrel.co\/assets\/images\/retailers\/bandh1.png\" alt=\"B&amp;H\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$599\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/squirrels-live.getsquirrel.co\/assets\/images\/retailers\/35161_6512e7a80b4e3205aaec2e6d8d71d205.png\" alt=\"Best Buy US\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$599\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"price-comparison__hidden-records-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/wp-content\/themes\/idg-base-theme\/dist\/static\/img\/walmart-logo.svg\" alt=\"Walmart\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$599\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.datafeedr.com\/m\/15267.jpg\" alt=\"Target \" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$599.99\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-content\">\n<h3 class=\"\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-macbook-neo\">Who should buy the MacBook Neo?<\/h3>\n<p>For those that prefer macOS over Windows, the MacBook Neo is a <em>very <\/em>compelling option. At just $599.99 (the most affordable MacBook to date!), it delivers amazing build quality and reliable performance without major compromises.<\/p>\n<p>Inside, you\u2019ll find an A19 Pro chip with 6 CPU cores, a 16-core Neural Engine, 5-core GPU, 8GB of memory, and a 256GB SSD.\u00a0That\u2019s plenty of power for the day-to-day stuff like browsing, emailing, writing papers, streaming, and so on. The 13-inch Liquid Retina display is also bright and sharp, with a resolution of 2408\u00d71506 and a brightness level of 500 nits. The aluminum chassis is also strong and lightweight, and exactly the kind of quality you\u2019d expect from a MacBook.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" id=\"macbook-neo-further-considerations\">MacBook Neo: Further considerations<\/h3>\n<p>The MacBook Neo isn\u2019t without a few flaws, although they\u2019re relatively minor. There\u2019s no Thunderbolt connectivity, for one, and the Touch ID feature is only available on the $699 model. One of the USB-C ports is also pretty slow (according to our review). That said, for $599, these trade-offs don\u2019t come as a total surprise.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"product-chart-review-link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRead our full <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\tApple MacBook Neo review\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-5 PRE @@--><!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-5 POST @@-->\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item \" id=\"product-chart-item-5\">\n<p><h2 data-p_name=\"Asus Chromebook Plus CX34\" class=\"product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title \" id=\"asus-chromebook-plus-cx34-best-chromebook-for-students\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAsus Chromebook Plus CX34 \u2013 Best Chromebook for students\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"large-pro-cons-product-chart-section\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"wp-lightbox-container\" data-wp-context=\"{\" imageid=\"\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" class=\"product-chart-item__image\" alt=\"Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 - Best Chromebook for students\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/hero.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-body\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-columns\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"pros\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>Zippy processor performance<\/li>\n<li>Nice keyboard<\/li>\n<li>A wide array of connectivity options<\/li>\n<li>Chic design<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"cons\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>Battery life isn\u2019t competitive<\/li>\n<li>The display\u2019s 16:9 aspect ratio feels a little cramped<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__information\">\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-label\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrice When Reviewed:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-value\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$499\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__pricing-details \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__pricing-details--label\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBest Prices Today: \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison\">\n<div id=\"New\" class=\"new_products_tab tabcontent \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/wp-content\/themes\/idg-base-theme\/dist\/static\/img\/best-buy-logo.png\" alt=\"Best Buy\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$529.99\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-content\">\n<h3 class=\"\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-asus-chromebook-plus-cx34\">Who should buy the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34?<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re heading to college and want a Chromebook that looks good and runs well (as long as you don\u2019t mind Google\u2019s ecosystem), this one\u2019s it. The Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 is fast enough to keep up with your daily activities \u2014 think Zoom, Google Docs, Spotify \u2014 and it won\u2019t freeze up when you\u2019ve got a bunch of tabs open. (I see you, serial tab opener.)<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s got a 14-inch 1080p screen that looks clear. The webcam\u2019s actually really solid too, so you won\u2019t look like a blurry mess on video calls. And yeah, the whole laptop looks great. It\u2019s got that clean, modern vibe that doesn\u2019t scream budget.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" id=\"asus-chromebook-plus-cx34-further-considerations\">Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: Further considerations<\/h3>\n<p>The battery lasts around 13 hours, which is fine (no complaints on my end), but I\u2019ve seen other laptops that go much longer. Also, no touchscreen \u2014 not a deal-breaker for most, but if you\u2019re someone who loves tapping around, that might be a bummer. And if you\u2019re trying to do anything like video editing or heavy design work? This probably isn\u2019t the machine for you.<\/p>\n<p>But for school notes, research, and lectures? It\u2019s exactly what you need at a nice price. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"product-chart-review-link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRead our full <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAsus Chromebook Plus CX34 review\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-6 PRE @@--><!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-6 POST @@-->\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item \" id=\"product-chart-item-6\">\n<p><h2 data-p_name=\"Microsoft Surface Pro 2025\" class=\"product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title \" id=\"microsoft-surface-pro-2025-best-ultraportable-for-students\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMicrosoft Surface Pro (2025) \u2013 Best ultraportable for students\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"large-pro-cons-product-chart-section\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"wp-lightbox-container\" data-wp-context=\"{\" imageid=\"\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" class=\"product-chart-item__image\" alt=\"Microsoft Surface Pro (2025) - Best ultraportable for students\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/PXL_20250523_111538119.jpg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-body\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-columns\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"pros\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>Compact and well-built<\/li>\n<li>Good office performance<\/li>\n<li>All Copilot Plus features available<\/li>\n<li>Good battery life<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"cons\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>Narrow screen to work on<\/li>\n<li>No HDR support<\/li>\n<li>No charger included<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__information\">\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-label\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrice When Reviewed:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-value\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$799.99\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__pricing-details \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__pricing-details--label\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBest Prices Today: \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison\">\n<div id=\"New\" class=\"new_products_tab tabcontent truncated_table\">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  amazon_vendor\" style=\"grid-template-columns:38% 18% 38%\">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/wp-content\/themes\/idg-base-theme\/dist\/static\/img\/amazon-logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-content\">\n<h3 class=\"\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-microsoft-surface-pro-2025\">Who should buy the Microsoft Surface Pro (2025)?<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re always on the move \u2014 rushing between classes or just hanging out at a coffee shop \u2014 the Surface Pro 2025 is the perfect pick. It\u2019s crazy light, like just over a pound, so tossing it in your bag is no big deal. It\u2019s got plenty of power for Zoom calls and writing notes, too. Honestly, the Snapdragon chip does a great job keeping things snappy on a day-to-day basis. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" id=\"microsoft-surface-pro-2025-further-considerations\">Microsoft Surface Pro (2025): Further considerations<\/h3>\n<p>There are a couple of things you should know. The 12-inch screen can feel cramped if a lot of tabs are open at once, especially given the 3:2 aspect ratio. There are also only two USB-C ports, so anyone relying on multiple peripherals or external storage might need a small dongle or dock.<\/p>\n<p>Battery life\u2019s kind of a mixed bag. If you\u2019re just typing or watching stuff with the brightness turned down, it\u2019ll last a good while. But if you\u2019re cranking everything up and bouncing between heavy apps, it could drain faster than you might expect. <\/p>\n<p>Still, if most of your school stuff is in the cloud and you just want something light that gets the job done, this laptop totally delivers.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"product-chart-review-link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRead our full <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMicrosoft Surface Pro 2025 review\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-7 PRE @@--><!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-7 POST @@-->\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-product-chart-item product-chart-item \" id=\"product-chart-item-7\">\n<p><h2 data-p_name=\"Acer Nitro V 16 AI\" class=\"product-chart-item__title-wrapper--title product-chart-title \" id=\"acer-nitro-v-16-ai-best-gaming-laptop-for-students\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAcer Nitro V 16 AI\u00a0 \u2013 Best gaming laptop for students\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"large-pro-cons-product-chart-section\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper product-chart-item__image-outer-wrapper--large\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"wp-lightbox-container\" data-wp-context=\"{\" imageid=\"\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" class=\"product-chart-item__image\" alt=\"Acer Nitro V 16 AI\u00a0 - Best gaming laptop for students\" src=\"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/acer-nitro-v-16-ai-2.jpeg?quality=50&amp;strip=all\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\"\/><button class=\"lightbox-trigger\" type=\"button\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Enlarge\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\" data-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-body\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-columns\">\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"pros\">Pros<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>Large touchpad compared to alternatives<\/li>\n<li>16-inch 1200p display at a low price<\/li>\n<li>Lots of physical connectivity<\/li>\n<li>Good battery life for a budget gaming laptop<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-column\">\n<h3 class=\"product-chart-subTitle\" id=\"cons\">Cons<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"product-pros-cons-list\">\n<li>Sub-par CPU performance<\/li>\n<li>Terrible audio quality from built-in speakers<\/li>\n<li>Wireless connectivity stuck on the Wi-Fi 6 standards<\/li>\n<li>Slightly more expensive laptops offer better value<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__information\">\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-label\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrice When Reviewed:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__information--rrp-value\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$899\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"product-chart-item__pricing-details \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"product-chart-item__pricing-details--label\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBest Prices Today: \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cta_button_table_content product_chart_table_format price_comp_table best_picks_story_types\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-price-comparison price-comparison\">\n<div id=\"New\" class=\"new_products_tab tabcontent \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  amazon_vendor\">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/wp-content\/themes\/idg-base-theme\/dist\/static\/img\/amazon-logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$915\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"price-comparison__record  \">\n<div class=\"price-comparison__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/wp-content\/themes\/idg-base-theme\/dist\/static\/img\/walmart-logo.svg\" alt=\"Walmart\" loading=\"lazy\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$915\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"product-content\">\n<h3 class=\"\" id=\"who-should-buy-the-acer-nitro-v-16-ai\">Who should buy the Acer Nitro V 16 AI?<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re a student (or casual gamer!) looking for an affordable gaming laptop, the Acer Nitro V 16 AI is definitely worth your time and attention. It\u2019s not the flashiest machine on the block, but it delivers decent gaming performance thanks to the RTX 5050 GPU inside. With an AMD Ryzen 5 240 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage, you\u2019ve also got a laptop that can handle schoolwork and gaming without sounding like it\u2019s about to blast off. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" id=\"acer-nitro-v-16-ai-further-considerations\">Acer Nitro V 16 AI: Further considerations<\/h3>\n<p>The Acer Nitro V 16 AI comes at a very attractive price point. It costs $799 at MSRP, but sometimes you can get it for as low as $629 when it\u2019s on sale, making it one of the more affordable RTX-50 series laptops out there. You\u2019re not getting a top-tier CPU or loads of storage, but this laptop somehow manages to sidestep the common pitfalls of cheaper gaming machines.<\/p>\n<p>Battery life is very good for a gaming laptop, reaching up to 12 hours on a single charge. It\u2019s also very comfortable to work on, with a roomy keyboard and large touchpad. It doesn\u2019t feel cramped at all.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"product-chart-review-link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRead our full <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAcer Nitro V 16 AI review\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-8 PRE @@--><!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-8 POST @@-->\t\t<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"other-notable-laptops-weve-tested\">Other notable laptops we\u2019ve tested<\/h2>\n<p>A few laptops didn\u2019t make the above list, but they\u2019re still cool and worth considering. The Dell Plus 14 2-in-1 is a nice, cheap pick ($599.99) with a touchscreen and decent hardware. If you\u2019re looking for something so light it\u2019s almost weightless, you should check out the Acer Swift Edge 14 AI, which comes in at a little over two pounds. The latest Acer Swift 16 AI is also a big standout. Not only does it have great battery life (18 hours!), but it also comes with Intel\u2019s latest Panther Lake chip. <\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-idg-base-theme-box-text inline-box\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-we-test-laptops\">How we test laptops<\/h2>\n<p>The PCWorld team puts each and every Windows laptop through a series of benchmarks that test GPU and CPU performance, battery life, and so on. The idea is to push the laptop to its limits and then compare it against others we\u2019ve tested. Chromebooks, on the other hand, go through a series of web-based tests.<\/p>\n<p>For a much deeper look at our review methodology, check out\u00a0how PCWorld tests laptops.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-curated-this-article\">Who curated this article?<\/h2>\n<p>Hi, I\u2019m\u00a0Ashley Biancuzzo, and I oversee all laptop and Chromebook coverage at PCWorld. While you\u2019ll see me review Chromebooks on occasion, I\u2019m also deeply immersed in the broader world of consumer tech. I spend a lot of time writing and thinking about where laptops are headed \u2014 from AI and sustainable designs to long-term trends. When I\u2019m not deep in the world of tech, you\u2019ll probably find me gaming, getting lost in a good book, or chilling with my rescue greyhound, Allen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-choose-the-best-laptop-for-college\">How to choose the best laptop for college<\/h2>\n<p>First off, think about your budget. What\u2019s your actual limit here? If you don\u2019t have much wiggle room, a Chromebook might be the way to go. They\u2019re cheap and can handle everyday tasks like writing papers, working on a Google Sheet, casual browsing, that sort of thing. You can find them anywhere from $200 to about a grand, it just depends on what you\u2019re going for.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve got a little more to spend, 2-in-1 touchscreen laptops are great because they\u2019re so versatile. You can turn the screen all the way back and use it like a tablet or stand it up like a little movie screen. That\u2019s great for Netflix or just zoning out with YouTube. The flexibility\u2019s nice, especially if you\u2019re cramped in a dorm or carrying it around all the time.<\/p>\n<p>As far as performance goes, if you\u2019re doing stuff like email, streaming, or having a bunch of tabs open, more RAM helps. 8GB is what I\u2019d recommend. Your laptop will run smoother and it won\u2019t feel like it\u2019s constantly lagging. 4GB is fine if you\u2019re just browsing or writing papers, but it can feel restrictive if you\u2019re prone to multitasking and working with lots of open windows. Chrome and Spotify are memory hogs as well, and they\u2019ll slow things down if you don\u2019t have enough memory to work with. <\/p>\n<p>Last thing, the keyboard. You\u2019ll be typing <em>a lot<\/em> in college, so this actually matters. Some people like keys that are clickier and have a little more bounce to them. Well, that\u2019s mechanical keyboards for you. They\u2019re louder, but they help you avoid accidental keystrokes, and they feel kind of satisfying to type on. Totally up to you, but don\u2019t ignore it. A bad keyboard gets old real fast.<\/p>\n<p><!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-9 PRE @@--><!-- @@AD gpt-leaderboardmainbod-9 POST @@--><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-block faq-block\">\n<h2 class=\"faq-block-title\" id=\"faq\"> FAQ <\/h2>\n<hr class=\"block-horizotal-divider\"\/>\n<div class=\"wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block\">\n<div class=\"faq-save-content\"><span class=\"faq-rank\">1.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whats-the-best-laptop-for-college-students\">What\u2019s the best laptop for college students?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip\">\n<p>If you just want something that\u2019s fast enough for schoolwork, lasts all day, and has a screen that actually makes Netflix look good, the Acer Swift 16 AI is the best laptop you can buy right now.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block\">\n<div class=\"faq-save-content\"><span class=\"faq-rank\">2.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whats-the-best-budget-laptop-for-college-students\">What\u2019s the best budget laptop for college students?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip\">\n<p>If you\u2019re trying to keep it cheap and just want something that works, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is the perfect fit. It\u2019s got a big screen and it handles all the basics like a champ.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-inner-block faq-save-block\">\n<div class=\"faq-save-content\"><span class=\"faq-rank\">3.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whats-the-difference-between-a-chromebook-and-a-windows-laptop\">What\u2019s the difference between a Chromebook and a Windows laptop?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"wp-block-idg-base-theme-faq-answer-block how-to-tip\">\n<p>Chromebooks are simple and fast, perfect for stuff like browsing, writing papers, and streaming. The do everything within the Chrome OS. They usually don\u2019t cost much, either. Windows laptops can do a lot more like gaming or editing videos. They also support locally installed programs as opposed to being internet-based. So if you just need a basic laptop for school stuff, a Chromebook is cool, but if you want something that can handle more, go with Windows.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The right laptop can really make or break your college experience. From navigating packed lecture halls to powering through all-nighters, reliability is key. But that doesn\u2019t&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2106,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/b2c-contenthub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Acer-Swift-16-AI-3.jpg?quality=50&strip=all","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2105","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rj"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2105","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2105"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2105\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2106"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2105"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2105"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rjbarrett.redirectme.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2105"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}