Buzz
Consider a screen size of approximately 13 to 14 inches, thoroughly test the keyboard and touchpad before purchasing, and understand the crucial information about battery life.
1. Guidelines for Students Choosing Laptops
Just over a month from now, many students nationwide will commence a new academic year. A considerable number of them, especially newcomers, will face the challenge of selecting a suitable laptop. Below are some useful tips for students about to purchase a laptop:
Choosing the Screen Size
14 & 15-inch screen laptops are currently the most popular. Photo: Tuấn Hưng
A 15-inch laptop screen is ideal for office work, while 14-inch and 13-inch models are more suitable for students due to their lightweight, around 2 kg. If you frequently have to carry it to lectures, the library, or have a need for portability, consider a laptop of this size.
On the contrary, an 11-inch laptop is too compact for extensive and frequent work due to its small screen. This product line is easy to carry but may not be cost-effective to own.
Paying for Design
For the average budget of students, finding a 'beautiful' laptop can be challenging. However, paying attention to durability over aesthetics is crucial. If you don't plan on upgrading often, durability becomes vital during university years, typically 4 to 5 years of laptop usage unless unexpected issues arise.
A metal casing will be more durable than plastic over the long term. Photo: Tuấn Hưng.
Durability in design implies that the material used won't easily wear out or lose its aesthetic appeal over time. Typically, machines with aluminum or magnesium alloy casings are less prone to deterioration compared to plastic, and they are also less susceptible to scratches.
Keyboard and Touchpad are Crucial
Modern-day students rely more on computers than handwritten notes. Regular interaction with text necessitates trying out the intended model's keyboard before making a purchase. Most keyboards are chiclet, with backlit options being better, though less common in budget models. The typing experience should always be tested first.
Choose a Suitable Configuration
If financially comfortable, opt for the latest models within the budget. This includes the latest Intel Core i 4th generation processors and dedicated graphics cards for gaming. Even the Core i Hasswell processors with integrated graphics can handle popular games like World of Warcraft. However, laptops with these new chips usually start at a minimum of 8 million VND.
On the other hand, if searching for a laptop around 10 million VND or even below this range, Intel Core i 2nd generation processors and Pentium processors are cost-effective choices. Many laptops with Ivy Bridge chips are now reasonably priced, ranging from about 10 to 12 million VND, depending on whether they have a dedicated graphics card. Pentium chips dominate the under 10 million VND segment.
The laptop trend in 2014 typically features a minimum of 4 GB RAM, which is also the recommended minimum hardware. In Vietnam, many manufacturers configure laptops with only 2 GB RAM, but users who genuinely appreciate their purchase should consider upgrading to higher capacity.
Storage drives significantly impact performance. Despite the high speed and safety of SSDs, they are often too expensive for the majority of students in Vietnam. Therefore, opting for HDDs is the predominant choice. When choosing, try to select models with a speed of 7,200 RPM, though it's rare as most affordable local models run at around 5,400 RPM. The capacity is quite high, with Toshiba models often offering up to 500 GB at a budget-friendly price below 10 million VND.
Consider Ultrabooks
Ultrabooks are currently priced around 10 million VND in the market. If the budget is insufficient, you can overlook this criterion. These laptops have been highly praised for about a year and are a reasonable choice for many. Ultrabooks are typically lightweight, under 1.5 kg, thin under 2 cm, with a screen size of 13 or 14 inches, suitable for those who need portability.
Ultrabook configurations are quite diverse, though not as powerful as laptops in the same price range, they are sufficient for many usage needs. Models using hybrid drives (combining SSD and HDD) help reduce costs.
Battery Life is Crucial
A laptop battery test on Số Hóa.
Typically, mainstream laptops offer a battery life of around 3 hours, with some higher-end models reaching over 4 hours. Real-world usage may exceed this by about 20%. It's advisable to choose models with longer battery life to ensure at least an hour for attending classes or studying in the library during sessions.
Consider Both Mac and Windows
If your budget exceeds 15 million VND, consider a used MacBook. Apple's operating system may not be as widespread as Windows, but recent upgrades show that it could be a good choice. If there are no overly specialized software requirements (which can be checked in advance), a Mac is also a viable option. Additionally, web support with a superior touchpad is better than most current Windows laptops.
On the other hand, Windows is the traditional and 'safe' choice. It ensures compatibility, ease of use, file exchange, and software compatibility.
(According to sohoa.vnexpress.net).
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