Going back to school used to mean pencils, binders, notebooks and pens. While back to school shopping may have been cheaper in those simpler times, today’s high school students benefit by learning through technology. That means every high school student needs a reliable computer.
While highly portable tablets can be ideal for taking notes in class, when it comes to writing papers and other projects, its important to have a good keyboard. That’s why laptop computers are generally the best choice for high school students these days.
Based on Dealspotr research, the best computer for high school students in 2015 is the Asus Zenbook UX305. Techradar, who named the Zenbook No. 1 in a survey of the 10 best laptops for students 2015, praised the affordable laptop for its solid performance. Lightweight and highly portable, the Asus Zenbook UX305 is ideal for carrying to and from school or moving from room to room when doing homework around the house.
A more affordable alternative to the MacBook Air, Gizmodo called the Asus Zenbook UX305 “a great laptop for just $700.” It features dual Intel Core processors and runs Windows 8.1. It has a 13.3” display and an integrated graphics card. It has a solid-state drive that was designed to run nearly six times faster than conventional hard drives, meaning apps and files open in a snap.
Additional features include:
The Asus Zenbook UX305, which was named “best MacBook alternative,” by TrustedReviews.com boasts a slim, lightweight design. The Asus Zenbook UX305 is priced affordably at around $700 on Amazon, NewEgg and TigerDirect.
While there is indeed a lot to like about the Asus Zenbook UX305, it’s not quite perfect. Intel Core performance has been said to dip when the laptop kicks into reserve battery power, according to Techradar. Techradar also criticized the laptop’s speakers as sounding “tinny” and the video driver of being “wonky.”
Meanwhile, Wired criticized the size and placement of certain buttons and keys.
Finally, a review in Gizmodo criticized the laptop for having a processor that while okay for most general computing tasks, could get bogged down under the weight of more complex operations.
For some users, only a Mac will do and in that case, the Apple MacBook Pro is definitely the way to go. Although a touch more expensive than the Asus, the MacBook Pro features a 13.3-inch screen, retina display and a lightning fast processor.
Lightweight and portable with a long battery life, the 13-inch MacBook Pro comes pre-loaded with applications that include Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iMovie, Photos and GarageBand. According to CNET, the MacBook Pro offers “the best balance of performance, battery life, portability and expandability in the current Apple laptop lineup.” New Apple MacBook Pros start at $1299 on Amazon and you can get refurbished ones for less at Mac of All Trades.
It Macs aren’t your thing, another option is the Acer Chromebook 15. Stylish and with a 15.6-inch anti-glare screen, the Chromebook 15 was designed for fast start-up and sports a powerful Intel processor, fast Wi-Fi connectivity, a large touchpad, advanced webcam, and two upward facing stereo speakers. Laptopmag.com praised the Acer for its “best-in-class performance, long lasting battery,” and “sturdy build.”
If you’re looking for a laptop with the look and feel of a MacBook that’s available for a fraction of the price, then you should probably look into the Asus Zenbook UX305. Like a MacBook, it’s thin, lightweight, fast, and possesses incredible computing power. With the capabilities of many desktops but the portability of a laptop, the Asus Zenbook UX305 offers the style and usability of a MacBook Pro but is eminently more affordable.
