best apple laptop for college students 2017

More RAM doesn’t actually speed up how quickly data is processed, but because it controls how much data gets processed at a time, it has a big impact on how fast a laptop feels. This is incredibly important without enough RAM, even the fastest CPU can seem sluggish. RAMĪ laptop’s random access memory (RAM) controls how many tasks the computer can take on simultaneously. For example, a laptop with a seventh-generation i5 CPU is a solid middle-of-the-road choice. Intel periodically upgrades each line, so take note of which generation is included with your potential selection. The most common CPUs for laptops are made by Intel and come in three classes, each faster than the last: i3, i5, i7, and i9. To complicate matters, CPU speeds from different manufacturers can be difficult to directly compare because of fundamental differences in architecture. Naturally, some CPUs are faster and more capable than others. If laptops were cars, CPUs would be the engines. The central processing unit (CPU) is the chip responsible for all operations on a laptop. Portability comes at a premium, as lighter laptops tend to cost more than heavier laptops. While that range might not sound huge, the weight of your laptop will definitely make a difference after a full day of carrying it from class to class. Laptops can weigh anywhere from three to seven pounds. A 13-inch or 15-inch model would probably appeal to most people. The screen size essentially determines the overall size of the laptop, so if you’re planning on taking it with you everywhere, it’s worth considering how big a laptop you’re willing to lug around. Most laptops aimed at the college crowd feature screen sizes between 11 and 15 inches on the diagonal. The right choice can help you “future-proof” your investment as much as possible so it lasts as long as possible. It’s important to focus on the technical specifications of your new laptop. Apple, in keeping with their stance of “We don’t want your data,” tracks minimal user data. With default settings, Microsoft Windows tracks and reports user behavior in the name of improving with feedback. If you’re trying to decide between a Windows laptop and an Apple laptop, compare how each company treats privacy.

Best apple laptop for college students 2017