Students want inexpensive laptops to do daily tasks, as well as some games. Other features they are looking for are a good screen, a lightweight device, and one with a battery life that lasts an entire day, along with a decent keyboard, all of which should be under $500. There are many manufacturers that produce laptops taking into account It features these requirements, many of which are available within the budget price of $500. Let’s take a look at some of the best college student laptops under $500.
Bare Essentials on a Student Laptop
HP Stream 14, 14 inch
This is a fairly lightweight student laptop that comes in 13.3 x 8.9 x 0.7 inch dimensions and weighs 3.17 pounds, made of lightweight plastic. The screen is 14 inches with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It is powered by the Intel Celeron N3060 processor which runs at a speed of 1.6 GHz up to a maximum of 2.48 GHz. This is paired with the Intel HD Graphics 400 and 4 GB RAM, with 32 GB eMMC internal storage.
Battery life lasts a good few hours 7; Therefore, it is enough for students to spend an entire day of class. Some applications, like HP Orbit, come pre-installed, but there are also some programs that you can remove. It has all the basic ports with 2 USB 3.1 Generation 1 and one USB 2.0 HDMI 1.4, along with headphone output. The performance is sufficient for web browsing and writing documents.
For whom:
- This is a laptop that is ideal for students and for business purposes.
- Those who want an affordable laptop that comes with a long-lasting battery.
- Suitable for streaming video from Netflix or YouTube and for playing simple games, but no more than that.
- For those looking for a colorful and simple option at an affordable price.
Elegant and premium design
Lenovo IdeaPad 320, 15.6 inches
It has a simple but elegant design available in a gray plastic cover. The dimensions of the Lenovo Ideapad 320 are 21 x 13 x 3 inches and weigh 4.9 lbs. There are multiple ports with 2 USB 3.0 ports, a USB Type-C port, an RJ45 port, a power jack, a headphone jack, and a 4 in one card reader. The display screen is 15.6 inches and comes with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels along with a backlit display and anti-glare features.
It is powered by the Intel Core i3-7100U processor with a quad-core AMD A12-9720P processor running at a speed of 2.7 GHz and turbo boost up to 3.6 GHz and 2 MB cache. The RAM is 8GB DDR4 with 1TB hard drive storage. The graphics card is an integrated AMD Radeon, R7. The average battery life is around 4.5 hours.
For whom:
- College students looking for a sleek, premium design at a bargain price.
Attractive laptop with great overall performance
HP Pavilion 15T, 15.6 inch
The HP Pavilion 15 is a mix of metal with plastic with a 25.6-inch screen and a screen resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. It is powered by Intel Core i5 7200U processor at a speed of 2.5 GHz chipset that operates at a speed of 1.6 GHz, with Turbo up to 3.4 GHz. As for graphics, it has the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 and a RAM of 8 GB, capable of offering solid performance to gamers.
As for the ports, there are 3 USB 3.1 generation 1 with two Type A and one Type 3. Along with these, there is an HDMI port for connectivity. The dimensions of the HP Pavilion are 9.69 x 14.8 x 0.9 inches and the weight is 4.85 pounds. The battery life is decent and offers approximately 6 hours of use.
For whom:
- College students looking for an attractive and engaging laptop with solid overall performance.
- Those who want a laptop for work and play, with solid gaming skills.
Entry-level laptop
HP Pavilion x360 14-inch
It has a premium look, but is quite heavy at 1.6 kgs. The display screen is 14 inches with Full HD IPS and offers support for the HP Stylus Pen. The screen resolution is 1366 x 768 pixels. It comes in a foldable and collapsible design, so you can use it for presentations, in tablet mode, etc. using the 360 degree hinge. Since it is a convertible, you can put it in different positions. It comes with an active stylus, which supports 1024 pressure levels; Therefore, you can use it to scribble, and the screen response to pen input is fast and efficient.
It is a clear winner in terms of performance, since the laptop has the Intel Core 8th Gen i3 8130 processor and 8 GB RAM. When it comes to graphics, it has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 UHD GPU. It is heavy at 1.7 kg.
As for the ports, there is a USB 3.1 port and a 3.5mm audio jack on the left and an HDMI port, a USB 3.1 port and a USB Type-C port and a memory card slot on the right.
For whom:
- College students looking for solid performance at a reasonable price.
- Those who want a reliable but cost-effective laptop that meets all the basic requirements.
- Useful for those who want to use their laptop for light gaming, watching TV or movies.
Best Laptops with All the Basic Features
Lenovo IdeaPad 330, 15.6 inches
It is made entirely of plastic with a matte finish and weighs around 2.1 kg. The laptop comes with a hinge that folds back to 180 degrees so it’s comfortable to work in all positions. The display is a 15.6-inch backlit HD LED display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. It is powered by an 8130 Intel Core 8th 3U chipset that syncs at a rate of 2.2 GHz with Turbo mode up to 3.4 GHz. It has a 4 MB SmartCache and is paired with the Intel UHD Graphics 620. The size of RAM memory is 8 GB DDR4.
As for the ports, there are 2 USB 3.0 Type A ports and one USB 3.0 Type C port, along with an HDMI output and a headphone jack. The dimensions of the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 are 14.9 x 10.2 x 0.9 inches and weigh 5.74 pounds. The battery life is approximately 4 hours, depending on the applications that are running and the brightness of the screen.
For whom:
- Ideal for college students and light activities, checking email, playing YouTube videos, etc.
Convertible touchscreen
Acer Chromebook R11 Convertible, 11.6 inches
It is a convertible that can be switched from clamshell mode to tablet mode with a 360 degree hinge. This is an 11.6-inch touchscreen with a colorful display and a screen resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. It has a clean white chassis with an aluminum top with a textured bottom that makes it easier to grip. The hinges allow you to switch to four modes, laptop, outward facing screen, a tent, and a tablet. Chrome OS plays in all of these modes.
The dimensions of the hybrid laptop are 11.6 x 8.03 x 0.76 inches and they weigh 2.7 pounds. As for the ports, all the basics are available, with a USB 3.0 port, an HDMI port, an SD card slot and another USB 2.0 port. It is powered by Intel Celeron N3150 processor and has a RAM size of 4GB with 32GB eMMC and a battery life of 10 per hour. The hard drive is 32GB SSD and is paired with an Intel HD Graphics coprocessor. Dimensions are 8 x 11.57 x 0.76 inches and it weighs 2.76 pounds. It is light and has a colorful screen with decent performance combined with good battery life.
For whom:
- College students who want a pretty good Chromebook with decent performance skills.
- Students who want a Chrome operating system with the usual Google applications integrated with automatic updates.
Balanced budget option
Lenovo Chromebook C330 Convertible, 11.6-inch
It has a good balance between price and performance, offering excellent Android applications, being a Chromebook. It is powered by Mediatek MT8173C processor and is combined with PowerVR GX6250 graphics adapter with 700MHz core. The processor is powerful enough for web browsing and general office and student work. The graphics card is sufficient for light loads and can handle 1080 pixel videos. Most of the popular Android games can be played effectively and even some heavy titles are playable.
It is made entirely of plastic but is solid and strong. It can be easily rotated in tablet mode using the hinge. It is a fanless design; Therefore, it is completely silent and manages heat efficiently. It is also energy efficient and has a decent battery life of about 10 hours.
The screen is 11.6 inches of bright IPS with a screen resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. The port options are suitable with the USB Type A and Type C ports, as well as the HDMI 3.0 port.
For whom:
- Suitable for college students who want a Chromebook and access to Google apps.
- Those who want to enjoy a rich multimedia experience with great color accuracy.
- Those looking for a budget Chromebook with good build quality and ease of use.
Solid construction at budget price
ASUS Chromebook Flip C101PA-DS04, 10.1 inch
It is a compact device with a battery that lasts a good 12 hours. The laptop is a convertible and comes with a touch screen. The RAM is 4 GB and it has a 32 GB storage that offers a fast and fast performance. The screen is 10.1 inches from the WXGA screen with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. It is also lightweight at just 2 pounds and is 0.6 inches thick. It is powered by Rockchip RD3399 Quad Core processor at a speed of 2.0 GHz. This is combined with an ARM Mali T860 MP4 graphics coprocessor. It is a Chromebook; Therefore, it runs on Chrome OS and comes with automatic updates and all of your favorite Google apps.
The design is inspired by a silver finish MacBook with black keys and bezel, making it look classy and elegant. The hinge is fully flexible and can be easily switched to tablet mode. It has a battery beast, which is clearly a highlight of the device, which lasts all day.
The dimensions of the ASUS Chromebook Flip are 10.4 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches and they weigh 2 pounds.
For whom:
- College students looking for a solid build laptop available at an affordable price.
- Those who want a compact laptop that can be easily used on a train or in a small bedroom space.
- Those looking for a solid laptop to use for jobs, light media and for browsing.
Rock Bottom Price
Lenovo Ideapad 100S, 11.6 inch
This is a low power consumption LED backlit 11.6 inch screen and HD screen with a screen resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. It is powered by the Intel Atom System Processor at a speed of 1.33 GHz with 2 MB Cache and 32 GB eMMC Flash memory and 2 GB SDRAM. You can run some demanding office applications as well as old gaming applications without much difficulty.
As for the ports, there are 2 USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, a microphone, and a combo headphone port. It weighs 3.3 pounds and is slim at a thickness of 0.7 inches. Dimensions are 12.5 x 8.8 x 2.8 inches. The case is made of polished aluminum and gives it a premium look. The hinges are sturdy and fully fold to 180 degrees, so you can get excellent viewing angles.
Battery life is good in about 11 hours of normal use.
For whom:
- Suitable for college students who want a budget notebook that is well designed and portable.
- Those who want a good performance of Google office applications and games.
- Those who want an inexpensive laptop with a large battery.
- Suitable for those who use Gmail, video streaming, online shopping, Netflix, Amazon, Facebook, and normal browsing.
Durable design for young college students
ASUS Chromebook Flip C213A-YS02-S, 11.6 inch
This is an ASUS wallet-friendly option with an 11.6-inch touchscreen. Being a Chromebook, it runs on the latest Chrome operating system, so college students can easily install and use Google apps from the Google Play store. It is a robust and sturdy laptop that can withstand a drop from around 3.9 feet. Repairs can also be done easily as the battery and motherboard are modular.
It is a convertible and the screen can be turned in 360 degrees to be used in tablet mode as well as in stand and store mode. When it comes to ports, there’s a headphone jack, a micro SDXC card slot, a USB 3.0 port, and a USB Type-C port.
The display screen is 11.6 inches and comes with a 1366 x 768 pixel resolution with anti-glare features and excellent viewing angles. It is powered by Intel Celeron N3350 chipset and is combined with 4GB RAM and integrated Intel HD 500 graphics, which are perfectly efficient at tackling Chromebook tasks for college students.
Since it runs on Chrome OS, you can access all of Google’s services, with most apps running offline, but an internet connection will help you take advantage of all the features of the operating system. The battery life is impressive at around 11 hours of normal use. In summary, the ASUS Chromebook Flip is a robust and solid student laptop, offering different modes, decent performance, and long battery life.
For whom:
- College students looking for a good-quality, durable laptop with a long-lasting battery.
- Those who want a flexible and wallet-friendly laptop option.
- Useful for college students who need a laptop for general browsing purposes, document creation, photo editing etc.
conclusion
When selecting a laptop for college, students should consider that they need a device that works efficiently with regard to web browsing, as well as playing and watching movies, completing assignments, case studies, etc. The above are some of the best college student laptops and are available at a budget price of less than $500. Hopefully, we have simplified the selection process for you with this short guide.
- Designed for the always connected life, the nimble HP Stream 14" Laptop lets you easily shift from homework workhorse to streaming your favorite shows. Weighing less than 4lbs, this notebook contains a 14" diagonal HD BrightView display, a dual-core Intel Celeron processor, 4 GB RAM and a 64 GB eMMc. Powerful Intel UHD graphics let you stream 4K content and play your favorite games in 720p, while the HP Webcam with integrated digital microphone makes video chats with the family clear and smooth.
- The improved 802.11 ac 2x2 Wi-Fi antenna delivers a stronger, more reliable Internet connection than before, and with up to 11 hours of battery life, you'll enjoy enhanced streaming, fast downloads, and smooth web surfing all day. Experience Windows 10 Home in S mode, the most secure Windows ever built, streamlined for security and superb performance.
- Intel Celeron N4000 (1.1 GHz base frequency, up to 2.6 GHz burst frequency, 4 MB cache, 2 cores). 4 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM (1 x 4 GB). 64 GB eMMC storage. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600; 1 multi-format SD media card reader; HP Webcam with integrated digital microphone; No optical drive.
- 14" diagonal HD SVA BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit (1366 x 768) Non-touch Display; Realtek 802.11b/g/n/a/ac (2x2) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo; Integrated 10/100/1000 GbE LAN; 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Data transfer only); 1x USB 2.0; 1x HDMI 1.4; 1x headphone/microphone combo; Dimensions (L x W x H): 13.27 x 0.70 x 8.90 Inches; weight: 3.17 lb; Subscription: Office 365 Personal 1-year; An IFT 32GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive
- Perfect for school or college with a thin, lightweight design, the HP Stream Laptop was never meant to stand still. It travels easily and comes in a rose pink design that looks good anywhere.
- [POWERFUL PERFORMANCE]: The HP Laptop is powered with the latest Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor (6MB Intel Smart Cache, up to 4.10GHz) and 8GB high-bandwidth DDR4 memory, powerful processing for advanced multitasking, demanding computing, smooth gaming, multiple tabs browsing, and everyday tasks. 256GB SSD (15x faster than HDD, stay cool and quiet) offers ample storage, quick boot-up times, fast data access, and improves the overall performance
- [PREMIUM DESIGN]: Make everyday productive when you work on this HP notebook computer. This HP laptop is thin and lightweight, so you can spend the workday at an outdoor cafe or on the road. Long battery life means you can keep going, and when you do need a charge, this fast charge laptop goes from 0 to 50% in approximately 45 minutes. Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite games with Intel UHD Graphics.
- [STUNNING VISUALS]: 15.6-inch diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), touch, IPS, micro-edge, BrightView delivers a clear, crispy image that’s easy on your eye. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. The micro-edge display gives you an ultra-wide viewing experience that's ideal for seamless multi-monitor setups for the home office. With HP QuickDrop, sharing files between your PC and mobile device is easier than ever.
- [COLLABORATION READY]: Windows 10 Pro (optimal for Business and Education) protects your data with enterprise-grade security, boosts productivity with powerful management tools, and keeps going with long battery life. Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 combo supports Gigabit speed and smooth streaming of high-resolution videos, HP True Vision 720p HD Webcam with Integrated Dual Array Digital Microphones ready for remote work, virtual meeting, and online class.
- [HIGH EFFICIENCY]: The windows laptop PC is sensibly optimized for productivity and flexibility with 1 x SuperSpeed USB Type-C 5Gbps signaling rate; 2 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate-A for fast data transfer, 1x HDMI, 1x Mic/Headphone combo delivers true sound quality, 1x Multi-Format SD Media Card Reader, Fingerprint reader ensuring secure access. 1-year manufacturer warranty. Free upgrade to Windows 11 when available.
- 【15.6 HD Micro-edge display】With virtually no bezel encircling the display, an ultra-wide viewing experience provides for seamless multi-monitor set-ups. Enjoy your entertainment with the great quality and highdefinition detail of 1 million pixels.
- 【AMD Ryzen 3 3250U】Uplift your performance and multitask seamlessly with accelerated power and efficiency, while enjoying stunning HD visuals.
- 【Upgrade to 16GB DDR4 RAM】Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.
- 【Upgraded storage to 1TB HDD + 256GB SSD】Provides massive storage space for huge files, so that you can store important digital data and work your way through it with ease. It gives you enormous space to save all of your files.
- 【Additional ports & Accessories】1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C 5Gbps signaling rate; 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 1 RJ-45; 1 Headphone/microphone combo; 1 AC Smart pin; 1 HDMI 1.4b. Ghost Manta Accessories Included 1x HDMI Cable, 1x USB extension cord, 1x Mouse Pad.
- TAKE IT ANYWHERE – With its thin and light design, 6.5 millimeter micro-edge bezel display, and 82% screen to body ratio, you can take this PC anywhere and see more of what you love (1).
- REVOLUTIONARY ENTERTAINMENT – Enjoy ultra-wide viewing angles and seamlessly perform multi-monitor set-ups with a 15.6-inch, Full HD, IPS, micro-edge, and anti-glare display (2).
- IMPRESSIVE GRAPHICS – The Intel Iris Xe Graphics gives you a new level of performance with crisp, stunning visuals, plus the convenience of a thin and light laptop (3).
- UNSTOPPABLE PERFORMANCE – Get things done fast with the 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which delivers instant responsiveness and best-in-class connectivity (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Get up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage and experience improved multitasking with higher bandwidth thanks to 8 GB of RAM (5).
- AMD Athlon Mobile Processor with Radeon Graphics. AMD Athlon Silver 3050U (2.3 GHz, up to 3.2 GHz). Get more done faster on a reliable laptop that can keep up with your everyday tasks.
- 14-inch diagonal HD, SVA, anti-glare, micro-edge, WLED-backlit, (1366 x 768) Display. Gives you the space and clarity you need to get your work done. Weighs 3.24 lbs. and measures 0.8" thin Ultrathin and ultralight for maximum portability, featuring a smaller screen size.
- RAM is upgraded to 16GB DDR4 SDRAM for multitasking Adequate high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once. 512GB solid state drive (SSD) While offering less storage space than a hard drive, a flash-based SSD has no moving parts, resulting in faster start-up times and data access, no noise, and reduced heat production and power draw on the battery.
- Up to 10 Hours of battery life means you can transition from morning meetings to evening entertainment without plugging in.
- Windows 10 Home in S mode, You may switch to regular windows 10: Press "Start button" bottom left of the screen; Select "Settings" icon above "power" icon;Select Update & Security and Activation, then Go to Store; Select "Get" option under "Switch out of S mode"; Hit Install. (If you also see an "Upgrade your edition of Windows" section, be careful not to click the "Go to the Store" link that appears there.)
