5 BEST LAPTOPS UNDER $300 FOR STUDENTS IN 2021
In this era of technology, having a laptop is a necessity. It is required: for performing various tasks like composing and sending an e-mail, making reports and presentations, for entertainment purposes, and so on. Like other people, a student also needs a laptop to perform their academic tasks and seek help in their studies. It gives easy access to informational and educational websites, which help the students enhance their skills and increase their knowledge.
However, for these purposes, one needs a good quality laptop which should also be budget-friendly.
Here a question arises; can a cheap laptop be good both quality and performance-wise? Well! Yes, there are many laptops available which are of high quality and lower rates.
If you are looking for a high-performance, low-cost laptop, this article will surely help you find the best laptop under $300. Keep on reading until the end.
1. ACER CHROMEBOOK SPIN 311 CONVERTIBLE LAPTOP ($289.99)
Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has an interesting spec, a spin of 360o that gives it a rotation to create four versatile modes: a notebook, stand-up display, tent, or tablet. A good choice for work and study purposes. It is portable; you can easily use it anywhere with a day-long battery life of 10 hours. The experience of video conferences and zoom meetings enhance with the wide-angle webcam. A soothing touch feature gives a sensational experience with its corning gorilla glass touchscreen. Although it has a touch screen still the keyboard and trackpad are so satisfying. The 11.6 inches HD display with IPS technology gives a clear vision with saturated colors. This gadget has an operating system Chrome OS. The processor 2.8 GHz Celeron provides less power usage and high-speed software response.
CONS:
The screen is not full HD. The imperfect display when getting close to the screen is disturbing.
2. LENOVO IDEAPAD 3 CHROMEBOOK ($169.99)
Lenovo Ideapad 3 is a laptop with a sleek and slim design. It is easily accessible with no setup required. Just sign in with the Google account, and you are good to go; either work or play. Carry it anywhere without the fear of a dead battery, as it has a battery life of 10 long hours. Intel Cerelon processor gives the system a smooth and fast response. Google Play adds a plus point with its library of different APPs. The protection from viruses and other security threats makes the system secure. The keyboard and touchpad are reliable and easy to click. Flexible connectivity makes it easier to perform online tasks without distractions. It is undoubtedly affordable and the finest choice for the students. Compatible with MS Office 365.
CONS:
If you want a laptop with a brighter screen, then don’t go for it as it has a dim and dull display.
3. ACER CHROMEBOOK 314 ($254.09)
Acer Chromebook 314 is an elegant and stylish laptop for personal use. It is a functional gadget with the ability to perform every task; intelligently and efficiently. The 14 inches HD display is crystal clear and has a sharp and bright screen. Built-in virus protection minimizes the possibility of any virus attack. It provides easy conversion of Microsoft Office files into Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. The clicks of the keyboard and the touchpad are pleasing and simplify the typing and clicking. The students can easily access all the necessary online platforms. It promises interruption-free work with an all-day-long 12.5 hours battery. The high-speed processor enables multiple pages to run at the moment.
CONS:
Do not buy if looking for the best quality speakers. It has an average audio system.
4. ASUS LAPTOP L210 ULTRA THIN ($229)
Asus laptop L210 is a laptop which a student can dream of, and that too in just two hundred dollars. An 11.6 inches screen with a bright HD display is a smart choice for the students to do their academic researches and make assignments. The keyboard gives a comfortable typing experience. Ultra-thin is a lightweight laptop with a 180o lay-flat display giving it an aesthetic look. A 12 hours daylong battery minimizes the need for carrying the heavy adapter all the time. It has an operating system, Windows 10 S. The CPU speed of 2.8 GHz adds the advantage of doing multitasking without a hitch.
CONS:
It does not support the backlight on the keyboard.
5. LENOVO IDEAPAD 1 LAPTOP ($262.99)
Lenovo Ideapad 1 is a pocket-friendly laptop and a daily companion for basic tasks. With its 64Gb storage, it gives rapid data access without hassles. The Dolby audio feature delivers a crystal-clear sound that enhances the experience of video conferences, zoom meetings, and audios. The 14 inches screen has a vibrant and colorful look. It is an on-the-go laptop for students because it is easy to carry in backpacks and has long battery life. The keyboard has a crisp feel and is flexible to use. Touchpad also has good functionality. The processor’s performance is reliable enough to get any work done with this long-lasting laptop. It has MS Office 365 installed in it. The operating system is Windows 10 (S-Mode).
P.S. S-Mode is a security feature. It’s simple to convert to the Windows 10 Home 64-bit operating system.
CONS:
It has a low screen resolution.
BUYING GUIDE FOR STUDENTS TO PURCHASE A LAPTOP:
To purchase anything, you must know the details, uses, and features of that particular thing. You must know: what features should be given priority in the product? Is it cost-effective?
Similarly, while buying a laptop, you should consider many important factors. Before selecting, be sure that it is reliable and long-lasting. The following is a quick guide with valuable tips to enable you to choose the best laptop.
Know Your Budget:
You should know your budget before purchasing a laptop. Once you have decided on a specific amount to spend on it, you are ready to go. Make a list of low-cost laptops and select the one that best meets your requirements.
Portability and Mobility:
Select a laptop that is easy to carry and portable. Since you are a student and need to have it in your backpack, it must be lightweight. The screen size of 11 inches to 14 inches will be sufficient to create a perfect balance between portability and mobility.
The Operating System:
An operating system is a software and hardware management system that runs on a computer. These days, most laptops come with the Windows 10 operating system pre-installed. Chromebook OS and MAC OS are two other operating systems. MAC OS is more expensive, but it has more features. On the other hand, Chromebook OS is a good option for students. It is totally up to you to determine which option is best for you.
RAM and Processor:
Both the processor and the RAM are equally important in a laptop. A processor determines the speed of the computer. A powerful processor leads to the faster completion of tasks. RAM is also essential in deciding the performance of a system. It gives quick data access. The more the RAM, the greater is the ability to multitask. As a student, a 4Gb RAM will go best for performing your daily tasks: be it using MS Office, browsing the Internet, or watching videos.
Battery Life:
Being a student, you should opt for a laptop that at least has a battery life of 8 hours because you may need to take it with you to your institute, where it is less likely to charge. Therefore, a day-long battery should be your first choice.
Keyboard and Touchpad:
While buying a laptop, you should also check the reliability of its keyboard and touchpad. A flexible keyboard and a precise touchpad must be your priority for perfect typing and clicking.
CONCLUSION:
I hope this article has dispelled many people’s doubts about cheap and pocket-friendly laptops. Yes, it can be inexpensive as well as efficient. You may not get every best feature in one laptop and have to compromise on some of them. You must prioritize ones that you need, not those that are unimportant.
Amongst all the laptops listed above, ACER CHROMEBOOK SPIN 311 CONVERTIBLE LAPTOP is the one I would recommend. It comes with a touch screen and spins feature to rotate 360o, giving the user an edge to use this convertible laptop in four exciting modes, according to their comfort, that too for $289 only. A highly recommended laptop with exceptional performance.
I hope this article to be helpful for you in making the right decision and choosing the best match.
