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Laptops are the new digital notebook, and now an essential item for most high school students around Australia. With so many different laptops to choose from, finding the best student laptop for your child can be daunting. That’s why we’ve created a student laptop buying guide to take the guesswork out of buying a laptop for school.
Useful Information
Check your school’s laptop requirements?
If your child’s school has a Bring Your Own Device policy, they would have provided you with a list of suggested brands and models, as well as minimum spec requirements, for any laptop to use at school. Learn what to consider when buying a laptop for school below.
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Student Laptops Products
Officeworks has an extended range of student laptops to help you switch it up between study, work, and play. Explore the range of laptops below.
Student Laptops
Thanks to the new tech age, laptops are the new digital notebook, however finding the right fit can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve broken down some of your choices for you in this buying guide, so you can find the perfect digital study companion.
Shop NowStudent 2 in 1 Laptops
If you’re looking for a laptop that’s as versatile as you are, a 2 in 1 laptop is a great place to start. Flip into the future with this notebook and tablet combo, allowing you to create with the touchscreen, stream classes using various display modes and type up your next essay in notebook mode. Plus, you can purchase the HP Pavilion 14-x360 without burdening your environmental conscience, as it’s made from recycled components and operates in an energy-efficient manner.
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Student Chromebooks
Pack light on weight and heavy on functionality with our range of Student Chromebooks. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 2-in-1 Chromebook comes with a detachable keyboard, so you can read your school notes like you would on a piece of paper using tablet mode. What’s more is your access to a wide range of productivity apps and learning tools via the included Google Play Store—so you can better plan and study.
Shop NowStudent Tablets
No one hustles like a student; whether it’s hiking across campus to their next class or cramming till dawn before their exam. So why not hustle a with a lighter and smarter device? Student Tablets are great for learning minds as many emulate a pen to paper style of notetaking—which assist not only with focus and comprehension, but also retention. Plus, most tablets come with exciting creative apps like Samsung’s PENUP and Apple’s Procreate.
Laptop Bags & Sleeves
Use a laptop bag or sleeve to keep your child’s laptop protected when they travel to and from school. They’ll be able to keep their chargers in their too and won’t add any extra weight to their already full school bag.
Shop NowLaptop Accessories
Transform and expand the capabilities of your school laptop with our plethora of accessories. Whether it’s a stylus for your digital art or Bluetooth keyboard for your iPad, we’ve got you covered.
Software
Expand the storage capacity of your child’s laptop with an external hard drive and use it to back up their schoolwork too. USB sticks can be used to transfer files from devices – handy when working on group assignments.
Shop NowHard Drives & Storage
Expand the storage capacity of your child’s laptop with an external hard drive and use it to back up their schoolwork too. USB sticks can be used to transfer files from devices – handy when working on group assignments.
Things to Consider
Operating System
Many schools run Windows-based programs, so it’s essential to check the operating system of the laptop you want to buy and choose one that is compatible with your software. Compatibility is essential for classroom collaboration and homework.
- Apple laptops (MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro) run with macOS. As an additional extra, they can be configured to run Windows.
- Chromebooks only run on the Linux-based Chrome operating system (which means they are not directly compatible with Windows or Mac).
- Tablets come in a range of operating systems, including Apple macOS (iPad), Android (Samsung Galaxy Tab and Lenovo), and Windows (Microsoft Surface and Dell).
Battery Life
You’ll want at least six hours to get through the school day without having to charge. Devices fitted with the latest Intel energy-efficient Generation Core™ processors can stretch battery life, so keep your eye out for those.
WiFi Connectivity
To be sure your child can connect to the school wireless network you’ll need “Dual Band WiFi”. This is also useful outside of school as it makes it easier to connect to other WiFi networks. Our Back to School approved laptops have been pre-selected to ensure they all contain Dual Band WiFi.
Portability
Consider how the laptop will be transported to and from school. If it is kept in your child’s backpack, you need to make sure it can fit. You should also assess the weight of the laptop to make sure it will be light enough to carry every day.
Durability
A laptop is an investment, and you want to make sure it will last throughout your child’s schooling years. Consider how they might be using their laptop as they progress through school. Will they be pursuing design, media or music electives, or maybe they will explore IT subjects? If so, they may need a different type of laptop to the one they had earlier in their school life.
