If you have decided to buy a computer for a student and do not know which one to choose, perhaps this article will help you make the right decision. To do this, take into account two arguments:
- Decide in advance on the budget. Considering the numerous experiences we can say that this is the only way not to overpay in the end. Don’t forget to budget for the necessary furniture: computer desk, chair, and so on.
- Adequately consider the needs of the student. Today’s market is overflowing with different models of computers, where each is designed for a specific use.
Minimum characteristics of a student’s PC
The main thing is that the student’s computer meets his needs. Most often it is studying and surfing the Internet. The minimum specifications for such a PC are as follows:
Processor
The processor is the brain of the computer. Other elements that make up a PC depend on it, such as the type of RAM.
RAM
As they say the more the better. The recommended minimum is 2 GB, but if you can afford it, of course, it is better to have 4 GB. More is not necessary. A further increase in RAM, of course, will give the opportunity to run more programs simultaneously, but it is less important for the student.
Monitor
For a desktop PC, the minimum size of the monitor is 17 inches, preferably larger. For a laptop, the recommended minimum is 15 inches. If the student is interested in graphics, study the differences between TN, IPS, and VA technologies.
Hard Drive
The minimum hard drive size is 500 GB. As with RAM, the more the better, but the disk is not the key element.
Consider where the student will use the PC
Most students buy a laptop so they can always be online. But consider any desktop PC is always more powerful and cheaper than a laptop. Plus, a laptop is harder to upgrade than a desktop PC, and the components are much more expensive.
Watching movies on your PC
If you plan to connect your computer to your TV, you need to have an HDMI output. Being able to use your PC to study and watch movies on your TV will save you money. Fortunately, on AMD and Intel computers, acceleration in high-definition movie playback is enabled “by default.”
Playing games on PC
For a gaming computer, the most important element is the graphics card. Prices for the cheapest video cards are around $50-60. Unfortunately, modern games won’t work with such a graphics card, and you’ll have to spend at least $150 on a decent card.
But, the best strategy, in this case, is to upgrade your graphics card every year, saving for a price drop.
Mathematical computing
If a student needs computing power, one of the most important components becomes RAM. In this case, it is wise to increase RAM to 4 GB and try a 64-bit operating system capable of handling it.
Peripherals (keyboard, mouse, headphones)
This item is important both when putting together a desktop computer and when choosing a laptop: pay close attention to the keyboard and mouse. Since the student will be doing a lot of typing, a comfortable keyboard is a guarantee of comfortable work.
A good keyboard is especially important when the student does a lot of writing. Fortunately, a paper writing service is an invaluable tool for students who are struggling with their college assignments. Whether you are a high school student, college student, or graduate student, a service like Cheappaperwriting can help you to get your work done quickly and efficiently.
If you settle on a laptop, then before buying come to the store and try to type on the keyboard a couple of phrases – it does not matter if the screen is off. The main thing is to understand if it’s comfortable.
As for peripherals for the desktop computer, here everything is a little more complicated, so let’s go in order. Computer keyboards can be divided into two broad categories: membrane and mechanical. They differ in the way the keys work: on the first, they are all connected to a single soft membrane; on the second – each key has its own switch.
The practical difference lies in the way it feels when you type. Mechanical keyboards provide a more tactile response from the keys, but they are much more expensive than their membrane counterparts. Keyboards, like mice, can sometimes be wireless; but for desktop computers, it is not as important as for laptops – feel free to choose a wired one, so as not to overpay for nothing. Although, again, the main criterion here is the convenience of typing, and it can be clarified only by trying the device personally.
Mice are a little easier in this respect: they differ in sensor resolution, additional keys, weight, and other small parameters. Just choose the one that fits best in your hand: if the mouse body supports your palm and your hand is not hanging in the air, everything is fine. Let’s warn only one thing – don’t be in a hurry to spend a lot of money on gaming devices.
Also, it’s worth thinking about a headset with a microphone and a webcam for video calling. It is not necessary to buy something expensive, but you should not save too much either: if you notice some interesting model, read reviews of other buyers or look for reviews of bloggers on YouTube. The latter is especially useful to assess the quality of sound and video recording.
If you are looking to get comfy while studying (or gaming), check out our list of the best gaming chairs.
In other news, here is our review of the Razer Kraken gaming headset just for you.