Best Laptops for Online College Students in 2024: Top Picks for Distance Learning
As more college classes move online, having a reliable laptop is essential for distance learning success. Selecting the best laptop for online classes involves considering factors such as performance, portability, and screen size to meet the unique needs of different students. In this guide, we’ll explore the key features to look for in a laptop for online classes and recommend some of the best HP options available in 2024.
Key Features to Look for in a Laptop for Online College
When choosing the best laptop for online school, consider these important factors:
- Performance: Look for a laptop with at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB of RAM to handle video calls and multiple browser tabs.
- Battery life: Aim for 8+ hours of battery life to get through a full day of online classes without needing to recharge.
- Portability: A laptop under 4 pounds with a 13-14 inch screen offers a good balance of portability and usability.
- Webcam and microphone: A 720p HD webcam and noise-cancelling microphone are essential for video conferencing.
- Storage: At least 256GB SSD storage provides fast boot times and plenty of space for documents and assignments.
- Connectivity: Look for WiFi 6 support and multiple USB ports for connecting accessories.
- Operating system: Choose a reliable operating system like Windows 11. The right operating system ensures compatibility with necessary applications for tasks like online teaching and meets specific needs for performance and functionality.
- Display: A full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution screen reduces eye strain during long study sessions.
- Keyboard: A comfortable, backlit keyboard makes it easier to type papers and take notes.
Now let’s look at some of the best HP laptops for online college across different price ranges and use cases.
Best Overall Laptop for Online College
OMEN Transcend Laptop 14-fb0097nr
The OMEN Transcend Laptop 14-fb0097nr offers an excellent balance of performance, portability, and features for online college students. Its powerful Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and dedicated NVIDIA graphics card can handle any coursework or creative projects, while the compact design keeps you mobile.
Key features:
- 14" diagonal 2.8K display
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Laptop GPU
- 32 GB memory
- 2 TB SSD storage
- Windows 11 Home
- Excellent battery life for all-day use
This laptop is ideal for students who need a versatile machine for both classwork and demanding applications. The 14-inch screen size strikes a great balance between portability and usability, making it easy to take to class or use in your dorm room.
Best Budget Laptop for Online College
Victus by HP Gaming Laptop 15z-fb200
For students on a tighter budget, the Victus by HP Gaming Laptop 15z-fb200 offers impressive performance at a more affordable price point. This laptop provides all the essential features needed for online learning without breaking the bank.
Key features:
- 15.6" diagonal FHD display
- AMD Ryzen™ 5 processor
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 Laptop GPU
- 8 GB memory (upgradeable)
- 512 GB SSD storage
- Windows 11 Home
- Good battery life for extended use
The Victus by HP Gaming Laptop 15z-fb200 is a great choice for students who need a reliable laptop for online classes and basic coursework. Its large 15.6-inch screen is ideal for multitasking and viewing online lectures, while the AMD processor provides smooth performance for everyday tasks.
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Online College
HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop 14-fa0047nr
For students who value versatility, the HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop 14-fa0047nr is an excellent choice. This convertible laptop can switch between laptop and tablet modes, offering flexibility for various learning scenarios.
Key features:
- 14" diagonal WUXGA touch display
- AMD Ryzen™ 7 processor
- AMD Radeon™ Graphics
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- Windows 11 Home
- Long-lasting battery life
The Envy x360’s versatile design makes it perfect for both taking notes in tablet mode and typing papers in laptop mode. The touchscreen display provides an intuitive interface for interacting with content and applications.
Best Laptop for Portability
HP Pavilion Plus Laptop 14-ey1067nr
For students who are always on the move, the HP Pavilion Plus Laptop 14-ey1067nr offers an ideal blend of performance and portability. Its slim profile and lightweight design make it easy to carry between classes or to and from school.
Key features:
- 14" diagonal 2.8K OLED display
- AMD Ryzen™ 7 processor
- AMD Radeon™ Graphics
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- Windows 11 Home
- Perfect for students needing to run demanding software
The combination of a high-resolution OLED display, strong performance, and ultraportable design makes this laptop an excellent choice for students who need a capable device that won’t weigh them down.
Best Desktop for Online College and Gaming
OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop GT22-2000t
For students who want a powerful machine that can handle both online classes and gaming, the OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop GT22-2000t offers exceptional performance. While not portable like a laptop, it’s an excellent option for students who primarily study from home and need a high-performance system.
Key features:
- Windows 11 Home
- Intel® Core™ i7-14700K processor
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 Ti Graphics
- 16 GB DDR5-5200 MHz RAM
- Customizable storage options
- Liquid cooling system
While it may be overkill for basic online coursework, the OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop is perfect for students in graphic-intensive programs or those who want a powerful system for gaming and demanding applications after classes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right laptop for online college depends on your specific needs and budget. Here’s a quick summary of our top picks:
- Best Overall: OMEN Transcend Laptop 14-fb0097nr
- Best Budget: Victus by HP Gaming Laptop 15z-fb200
- Best 2-in-1: HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop 14-fa0047nr
- Best for Portability: HP Pavilion Plus Laptop 14-ey1067nr
- Best Desktop for Gaming: OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop GT22-2000t
Remember to consider factors like battery life, portability, and performance when making your decision. With the right HP laptop or desktop, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed in your online college courses.
For more options to fit your specific needs and budget, be sure to check out our full selection of laptops, desktops, and accessories to create the perfect setup for your online learning environment.
