Whether you’re a fresh undergraduate looking for a new laptop, or a varsity veteran in need of an upgrade, there are plenty of laptops to choose from in South Africa. However, as a student, it’s important to ensure that your new laptop is not only friendly on your budget, but that it also suits your academic needs.
That’s why we’re here to help. In our latest article, we take a look at the best laptops for students studying graphic design, computer science as well as all the other majors.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing Laptops in South Africa
Before we dive into the list of the best laptops for students in South Africa, it’s important to consider what factors to look for when choosing a laptop. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Price: As a student, you likely have a limited budget, so it’s important to find a laptop that offers good value for money. Don’t sacrifice quality for price, but also don’t overspend on features you don’t need.
- Battery life: You’ll likely be using your laptop for long periods of time, so it’s important to choose one with a long battery life. Look for laptops with at least 8 hours of battery life.
- Portability: If you’ll be carrying your laptop around campus or to and from class, you’ll want a laptop that’s lightweight and portable. Consider the size and weight of the laptop when making your decision.
- Performance: You’ll need a laptop that can handle multitasking, running multiple programs at once, and handling large files. Look for laptops with at least 8GB of RAM and a fast processor.
- Durability: Since you’ll be using your laptop on a daily basis, you’ll want one that’s built to last. Look for laptops with a sturdy build and good reviews for durability.
Now that you know what to look for in a laptop, let’s look at the different types of laptops available for students. Remember, there are all kinds of laptops out there, and some are a better fit for your studies and field of work than others.
Specifically, in this article, we’ll be looking at laptops for students studying graphic design, computer science and all other college and university students.
The Best Laptops for Graphic Design Students
Graphic design is a field that requires a lot of creativity and precision. Whether you are a professional graphic designer or a student just starting out, having the right tools is essential to create stunning designs. One of the most important tools for graphic design is a laptop, which is why we’ve listed specific laptops for students who are studying in this field.
If you’re a graphic design student just starting out, these are the specs you’ll need to look out for when choosing the best laptops for your field of work:
- Display: A high-resolution display with accurate colours and good brightness for editing and creating your designs. You’ll need a laptop with at least a full HD (1920 x 1080) display, although a 4K would be better.
- Performance: Purchase a laptop that can handle your graphic design software. Look for a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent, 8GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card.
- Storage: Graphic design files can be quite large, so you’ll need a laptop with ample storage. Look for a laptop with at least 256GB of SSD storage, although 512GB or more would be ideal.
- Battery life: As a graphic design student, you’ll likely need to work on your laptop for extended periods. Look for a laptop with a battery life of at least 8 hours.
- Design: A slim and lightweight laptop is ideal for portability, while a durable build quality will ensure your laptop can handle the demands of everyday use.
If you’re unsure where to find laptops with the above specs, don’t worry, we’ll help get you started! Below you’ll find our top picks for laptops for graphic design students.
Lenovo IdeaPad Ryzen 7 512 SSD
The Lenovo IdeaPad Ryzen 7 512 SSD is a powerful laptop that’s great for graphic design students at any level—whether you’re a fresh undergraduate or just starting your postgraduate degree.
This is because the Lenovo IdeaPad Ryzen 7 512 SSD is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, making it capable of handling complex design software with ease. The 16-inch Full HD IPS display with anti-glare coating delivers accurate colours and sharp details, meaning you’ll be able to see your designs in excellent detail (and avoid that awful glare from the sun on your screen).
The Lenovo IdeaPad Ryzen 7 512 SSD’s modern design is both lightweight and durable, with a backlit keyboard that allows for easy use in low-light conditions.
Lenovo IdeaPad Ryzen 7 512 SSD also has a variety of ports, including:
- two USB 3.1 Type-A ports
- a USB 3.1 Type-C port
- an HDMI port
- SD card reader
- Wi-Fi 6, and
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
MacBook Air M2 256 SSD (13 inch)
The MacBook Air M2 256 SSD (13 inch) is a popular choice for graphic design students due to its powerful hardware and high-resolution Retina display. The MacBook laptop features an M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, which provides high performance and speed for running graphic design applications such as Adobe Creative Suite. The 13-inch Retina display has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 and supports the P3 wide colour gamut, providing accurate and vivid colours for design work.
The MacBook Air M2 also has a long battery life of up to 18 hours, making it convenient for students who need to work on the go. The laptop has 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, providing fast storage and smooth multitasking.
MacBook Pro M2 256 SSD (13 inch)
Similar to the MacBook Air M2, the MacBook Pro M2 256 SSD (13 inch) features an M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, providing excellent performance.
The MacBook Pro M2 also comes with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, ensuring that the laptop can handle multitasking with ease and provide fast storage. The MacBook laptop’s Touch Bar and Touch ID features offer convenient access to frequently used features and enhanced security.
The MacBook Pro M2’s long battery life of up to 17 hours, which is great for when you’re working on your designs during load shedding, as you’ll know your laptop battery will be able to last.
The Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
Computer science students need a laptop that can handle complex programming tasks and data analysis software. It should also have a long battery life, a durable design and, of course, good value for money!
With that said, although affordability is important, you still need to ensure that the laptop you’re getting is top-notch. When looking out for a laptop as a computer science student, make sure it meets the below minimum requirements:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors are considered to be mid-range processors that offer a good balance between performance and price. However, if you have a larger budget, you may consider upgrading to an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor for even more power.
- Memory: Memory or RAM is an essential component of a laptop for computer science students. It allows the laptop to multitask efficiently and handle large amounts of data. At least 8GB of RAM is recommended for most programming tasks. However, if you plan on running more demanding software or working on large data sets, you may consider upgrading to 16GB or even 32GB of RAM.
- Storage: Storage or hard drive is another important factor to consider. A solid-state drive (SSD) is recommended over a traditional hard drive as it provides faster read and write speeds, which is beneficial for running software and opening large files. A minimum of 256GB of storage is recommended, but if you plan on storing large files or installing multiple software, you may consider upgrading to a 512GB or 1TB SSD.
Overall, a laptop with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD is a good starting point for computer science students. However, if you have a larger budget or plan on running more demanding software, you may consider upgrading to more powerful components.
If you’re unable to decide, be sure to check out our below list of the best laptops for computer science students:
Lenovo Ideapad i3 8GB/256 SSD
The Lenovo Ideapad i3 8GB/256 SSD is a great option for computer science students who are looking for an affordable yet reliable laptop. The laptop comes with an 8th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, providing enough power to handle programming languages like Java, Python and C++.
The 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD provide enough memory and storage space to handle multiple applications and projects simultaneously. The Lenovo Ideapad i3 also features a 14-inch full HD display with an anti-glare coating, which is ideal for long coding sessions as the anti-glare coating will protect your eyes from the screen.
The Lenovo Ideapad i3 8GB/256 SSD has a sleek and lightweight design, making it easy for students to carry around campus. It also comes with Windows 10 pre-installed, offering an intuitive and user-friendly operating system for computer science students.
Dell Vostro 3510 i5 8GB/256 SSD
The Dell Vostro 3510 i5 8GB/256 SSD is equipped with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, providing enough power to handle resource-intensive programming software like Visual Studio, Eclipse and Android Studio.
With 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD, the Dell Vostro 3510 can run multiple applications and projects at the same time, allowing students to work a lot more effectively. The 15.6-inch full HD display is also great for extended coding sessions, with an anti-glare coating that reduces eye strain.
The Dell Vostro 3510 i5 8GB/256 SSD is designed to be durable and long-lasting, with a sturdy chassis and spill-resistant keyboard that can withstand the rigours of campus life. It also comes with Windows 10 pre-installed, offering a user-friendly and intuitive operating system for computer science students.
The Best Laptops for College and University Students
As you can see, certain laptop models have specific features and specifications to support students in their particular fields of study. However, a majority of college and university students simply require a laptop to help them complete their day-to-day tasks.
If you’re a student who has never owned a laptop before, you may be looking for something that’s affordable, a bit less complicated and easy to use: that’s why you need an entry-level laptop! Thankfully, there are plenty of excellent entry-level laptops for you to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a lightweight laptop with long battery life or one with epic RAM, these laptops have got you covered.
Proline V146S 4GB/128 SSD
The Proline V146S is a budget-friendly laptop that is great for students who are looking for something basic and clean. The Intel Celeron processor is powerful enough to handle simple computing tasks, such as document editing and web browsing (without lagging).
The Proline V146S’s 14-inch display is a nice size, making it perfect for viewing documents, presentations and lecture recordings. It also features a built-in webcam, making it an ideal tool for video conferencing and distance learning.
The Proline V146S is a lightweight and compact machine, making it easy to carry to class or to work on the go. Its long battery life ensures that you can work for extended periods without worrying about charging, which can be especially useful during load shedding.
Proline Celeron 4GB/500GB
The Proline Celeron 4GB/500GB comes with 4GB RAM and 500GB hard drive which is more than enough for storing your tasks and assignments as well as running basic applications.
One of the key features of the Proline Celeron 4GB/500GB is its affordability, making it accessible to students who are on a tight budget. Despite its low price point, the Proline Celeron 4GB/500GB does not compromise on performance. It is powered by an Intel Celeron processor, which ensures smooth and efficient performance.
Another advantage of this laptop is its lightweight and compact design, making it easy to carry around to lectures and study sessions. The battery life is also impressive, lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge.
Get a Study Device Loan with Fundi
Now that you know what the best laptops are, it’s time to buy a brand-new laptop to help you succeed in your studies. If you’re worried about the cost of buying a laptop, don’t worry, Fundi can help.
Fundi offers students Device Loans that cover a range of electronic gadgets, including laptops, smartphones, tablets and more.
Eager to get a Fundi Device Loan? Be sure to check out the Fundi Loan Calculator to see if you qualify today!
