As the nation heads back to school, it predictably becomes “Christmas Time” for tech companies like Dell and Apple, as well as trade-in services for used electronics. This is the season when manufacturers make billions in laptop sales as college kids start looking for options to sell laptop computers and cell phones to upgrade to new ones.
Inevitably, many young consumers will be persuaded into spending needlessly on the next big tech inventions, such as tablets, iPads, etc., which might not necessarily improve their report cards. While tablets and iPads seem like outstanding teaching/learning extensions, their lack of decent word processing makes them second-rate technology in terms of serious college typing.
It’s never been easier for college students to decide what laptop to purchase. Many tech retailers now sell computers with special student discounts and financing options, making it possible to afford the latest tech. Of course, the budget is an issue; however, one can always buy a used or refurbished device to reduce costs.
Moreover, there is no longer any pressure to purchase certain high-priced laptop brands. Since much of college studying now happens online and remotely, and the laptop brand becomes less relevant, students continuously settle for more affordable options. Of course, if the college majors require a device for engineering and graphics design projects, investing in specific technology with high-performance specs is wiser.
Some of the most talked-about laptops this season include the Apple MacBook lineup with the new version of its operating system, Mountain Lion. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is in the same price range and is often compared to the latest Apple MacBook Air or the HP Envy 6 Sleekbook. These are highly rated for their ultra-thin profiles and exceptional computing capabilities, making them appealing to students.