8 Best Laptops for Students in Calgary

Laptops are essential for students in every field, either arts, science, or technology. The type and specification of a laptop might be different. This depends on the screen features, processor, design, and storage facilities, among others. Some courses require higher and more robust specifications and features than others. If you are a student in Calgary, here are the 8 best laptops you can get at an affordable price, with the latest features that fit your coursework purpose.

1. Microsoft Surface Pro 9

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9, with its Intel Core processor, excels as a 2-in-1 tablet for college students. Specifically, it shines for those in fields like architecture or design, where note-taking and sketching are prevalent.

This device boasts a robust performance and a long-lasting battery, ideal for day-long classes. Furthermore, its 3:2 screen ratio enhances readability and note-taking clarity, especially with a pen. Despite its premium cost, its versatility extends beyond the classroom.

The Surface Pro 9 supports keyboard attachments and docking stations, making it a solid laptop replacement. Additionally, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports ensure high-speed connectivity and future-proofing.

This tablet not only supports academic needs but also adapts to entertainment and personal use, making it a comprehensive choice for students who value flexibility and performance in their tech tools.

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2. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook stands out for its impressive 1080p OLED display, which is ideal for students studying visual arts or media studies who require bright, sharp visuals.

Its 8GB of RAM and Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen2 processor provide excellent performance for academic and multimedia applications. This Chromebook seamlessly transitions between a laptop and a tablet, with a detachable keyboard and versatile ‘tent mode’ for presentations or entertainment.

Despite its long battery life—more than 16 hours—it is more expensive than typical Chromebooks. Furthermore, while its size and design are sleek, they make it bulkier than a standard tablet, which may not appeal to everyone.

As a result, while it is one of the most affordable options, its functionality and display quality make it an appealing choice for students who require a durable, multi-use device without having to own multiple gadgets.

3. Asus Zenbook 14

The Asus Zenbook 14 offers a blend of performance and portability that is well-suited for business or Tech students. It features an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor and 16GB of RAM, enabling fast performance suitable for multitasking and productivity tasks. Its lightweight, at just three pounds, makes it highly portable for students on the go.

Additionally, the laptop boasts nearly 16 hours of battery life, ensuring a full day of use without recharging. However, the 1080p display, while clear, could be brighter. The laptop tends to run slightly hot, which could be a concern during extended use.

This model strikes a balance between functionality and comfort with its high-quality audio and secure webcam privacy shutter, making it a reliable choice for daily academic demands.

4. Lenovo Yoga 7i

The Lenovo Yoga 7i is well-suited for students in creative and technology fields who appreciate flexibility and performance. This 3-pound convertible offers the versatility of a laptop and tablet

Enriched with a premium all-metal build and an Active Pen for digital input. It features a 14-inch display with a sharp 2.2K resolution, ideal for detailed visual tasks.

The Yoga 7i also ensures security with facial recognition, fingerprint login, and a physical webcam shutter. However, drawbacks include non-expandable, soldered memory and all USB-C ports positioned on one side, which may limit connectivity options.

Overall, its long-lasting battery of nearly 13 hours supports extended academic activities, making it a robust choice for dynamic educational needs.

5. Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2)

The Apple MacBook Air (2022, M2) is particularly advantageous for college students studying subjects like technology, architecture, graphic design, or multimedia, where both software performance and visual fidelity are key.

This model, weighing only 2.7 pounds, is optimal for students who frequently move around campus. It features a 13.6-inch vibrant display and is powered by the efficient M2 chip, ensuring robust performance suitable for demanding academic applications.

Although it presents a sleek design and reasonable connectivity options, it faces limitations such as a shorter battery life compared to its M1 predecessor and a camera notch that intrudes on the display.

Additionally, it only includes two USB-C ports, though this is somewhat offset by the inclusion of a MagSafe connector.

Overall, the MacBook Air (M2) balances performance with portability, making it a solid choice for students needing a reliable, high-performing Mac within a moderate budget.

6. Dell XPS 13 (2022)

The Dell XPS 13 (2022) is tailored for students who need a compact and efficient laptop, ideal for high school or college environments.

It features a 13.4-inch display, available in both FHD+ and UHD+ options, powered by up to a 12th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, ensuring it handles typical academic tasks smoothly.

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With up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD, it supports extensive multitasking and storage needs. However, it may not suit students requiring heavy computational power, as it lacks a dedicated GPU and has limited physical ports.

Despite a controversial redesign, its lightweight nature and competitive price make it a sensible choice for students who prioritize portability and general performance over specialized functions. This model excels in daily coursework, web browsing, and basic media creation.

7. LG Gram 17

The LG Gram 17 is ideally suited for students in creative fields such as graphic design, illustration, or video editing. Its large, color-accurate display enhances productivity.

Featuring a 17-inch screen with 2560 x 1600 resolution, this laptop provides vivid visuals. It is notably lightweight, weighing only 3.2 pounds. It’s equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics.

These support both academic work and light gaming needs. Despite its many advantages, such as diverse I/O options and excellent audio, it does attract fingerprints. The speakers are also relatively quiet.

Overall, the LG Gram 17 combines portability with powerful performance. This makes it a compelling option for students who require a balance of functionality and ease of transport.

8. Acer Predator Helios Neo 16

The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 is well-suited for students in fields like gaming or graphic design. High 3D performance is essential in these areas.

This laptop features a durable aluminum top and a solid plastic keyboard deck. It also has a roomy 16-inch display, offering a robust build and clear visuals. Additionally, it includes a crisp 1080p webcam and multiple ports, such as Thunderbolt 4.

However, it is bulky and heavy, weighing 5.7 pounds, which may be cumbersome for frequent transport. It also has a weak audio output and a short battery life. These factors make prolonged, unplugged use challenging.

Despite these drawbacks, its performance in budget gaming is notable, especially when found on sale.

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Conclusions: How do You Pick the Best Laptop for your Studies in Canada?

To select the best student laptop for your studies in Canada, consider both your academic requirements and personal preferences. Firstly, identify your major or field of study. For example, creative and design students benefit from laptops like the LG Gram 17 or Apple MacBook Air (M2), which offer high-resolution displays and strong graphics performance. In contrast, students in tech or gaming might prefer the Dell XPS 13 or Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 for their processing power and portability.

Next, evaluate the laptop’s physical attributes. Weight and size matter if you frequently move around campus. Laptops such as the MacBook Air and Dell XPS 13 are light and portable, making them ideal for such students.

Consider also the battery life, especially if you spend long hours in classes or libraries. Models like the Lenovo Yoga 7i or Asus Zenbook 14, which provide extended battery life, are advantageous.

Lastly, think about the budget and available ports, as these affect the laptop’s flexibility and your ability to connect peripherals. While some laptops may offer fewer ports or have a higher price, they might still be the right choice based on your specific needs and financial flexibility.

In essence, choosing the best laptop involves balancing performance specifications, physical ease of use, budget considerations, and specific requirements of your field of study.