5 best laptops for students to buy in Australia in 2023
Take the guesswork out of shopping for a student laptop with our guide to affordable, portable models.
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Whether you’re a student yourself, or shopping on behalf of a school-aged child, choosing the right laptop can have a huge impact on productivity.
With so many models available though, finding the ‘best’ one for the job can be an overwhelming task. That’s why we’ve rounded up seven top models for all students and budgets, based on tech specs, features, prices and real customer ratings.
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Our general recommendation is for parents or students to look for a laptop that is within their budget, has the required specs for classes and activities, has a decent battery life and storage capacity, and is lightweight and portable enough to be carried around without issue (13-inches is ideal for younger students, though senior and tertiary students may want a model that’s a little bigger).
If any kind of remote learning is required, it could also be worth looking for a model with a webcam built-in. Those worried about privacy can meanwhile purchase a webcam separately and only connect it during learning hours.
Additionally, it’s worth purchasing a laptop from a reputable brand, and ensuring it has a warranty for added peace of mind.
HOW WE CHOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
OUR TOP PICKS
In this article
- What should I look for in a student laptop?
- What is BYOD in education?
- How much should I pay for a student laptop?
BEST ALL-ROUNDER LAPTOP FOR STUDENTS
Apple MacBook Air (13”, M1, 2020), $1347 (down from $1499), Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
The MacBook Air (2020) may not be quite as impressive as Apple’s M2-powered models, but it remains the most affordable laptop by the brand and the best student device under $1500. Equipped with sharp text, professional level cinematic colour grading and a full day of battery life on a single charge, the lightweight device will easily see students through multiple years of study.
Powered by the M1 chip, the Air (2020) offers fast and powerful performance and a fanless design that is ideal for classrooms and quiet study areas. Similar to other MacBooks too, the MacBook Air (2020) allows for seamless syncing and data transfer with other Apple devices, making it a top choice for students already in Apple’s ecosystem.
The Air (2020) holds an impressive 4.8 out of five-star rating from more than 31,000 Google reviews, with one five-star reviewer noting the laptop is: “lightweight and portable with a long battery life, yet is powerful enough to support intensive coding sessions and even some graphics-intensive applications. Whether you’re a student looking for a reliable machine or a software developer looking for an on-the-go companion notebook, the Apple MacBook Air 2020 is still a great laptop.”
BEST BUDGET LAPTOPS FOR STUDENTS
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook, $394 (down from $499), The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
Boasting a 4.4 out of five-star rating on Google Reviews, Lenovo’s IdeaPad Duet Chromebook is a true value-for-money option. While it doesn’t quite measure up to Microsoft’s rival Go range, the two-in-one offers a great experience with Chrome OS, a vibrant screen and a lightweight, ultraportable design – all at a much cheaper price point.
The simple pin and magnet nature of the Duet makes it easy for kids of all ages to connect and detach, so they can switch between a laptop for research and assignments, and a tablet for notetaking, as needed. The keyboard isn’t quite as sleek as Microsoft’s, but it is comfortable and responsive enough to meet most student’s needs. Lenovo also claims the Duet has a 10-hour battery life, so it should easily power through a school day without needing to be charged.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, from $1199, Microsoft
What You Need To Know
Though it arrives at a cheaper price point than Microsoft’s other devices, the Surface Go 2 is a premium 2-in-1 that performs basic needs well. The base model will struggle to run the full Windows 10 or 11, however, if you run Windows 10 in S mode and stick to apps from the Microsoft Store, you’ll be just fine.
Keeping the same ultraportable nature and 12.4-inch PixelSense display as its predecessor, the Go 2 is an ideal size for younger students to carry around without being weighed down. It also comes with a faster processor, all day battery life, updated storage options and a fingerprint reader, making it a big improvement on the original Surface Go.
It is important to note that the Surface Go 2 ships without a keyboard, so those looking for a laptop rather than a tablet will need to purchase one separately, which will drive up the price. If this isn’t a deal-breaker though, you’ll get plenty of portability and flexibility out of this lightweight device.
BEST TWO-IN-ONE LAPTOPS FOR STUDENTS
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook, $719 (down from $899), The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
Toeing the line nicely between affordability and function is Lenovo’s IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook. A great update on the original Duet, the Duet 5 features a fantastic screen, a great experience with Chrome OS and a battery life of around 15 hours on a single charge.
It also comes with a responsive, detachable keyboard included in the price, which puts it ahead of rival models that require you to purchase the keyboard separately, and has Bluetooth 5.1 support for connecting additional peripherals.
It isn’t the fastest device out there and the audio can sound a little tinny without headphones but, overall, it’s an impressively priced Chromebook that will suit the average student’s needs.
BEST LAPTOPS FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Acer Aspire 5 (A515-56-7778), $1195, digiDirect
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking to upgrade to a new Windows 11 laptop, don’t hesitate to snap up Acer’s Aspire 5. The lightweight laptop is a practical and powerful student option equipped with Wi-Fi 6, up to eight hours of battery life, expandable RAM, four USB ports and even a LAN port.
The thin laptop is a tad heavier than some others on this list, but the slim exterior makes it easy to carry between classes or throw in a backpack without significantly adding to the weight.
The screen could be a little brighter and there’s no memory card reader included, but the Aspire 5’s impressive specs and fast performance make it an excellent laptop for both high school and tertiary education students.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A STUDENT LAPTOP?
Our general recommendation is for parents or students to look for a laptop that is within their budget, has the required specs for classes and activities, has a decent battery life and storage capacity, and is lightweight and portable enough to be carried around without issue (13-inches is ideal for younger students, though senior and tertiary students may want a model that’s a little bigger).
If any kind of remote learning is required, it could also be worth looking for a model with a webcam built-in. Those worried about privacy can meanwhile purchase a webcam separately and only connect it during learning hours.
Additionally, it’s worth purchasing a laptop from a reputable brand, and ensuring it has a warranty for added peace of mind.
WHAT IS BYOD IN EDUCATION?
Many schools now have a BYOD, or “Bring Your Own Device” policy, which allows students to purchase and bring their own laptop or tablet to the classroom. BYOD programs are usually optional, however, some schools may insist that students supply their own device. It’s best to check the requirements of your school before classes begin.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I PAY FOR A STUDENT LAPTOP?
The cost of a student laptop in Australia can vary widely depending on the brand, model and specifications. On the lower end, you can find laptops for around $500, while on the higher end, laptops can cost upwards of $2000.
It’s worth noting that laptop prices change frequently, and that there are often sales or discounts available – so it’s a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.
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