Now is the time to get a student laptop – these models are built to last through high school.

In early August, many parents head out with their children to buy computers as teens start high school. A laptop is a major investment, as it will be used daily throughout high school and must perform reliably during the final matriculation exams. How do you know which laptop is right for a student, what features are essential, and what are the price ranges? An expert from Verkkokauppa.com explains.

The most important factor when buying a laptop for high school is ensuring compatibility with the Abitti exam system (also known as DigabiOS). Most laptops work with Abitti, and manufacturers now test this in advance. However, it doesn't work with all models, such as the newer MacBook models many teens want. The Abitti website maintains a list of compatible devices, and Verkkokauppa.com has also gathered all compatible laptops into one easy-to-find section on their website.

How much should you spend on a good student laptop?

Laptops come in a wide range of prices, with the cheapest starting around two hundred euros. According to Verkkokauppa.com Purchasing Manager Antti Aulavuori, you shouldn't necessarily go for the most affordable models when shopping for a student laptop.

“A laptop for a high school student should be viewed as a multi-year investment. It needs enough power and memory to perform well even during the matriculation exams. Prices for good basic machines start at around five hundred euros. If the computer will also be used for gaming or video editing, prices rise to about a thousand euros. It’s a good idea to discuss the student's needs before heading to the store,” says Aulavuori.

Which features should you focus on?

When choosing a laptop, Aulavuori recommends paying attention to the processor and memory. These indicate the computer's performance and longevity. For example, in Intel processors, the number following the 'i' indicates the performance class, followed by a hyphen and the generation number. The generation number reveals the age of the machine. Currently, the latest is Intel's 10th generation, so 8th, 9th, and 10th generations are still good options. A model name like "i7-8565U" indicates a powerful 8th-generation processor. Aulavuori doesn't recommend older models for students, as their security and performance may be outdated. For AMD processors, Aulavuori suggests choosing an AMD Ryzen model.

“In addition to a powerful processor, it’s important that the machine has enough memory and storage. I’d say at least eight gigabytes of RAM is necessary for the laptop to stay relevant. Storage should be at least 128 gigabytes,” Aulavuori adds.

When is the best time to buy?

It’s best to shop for a computer well before school starts. According to Aulavuori, while some models might still be available the night before school begins, the most popular models with the best price-to-performance ratio sell out first.

“We prepare for the peak in demand by ordering special models designed specifically for students that offer great value. However, these are ordered in limited quantities and won't be restocked once they're gone. If you're interested in these models, I recommend not leaving the purchase until the first day of school,” Aulavuori states.

Verkkokauppa.com recommends these laptops for high school:

HP Notebook 15-db1019no 15.6" (€549.90)

• 15.6" Full HD display, meaning the student might not need a larger external monitor for longer study sessions
• Ryzen 3 processor has plenty of power for high school
• 512 GB SSD has plenty of room for photos, videos, and Office files

ASUS VivoBook 17 17.3" (€699.90)

• 17.3" display, so the student may not need a separate monitor for extended work.
• Despite its size, the machine is quite light, weighing only 2.3 kilograms

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14’’ (€879.90)

• Dedicated graphics card for light graphic design or gaming
• Fast quad-core processor and ample storage
• Digital pen and backlit keyboard

Lenovo Yoga C640 13.3" (€1,099.90)

• 360-degree rotating touchscreen and pen. Perfect for creative students who want to edit photos or videos in addition to their studies
• Powerful processor and plenty of memory

HP Pavilion Gaming 15-ec0028no 15.6" (€1,299.90)

• A laptop suitable for both high school studies and gaming
• Powerful processor, plenty of memory, and a dedicated graphics card make this a capable gaming machine

Additional information
press@verkkokauppa.com (Ulkoinen palvelu)

Verkkokauppa.com
Verkkokauppa.com is Finland's leading online retailer, offering a wide range of products from home technology to leisure and business needs. Operating since 1992, the company is one of the world's oldest online retailers, combining e-commerce and physical stores into a seamless omnichannel customer experience. Verkkokauppa.com's four megastores are located in Oulu, Pirkkala, Raisio, and Helsinki's Jätkäsaari district. To deliver an exceptional customer experience, the company delivers products to your door in as little as one hour, around the clock, using automation and robotics. Verkkokauppa.com employs approximately 600 people, and the company's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.