Best Student Laptops Under 700

Tight on cash but need a laptop for school? You've come to the right place. We're diving deep into the best student laptops under $700, built for budget-conscious individuals. We'll help you get the most bang for your buck.

Why Focus on Laptops Under $700?

Let's face it: college is expensive. Textbooks, tuition, ramen noodles... it all adds up. A decent laptop shouldn't break the bank.

These laptops offer a sweet spot. They are powerful enough for most academic tasks without sacrificing affordability.

Our Top Picks for Student Laptops (Under $700)

The All-Arounder: Acer Aspire 5

The Acer Aspire 5 hits a great balance. It offers performance and features for the price.

The Chromebook Champion: Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5

Need something super portable and long-lasting? Chromebooks are your answer. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 stands out for its vibrant display and tablet functionality.

The Budget King: HP Laptop 15-dw Series

If pure affordability is your goal, look no further. The HP 15-dw offers reliable performance at a rock-bottom price.

Detailed Reviews

Acer Aspire 5: The Reliable Workhorse

The Acer Aspire 5 packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen processor. It is often available with configurations featuring a decent amount of RAM and storage.

Its display is adequate for everyday tasks and the keyboard is comfortable for long typing sessions. This laptop is great for notes and research.

However, the build quality is not the most premium and the battery life is average. Consider these factors when making your choice.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5: The Portable Productivity Powerhouse

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 offers a unique 2-in-1 experience. It runs ChromeOS, which is lightweight and efficient.

Its stunning OLED display is perfect for media consumption. Plus, the included keyboard cover makes it easy to get work done on the go.

Keep in mind that ChromeOS has limitations. It's mostly cloud-based, and some software may not be compatible.

HP Laptop 15-dw Series: The Value Champion

The HP 15-dw series prioritizes affordability above all else. Expect a basic design and components.

Performance is sufficient for basic tasks like word processing and web browsing. It's a solid option if you need a functional laptop on a tight budget.

Don't expect cutting-edge features or blazing-fast speeds. This is a purely practical choice.

Specs Showdown: Side-by-Side Comparison

Laptop	Processor	RAM	Storage	Screen Size	Battery Life (Approx.)	Performance Score (out of 10)
Acer Aspire 5	AMD Ryzen 5	8GB	256GB SSD	15.6"	6-8 hours	7
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5	Qualcomm Snapdragon	8GB	128GB eMMC	13.3"	10-12 hours	6
HP Laptop 15-dw Series	Intel Core i3	8GB	256GB SSD	15.6"	5-7 hours	5

Customer Satisfaction Survey: What Real Users Say

We scoured online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction. Here's a quick snapshot:

Acer Aspire 5: Users praise its performance and value. Some complain about the plastic build.
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5: Customers love the display and portability. However, they mention software limitations.
HP Laptop 15-dw Series: Satisfaction is generally positive, given the low price. Users appreciate its reliability for basic tasks.

Maintenance Cost Projections

Laptops require maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Here are some potential costs to consider:

Battery Replacement: $50 - $150 (after 2-3 years)
Screen Repair: $80 - $200 (if cracked)
Software Issues: $0 - $100 (depending on the issue and whether you need professional help)

Chromebooks generally have lower maintenance costs. This is because ChromeOS is less prone to viruses and software issues.

Investing in a laptop sleeve or case is a cheap way to protect your device. This will save you from costly repairs in the long run.

Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Choosing the right student laptop under $700 requires careful consideration. Balance your needs, budget, and priorities.

The Acer Aspire 5 offers solid all-around performance. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 provides ultimate portability. The HP 15-dw is the ultimate budget option.

Consider factors like performance, battery life, and portability. Also consider the long-term maintenance costs before making your decision.