The “Black Pestilence” once “walked” on such a large scale across the countries of the East, Asia, and Europe that it forever changed the way of life, the way of life of the peoples inhabiting these continents, and therefore the whole world history. Already, COVID-19 is being compared to a black plague, believing that the world will not be the same. So learning is already becoming habitually remote, and in order for it to be complete, of course, the help of electronics is required namely laptops. The editorial staff of the site “xoptimum” offers you an overview of the best laptops for distance learning.
Laptop characteristics and selection criteria for distance learning and teaching
Before buying a laptop, it will be useful to figure out what it consists of, what to look for first. After all, buying a laptop is an expensive event, while it is easy to overpay for unnecessary functions or, on the contrary, to overlook something.
The laptop consists of:
Processor
The processor is the heart of any electronic device, the speed of the entire system depends on the bit depth and number of cores. Of course, you don’t need special power (the number of cores, frequency capacity) for study, but given that schoolchildren and students use a PC as a game console, you shouldn’t take frankly low-power models. A decent combination would be the two cores of the i3-1005G1 processor, as well as the similar AMD Ryzen-3 4300U with a clock frequency of 2.4 – 2.7 GHz. These characteristics are enough to “load” small, modern offline, online games, office, graphics programs. These processors are considered one of the least powerful, but laptops equipped with them cost up to 30 thousand rubles. The more powerful Core i5, Core i7, and the more Core i9 will be an unjustified waste of money. Although a processor with a performance margin is often chosen,
RAM
The best option is considered to be over 4 GB of RAM. The best choice are models with the possibility of further expansion – installations of additional or larger compared to the existing ones, RAM strips. Such an opportunity will allow you to soberly, after evaluating the capabilities of the netbook, decide whether the user’s memory suits or should be increased.
Storage
Physical memory is a storage device that records the operating system, files, programs. There are two types of memory, HDD and SDD. The first, more common option, is a set of discs covered with a special material that has memory. When spinning, information is read from the disks, which is why such systems have received the nickname “hard drive”. Solid state SDD systems have no physical, rotating parts. Why they consume less energy, weigh a little, work quietly. Data recording is carried out on microcircuits, in the image of flash media. It is this similarity that leads many users into a dangerous delusion, the consequences of which are fraught with rapid wear of the media. Sometimes you can find user recommendations about using solid-state media as a storage for multimedia files, documents, since the speed of their work will be several times higher than that of the HDD. Indeed, the main advantage of SDD media is fast finding and processing of the necessary information. But constant recourse to the SDD bar quickly wears it out. And the price of solid-state models is many times higher than that of HDD models with less memory. A hybrid type of use of these drives, SDD plus HDD, will help to avoid mistakes when choosing memory. The SDD device records programs, games, operating system (OS). Moreover, it is configured so that the paging files are located on the hard drive. Then the laptop will boot faster, programs will be called in almost a couple of seconds. Winchester stores other types of files, since they are small in size, their download speed does not play a special role. With this option, the volume of the hard drive can be from 500 GB and above, and SDD devices are about 250 GB. That is enough to accommodate the OS, programs, games. Now there are budget models that provide for the installation of SDD brackets with a conventional drive.
Video card
There are three types, discrete (built into the processor), external, mixed type. The first option is inherent in inexpensive models, the second option is found among more expensive netbooks. External video cards provide the best graphic resolution, making it possible to load large games, graphic editors, and display information through an external, large-sized monitor. The disadvantage of such video cards is the high price, constant switching on, leading to overheating, as a result of a reduction in the service life. Modern devices are equipped with mixed video cards. Inside such models there is a discrete video chip that works during everyday tasks, and an external video card. Automatically turned on when discrete resources are no longer enough;
Screen
Screen should provide comfortable eyes, which is especially important for a child. When choosing a monitor, one must take into account – the larger the diagonal, the larger the netbook will be. If it is supposed to be used as a stationary PC, mostly at home, dimensions, weight will not matter. Otherwise, smaller dimensions should be preferred. Or buy an ultrabook, a netbook – a transformer giving freedom of movement. Also, large screen sizes will require good resolution. And this is hello to the increased workload of the video card – processor, reducing their / its performance, consuming a large amount of energy.
This means that when powered through the battery, it will quickly discharge. The best option is a display with a diagonal of 15 – 16 inches, with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels or higher. An important question is the type of matrix. One of the most popular TN-Film formats, it is inexpensive and uses little power. There are several drawbacks of TN-Film technology, but the main one is the change in color rendition when changing viewing angles. It is critical if the laptop is for children, with which adults are engaged. Indeed, with different heights, the image will become uncomfortable either for children or for an adult.
Therefore, the IPS technology with all its derivatives (IPS, AH-IPS, P-IPS, PLS, AHVA) is preferable, although more expensive. Choosing the type of screen surface, glossy, matte, with normal use of the netbook choose matte. While working with a graphics editor, drawing is glossy. with which adults are engaged. Indeed, with different heights, the image will become uncomfortable either for children or for an adult. Therefore, the IPS technology with all its derivatives (IPS, AH-IPS, P-IPS, PLS, AHVA) is preferable, although more expensive.
Choosing the type of screen surface, glossy, matte, with normal use of the netbook choose matte. While working with a graphics editor, drawing is glossy. with which adults are engaged. Indeed, with different heights, the image will become uncomfortable either for children or for an adult. Therefore, the IPS technology with all its derivatives (IPS, AH-IPS, P-IPS, PLS, AHVA) is preferable, although more expensive. Choosing the type of screen surface, glossy, matte, with normal use of the netbook choose matte. While working with a graphics editor, drawing is glossy.
Battery
Battery determines the battery life. Large capacity, respectively, turns into high dimensions and weight. Therefore, an acceptable figure is a capacity of 50 W / h and above. The battery placement format can be either permanent, when the battery is placed inside the case, or removable. The last form factor is convenient in that you can have several batteries, when the main one is discharged, it is easy to replace it with a spare one. Which is convenient when the power source is not at hand.
Webcamera, microphone
Webcamera, microphone make it possible to communicate with the teacher during distance learning via the Internet. Typically, laptops initially have a camera, microphone, but they can be purchased separately if the installed ones have insufficient parameters. But to install a third-party camera, you need a USB port, and netbooks have few of them.
USB ports, RJ-45 connector
PC for schoolchildren should be able to output information through a printer, a USB flash drive, as well as receive it through a scanner, camera, and other peripheral devices. Therefore, a USB pair is simply necessary, and it is desirable that at least one has the USB 3.0 format. The minimum number of ports is calculated taking into account personal preferences, whether, for example, a mouse is connected, or the student prefers to use a touchscreen, what peripheral computer equipment can be used. The RJ-45 connector will come in handy in case of router failure, poor reception of the wireless Wi-Fi signal.
Operating system
Popular models currently being produced are increasingly equipped with FREE DOS OS. That is, as such, they do not have an OS, but FREE DOS allows you to install an operating system to your liking. Paid macOS, Windows, or free Linux. According to buyers, this solution allows you to choose the most suitable OS, its more preferable version.
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How to choose and where to buy laptops for Distance learning and teaching
The coronavirus made a direct, immediate purchase almost impossible, not allowing you to personally examine the screen, evaluate the thoughtfulness of ergonomics, the convenience of pressing the keys, how tactilely pleasant the material is. Therefore, sometimes the only available purchase option is to order online from an online store. Of course, this method has many risks and pitfalls. Reviews about the store on the appropriate forums, recommendations for buying through its operators will help to avoid possible troubles. If he talks about certain models, then before choosing it would be good to read a detailed description or watch a review dedicated to a specific laptop.
Top laptops manufacturers
Buying any equipment is a compromise between functionality, price and a brand that guarantees long, trouble-free operation of the device. Therefore, the preference of a certain manufacturer is far from an empty phrase.
The most famous companies are:
- DELL is an American computer hardware manufacturer founded at the turn of the 1980s. The DELL range of netbooks is distinguished by its functionality, maximum user satisfaction, reliability of components.
- HP (Hewlett-Packard) is the oldest US company that produces electronic devices and components since the beginning of the 20th century. It was HP in the early 90s that first released a PC model equipped with a battery, which served as the forerunner of all laptops. The popularity of Hewlett-Packard models is ensured by well-thought-out ergonomics, advanced company technologies and branding that is recognizable from afar;
- Lenovo is a company from China known since 1984 for its electrical engineering, sales of personal computers. Then the company switched to the creation of its computers, mobile technology, electronic equipment. The advantage of the company’s netbooks is the average price, decent workmanship, functionality that includes the most necessary parameters;
- Acer is one of the leaders in the production of computers and electronics in the Asian region. The line of laptops is designed to cover a wide range of users and their needs. Therefore, it has earned the best reviews from a wide category of buyers, from ordinary consumers to businessmen, people of the creative profession.
Of course, the question of which company is better to buy a laptop is sometimes purely subjective, but you should still trust trusted companies whose products are well known and time-tested.
best laptops for distance learning
- Lenovo IdeaPad S340 14
- ASUS VivoBook 15 X512
- HP 250 G7
- Acer Nitro 5
- Acer Extensa 215-51G
- HP Envy 13
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
- Lenovo Yoga C930
best cheap laptop for distance learning
Lenovo IdeaPad S340 14
A simple, average netbook whose main advantage is, albeit a small, but colorful IPS monitor with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels. It is the best laptops for distance learning teachers. It can be easily carried with you due to its small, 1.7 kg, weight, dimensions. It is convenient to work behind it in an artificial, natural light source, because the monitor is covered with an anti-reflective coating. Power parameters are provided by a dual-core chip, 8 Gigabytes of RAM. Such high-speed, comfortable work will last about 8 hours without recharging from the network if you do not download computer games.
ASUS VivoBook 15 X512
Best laptop for high school distance learning. The model, the equipment of which, and therefore the characteristics, the user is able to choose independently. So the laptop can be equipped with an NVidia GeForce MX250 video card or it will be discrete. But even the most budgetary option has good functionality. In any case, the device will be equipped with an HD IPS display with a diagonal of 15.6 inches, a 256 gigabyte SSD bar, a dual-core processor, a clock speed of 2.6 GHz with the ability to overclock to 3.6 GHz. Such minimum characteristics, plus 4 Gigabytes of RAM, will allow you to use office programs, watch videos, photos, and connect video conferencing via Wi-Fi. Such a complete set will certainly come in handy for a student, for a student for whom the question of how much a high-quality laptop costs is a determining factor.
Here is the list of Best Lenovo Laptops For Gaming.
HP 250 G7
The series of devices, which can be formed at the request of the buyer, continues with the budget model of the well-known company Hewlett-Packard. You can choose from two entry-level processors i3 or higher class i5. In addition, it is possible to change the memory up to 8 Gigabytes, install 256 Gigabytes of SSD memory. This solution allows you to get a model of the initial, and with an additional payment of the middle level. The latter will already “pull” graphics programs, computer games with minimal graphics settings. If the native monitor is used, the operating time will be more than 12 hours. True, the advice of those who bought it recommend connecting an external monitor, so that the picture has better quality parameters.
Best mid range Laptops For Distance Learning
Acer Nitro 5
It is known that training can be different, there are primary classes, where they teach “2 + 2”, and there are courses for programmers, web designers, which require other, more powerful equipment. The latest training options are intended for Nitro 5, the characteristics of which bring it closer to gaming machines. This is facilitated by Intel Core i7, two memory slots in which you can install RAM in the range of 6 – 32 gigabytes. A high-quality image is provided by the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti video chipset and the IPS monitor with a diagonal of 15.6 inches. Optionally, the model is equipped with a more powerful AMD processor, a 17.3-inch monitor.
Acer Extensa 215-51
The advantage of this model is the high parameters of the “heart” of the apparatus. Four Core i5 cores, each with eight I / O information streams, with a maximum clock speed of 4.2 GHz. Memory, both operative and physical, will be a significant advantage. The first is eight gigabytes, the second is an SSD, 256 gigabytes, open applications, launch games almost instantly. The student’s eyes will be comfortable behind the 15.6-inch anti-glare FullHD monitor. With the usual training mode, surfing the Internet, the autonomy of the work is about 7-9 hours.
Best premium Laptops For Distance Learning
HP Envy 13: Best Laptops For Distance Learning
This touchscreen device is considered to be a transitional one, ranging between the average price and the expensive. Such qualities as an integrated Nvidia graphics card, a 13.3-inch Full HD monitor, but an optional 4K screen are attached to it. The aluminum alloy case, wide, comfortable keyboard buttons, and good quality audio system will also delight the user’s eye. Hewlett-Packard also took care of student data privacy, security of access to the netbook. This is how the dedicated Sure View key is installed. When activated, the monitor image is darkened so that outsiders cannot see anything. Access to the laptop is provided after finger scanning, excluding the receipt of personal data by third parties. Only a few new items are now equipped with such functions.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 continues the rating of high-quality models of the high price category, also equipped with a touchscreen monitor. The hardware part will allow you to download games, edit photos, videos through special programs without tedious waiting. After all, the netbook is equipped with an Intel processor of the eighth series, SDD memory (maximum installed on 1 TB), RAM (4-16 Gigabytes). A student can be satisfied with such characteristics for up to 9 hours in a row without the need to connect to a 220 volt network. An off-line option rarely seen in this configuration. Must read best laptop to replace desktop.
Lenovo Yoga C930
It is the best laptop for college distance learning. Talking about laptops and what they are in design, one cannot leave aside, the models are transformers. This model is a striking representative of this form factor, allowing you to manage it like a laptop or after a simple transformation like a tablet. This is facilitated by the touch screen, good audio system, about 12 hours of battery life. The package also includes an electronic pen, with which it is easy to enter information and draw.
Conclusion
We have described only a few of the most popular models, it will be interesting for us to read the comments of site visitors, which laptop is better to buy for distance learning, what to look for when choosing it. For this, there is a comment window where all visitors can also write their own review of the selected laptop.
