HP Notebook Laptops: Are They a Student's Best Choice?

Gone are the days of loaded backpacks with chronic hand cramps and binders from trying to write and research as fast as possible. Nowadays, a good laptop can elevate the burden of students, allowing them to keep all of their educational stuff in one place. Whether you are new to college or heading into your final year, a laptop capable, sturdy, portable, and with a good battery life is a must to keep up with your increasingly busy lifestyle.  

HP has a wide range of laptop models accessible to students and suitable for their needs. HP notebook laptops, for example, pack power, versatility, and battery life without offering moveable or price. These laptops are the students' go-to options, but it depends on what kind of student you are, and which model will align with your academic needs.  

Suppose you are looking for all the bells and whistles to study graphic designing, media creation, or programming or simply seeking a notebook to take online classes, assignments, and reading. In that case, the diverse HP notebook collection has something for you.  

At Box, we have tested and reviewed more than 100 HP laptops, and this article explores those deemed best suited for student's lifestyles. We've also covered you with our expert advice, highlighting key factors to consider when buying a laptop for school, college or university. 

So, let's jump right in!  

HP Pavilion Series

The HP Pavilion series merges functionality and classic design while providing a punch of power and portability for students on a budget. You can choose from different touchscreen, colours, and sizes options. HP Pavilion series includes the best HP Budget-friendly laptops for students who don't have much to spend on a reliable laptop. 

 

Here is the best HP notebook model from the Pavilion series.  

HP ENVY Series

 HP ENVY line also caters to various students' demands with plenty of choices. All laptop models come equipped with an Intel Core processor and a 1-year warranty from HP. You can customise your device with up to 2TB of storage and 16GB of RAM. Choose the fingerprint reader for easy, secure login and utilise HP BIOS for enhanced security against hackers. Most models also include a dedicated graphics card from NVIDIA GeForce to help you breeze through video editing and creativity tasks.  

This compact device is easy to carry to all your classes, games, and study groups. It's designed to connect you to the internet or accessories with Intel WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. With its 13th-generation Intel Core processor, it's always ready to handle your academic needs. From the screen point of view, the laptop features an IPS technology FHD display and the option to upgrade to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160.  

Connectivity is also up to the mark on HP ENVY 17. The laptop has 2 Thunderbolt 4 with USB Type-C ports, 3 USB Type-A ports, 1 HDMI 2.1 connection, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. Plus, with up to 1TB of storage, you can rest assured that you won't face any space constraints for your photos, documents, and video lectures. 

HP Spectre Series 

The HP Spectre series is also an appealing alternative for students. On the positive side, Spectre laptops are well-regarded for their power and stylish design. They are equipped with cutting-edge Intel CPUs capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing and scientific simulations. Moreover, many Spectre notebooks are 2-in-1, which means they can be used as laptops and tablets. This adaptability is handy for taking notes in class or drawing while on the fly. 

However, these laptops might cost a bit more compared to the other HP laptops, which means they are slightly realistic options for on-the-budget students. Additionally, the focus on thinness and lightness can sometimes come at the sacrifice of battery life or durability. 

HP OMEN Gaming Laptop

Students with a passion for gaming won't have to stop at the start of their college years, as HP gives them a model that handles both studies and plays.  

HP OMEN line is perfect for gaming or demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modelling, or data science. These laptops have powerful processors, discrete graphics cards, and plenty of RAM to give you a competitive edge.  

OMEN 17T-CK200 Gaming Lapto

On your vacations, when gaming is your sole focus, the OMEN 17T-CK200 gaming laptop is your trusted companion. This laptop ships with a 13thGen i7 Core and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU to take down any paper or online leaderboard you put in its way.  

You'll breeze through any study projects, including high-end programming and creative applications, with 16GB of dual-memory RAM, which can be upgraded to 32 GB. At the same time, OMEN Tempest Cooling Technology ensures your laptop stays cool under pressure. You can configure this laptop with a 240 Hz refresh rate display or a 2TB SSD storage, which are pretty impressive features in any student laptop. 

You'll also appreciate the gamer-centric features, such as a full-size, 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard with 26-key rollover anti-ghosting technology and a 7ms to 3ms response time, depending on the configuration. 

As for more of a gaming touch, the brand has added a full-size., RGB backlit keyboard with 26-key rollover anti-ghosting technology and up to 3m response time for a competitive edge.  

HP Chromebook

HP Chromebooks are an excellent choice for students looking for a cheaper laptop. They run Chrome OS, a web-based operating system. You'll need a stable internet connection to use an HP Chromebook. Chromebooks are often extremely speedy and have a long battery life. The streamlined OS makes navigating Google Docs, Google Drive, and emails easy. There are also many security features, such as mic mute, camera shutters, and data encryption, to keep students safe from digital hacking and misuse of their personal information or classwork.  

How to Choose the Best HP Notebook Laptops for Students in 2024?

Depending on your studies and whether you plan to use your laptop for gaming and creativity, finding the best laptop for students can be challenging as there is an overwhelming range of models and specifications.  

Here, we take you through some key questions you should ask and laptop-buying decisions you'll have to make for an informed purchase.  

How to Pick the Right Model? 

Finding the best model from the list of HP laptops for students can probably be the easiest assignment you have to prepare for the next semester. HP laptops laptop come in a diverse range of sizes and styles without sacrificing quality and durability.  

For most students, a 13-inch laptop or 14-inch laptop should be just the right size to carry your laptop across the campus while avoiding muscle strain. As you will also be using your laptop for taking notes and chatting with friends, so there should be a full-size keyboard with decent keys.  

Why does Versatility Matter?

As a student, your laptop must be capable of meeting your shifting study modes. HP Pavilion laptop, for example, is a versatile 2-in-1 device that seamlessly transforms into a tablet. Its 360-degree hinge allows students to switch between laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes. The HP Envy series stands out as another excellent option. Envy laptops are equipped to tackle demanding tasks with a sleek design and robust internals. Their vibrant screens are wonderful for taking online classes and editing presentations.  

How much Should you Spend on an HP Laptop for Students? 

Don't overspend on a laptop that's far more powerful and feature-packed than your needs. Similarly, you don't want to underspend on a laptop that doesn't have enough power in case you want to edit some videos for your animated presentation. Below is the breakdown of how much a student should spend on a laptop – based on their academic requirements.  

For notetaking and documents: £200-250 

For heavy web browsing and running demanding applications: £300-500. 

For editing photos and videos: £500 or higher  

For gaming and creativity: £800 or higher 

Choosing the Best Laptop for Essay Writing and Research 

You don't need a fancy laptop if you will be prominently working on essay writing and making notes. HP Chromebooks are good solutions in this regard. They have basic operating systems and web-browser-based software.  

Choosing the Best Laptop for Media and Graphics Design Student

Laptops for media students should come with stunning screens with great colour contrasts. Look for gorgeous panels and the latest Intel or AMD Ryzen processors. HP ENVY laptops are more premium and include advanced screen technology and hardware for professional-grade performance.  

Choosing the Best Laptop for Gamers and Computer Science Students

If your course activities include media production, audio production, architecture, and programming software, you'll be better off going with a pricier laptop. These laptops integrate higher-end specs that unleash the tasks you throw at them.  

For a smooth multimedia editing experience, opt for a computer with an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor. Consider upgrading to a laptop with specialised graphics from brands such as AMD or Nvidia. These laptops not only improve your multimedia projects, but they also double as gaming rigs.  

Conclusion 

HP notebook laptops cater to all college, university, and school students. However, the key to success depends on your academic requirements and budget when choosing the best HP laptop. Whether you want a budget-friendly option from the HP Pavilion series, a versatile 2-in-1 from the HP ENVY series, or a high-performance gaming laptop from the HP OMEN series, HP has something for everyone. With the right laptop, you can improve your productivity and make the most out of your college or university years.