Best laptop for high school students in 2021 – CNET [CNET]

Whether you’re back in school full-time or doing remote learning, even part-time, a great laptop is essential for a successful school year. We’re here to help you find the best laptop for high school students in need of reliable, everyday performance and long battery life but in sizes that can fit into an average backpack and at prices below $1,000.

When shopping for a student laptop, my recommendation is to buy directly from the manufacturer or from a familiar, trusted retailer for the best prices and exchange or return policies. If you’re shopping on sites like Amazon or Walmart with third-party sellers, check to see if the laptop is being sold and shipped by the site. For more specific shopping help, you’ll want to check out our buying advice on getting the best cheap laptops.

It’s worth noting, too, that if your school uses Google Classroom, it doesn’t mean you need a Chromebook. (Here are the differences between a laptop and a Chromebook.) Also, if your high schooler is doing their schoolwork from home, you may want to add on some peripherals like a keyboard or wireless mouse as well as an inexpensive external monitor so they’re more comfortable and have a bigger display to see their work.  

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