© ittoilmatar / Shutterstock.com
Technology is a vital component of education, and selecting the correct laptop for your middle school student is a significant choice. Whether they’re using it for day-to-day activities such as browsing the internet, document processing, and conducting research, or more intricate tasks like creating presentations or coding, laptops are indispensable tools in every student’s life.
In addition, the pandemic has prompted numerous companies to shift to remote work, and educational institutions are keeping pace. Most schools now offer online learning, so your child will require a top-quality laptop to attend lectures and cultivate different skills. With the right laptop, students can stay connected and conveniently access online resources to complete their schoolwork. An excellent laptop should be swift, dependable, and capable of handling a wide variety of tasks.
We’ve compiled a list of the seven finest laptops for middle schoolers that offer exceptional performance, good battery life, and a variety of features at reasonable prices. From Apple’s lightweight MacBook Air to Microsoft’s adaptable Surface Pro, here are the seven best laptops for middle schoolers. Continue reading to discover more about these stellar laptops for middle schoolers.
- Best Overall: Apple MacBook Air
- Best Budget Option: Acer Chromebook Spin 311
- Best Compact: Dell XPS 13 (2022)
- Best Touchscreen: Google Pixelbook Go
- Best Battery Life: Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook
- Most Versatile: Microsoft Surface Book Pro 7
- Most Stylish: ASUS VivoBook 15
Best Overall: Apple MacBook Air
The Apple MacBook Air is the ultimate laptop for middle schoolers. This commanding and featherweight laptop offers outstanding performance and portability, making it ideal for students on the move. It is equipped with a powerful Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Its lightweight and sleek design make it effortlessly portable. The display is an impressive 13-inch Retina display, perfect for streaming movies, playing games, or completing schoolwork. The battery life is superb, lasting up to 18 hours.
In addition, the MacBook Air comes preloaded with macOS, offering a secure and dependable operating system. The combination of speed, dependability, and design makes the MacBook Air the perfect selection for middle schoolers. Additionally, it is extremely durable and reliable, ensuring it will withstand all your years as a student.
Check out Apple MacBook Air on Amazon.
Best Budget Option: Acer Chromebook Spin 311
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is an excellent laptop for budget-conscious middle schoolers who still desire a trustworthy machine. This laptop possesses an array of features that make it ideal for students, including its 11.6″ HD display, Intel Celeron N4020 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of eMMC storage. Additionally, this laptop has an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge, perfect for on-the-go use.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 also boasts a versatile design that allows it to be used as both a laptop and a tablet. With its touchscreen display and 360-degree hinge, students can effortlessly switch between laptop and tablet modes for added versatility. This laptop also features two USB Type-C ports and two USB 3.1 ports, offering students abundant connectivity options for their accessories.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 offers exceptional performance and a great feature set at an affordable price, making it one of the best budget-friendly laptops for middle schoolers. With its extended battery life, convertible design, and ample storage and connectivity options, this laptop is a perfect choice for students in need of a laptop that can keep pace with their educational demands.
Check out Acer Chromebook Spin 311 on Amazon.
Best Compact: Dell XPS 13 (2022)
For middle schoolers in search of a laptop that offers power and portability, the Dell XPS 13 (2022) is a superb option. It is compact enough to fit in a backpack, yet it delivers an abundance of power with an Intel Core i5 processor (up to 10th-Gen), up to 8GB of RAM, and up to a 512GB SSD. The XPS 13 also boasts an exceedingly thin and lightweight design, making it effortless to carry around. The 13-inch FHD InfinityEdge display looks remarkable and provides vibrant colors, crisp details, and wide viewing angles. The Dell XPS 13 (2022) is an outstanding option for any middle schooler seeking a mighty yet portable laptop. With its 7-hour battery life, this laptop can easily keep up with students throughout the day.
In addition, its robust cooling system ensures optimal performance while minimizing noise levels. Its precision trackpad allows students to have more precise control while completing tasks, while its backlit keyboard enables easier typing in low-light conditions. On top of these features, its speakers deliver clear audio, allowing students to indulge in their favorite music or enjoy movies and videos. Finally, its Windows 11 operating system provides access to all the latest applications and features to help students excel in their studies.
Check out Dell XPS 13 (2022) on Amazon.
Best Touchscreen: Google Pixelbook Go
If you desire a laptop with exceptional performance and a touchscreen, the Google Pixelbook Go is the perfect pick. This laptop features a lightweight and slim design while delivering ample power with an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. The 13.3-inch touchscreen display boasts a 4K resolution, making it ideal for drawing and editing.
The Pixelbook Go’s battery life is also impressively long, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge. It includes two USB Type-C ports for fast data transfer and charging, as well as a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The Pixelbook Go runs on Chrome OS, making it easy to use and maintain. With its sleek design and extended battery life, the Pixelbook Go is one of the best laptops for middle school students who prefer to take notes or draw directly on their laptop screen rather than using a traditional keyboard and mouse.
Check out Google Pixelbook Go on Amazon.
Best Battery Life: Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook
When it comes to laptops for middle schoolers, battery life is a crucial factor to consider. The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook offers incredible battery life, providing up to 16 hours of usage on a single charge. This laptop also showcases a captivating 13-inch OLED display that produces stunning visuals and vibrant colors. The Duet 5 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and 4GB of RAM, delivering smooth and responsive performance while multitasking. Additionally, it comes with a detachable magnetic keyboard and a USB-C port for fast charging and data transfer.
Other features include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, a USB Type-A port, and a MicroSD card reader. Furthermore, the laptop runs on Chrome OS, granting access to all the apps on the Google Play Store. With its lightweight design, extended battery life, and impressive specs, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook is one of the best laptops for middle schoolers in need of a device that will last them throughout the entire day.
Check out Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook on Amazon.
Most Versatile: Microsoft Surface Book Pro 7
The Microsoft Surface Book Pro 7 is an exemplary laptop designed to deliver the best of both worlds – power and portability. It boasts an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, making it potent enough to tackle all your middle school tasks. It features an adjustable hinge, enabling its usage as both a laptop and a tablet. The device also boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 10.5 hours on a single charge.
This laptop offers an optional detachable keyboard and stylus, making it the ideal choice for students who need to take notes and embark on creative projects. The laptop’s 12-inch touchscreen display allows you to effortlessly draw, sketch, or type.
The Surface Book Pro 7 includes several ports such as USB Type-A and Type-C, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It also provides Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing easy and swift file transfers. The laptop operates on Windows 10 Pro, granting access to the Microsoft Store and Office 365.
All in all, the Microsoft Surface Book Pro 7 is a fantastic laptop option for middle school students in need of a versatile and potent device. With its impressive specs, lengthy battery life, and optional detachable keyboard, the Surface Book Pro 7 will effortlessly keep pace with your educational endeavors and creative projects.
Check out Microsoft Surface Book Pro 7 on Amazon.
Most Stylish: ASUS VivoBook 15
The ASUS VivoBook 15 is a chic and resilient laptop ideal for middle school students. Its sophisticated design showcases diamond-cut edges and a slim profile. The 15.6-inch NanoEdge FHD display offers excellent viewing angles and vivid colors, while the backlit keyboard makes typing effortless even in low-light settings. Additionally, this laptop is truly powerful. It features an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage. This combination ensures that it can handle all the software and applications your student may need for their middle school education.
The VivoBook also offers USB 3.2 ports, an HDMI port, and a microSD card reader for seamless peripheral connections. Moreover, the laptop has a fast-charging battery that provides up to 6 hours of usage on a single charge.
Furthermore, the ASUS VivoBook 15 runs on Windows 10. This allows you to dive right into homework and other tasks without delay. Additionally, weighing just over 3 pounds, this laptop is effortless to bring along wherever you go.
Check out ASUS VivoBook 15 on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Laptop for Middle School: Step-By-Step
When searching for the best laptop for middle school, various factors come into play. It’s crucial to consider your requirements, budget, and usage. To simplify the decision-making process, here are some tips on what to look for in a laptop:
- Battery life
- RAM and storage
- Processor
- Display and resolution
- Cost
- Portability
Now let’s delve into each aspect in greater detail.
Battery Life
When it comes to finding the best laptop for middle school, battery life is of paramount importance. It’s crucial to ensure that the laptop can last an entire day of classes or after-school activities. The average middle school student necessitates a laptop with a battery life of at least 8 hours. This duration is adequate to get through the day without worrying about recharging the laptop in between classes or during lunch breaks.
For those who require lengthier battery life, several models offer up to 16 hours of usage on a single charge. Examples include the Apple MacBook Air and the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 OLED Chromebook. Both of these laptops provide more than enough power to last a day and can be used for after-school activities or studying sessions.
RAM and Storage
Ensure that you select a laptop with sufficient RAM to accommodate multiple applications and files. Generally, 4GB of RAM is adequate for regular users, but it’s recommended to opt for 8GB of RAM if you’ll be working with large files or running more demanding programs. As for storage, search for laptops with a minimum of 128GB SSD to ensure optimal performance.
Processor
Processors play a vital role in a laptop’s overall performance. In general, the more potent the processor, the faster the laptop can execute programs and applications. A good processor should be able to handle all of the student’s requirements without considerable lag or slowdown. Look for laptops equipped with an Intel Core i5 or higher processor if your child needs a robust machine for multitasking. Alternatively, an Intel Core i3 processor will provide ample speed for basic tasks.
Display and Resolution
Laptops for middle school should possess a display size of at least 12 inches or larger. This will allow for ample screen real estate when taking notes, conducting research, and completing assignments. LED or IPS displays are preferred as they generally offer brighter colors and improved viewing angles. The higher the resolution, the crisper the image will appear on the display. Aim for laptops equipped with 1080p or higher resolution displays, as this ensures that text is sharp and images are clear.
Cost
When selecting the best laptop for your middle schooler, always consider your budget and the features you require for the money. On average, expect to spend anywhere from $250 to $1000 for a laptop suitable for middle school students. The price range will vary based on the features, specifications, and brand of the laptop you choose. Chromebooks are often some of the most affordable laptops available, offering excellent specs and features at a fraction of the cost of other models. For those with a bit more to spend, Apple MacBooks and Dell Inspirons are also fantastic choices.
It’s also important to consider any additional costs associated with the purchase of a laptop. These expenses may include extended warranties, accidental damage coverage, software subscriptions, and more. While these supplementary costs are not essential, they can provide peace of mind and additional protection against potential issues that may arise in the future. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for deals, discounts, and sales on different models as well.
Portability
The portability factor is what makes laptops such an appealing choice for middle school students. In most cases, a lightweight laptop that strikes a good balance between portability and performance will be the best option. You want a laptop that is easy to carry around and doesn’t feel excessively heavy or bulky. Most modern laptops are relatively light and slim, making them perfect for middle schoolers on the move. As a general rule, any laptop weighing under 4 pounds should be suitable for most middle school students.
What to Know Before Buying a Laptop for Middle School
When purchasing a laptop for your middle schooler, there are a few essential considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost, determine the intended usage of the laptop. Will it primarily be used for schoolwork, or will it also be utilized for entertainment and recreational activities? If the laptop will serve both purposes, look for a laptop with the versatility to handle both tasks. Additionally, consider the laptop’s size. Some laptops are designed for optimal portability, making them ideal for carrying to and from school. Lastly, factor in the price range. Depending on the type and features of the laptop, prices can vary significantly.
Once you have determined the laptop’s intended usage, the next step is to decide which features are necessary. If your child will primarily use the laptop for schoolwork, look for ample memory and storage capacity, a speedy processor, and a high-quality display. If the laptop will predominantly be used for recreational activities such as gaming or video streaming, search for one with a reliable graphics card and a sufficiently large screen size.
It’s important to understand the different types of laptops available. Chromebooks are popular among students due to their affordable price and lightweight design, although they may not have as much power or memory as other laptops. Apple MacBooks are renowned for their strong performance but can be pricier. Windows laptops from Dell and Lenovo offer excellent value for money, while Microsoft Surface devices provide a tablet-like experience. Asus VivoBooks offer impressive specs at an affordable price. Always remember that different laptops offer distinct features and advantages, so conduct thorough research to find the best fit for your middle schooler.
Using a Laptop for Middle School: What It’s Like
The finest laptops for middle school students should be lightweight and portable, boast extended battery life, and be sturdy enough to endure the daily wear and tear. They should also possess adequate processing power and storage capacity to handle schoolwork and any extracurricular activities. Additionally, it’s advantageous to have a device that can seamlessly run educational software, games, and streaming services.
