A RAMageddon guide to back-to-school laptop shopping
The Verge says ongoing shortages of RAM and storage have made back-to-school laptops unusually expensive, with prices expected to keep rising into next year. It advises students to avoid buying the cheapest machine available if possible, as a more capable laptop should remain usable for longer.
– Apple MacBook Neo: a straightforward budget Mac option at $699, despite only 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
– Apple MacBook Air (M5): a pricier but longer-lasting choice with stronger build quality and performance.
– Asus Zenbook A14: a Windows alternative to the MacBook Air, listed at about $700.
– Refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4: a value-focused option using Intel’s 13th-generation processor.
– Asus Chromebook Plus CX34: a low-cost Chromebook suited to younger pupils or very budget-conscious buyers.
– HP OmniBook 3 16 with Snapdragon X: a Windows-on-Arm option, though specialised college software and gaming may be incompatible.
– The guide recommends 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage where possible, particularly for university students; Windows buyers should generally choose Intel 13th generation, AMD Ryzen 7000, or newer.
- Laptop prices are rising because RAM and storage supplies are constrained.
- Aim for 16GB RAM and 512GB storage if budget permits.
- Chromebooks remain sensible for younger pupils and tighter budgets.