Online classes and remote learning have been very popular lately. Getting a good laptop for Zoom and Google Classroom has never been so important.
Online learning is the fastest-growing market in the education industry and the number of online learning platform users can reach 57 million by 2027.
Zoom and Google Classroom offer virtual classrooms for online learning, screen sharing, collaboration, and assignments. They’re easily accessible for every student and teacher with a laptop computer.
In this post, I’ll discuss all major factors you need to consider before purchasing a new laptop for online classes. Not only that, but I rated and reviewed the 10 best laptops for Zoom and Google Classroom. You’ll find key specifications, pros, cons, and recommendations to help you find the perfect laptop. I also provided some cool accessories to get the most out of your favorite computer.
At the end of this post, you’ll find a super-detailed comparison table, a Q&A section, and much more to help you find the best laptop for your needs. If you’re searching for Chromebooks, I’ll get you covered, too.
Let’s get right into it.
Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read my Disclaimer Policy for more details.
What is the best laptop for Zoom and Google Classroom?
Here are my top picks for the best laptops for Zoom and Google Classroom:
- Best Windows laptop for online classes: ASUS ZenBook 14
- Best overall laptop for Zoom and Google Classroom: Apple MacBook Pro M2
- Best performance laptop for college students: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
- Best value for money laptop for Zoom and Google Classroom: Apple MacBook Air M1
- Best portable laptop for college students: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
- Best innovative laptop for Zoom and Google Classroom: ASUS Vivobook Flip
- Best all-rounder student laptop for online classes: Acer Swift X
- Best Chromebook for Zoom and Google Classroom: Acer Chromebook Spin 714
- Best innovative budget laptop for online classes: ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5
- Best classic student laptop for online classes: Dell XPS 15
1. ASUS ZenBook 14 (14’’)
Best Windows laptop for online classes
The Asus Zenbook is a compact yet powerful student laptop. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor, 1 TB storage, and 16 GB of memory will not only serve you well in online classes, but they will future-proof your computer and allow resource-intensive tasks such as video editing or running demanding software.
With a compact yet powerful configuration, light weight, great connectivity, and access to MyASUS apps, the Asus Zenbook can benefit your mobility and remote learning experience.
There’re some cool innovations at the heart of Zenbook: the dual-function touchpad, which can be used as a second keyboard, the ErgoLift hinge, which makes it easy to type by increasing the angle for ergonomic work, and the beautiful, military-tested all-metal design are hard to overlook.
Key specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB
- Display: Full HD screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution
- Camera & Audio: 720 p camera; Harman Kardon certified audio system
- Battery life: Up to 15 hours
Csaba’s Rating:
- Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Camera & Microphone (Speakers): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Solid performance
- Great storage capacity
- Sleek design
- Innovative solutions
- Nice portability and connections
Cons:
- 720 p camera
- Could have deserved a higher-resolution screen (although you can upgrade to an OLED model)
2. Apple MacBook Pro M2 (13’’)
Best overall laptop for Zoom and Google Classroom
The MacBook Pro M2 is one of the best laptops for Zoom and Google Classroom (and even on the market). With the introduction of the new Apple M2 chip, this laptop computer can be 1.4x faster than the MacBook M1 model and 6x faster than earlier MacBook editions with Intel Core processors.
Apple could have provided a 1080 p camera and a liquid retina display for this high-end model. Otherwise, the retina display makes working on a MacBook a very pleasant experience and it’s hard to get a grip on the new MacBook Pro. With a single charge, you can use your computer for up to 20 hours, which is a great option for any student who learns remotely.
It’s up to personal preference, however, the Mac OS is easy to use and you should do less busy work dealing with installing and updating applications, plus Mac OS is less prone to viruses and malware than, say Windows.
Key specifications:
- Processor: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU
- Memory (RAM): 8 GB of RAM
- Display: Retina display with 2560 x 1600 resolution
- Camera & Audio: 720 p camera; stereo speakers, support for spatial audio, three mic array
- Battery life: Up to 20 hours
Csaba’s Rating:
- Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Camera & Microphone (Speakers): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Fast speed thanks to the M2 chip
- Amazing display
- Long-lasting battery
- Beautiful design
- User friendly
- Powerful mac OS
Cons:
- 720 p camera (not bad, but this powerhouse could have deserved a 1080 p webcam)
- Limited connectivity (requires a MacBook dongle – here’s what I use to connect my Mac to external sources)
- 8 GB memory (although you can upgrade)
3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (14’’)
Best performance laptop for college students
The Lenovo ThinkPad X is one of the best high-end laptops for online classes with an amazing configuration. It comes with a 12th-generation Intel i7 processor, 32 GB RAM, a touchscreen, award-winning keyboards, and a full HD camera.
If you have the budget, this computer can be a massive student laptop for your university years and beyond. I picked the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 as the best performance laptop for project management, too.
Security is at the heart of ThinkPad: a camera privacy shutter, a fingerprint sensor, and a Kensington security slot, among many others, will all add up to your privacy and security.
Key specifications:
- Processor: IntelCore i7 (12th generation)
- Memory: 32 GB
- Display: IPS touchscreen with 1920×1200 resolution
- Camera & Audio: 1080 p camera with privacy shutter; Dolby Atmos speaker system (4x speakers), 4×360-degree far-field microphones
- Battery life: Up to 13 hours
Csaba’s Rating:
- Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Camera & Microphone (Speakers): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
- Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Excellent performance with the Intel i7 12th-generation processor and 32 GB memory
- Full HD camera and Dolby Atmos speaker system
- Great connectivity with plenty of ports
- Large storage space
- Touchscreen
- Excellent portability, lightweight
Cons:
- Could have deserved a superior display
- Battery could last longer for this high-end model
4. Apple MacBook Air M1 (13’’)
Best value for money laptop for Zoom and Google Classroom
Nowadays, the MacBook Air seems no more a downgrade of the MacBook Pro. The new MacBook Air M1 comes close to the big brother MacBook Pro M2 in almost all specs. It comes with a Retina display, an amazing battery life of up to 18 hours, industry-leading security and privacy specs, redesigned keyboard scissor mechanism, and more. If you prefer the MacBook Air M2 model, you almost get a MacBook Pro at a lower price tag.
Thanks to the M1 chip, your student laptop will stay silent, because it doesn’t use a fan for cooling. M1 is Apple’s first in-house chip developed for great performance. Although it’s believed to be 1,4x slower than the Apple M2 chip, it’s still way faster than previous Mac models with Intel Core processors.
That being said, the MacBook Air can appeal to college students and teachers with its price (although I still consider this model a high-budget laptop for online classes).
Key specifications:
- Processor: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU
- Memory (RAM): 8 GB
- Display: Retina display with 2560 x 1600 resolution
- Camera & Audio: 720 p camera; stereo speakers with support for Dolby Atmos, three-mic array
- Battery life: Up to 18 hours
Csaba’s Rating:
- Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Camera & Microphone (Speakers): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Long battery life (18 hours)
- Fast processor
- Specs come close to the MacBook Pro
- Powerful mac OS
- Beautiful design
Cons:
- 720 p camera
- Limited connectivity (requires a MacBook dongle)
- 8 GB memory (although you can upgrade)
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (13’’)
Best portable laptop for college students
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a powerful laptop and tablet 2-in-1 with a 13-inch touchscreen. Thankfully, the tablet functionality doesn’t come at the expense of performance and battery life. Microsoft Surface Pro comes with a 12th gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor, and the battery can last for up to 15.5 hours.
With the lightweight and foldable design, high-resolution touchscreen, adjustable angle, and full HD camera supporting Windows Hello face authentication, you can rest assured that your online classes will go smoothly. You can bring your computer with you wherever you go: it only weighs 1.94 pounds and it’s fully foldable. The tablet mode will ensure that you can join and navigate your online classes without limitations.
Key specifications:
- Processor: IntelCore i5 (12th gen)
- Memory (RAM): 8 GB (configurable up to 32 GB)
- Display: PixelSense touchscreen with 2880×1920 resolution
- Camera & Microphone (Speakers): 1080 p camera; stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, dual far field studio microphones
- Battery life: Up to 15.5 hours
Csaba’s Rating:
- Performance: ⭐⭐⭐
- Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Camera & Audio: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Ultra-portable design (foldable, lightweight, compatible with Surface Slim Pen)
- High-resolution display
- Long-lasting battery (especially for such a large display)
- Full HD camera
- Slim Pen support
Cons:
- Limited connectivity (you need to buy and carry around adapters)
- A bit of limited performance compared to laptops in this price range (the tablet mode will compensate for that)
- Keyboards are sold separately
6. ASUS Vivobook Flip (14’’)
Best innovative laptop for Zoom and Google Classroom
The ASUS Vivobook Flip is a convertible laptop with a 360° hinge. Despite its flexibility, this laptop computer leaves no room for compromise. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800 processor with 16 GB memory and 1 TB SSD storage that is more than enough to support a great class experience even when working with large files and sharing your screen.
Vivobook looks cool with the second-generation NumberPad, which can be used as a numeric pad, the highlighted Enter key, and the ErgoLift hinge. A 2.8K OLED touchscreen and the Asus Pen make this student laptop a great candidate for creative online classes.
Key specifications:
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB
- Display: 2.8K (2880 x 1800) touchscreen
- Camera & Audio: 720 p camera; stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- Battery life: Couldn’t find an official statement on the Asus website, but it’s predicted to last for about 10 hours
Csaba’s Rating:
- Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Camera & Microphone (Speakers): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
- Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Solid performance
- 360° hinge
- Asus Pen support (sold separately)
- New touchpad (NumberPad)
- 2.8K OLED touchscreen display
Cons:
- 720p camera
- Medium battery life
7. Acer Swift X (14’’)
Best all-rounder student laptop for online classes
The Acer Swift X is a high-performance laptop for Zoom and Google Classroom. Its only major limitation, as I found out, is the somewhat limited portability due to the not-so-competitive battery life.
Otherwise, it’s a pretty solid student laptop with top-notch features like the 2.2K screen, the FHD camera (which is surprisingly rare in that category), and lots of ports for full connectivity. It comes with a 12th gen Intel Core i7 processor with 12 cores and up to 4.7 GHz CPU speed, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, and 16 GB of memory.
This configuration is ideal for any student who likes multitasking, editing videos, and running demanding software.
Key specifications:
- Processor: IntelCore i7, 12 cores, 4.7 GHz (12th gen)
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB
- Display: 2.2K IPS display (2240 x 1400 resolution)
- Camera & Audio: 1080 p webcam; stereo speakers
- Battery life: Couldn’t find an official statement on Acer’s website, but it’s predicted to last for about 11 hours
Csaba’s Rating:
- Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Camera & Microphone (Speakers): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
- Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- FHD camera
- Screen real estate
- Superior connectivity
- Great performance
Cons:
- Not competitive battery life (note, however, that it comes with a 2.2K display)
- Could be lighter
8. Acer Chromebook Spin 714 (14’’)
Best Chromebook for Zoom and Google Classroom
The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 laptop is an affordable yet excellent choice for remote learning. You can use your Chromebook as a laptop, display, tablet, or anything in between. Just download your favorite apps from the Google Play Store and you are ready to go.
According to Statista, Chromebooks contributed to more than 10 percent of notebook shipments worldwide. They’re especially favored in the education industry for numerous reasons. If you’re curious why, you can find the answer in the FAQ section and at the end of this blog post.
The Acer Chromebook Spin has a solid configuration to support video conferencing and online learning. It’s powered by an Intel Core i5-1235U processor with 8 GB of memory and 512 GB of SSD storage space. The full HD camera along with the foldable design, touchscreen, and Acer Pen support are hard to overlook at this price range.
Key specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U, 10 cores, 1.3GHz (Up to 4.4 GHz)
- Memory (RAM): 8 GB
- Display: 1920 X 1200 resolution touchscreen
- Camera & Audio: 1080 p camera; stereo speakers
- Battery life: Up to 10 hours
Csaba’s Rating:
- Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Camera & Microphone (Speakers): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
- Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Good value for money
- 1080 p camera
- Highly convertible
- Solid performance
Cons:
- Battery could last longer
- Hard to find a major weakness at this price
9. ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 (14’’)
Best innovative budget laptop for online classes
The ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 is an affordable laptop with some cool innovations. If you want more power, you can upgrade to models with an i7 series processor and 16 GB of RAM. However, for a Chromebook, this configuration with an Intel Core i3-1110G4 processor and 8 GB of memory may suffice.
Surprisingly, this laptop comes with a pen (included in the price), which only needs 15 seconds of charging for up to 45 minutes of use. The ErgoLift hinge automatically lifts your Chromebook to the most ergonomic and convenient typing position. The frame is well-designed and robust (military-graded).
Overall, the ASUS Chromebook Flip is a great budget laptop for Zoom and Google Classroom, with a great look, durability, and comfort functions.
Key specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i3-1110G4, 2 cores, 2.5 GHz (up to 3.9 GHz)
- Memory (RAM): 8 GB
- Display: Full HD 1920×1080 touchscreen
- Camera & Audio: 720 p webcam; Harman Kardon certified stereo speakers
- Battery life: Up to 10 hours
Csaba’s Rating:
- Performance: ⭐⭐⭐
- Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Camera & Microphone (Speakers): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
- Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Highly flexible to work with
- Affordable price
- Military-tested durability
- Pen included
Cons:
- Modest performance (although you can upgrade)
- 720 p camera (not surprising for this price)
- Not-so-competitive battery life
10. Dell XPS 15 (15.6”)
Best classic student laptop for online classes
Dell XPS 15 has been a popular choice among college students. It’s hard to find a source that won’t recommend this laptop for students. It’s a well-proven computer from a long-established manufacturer with a massive setup and good performance thanks to the 12th-generation, 14-core Intel Core i7 processor.
This laptop has 16 GB memory, 512 GB SSD storage space, and an NVIDIA GeForce 3050 graphics card, which are not only more than enough for online collaboration and video calls, but will also support your creative efforts such as video editing, gaming, or running special software.
Although this XPS model comes with a full HD display with a 15.6’’ screen size, models with OLED and 4K+ displays are also available. Bear in mind, however, that the better the screen, the shorter the battery life, which is unfortunately not yet at the cutting-edge range.
Key specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i7 ,14 cores, 4.7 GHz (12th gen)
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB
- Display: FHD display with 1920×1200 resolution
- Camera & Audio: 720 p camera; dual-array microphones, stereo speakers
- Battery life: Up to 13 hours
Csaba’s Rating:
- Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Camera & Microphone (Speakers): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Battery life: ⭐⭐⭐
- Portability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Solid performance & massive setup
- Highly reliable
- Generous configuration
Cons:
- High price
- Bit heavy
- 720 p camera
Best computer accessories to support your online classes
If you’re investing in a new laptop, it’s worth considering some of the best accessories. Here’re my favorite computer accessories to get the most out of your student laptop.
For an ergonomic typing experience: Nexstand Laptop Stand
I’ve been a heavy user of this laptop stand for years. The best thing about Nexstand is the superior folding design and durability: when folded up, you can carry your laptop stand in a small sleeve, which comes with the model.
With this laptop stand, you don’t have to undermine your health with bad and uncomfortable posture. Nexstand holds your laptop in a position that supports your health and comfort and it fits almost all laptop models of different sizes and manufacturers.
For a healthy posture: Lumbar Support Pillow
At the age of 40, I was diagnosed with CLBP (Chronic Low Back Pain). And I can say, it’s debilitating. Both my doctor and my physiotherapist advised that I exercise regularly and correct my posture. Otherwise, CLBP is a life sentence. (If you hope you won’t fall into this, chances are you will, as LBP affects 49-90% of people at some point in their life.)
I made a significant lifestyle change, part of that was investing in a lumbar support pillow. I never sit on a plain chair anymore.
A lumbar support pillow is a perfect companion to your laptop. Samsonite’s lumbar support cushion nicely fits your office chair and car seat, providing a comfortable & healthy posture during online classes and commuting.
For a better MacBook experience: MacBook USB adapter
Some of the disadvantages of MacBooks are their limited connectivity (except for the high-priced pro models that aren’t affordable to high school students).
This 7-in-2 USB hub will make your student life a lot easier. Connect any type of USB device, hard disk, and TV screen to your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. Charge your gadgets, Kindle devices, or wireless headphones via the USB hub.
For a better clicking and scrolling experience: Logitech MX Master 3 Wireless Mouse
Logitech’s legendary MX Master 3 has been a great investment for me. I hesitated for years before I finally purchased this mouse, but it was a great deal.
The ergonomically designed Logitech MX Master series offers a comfortable design with an ultra-fast, electromagnetic scrolling experience. It comes with a 4000 DPI sensor for precise tracking and with flow cross-computer control across multiple screens. The mouse makes 90% less click noise thanks to the Quiet Click technology. With fully customizable buttons, you can upgrade your learning experience.
For a better audio experience: Audio-Technica ATH-ANC700BT Noise-Cancelling Headphones
When it comes to audio brands, Audio-Technica is my go-to choice. I’ve tried numerous brands to fit onto my floppy ears, but Audio Technica headphones were by far the most comfortable ones. In addition, the battery lasts super long.
These pair of Bluetooth over-ear headphones have a nice flat foldable design, they offer active noise-cancellation and work for up to 25 hours (!) with one charging, which makes them ideal for remote learning.
What is the best laptop for Zoom and Google Classroom, anyway?
Zoom and Google Classroom offer video conferencing, screen sharing, and online collaboration that won’t require a powerhouse. A laptop with an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 series processor, 8 GB of RAM, a good webcam, a full HD display, and genuine portability will suffice.
You can, of course, always aim higher if your budget will allow. I’d prefer a 1080 p webcam, a higher resolution screen, 16 GB of RAM, and long battery life to ensure that I have a smooth video conferencing experience and to prepare for the future.
My pick is either the MacBook Pro/Air or the ASUS Zenbook. If you want a Windows machine, your best option is the ASUS Zenbook. You can get an OLED model, which comes with a 2.8 K display that beats Apple’s retina displays. The only major weakness, as I found out, is probably the battery life. Apple is hard to beat with almost 20 hours of battery life. If you like the power of the Mac OS and battery life is important to you, your perfect choice is the MacBook.
If you have the budget, choose a laptop that hopefully will be with you for the next 10 years or so. You may have some experience with or attachment to certain brands, which is OK. Choose the one that resonates with you.
A word about Chromebooks for online classes
Chromebooks became very popular among students because they are affordable choices over traditional computers and offer some cool functions.
Chromebooks are striped-down computers running on Chrome OS, which is designed by Google for simplicity and fast user experience. Chromebooks can run web-based applications, which require less power and storage space than dedicated apps on Windows or Mac computers.
That’s why Chromebooks often come with limited storage space and less competitive computing capacity: because they simply don’t need it— they rely heavily on the cloud. Chromebooks are designed to work natively with Google tools, such as Google Classroom or Google Workspace for Education.
This simplicity, however, comes at a price: Chromebooks often lack the power for resource-intensive tasks and they don’t support apps that are not web-based.
What are the best Chromebooks for college students?
I picked two popular Chromebooks for Zoom and Google Classroom: the ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 and the Acer Chromebook Spin 714. Other great Chromebooks are HP’s x360, Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5, and Google Pixelbook Go.
FAQ
What are the minimum system requirements for running Zoom and Google Classroom on a laptop?
As a rule of thumb, you should aim for at least 8 GB of memory, and an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor for a smooth video conferencing experience. Zoom recommends a dual-core processor with 2 GHz or higher and 4 GB of memory. Google Classroom recommends at least a 2.4 GHz dual-core processor and 2 GB of RAM. Screen sharing may require additional resources, like a quad-core processor or higher. You can rely on the built-in speakers and microphone of your student laptop, or connect a headset via Bluetooth or a jack cable. Also, you can use the built-in webcam or purchase an attachable one elsewhere. Generally, Google and Zoom support most browsers, but Chrome is often the preferred one.
What’s the difference between the Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 processor?
As a rule of thumb, Intel’s i5 processors are good enough for everyday mundane tasks, while i7 processors often offer higher performance, which is good for video editing and other intensive tasks. Intel Core i7 processors often come with larger cache sizes, more cores, and higher clock speed thereby supporting higher performance. This high performance, however, comes at a price: i7 processors cost more and consume more power.
Do I need a dedicated graphics card for Zoom and Google Classroom?
Graphics cards are either integrated with CPUs or motherboards or sold separately. Zoom and Google Classroom don’t need a dedicated graphics card, say an Nvidia GeForce. Your laptop’s integrated graphics card should suffice unless you’re doing graphically intensive tasks such as video editing or playing video games.
Which operating systems are compatible with Zoom and Google Classroom?
Zoom supports macOS X or later, Windows 7 and newer Windows editions, and a few other operating systems like Chrome OS. You can download the Zoom app or use the web interface with somewhat limited functionality. Generally, Google Classroom will work on Windows 10 or higher, Mac OS 10 or higher, and Chrome OS. Google Classroom runs in your web browser, so you don’t need to install the app. Otherwise, you can download the iOS and Android apps. Chromebooks work natively with Google tools, so you don’t need to install Google Classroom, either.
What is the ideal screen size and resolution for a good laptop for Zoom and Google Classroom?
It depends on your preferences (and eyes), however, I wouldn’t go under 13 inches. If you prefer a larger screen, a 14-inch screen or a 15-inch display could be more than enough for online classes and video conferencing. If you really want the screen real estate, you can always connect your laptop to an external display. As regards resolution, most laptops come with a full HD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution. This is not bad, but upgrading to a higher-resolution screen could enhance your video conferencing experience. A bigger screen may increase the weight of your computer and could increase the price tag. See the comparison table below for further reference.
What are the key specifications of the best laptop for Zoom and Google Classroom?
If you want to purchase a great laptop for online classes, pay attention to the processor, memory, storage, portability, battery life, connectivity, and screen size. I see the display as well as the webcam as key factors when considering a laptop for remote learning. Most laptops come either with a 720 p HD camera or with a 1080 P full HD camera, which is good for video conferencing. See the comparison table below for further reference.
Does 16 GB of memory make a difference in my laptop’s performance as compared to 8 GB of memory?
The choice depends on how many apps you will run at the same time and how resource-intensive software you are running on your student laptop. Upgrading to 16 GB is probably a good thing and will make a difference for your laptop computer if you’re multitasking or running demanding applications. 16 GB memory is also a great way to prepare your laptop for the future.
Can I use a Chromebook for Zoom and Google Classroom?
You can use both Zoom and Google Classroom on your Chromebook. Zoom recently dropped its PWA app (Progressive Web App) for Chrome OS, which offers a desktop experience for your Chromebook. It updates automatically, so you don’t need to bother with manual updates. Google Classroom works well on Chromebook because it’s part of the Google ecosystem.
Can I use Microsoft Office with a Chromebook?
Chromebooks support applications from the Google Play Store and the web. They also work with Microsoft products, like Excel and Word.
What are the benefits of using Chromebooks in the classroom?
The most common benefits of Chromebooks in the classroom are the following:
- Part of Google Workspace: Google Workspace already dominates the online education industry, and Chromebooks are built to work within Google’s ecosystem. You can use Google Meet, Google Docs, Google Drive, and other Google tools with ease.
- Security and ease of use: Chromebooks are easy to use and secure. The Chrome OS was designed to work easily and fast.
- Native screen recording: Screen recording is at the heart of online classes and Google introduced a native screen-recording tool into the Chrome OS.
- Google Classroom support: Chromebooks work directly with Google Classroom.
Best laptops for Zoom and Google Classroom compared
ASUS ZenBook | MacBook Pro M2 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 | MacBook Air M1 | Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | ASUS Vivobook Flip | Acer Swift X | Acer Chromebook Spin 714 | ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 | Dell XPS | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Processor | AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX, 8 cores, up to 4.6GHz | Apple M2 chip (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | IntelCore i7 , 14 cores, up to 4.8 GHz (12th gen) | Apple M1 chip (8-core CPU, 7-core GPU) | IntelCore i5, 10 cores, up to 4.4 GHz (12th gen) | AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, 8 cores, up to 4.4 GHz | IntelCore i7, 12 cores, up to 4.7 GHz (12th gen) | Intel Core i5-1235U, 10 cores, up to 4.4 GHz (12th gen) | Intel Core i3-1110G4, 2 cores, up to 3.9 GHz (11th gen) | Intel Core i7 ,14 cores, up to 4.7 GHz (12th gen) |
Memory | 16 GB | 8 GB | 32 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB |
Hard drive | 1 TB SSD | 256 GB SSD | 1 TB SSD | 256 GB SSD | 256 GB SSD | 1 TB SSD | 512 GB SSD | 512 GB | 128 GB | 512 GB SSD |
Battery life | 15 hours | 20 hours | 13 hours | 18 hours | 15.5 hours | 10 hours | 11 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours | 13 hours |
Ports | 2x USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack, Micro SD | 2x Thunderbolt (USB4), headphone jack | 2x USB-C Thunderbolt, 2x USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack, Nano SIM, Kensington lock slot | 2x Thunderbolt (USB4), headphone jack | 2x USB-C Thunderbolt, 1x Surface Connect, 1x Surface Type Cover | USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack | 2x USB-C Thunderbolt, 2x USB-A, HDMI, headphone jack | USB-A Port, 3x USB-C , 2x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, headphone jack | 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, Micro SD Card reader, headphone jack | 2x USB-C Thunderbolt, USB-C, headphone jack, SD card slot, lock slot |
Display | IPS | Retina | WUXGA | Retina | PixelSense Flow | OLED | IPS | WUXGA | IPS | IPS |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2560 x 1600 | 1920×1200 | 2560 x 1600 | 2880×1920 | 2880 x 1800 | 2240 x 1400 | 1920 X 1200 | 1920×1080 | 1920×1200 |
Touchscreen | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Camera | 720 p camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera | 1080p FHD camera | 720 p FaceTime HD camera | 1080p FHD camera | 720 p camera | 1080p FHD camera | 1080 p FHD camera | 720 p camera | 720 p camera |
Weight | 2.87 ponds (1.3 kg) | 3.0 pounds (1.4 kg) | 2,48 pounds (1.12 kg) | 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg) | 1.94 ponds (0.879 kg) | 3.31 pounds (1.48 kg) | 3.09 ponds (1.39 kg) | 3.09 pounds (1.39 kg) | 3.09 pounds (1.39 kg) | 4.22 pounds (1.89 kg) |
Operating system | Windows 11 | macOS | Windows 11 | macOS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Chrome OS | Chrome OS | Windows 11 |
Cover photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash