Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

If there is one thing I know about nursing school, it’s that its not easy. The last thing you want to be worrying about on the first day of the new semester is:

  1. If your computer is going to be compatible with your universities requirements
  2. If your computer will easily hook up to campus wifi 
  3. If Blackboard discussion board audio & video will function properly; scratch that, if Blackboard will work at all 
  4. If your computer is going to randomly crash in the middle of a assignment
  5. If your computer will be able to handle live streaming voice over PowerPoint presentation
  6. If your computer will function with the new virtual patient programs 
  7. If your computer will wirelessly print 
  8. If the fan in your computer will be quiet enough to not bother the students around you
  9. and on and on and on 

The 5 computers below meet the following specifications (previously dubbed Melissa’s secret Sauce): 

  1. Cost less than $700 
  2. At least an Intel 4th Generation Core i5 processor
  3. At least a 128 GB solid state drive 
  4. At least 4 GB of RAM 
  5. Screen size at least 11 inches 
  6. Webcam (may be necessary for distance/online students)
  7. Battery life  greater than 4 hours
  8. Weights less than 5.5 lbs (you will be carrying it everywhere, might as well be light)

Computer specifications can be kind of complicated, so check out my A Nurse’s Guide to Buying a Computer post if you want more details. All of the computers below meet the criteria published on nursing school websites for computer requirements as well. Yes, I’ve done my research. 

Also, I know that $700 might not seem like a “budget” laptop, but trust me, it’s better to buy one $700 laptop over a few years of school than two $350 laptops that make every assignment take 10x as long. 

Lenovo Yoga 2

Picture

  • Current price: $599
  • Intel Core i5 processor
  • 11.6″ HD touch screen
  • 360° flip-and-fold design
  • 4GB RAM
  • 128GB solid state drive (SSD)
  • Windows 8.1
  • 2.5 lbs

What stands out about the Lenovo Yoga 2 is its sleek design and 360 degree flip and fold feature. If you want an affordable touch screen laptop that has the “cool factor” go with the Lenovo Yoga 2. 

HP Elite Book 

Picture

 

  • Current price: $649
  • Certified refurbished product by a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher.
  • Intel Core i7 Processor
  • 14″ screen
  • 8GB RAM
  • 256GB SSD Hard Drive
  • Windows 7 Professional (64-Bit)
  • 3.6 lbs

What stands out about this HP Elite Book is its AMAZING specs. While this bad boy is the only refurbished computer on the list, it has by far the best hardware. If all you want is a powerful, dependable machine, go with the HP Elite Book.

Lenovo IdeaPad

Picture

  • Current price: $660
  • Intel Core i5 processor
  • 4GB RAM
  • 128GB solid state drive
  • 11.6″ screen
  • 360° convertible design
  • Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit
  • 3 lbs

The Lenovo IdeaPad is another sleek laptop with a 360 degree flip and fold design. This computer also comes with a touch screen and standard specs. Another solid choice, especially for those who desire a touch screen. 

Lenovo Flex 3 

 

  • PictureCurrent price: $669
  • Intel Core i5 processor
  • 8 GB  RAM
  • 500 GB hard drive
  • 8 GB solid state drive
  • 14″ screen
  • Windows 8
  • 4 lbs

 

The Lenovo Flex 3 stands out because of its HUGE 14″ screen and 8GB RAM, which means your computer will run smoothly and multitasking will not be a problem. The Lenovo Flex 3 also includes a 500GB hard drive on top of a solid state drive, meaning you will have more storage space for your music and pictures. 

Acer Aspire

Picture

  • Current price: $568
  • Intel Core i5 processor
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 1 TB hard drive
  • 15.6″ screen
  • Windows 8.1
  • 5.3 lbs

The Acer Aspire is the best bang for your buck. Coming in under $600 this large (15.6″ screen) laptop has killer specs and 1 terabyte (!!!) of additional hard drive space. If you are one of those people with millions of songs, you might consider the Acer Aspire. 

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share