As summer ends, students heading back to class need the right gear. The WIRED Reviews team, after extensive testing, has compiled a list of essential tech for note-taking, homework, and self-care. Among the top picks are two standout laptops that balance performance, portability, and price.
The Best Overall College Laptop: MacBook Neo
According to WIRED, the MacBook Neo has become the entry-level option for Apple laptops, replacing the MacBook Air as the go-to for college. Despite a recent $100 price increase, it remains the best overall college laptop to buy. The design feels premium, with fun color selections, and the standout feature is the high-resolution display—brighter and sharper than any other laptop under $1,000. The trade-off is performance limits, especially the 8 GB of RAM, but that should suffice for most students. A bonus tip: buyers can get $100 off by using a college email address on Apple's website.
The Lightest Option: Asus Zenbook A14
For those who prioritize lightweight portability, WIRED recommends the Asus Zenbook A14 (scored 8/10, WIRED Recommends). At just 2.18 pounds, it is over half a pound lighter than the MacBook Air, making it one of the lightest laptops around. Despite its weight, it feels sturdy thanks to Asus's patented Ceraluminum material. It is reasonably priced, with an OLED display and great battery life. A next-gen model with Snapdragon X2 chips is available but much more expensive.
Comparison Table: MacBook Neo vs. Asus Zenbook A14
| Feature | MacBook Neo | Asus Zenbook A14 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Not specified | 2.18 pounds |
| Display | High-resolution, brighter and sharper than any under $1,000 | OLED display |
| RAM | 8 GB (limit) | Not specified |
| Price | Under $1,000 (before $100 edu discount) | Reasonably priced |
| Material | Premium design with color selections | Ceraluminum for lightweight sturdiness |
Key Considerations for Students
WIRED notes that the MacBook Neo's 8 GB RAM limit should be enough for most students, while the Asus Zenbook A14's extreme lightness is ideal for carrying across campus. Both represent strong value in the sub-$1,000 range. For enterprise technology procurement leaders, these devices offer reliable performance for training programs or remote work setups, though business-specific configurations may vary.
WIRED's testing also involved monitors, but the full analysis was not detailed in the excerpt. The team included reviewers Julian Chokkattu, Christopher Null, and others, ensuring thorough evaluation.
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