Others don't care which operating system you use, whether it's Windows, macOS, or even Linux if you're a hard-core type. Some colleges and universities want their students equipped with Windows-based laptops, to cut down on software incompatibility issues or to keep technical support concentrated on one platform. They may have hard-and-fast hardware recommendations. The first, and most important, thing to do is check with your school for specific system requirements. Here are the basics you should keep in mind while looking for a laptop for college. Lucky for you, we have a bunch of recommended models that fit that description perfectly-and since most of them are below $1,000, they won't drain your savings account in a big way (at least, relative to tuition payments). And especially in these trying times, a laptop for a college student needs to respect your budget while lasting for the long haul, preferably through four years of undergrad and maybe a year of grad work.