Apple Student Laptops

Be Top of the Class with these Student Laptops!

Whether you’re shopping for a good first device for primary school, upgrading for those all-important high school and HSC years, or a uni student juggling readings, lectures and assignments, you’ll find the top laptops for students of all ages at Harvey Norman.

What is the best laptop for students?

From learning the basics in primary school to further study at university, the best laptop for students should balance price, power and performance while supporting them through every stage of their education:

• Primary School – This is where little Einsteins start developing their digital skills in the classroom. School laptops are used to support learning with interactive resources and educational games that help young students with English, math and science.
• High School – Whether they’re creating digital art, composing music or drafting essays, secondary students need a laptop that can ace both academic tasks and creative projects.
• University – Laptops are no longer just for learning. From cramming for exams and working on group presentations to relaxing with a movie when the assignments are turned in, uni scholars need a powerful device that supports study and play.

How to choose a student laptop?

For many Australian students, heading back to school, university or TAFE means bringing your own laptop. This is known as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), an education policy where school students bring their own digital devices for learning.

Requirements can vary between schools, which makes navigating BYOD confusing for parents and students alike. This is where the Student Device experts at Harvey Norman come in! Forget about confusing spec requirements, these best-in-class laptops have been handpicked by us, so you know they'll tick all the boxes on their school requirement list, including:

• Form Factor – Choose from powerful clamshell-style laptops or versatile 2-in-1s, which combine a laptop and tablet into one device.
• Brand – Explore top-rated options from trusted brands, but keep in mind some schools may specify preferred names or models.
• Weight – Lightweight, portable options under 1.5kg.
• Screen Size – Minimum 10-inch screen for multitasking while remaining portable enough to take anywhere.
• Battery Life – All-day battery that lasts long after the final bell or tutorial.
• Longevity – Designed to keep up with their growing needs with powerful hardware, hard-working hard drives and plenty of memory.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity – Dual-band Wi-Fi for easy access to 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi frequencies.
• Design – Built to last with durable finishes, perfect for life on the go.

How much do students spend on laptops?

From parents looking for their child’s first laptop to uni students on strict budgets, price is one of the main considerations when shopping for a student laptop.

Whether you’re looking for a simple yet capable cheap laptop under $1,000 or a high-performance model with the latest processor for design or engineering, we have every price point covered.

And when you shop with Harvey Norman, you know you’re getting the best price guaranteed! Plus, we offer flexible payment options, including Afterpay, PayPal Pay in 4 and more, so you can get the tech you need without the stress.

Which is better for a student, Mac, Windows, or Chrome?

An operating system is so much more than the software that runs on a student's laptop! It can help learners unlock their potential and succeed in the classroom, workplace and beyond. Here's what you need to know:

• Windows – A smart choice for students who need a versatile, high-performance laptop. Windows 11 is familiar and intuitive, with support for a wide range of software, from Microsoft 365 to creative programs like Adobe. Some models also come with Windows Copilot+, an AI-powered assistant to help with tasks and productivity.
• macOS – The flexible, easy-to-use interface and top-notch security make macOS a popular choice with school-goers, especially those already part of the Apple ecosystem. MacBook Air and MacBook Pro power study with the latest M5 chips and come with all the essential apps for learning and creating.
• ChromeOS – A simple, budget-friendly laptop, Chromebooks use Google’s web-based browser, which makes them easy for students of all ages to use. Integration with Google Docs, Sheets and Slides means they’re great for everything from notetaking in class to collaborating on group assignments.