Seeking recommendations for a reliable student laptop in the $400-700 range. Previously owned a MacBook Air that failed due to hardware issues. Need a versatile device for college, capable of handling school tasks, light gaming (e.g., Roblox), and general use. Good battery life is essential. As a STEM major, I require a laptop that can last throughout my college career. Any suggestions?
Used MacBook Air.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 (2024 model) hits your sweet spot at around $699. I've used one for engineering coursework and it's solid. You get a Ryzen 7 8845U, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. Battery lasts 8-10 hours with regular use. Will handle your STEM software and Roblox fine. Build quality is decent - not MacBook level but sturdy enough for college life.