Gaming laptops can be used for school work just as much as any other laptop. They are designed for high-powered tasks and provide the best performance possible so they’re faster than cheaper computers, which means less waiting time when opening programs or files.
However, there are many other things to consider in using a gaming laptop for school. If you’re planning on taking this route, below are some important considerations that may help you along the way.
Portability
Most gaming laptops are bulkier than regular laptops. They have high-end graphics cards and cooling systems that add extra weight and volume, so if you’re looking for a light computer to take back and forth between classes, a gaming laptop might not be the best choice.
If portability is an issue, you’ll want to stick with lighter-weight models rather than heavier 7000+ pound laptops.
Moreover, wide screens are typically better for gaming laptops, but keep in mind that larger screens may be less suitable to use in class or while walking down the hall.
Gaming laptops usually have 15″ monitors or larger, so you may want to consider a smaller laptop with an 11″ screen instead. That way, it will be easier for you to take down the hallways without running into anyone.
Battery Life
The high-end components of gaming laptops require more power — which can lead to lower battery life. Gaming laptops last anywhere from only 2-4 hours on a single charge, and some models barely last two hours before needing to be plugged in again.
If you don’t have access to an outlet during class or while out of your dorm room, this may become problematic. You’ll either need to use another gadget for class, have an extra battery, or risk a low battery when you need your laptop the most.
Regular laptops designed for school use offer more battery life than gaming laptops. Before getting a gaming laptop, you should also consider how long would you be using your device in school.
If your usage is limited to certain hours, then a gaming laptop should do fine for that amount of time.
Loud Sound
Most gaming laptops have very powerful cooling systems which can be loud, especially when running graphically intensive tasks like watching videos or playing games.
If you’re using a gaming laptop with others nearby, it may annoy them. If your school has strict policies on noise level, then a gaming laptop is probably not the best choice to avoid getting in trouble.
Level of Work
If you will be using your gaming laptop for regular school work processes like emailing profs, writing papers, and taking notes it would be better to choose a more portable lightweight laptop.
However, if you plan on using your laptop for intense video/audio editing or other high-power tasks that require a lot of memory, storage, and processing power (i.e., CAD), then it would be better to get a gaming laptop instead of a regular computer.
Conclusion
Gaming laptops can be used for school as they have powerful components that allow them to perform at the highest possible settings. However, it’s important to consider the other factors that may be better in a regular laptop, particularly portability and battery life.
