Student laptop and accessory recommendations for back-to-school

As the back-to-school season approaches, recommendations for student laptops and essential accessories have been highlighted to assist with academic needs.

For humanities students focusing on research and writing, the Apple MacBook Neo 13” (2026) is suggested due to its 16-hour battery life and A18 chip. The Apple MacBook Air 13.6” (2025) is also noted for creative students, featuring an M4 chip and up to 18 hours of battery life. For those seeking budget-friendly options, the MacBook Neo and the Dell XPS 13 (2026) are both recommended with starting prices around $699.

To enhance productivity, several laptop accessories priced under $50 are recommended, including laptop stands, USB hubs, privacy screens, wireless peripherals, and cooling pads. Specific items mentioned include the Logitech Signature M650 mouse, Acer USB-C docking stations, and various laptop sleeves and backpacks.