Buying guides
How to choose a laptop for college: a simple guide for Irish students
What specs actually matter for college, how much to spend, and which mistakes to avoid when buying a student laptop in Ireland.
By the Tech Depot team · 10 October 2026 · 6 min read
A college laptop has to last three or four years, survive a bag every day, and run whatever your course throws at it. You do not need the most expensive model, but a few specs really matter.
Check your course first
Most arts, business and science courses only need a reliable everyday laptop. Engineering, architecture, design and computer science courses can need more power or specific software. Check your course page or ask the department before you buy.
The specs that matter
- Memory (RAM): 8GB is the minimum, 16GB is the comfortable choice for four years
- Storage: an SSD, never a spinning hard drive. 256GB works, 512GB is better
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 and above for most courses
- Battery: look for a full day of real use
- Weight: under 1.6kg if you carry it every day
Windows or Mac?
Both work for most courses. MacBooks are light, last long on battery and hold their value. Windows laptops give you more choice at every price and run some specialist software that Mac does not. If your course uses Windows-only software, that decides it for you.
How much to spend
A solid everyday student laptop usually sits somewhere in the €450 to €750 range. Gaming and design laptops cost more. Spending a little more on 16GB of memory often pays off in year three or four.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying 4GB of memory to save money
- Choosing a large, heavy laptop you will not want to carry
- Forgetting a sleeve or bag
- Not setting up backups from day one
Not sure what to pick? Message Tech Depot on WhatsApp with your course and budget. We will suggest a few options, and we set it up for you in store when you collect it.
Need a hand? Talk to the Tech Depot team.
Ennis and Ennistymon, Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
