Back to school laptop deals: when to buy one

Verdict: Buy in summer if you need it by day one, otherwise wait for the November round. Check the return window either way.

Back to school laptop deals follow the school year. Retailers promote laptops to students from midsummer, then run holiday sales in the fall. Dates change each year and each school sets its own start, so check the retailer for current offers.

When are back to school laptop deals usually best?

Two windows come up most often.

• July through August. Student promotions, bundles and some price cuts.
• November. Holiday sales often bring the lowest price on last year's models.

If your semester starts in September and you need a laptop on the first day, summer is the practical choice. If you can borrow or use an old one for a few months, November may save more.

What should you decide before the deal?

1. What it must do. Look at the course list or ask the school. Some courses need a certain operating system or software.
2. Memory and storage. In general, 8 GB of memory is a minimum for basic work, and 16 GB gives room for more. Storage of 256 GB is tight, and 512 GB is more comfortable. Needs vary, so check your own software.
3. Weight and battery. A laptop you carry daily should be light and last through a day of classes. The maker's claim is a guide, not a promise.
4. Repairs. Ask whether the battery or storage can be replaced.

Spend on memory and storage before screen size or color. These are hard to upgrade later.

Should you buy last year's model?

Usually, yes. It is often cheaper and close in performance. Read last year's model vs the new model for the rule on when it holds. Compare the exact model number, and make sure it has the ports you need.

A worked example

These numbers are round and made up. A laptop is $700 in August with a free bag. In November last year it was $600. Your choices are to buy in August and use it for three months, or to wait for November and save about $100. If you need it for classes right away, buy. If not, wait and use a loaner or a library computer.

Are student discounts better than sale prices?

Sometimes. A student price can beat the sale, or it may be the same as the sale. Compare the final prices, and read student discount vs sale price to see how to choose.

What about returns and warranties?

Check the return window and when it starts. A laptop bought in August with a 30 day window gives you time to test it before the term gets busy. Keep the receipt, and register the warranty. Policies differ, so read the store's own page.

Common mistakes

• Buying on the bundle, not the specs.
• Choosing the lowest memory to save a small amount.
• Waiting past the first week of classes.
• Skipping the return window.

What if the budget is tight?

Look at refurbished and open-box models from sellers with a clear warranty and return window. Check what the school offers: some have loan programs or discounts through the campus store. Also check what you actually need. A basic laptop with a good battery and enough memory often does the job for writing and research. Pay extra only for a use you can name, such as video editing or design software.

A quick ruling

Spend on memory and storage first, then battery. Skip extras you cannot name a use for.