Choosing the perfect laptop for school or university can be an overwhelming task, especially given the vast array of options available on the market today. An ideal laptop for students in Uganda must strike the right balance between cost-effectiveness and performance, providing sufficient power to efficiently handle various academic tasks without breaking the bank or stretching their budget too thin. Additionally, having excellent battery life is crucial to ensure that the laptop can last through an entire day of lectures, study sessions, and group projects without needing a recharge.
To assist you in making the best decision, I’ve put together a selection of high-performing laptops that cater to students across all educational stages, from high school to university. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight Ultrabook for easy transport, a reliable Chromebook for straightforward tasks, or a robust laptop capable of handling more intensive projects, this guide has options that will suit both your requirements and budget.
When looking to buy a laptop as a student, the balance between price and performance is an essential factor to consider. In today’s rapidly evolving world, where online education is becoming increasingly common in Uganda, finding the right laptop is more important than ever. With more students turning to digital platforms for their studies, having a reliable laptop that offers both performance and affordability is crucial. As students often operate within a limited budget, it’s essential to invest in a device that can handle the demands of online learning—from video lectures to research projects—without needing to be replaced before the end of their degree or school program. Purchasing a laptop represents one of the most significant investments they will make in preparation for their studies. Therefore, it’s crucial to select a device that is both affordable and dependable enough to last throughout their entire academic journey—whether that’s three years, four years, or even longer.
Once more, choosing the right laptop for the students is essential for academic success, especially with the growing trend of online learning in Uganda. Here’s our list of the top laptops designed to meet the needs of students, balancing performance, affordability, and portability.
The 10 Best Laptops for Students in Uganda.
1. HP EliteBook 840 G5
Specifications.
- Processor:
- Intel Core i5-8350U (8th Generation)
- Quad-core, 1.7 GHz base clock, up to 3.6 GHz with Turbo Boost
- Memory:
- 8GB DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 32GB)
- Storage:
- 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Display:
- 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) anti-glare display
- Optional: Touchscreen display
- Graphics:
- Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Operating System:
- Windows 10 Pro (pre-installed)
- Connectivity:
- 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A
- 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C (Gen 2) with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.2
- 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C (Gen 1) with Power Delivery
- 1 x HDMI 1.4
- 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet
- 1 x Headphone/microphone combo
- 1 x Smart Card reader (optional)
- Wireless:
- Intel Wireless-AC 9560 (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth 5.0
- Camera:
- HD webcam (720p)
- Audio:
- Stereo speakers
- Dual-array microphones
- HP Noise Cancellation Software
- Battery:
- 3-cell, 50 Wh Li-ion polymer battery
- Up to 5 hours of battery life (varies with usage)
- Dimensions:
- 33.8 x 23.4 x 1.8 cm (13.3 x 9.2 x 0.71 inches)
- Weight:
- Starting at 1.66 kg (3.66 lbs)
- Security:
- HP Sure Start Gen4
- HP Sure Click
- HP Client Security Manager
- Fingerprint reader (optional)
- IR Camera for facial recognition (optional)
- Additional Features:
- Backlit keyboard
- Optional TPM 2.0
- HP Long Life Battery
Why it is good for students?
The HP EliteBook 840 G5 laptop is good for students in Uganda due to its strong performance with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM, fast 256GB SSD storage, and a clear 14-inch Full HD display. Its lightweight design (1.66 kg) and long battery life (up to 5 hours) make it easy to carry and use throughout a busy day. Enhanced security features like HP Sure Start and optional fingerprint recognition help protect personal data, while versatile connectivity options ensure compatibility with various devices and networks. Overall, its durability and performance make it a reliable choice for academic tasks.
Price
The HP EliteBook 840 G5 goes for Ugx. 1,500,000. /Chech KeemTECH Solutions.
2. Dell Latitude 7490.
Specifications
- Processor:
- Intel Core i5-8350U (8th Gen)
- Base clock speed: 1.7 GHz
- Turbo Boost up to 3.6 GHz
- Quad-core processor
- Memory: 8GB DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 32GB)
- Storage:
- 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Faster boot and data access speeds
- Display: 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) anti-glare display
- Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
- Connectivity:
- 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A
- 1 x USB Type-C (with DisplayPort and Power Delivery)
- 1 x HDMI 1.4
- 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port
- MicroSD card reader
- Headphone/microphone combo jack
- Optional Smart Card reader
- Wireless:
- Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 (Wi-Fi)
- Bluetooth 4.2
- Camera: HD webcam (720p) for video calls and online meetings
- Audio: Stereo speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro
- Battery:
- 4-cell, 60 Wh Li-ion battery
- Up to 5 hours of battery life (varies with usage)
- Dimensions: 33.0 x 22.1 x 1.7 cm (13 x 8.7 x 0.67 inches)
- Weight: Starting at 1.4 kg (3.08 lbs)
- Security Features:
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
- Dell Control Vault
- Optional fingerprint reader and IR camera for facial recognition
- Keyboard: Backlit keyboard for easy typing in low-light environments
- Durability: MIL-STD-810G certified (tested for durability against shocks and drops)
Why it is good for students?
The Dell Latitude 7490 is good for students due to its strong performance, portability, and long battery life. Its Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM ensure smooth multitasking for academic tasks, while the 256GB SSD provides fast data access. Weighing just 1.4 kg, it’s lightweight and easy to carry around campus, and the battery lasts up to 5 hours, perfect for a full day of classes. The durable design, Full HD anti-glare display, and variety of connectivity options make it practical for everyday use, while its security features help protect personal data.
Price.
The Dell Latitude 7490 goes for Ugx. 1,200,000. /Chech KeemTECH Solutions
3. HP EliteBook 840 G2.
Specifications
- Processor:
- Intel Core i5-5300U (5th Gen)
- Base clock speed: 2.3 GHz
- Turbo Boost up to 2.9 GHz
- Dual-core processor
- Memory: 8GB DDR3L RAM (expandable up to 16GB)
- Storage: 500GB HDD
- Fast boot times and quick data access
- Display: 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) or Full HD (1920 x 1080) anti-glare display
- Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 5500
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
- Connectivity:
- 3 x USB 3.0 ports
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
- 1 x VGA port
- 1 x Ethernet port (RJ-45)
- Docking connector
- Headphone/microphone combo jack
- SD card reader
- Wireless:
- Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (Wi-Fi)
- Bluetooth 4.0
- Camera: 720p HD webcam for video calls and virtual meetings
- Audio: Stereo speakers with DTS Studio Sound for enhanced audio quality
- Battery: 3-cell, 50 Wh Li-ion battery
- Up to 4 hours of battery life (varies with usage)
- Dimensions: 33.9 x 23.7 x 2.1 cm (13.3 x 9.3 x 0.83 inches)
- Weight: Starting at 1.58 kg (3.48 lbs)
- Security Features:
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
- Optional fingerprint reader
- Optional smart card reader
- Keyboard: Spill-resistant keyboard with optional backlight
- Durability: MIL-STD-810G tested for rugged durability against drops, shocks, and environmental factors
Why it is good for students?
The HP EliteBook 840 G2 is great for students because it offers solid performance with its Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, making it ideal for multitasking. Its 500GB HDD ensures fast data access and boot times, while the lightweight design (1.58 kg) and long battery life (up to 4 hours) make it easy to carry around campus. The durable build, spill-resistant keyboard, and various connectivity options provide flexibility and reliability, making it a practical choice for academic use.
Price
The HP EliteBook 840 G2 goes for Ugx. 850,000. /Chech KeemTECH Solutions
4. HP EliteBook 840 G3.
Specifications
- Processor:
- Intel Core i5-6300U (6th Gen)
- Base clock speed: 2.4 GHz
- Turbo Boost up to 3.0 GHz
- Dual-core processor
- Memory: 8GB DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 16GB)
- Storage: 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Fast boot and data access speeds
- Display: 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) or Full HD (1920 x 1080) anti-glare display
- Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 520
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
- Connectivity:
- 2 x USB 3.0 ports
- 1 x USB Type-C
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
- 1 x VGA port
- 1 x Ethernet port (RJ-45)
- Docking connector
- Headphone/microphone combo jack
- SD card reader
- Wireless:
- Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 (Wi-Fi)
- Bluetooth 4.2
- Camera: 720p HD webcam for video conferencing and online classes
- Audio: Stereo speakers with Bang & Olufsen-tuned sound for enhanced audio quality
- Battery:
- 3-cell, 46 Wh Li-ion battery
- Up to 4 hours of battery life (varies with usage)
- Dimensions: 33.8 x 23.7 x 1.89 cm (13.3 x 9.33 x 0.74 inches)
- Weight: Starting at 1.48 kg (3.26 lbs)
- Security Features:
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
- Optional fingerprint reader
- Optional smart card reader
- Keyboard: Spill-resistant keyboard with optional backlight
- Durability: MIL-STD-810G tested for durability, protecting against shocks, drops, and tough conditions
Why it is good for students?
The HP EliteBook 840 G3 is good for students because it offers a balance of performance, portability, and durability. With its Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM, it handles multitasking smoothly, making it ideal for academic tasks like research, writing, and presentations. Its 256GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick access to files, while the lightweight design (1.48 kg) and long battery life (up to 4 hours) make it convenient for students on the go. Additionally, its MIL-STD-810G durability ensures it can withstand everyday wear and tear, and its variety of connectivity options makes it versatile for connecting to external devices. The spill-resistant keyboard and security features like TPM and optional fingerprint reader further enhance its practicality for students.
Price
The HP EliteBook 840 G3 goes for Ugx. 950,000. /Chech KeemTECH Solutions
5. Lenovo ThinkPad T470s
Specifications
- Processor:
- Intel Core i5-7300U (7th Gen)
- Base clock speed: 2.6 GHz
- Turbo Boost up to 3.5 GHz
- Dual-core processor
- Memory:
- 8GB DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 24GB)
- Storage:
- 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Fast data transfer and boot times
- Display:
- 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display
- Anti-glare screen for comfortable viewing in bright environments
- Graphics:
- Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620
- Operating System:
- Windows 10 Pro
- Connectivity:
- 3 x USB 3.0 ports (1 always-on charging)
- 1 x USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 3
- 1 x HDMI 1.4
- 1 x Ethernet port (RJ-45)
- MicroSD card reader
- Headphone/microphone combo jack
- Docking connector
- Wireless:
- Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
- Bluetooth 4.1
- Camera:
- 720p HD webcam for video conferencing and online classes
- Audio:
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium for clear, enhanced sound
- Battery:
- 3-cell, 57 Wh battery
- Up to 5 hours of battery life (depending on usage)
- Dimensions:
- 33.1 x 22.6 x 1.6 cm (13.03 x 8.9 x 0.63 inches)
- Weight:
- Starting at 1.32 kg (2.9 lbs)
- Security Features:
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
- Optional fingerprint reader
- Optional smart card reader
- Keyboard:
- Spill-resistant keyboard with backlit keys for low-light use
- Durability:
- MIL-STD-810G tested for durability, ensuring it can withstand shocks, drops, and rough environments
Why it is good for Students?
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470s is great for students because it’s lightweight, durable, and offers strong performance with its Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM, making multitasking easy. Its long battery life (up to 4 hours) is ideal for a full day of classes, while the fast SSD ensures quick access to files. The backlit, spill-resistant keyboard is practical for late-night study sessions, and its range of connectivity options allows students to easily connect to external devices. Additionally, its rugged build and security features make it reliable and safe for student use.
Price
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470s goes for Ugx. 1,000,000. /Chech KeemTECH Solutions
Best Laptops for Students in Uganda: Key Specifications Compared.
| Specification | HP EliteBook 840 G5 | Dell Latitude 7490 | HP EliteBook 840 G2 | HP EliteBook 840 G3 | Lenovo ThinkPad T470s |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8350U (8th Gen) | Intel Core i5-8350U (8th Gen) | Intel Core i5-5300U (5th Gen) | Intel Core i5-6300U (6th Gen) | Intel Core i5-7300U (7th Gen) |
| Memory | 8GB DDR4 (expandable up to 32GB) | 8GB DDR4 (expandable up to 32GB) | 8GB DDR3L (expandable up to 16GB) | 8GB DDR4 (expandable up to 16GB) | 8GB DDR4 (expandable up to 24GB) |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 500GB HDD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) | 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) | 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) or Full HD (1920 x 1080) | 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) or Full HD (1920 x 1080) | 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Integrated Intel HD Graphics 5500 | Integrated Intel HD Graphics 520 | Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro |
| USB Ports | 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A, 1 x USB Type-C | 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A, 1 x USB Type-C | 3 x USB 3.0 | 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB Type-C | 3 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB Type-C |
| HDMI/DisplayPort | 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x USB Type-C (with DisplayPort) | 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x USB Type-C (with DisplayPort) | 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x VGA | 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x VGA | 1 x HDMI 1.4 |
| Ethernet Port | 1 x RJ-45 | 1 x RJ-45 | 1 x RJ-45 | 1 x RJ-45 | 1 x RJ-45 |
| Wireless | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.0 | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours | Up to 5 hours | Up to 4 hours | Up to 4 hours | Up to 5 hours |
| Weight | 1.34 kg | 1.4 kg | 1.58 kg | 1.48 kg | 1.32 kg |
| Dimensions | 33.2 x 23.4 x 1.78 cm | 33.0 x 22.1 x 1.7 cm | 33.0 x 22.1 x 2.1 cm | 33.8 x 23.7 x 1.89 cm | 33.1 x 22.6 x 1.6 cm |
| Keyboard | Backlit, spill-resistant | Backlit, spill-resistant | Spill-resistant, optional backlight | Spill-resistant, optional backlight | Backlit, spill-resistant |
| Security Features | TPM, optional fingerprint reader | TPM, optional fingerprint reader | TPM, optional fingerprint reader | TPM, optional fingerprint reader | TPM, optional fingerprint reader |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810G tested | MIL-STD-810G tested | MIL-STD-810G tested | MIL-STD-810G tested | MIL-STD-810G tested |
Buying Guide: Best Laptops for Students in Uganda.
When selecting a laptop for students in Uganda, here are the essential factors to consider:
1. Performance:
- Processor: Choose a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 processor. This ensures that the laptop can handle multitasking and academic applications efficiently.
- RAM: opt for 8GB of RAM. This amount of memory supports smooth performance for various tasks, including running multiple applications and browser tabs.
- Storage: A 256GB SSD is ideal. SSDs are normally faster than traditional HDDs, providing quicker boot times and reliable performance. However if it is HDD, a 500GB is ideal.
2. Battery Life:
- Longevity: Look for laptops with a battery life of at least 4 hours. This is crucial for students who need their laptop to last through long days on campus and study sessions without charging for very many times.
3. Portability:
- Weight and Size: A laptop that is lightweight (between 1.5 to 2.5 kg) and compact (13 to 14 inches) is easy to carry between classes and fits comfortably in a backpack.
- Build Quality: A durable build helps the laptop withstand the rigors of student life, opt for models with robust construction.
4. Display:
- Resolution: A Full HD (1920 x 1080) display is sufficient for clear and sharp visuals. This is beneficial for reading, studying, and multimedia use.
- Size: A 14-inch screen strikes a balance between usability and portability, making it ideal for students in Uganda.
5. Connectivity:
- Ports: Ensure the laptop has essential ports like USB 3.0, HDMI, and a headphone jack. These ports are important for connecting various devices and peripherals.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Good Wi-Fi connectivity (preferably Wi-Fi 6) and Bluetooth support are essential for reliable internet access and wireless connections.
6. Keyboard and Trackpad:
- Comfort: A comfortable keyboard with good key travel is important for typing assignments and notes. The trackpad should be responsive and easy to use.
Here’s how the laptops HP EliteBook 840 G5, Dell latitude 7490, HP EliteBook 840 G2, HP EliteBook 840 G3 and Lenovo ThinkPad T470s fit these criteria:
1. HP EliteBook 840 G5:
- Performance: Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD.
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours.
- Portability: Lightweight and slim.
- Display: 14-inch Full HD.
- Connectivity: USB-C, USB 3.0, HDMI.
HP EliteBook 840 G3:
- Performance: Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD.
- Battery Life: Up to 4 hours.
- Portability: Slim and durable.
- Display: 14-inch Full HD.
- Connectivity: USB 3.0, HDMI.
HP EliteBook 840 G2:
- Performance: Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 500GB HDD.
- Battery Life: Up to 4 hours.
- Portability: Compact and sturdy.
- Display: 14-inch Full HD.
- Connectivity: USB 3.0, HDMI.
Dell Latitude 7490:
- Performance: Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD.
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours.
- Portability: Lightweight and robust.
- Display: 14-inch Full HD.
- Connectivity: USB-C, USB 3.0, HDMI.
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s:
- Performance: Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD.
- Battery Life: Up to 5 hours.
- Portability: Thin and durable.
- Display: 14-inch Full HD.
- Connectivity: USB-C, USB 3.0, HDMI.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Laptops for University Students in Uganda.
Conclusion: Find the Best Laptop for Your Students Needs.
Choosing the right laptop is essential for every student to thrive in their academic journey. Whether you prioritize performance, portability, or budget, the laptops listed here—HP EliteBook 840 G5, EliteBook 840 G3, EliteBook 840 G2, Dell Latitude 7490, and Lenovo ThinkPad T470s—are excellent options for students at all levels in Uganda.
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