Best Laptops for Students in NZ (2025 Edition)

Whether you’re heading to university, high school, or a trade course in 2025, having the right laptop can make all the difference to your study success. From online research and note-taking to Zoom classes and assignments, students need tech that’s reliable, portable, and affordable. At NZ Laptop Wholesale, we specialise in professionally refurbished laptops — giving you top performance without the brand-new price tag.

Here’s our expert guide to the best laptops for students in New Zealand this year, based on real-world use, value, and durability.

Best Budget Chromebook for School:

HP Chromebook 11 G8 EE – Updates Until 2029

Perfect for younger students or anyone who lives in Google Docs and Classroom, this rugged little Chromebook is a classroom favorite. It boots fast, runs cool, and is built to take a few knocks in a backpack. Plus, with automatic updates through to 2029, you’re future-proofed for the long haul.

• 11.6″ compact size – fits easily in school bags
• Easy access to Google Docs, Meet, and Classroom
• Long battery life and no fan noise

Great for: Primary, Intermediate, and NCEA students using Google tools

Best Step-Up from a Chromebook:

HP Pro x360 Fortis G10 – Touchscreen with Stylus, Windows 11

Want more flexibility than a Chromebook, but still need something small and versatile? This HP x360 is ideal. It runs full Windows 11, so you can install Microsoft Office, download apps, and use your school’s full IT systems. The included stylus is great for diagrams, notes, and creative work.

• Touchscreen + stylus = interactive learning
• Fully flexible 360° hinge – use it as a tablet
• Windows 11 + full app support

Great for: Year 9–13 students or tertiary learners who want Windows functionality without bulk

Best Lightweight Business-Class Laptop for Uni:

Dell Latitude 5320 – i5 11th Gen, 16GB RAM, Windows 11 Pro

This model is a favorite with uni students and professionals alike. It’s slim, powerful, and built to last — part of Dell’s business range (not a retail consumer model). The 16GB RAM and fast NVMe SSD mean it flies through multitasking, and the Pro version of Windows gives extra features many students find handy.

• Business-grade reliability and build
• Ultra-portable with a 13″ display
• Perfect for study, research, and multitasking

Great for: Uni students, adult learners, or anyone looking for a solid long-term study machine

Why Buy Refurbished from NZ Laptop Wholesale?

✅ Better value – Pay less for high-quality business-grade machines
✅ Fully tested – All laptops are professionally refurbished by our team
✅ Warranty included – Every device is backed by our warranty
✅ Fast NZ shipping – We ship nationwide with secure packaging

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right laptop for study in 2025 doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you need something basic and reliable or a powerful study workhorse, we’ve got options that suit every student and every budget. Explore our full range of refurbished laptops today — and if you’re unsure what to get, we’re always happy to help.