Are you a student and looking for free notebooks for students? We all understand that notebooks are expensive devices that not everybody can afford. Students from low-income households can find it challenging to get the devices for their studies. Due to poverty, their families struggle to afford three meals a day. Therefore, getting a free device can help improve their studies.
You might be wondering what notebooks are. A notebook is a portable personal computer that can run on batteries and electrical current. It is also known as a laptop and is more efficient and almost as powerful as a desktop computer. Notebooks run using AC power or batteries such as NiCad, NiMH, or Li-ion packs, for several hours before requiring more charge. The devices have become popular among scholars since they are easy to carry from one place to another.
How can a student use a notebook in school? Some people think the devices are for office work only, but that is not the case. Students can use the devices for their studies as they can obtain study materials online. We have many websites with educational materials for different levels of education. Also, students can use laptops to prepare documents for their classwork using applications such as spreadsheets, word, and presentations. Also, you can use a laptop for entertainment.
Factors to consider when choosing a notebook
Whether getting a free notebook or purchasing one from a shop, there are various factors that you must consider. That ensures you get the best device for your various activities. The following are the various factors you must consider.
i. Random Access Memory (RAM)
It is crucial to get a laptop that has large RAM. That way, you can operate the device without lagging. The RAM determines the number of tasks you can carry out without the device slowing. Getting a laptop with 4 GB RAM allows you to perform many tasks simultaneously. You can open many windows on a browser, listen to music as you type documents, and so on. The bigger the RAM, The more powerful the notebook.
ii. Processor speed
Another crucial factor to consider is processor speed. The faster the processor, the quicker tasks are completed when you command your device. Getting a laptop with at least 1.5GHz processor speed can be helpful.
iii. Read Only Memory (ROM)
ROM is the storage space of a computer. If you want a notebook to store as many files as possible, consider one with a ROM of at least 500 GB. You can save various files such as movies, music, games, and documents.
iv. Screen size
If you need a laptop that you can use for entertainment, such as watching movies and playing games, then getting a notebook with a large screen will be of great help. You can watch movies and play games effectively if you get a screen size of at least 15 inches.
v. Brand
Getting a laptop that will last for a long time is essential. There are well-known brands that you can depend on for your operations. Laptops manufactured by Lenovo, Acer, HP, and Samsung can significantly help.
Best ways to get free notebooks for students
There are various ways you can get a free laptop for your studies. They include the following.
i. Through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
ACP is a government assistance program that offers free broadband to less fortunate households. It also gives discounts of up to $100 to purchase a laptop or a desktop computer. Even though you may need to add more money to buy a laptop through your broadband service provider, you will have spent a minimal amount and thus equal to getting it for free. As per the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can qualify for the ACP program if your gross household income is 200% or below.
You can also qualify for the ACP program to get a laptop allowance if you participate in the following benefit programs.
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Federal Housing Assistance,
- School Breakfast Program
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- Lifeline
- WIC
ii. Joining an online public school
We have numerous public schools in the country that offer free laptops when you join. If you are a student searching for a free laptop, you can check the available public school and see the one that offers free notebooks for students. You may also find private schools offering free laptops to their students.
iii. Joining an online college
You can also get a free laptop if you join an online college. Online colleges engage their students through the internet using various online conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Team Viewer, and Google classroom. Students learn through video conferencing and can engage as if in a typical classroom, although virtually. Examples of online colleges that offer free laptops when you join include;
- Bethel University
- Drexel University
- Independence University
- Colorado Technical University
- Dakota State University
- Indiana State University
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Full Sail University
- Ohio State University
- Princeton University
- University of Minnesota, Crookston
- Saint Leo University
- Seton Hill
- Wake Forest University
- St. John’s University
- University of North Carolina, Pembroke
iv. Through a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)
Various NGOs offer free laptops to less fortunate people. Most of them require you to submit proof of being needy such as an official document showing that you participate in a government assistance program or your income statement. Most Non-Governmental Organizations Usually major in needy students to help them succeed in their education. Examples of such NGOs that offer free laptops include the following.
- Computers with Causes
- With Causes
- National Cristina Foundation
- Everyone On
- The On It Foundation
- PCs for People
- Freecycle
Final Word
A notebook, also a laptop, is a portable computer. It is more efficient and almost as powerful as a desktop computer. The devices run using AC power or batteries, such as NiCad, NiMH, or Li-ion packs, for several hours before requiring more charge. When getting a notebook, you should consider factors such as RAM, ROM, screen size, processor speed, and brand. You can get a free notebook from various sources if you qualify.