Laptops are widely considered the best computers for students. They are perfect for putting the finishing touches on a paper, doing research, and even using some pro applications like Photoshop, Adobe Premier, and Pro Tools. If your education needs include a full-sized keyboard, a screen from 13" to 17", and some decent processing power under the hood, then a laptop for school is right for you.

Netbooks combine super portable size, long battery life, and surprisingly capable performance. They make a great secondary computer for education, for when you can't (or don't want to) take your main computer with you. Netbooks typically max out at 10" screens, but their battery life is outstanding. You can toss one in a purse or bag, and are particularly useful for the on-the-go college student.

Tablets are quickly being adopted for education. They're ideal as a secondary computer. You may already own a laptop, netbook, or desktop computer, but you might not want to take your main machine with you everywhere. With a tablet, you can write brief documents, edit photos, read the news, or do practically anything else a computer can do; don’t head back to school without one.

Desktops are the most powerful and easiest to upgrade computers for education. They're the best for students that need a lot of power; such as running simulations, using professional video or audio editing applications, and doing anything involving 3D graphics, including gaming. A back to school desktop can also be the media hub of your dorm or apartment by hooking it up to a large display or TV.