Recent calculations by Swedbank show that sending a first-grader to school this September will cost about 360 euros. Alongside typical school supplies and a backpack, a computer or tablet for school use is often included in the shopping basket, making up a significant portion of expenses.

According to Rima Seneckienė, Head of e-Commerce at Pigu.lt, saving on a child's electronic device starts with considering the student's age to avoid overpaying for a device that’s too powerful.

Understanding Student Needs

“A primary school student doesn’t need the same computing power and technical specifications as an older student. When choosing a laptop, focus on the minimum specifications to ensure smooth functionality. If opting for a tablet, consider whether a model with a SIM card is needed or if a Wi-Fi-only model suffices, as the latter is usually less expensive,” says Seneckienė.

For primary students, a laptop with an Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 8 GB RAM, a 256 SSD storage drive, and a 15.6-inch screen is more than sufficient. For teenagers, an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8–16 GB RAM, and a 15.6-inch screen would be appropriate, while a high school student would benefit from at least 16 GB RAM and 512 SSD storage.

Seneckienė also recommends checking the battery life. A laptop should ideally last at least two hours unplugged. Smaller laptops generally use less power and thus often run longer on a single charge. Weight is another important factor for a student laptop, as laptops typically weigh between 1.5 and 3.8 kg.

Budgeting in Advance Helps with Decision-Making

Before looking for a computer or tablet that meets a student's needs, set a budget for the new device. Laptops start at around 200 euros, with most of the cost coming from the processor, hard drive, graphics card, and laptop case. The price increases with better specifications.

“If you can’t spend more than, say, 300 euros on a new device, consider a tablet. A suitable tablet for a primary schooler can cost from 150 euros, while for teenagers, it starts around 200 euros, and for high school students, from about 300 euros,” says Seneckienė. “Regarding laptops, a primary student’s device can be purchased for just over 300 euros, while a high school student’s laptop should have a budget of at least 500 euros. It’s generally wise to avoid the cheapest models, as they tend to be slow and may not last long.”

According to e-commerce company data, laptops with 15.6-inch screens, i3 or i5 processors, and Windows OS, as well as 10-inch tablets without a SIM card, are the most purchased items in the pre-school shopping season. There is also increased interest in children’s room furniture, office furniture, clothing and footwear, stationery, and sports equipment.

Donatas Mickus, Head of Sales at Inbank, notes that the average financing amount for electronics purchased online is currently around 400 euros. About two-thirds of online buyers choose to pay in three interest-free installments.

“Family interest in electronics and financing increases by 15% in September compared to summer. This means back-to-school shopping remains active into early autumn, with both the cart value and financed amount rising. This active buying period continues through October, aided by ongoing promotions and sales on school-related items. It’s unsurprising that those most likely to finance electronics purchases during this period are married individuals aged 24–40.”

About Inbank

Inbank is a fintech company with an EU banking license that connects merchants and consumers by offering next-generation financing solutions. Operating in the financial sector since 2010, Inbank collaborates with over 6,100 merchants, providing leasing, consumer loans, and deposit services in Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, and the Czech Republic, as well as accepting deposits from Germany, Austria, Finland, and the Netherlands. Inbank’s bonds are listed on the Nasdaq Tallinn Stock Exchange.