What CRACTT weighs
Major-required software
CAD, statistics packages, and pro media tools rule out whole categories — including some Chromebooks and ARM machines.
Battery and weight
What you carry across campus all day matters more than benchmark scores.
Four-year cost
RAM and storage you can't upgrade later, plus warranty and accidental-damage coverage.
Student pricing
Education discounts and back-to-school bundles can move the ranking outright.
FAQ
- Does the school's recommended list matter?
- Yes — paste it in. Program requirements override generic advice and CRACTT will weigh them first.
More CRACTT tools
- iPhone vs Samsung: which should I get?
- What's the best AI tool for my business?
- Which phone plan should I choose?
- Should I upgrade my phone?
- Should I switch internet providers?
- Should I buy it?