Back-to-school shopping: How to buy the right computer for students of any age

A new school season is upon us – cue the rolling eyes, students – and so you might be in the market for a new computer. Whether you're back in the classroom or continuing to learn online, it's simply the most important piece of tech to help you stay on your game. Problem is, how do you decide what kind of computer is for you? Not only are there varying prices, competing operating systems and countless brands to choose from, but the student – or the parent(s) footing the bill – must decide on an ideal form factor (or type of computer), such as a laptop, desktop, 2-in-1 or all-in-one. And you might think you need a degree in computer science just to understand today's specifications ("specs").