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For most college students, the best laptop in 2026 is the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air with M5—provided the software required for your major runs properly on macOS. It combines a 2.7-pound design, 16GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, a sharp 500-nit display, silent fanless operation, and Apple’s strongest stated battery life in this group.
It is not the right universal choice. Students in engineering, architecture, accounting, specialized science, or programs that use Windows-only applications should start with a Windows laptop, preferably an Intel- or AMD-based model when application and driver compatibility matters more than maximum battery efficiency. Students who take handwritten notes should consider the Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1, while budget-conscious Windows buyers should look closely at the HP OmniBook 7 Aero 13.
This guide uses manufacturer-listed specifications and prices available in the research for 2026. Store prices, promotions, configurations, education eligibility, and regional availability can change, so verify the exact model and configuration before purchasing.
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| Best for | Recommended laptop | Why it stands out | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most students | MacBook Air 13-inch M5 | Light, quiet, fast, long-lasting, and well-equipped at its base configuration | Confirm that required coursework software runs on macOS |
| Windows-first students | Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition, 13.8-inch | Premium compact Windows design with Snapdragon or Intel options | Snapdragon ARM compatibility needs checking for specialized software and devices |
| Handwritten notes and tablet mode | Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 14-inch | Touchscreen, 360-degree hinge, and included Yoga Pen | OLED, touch, and glossy-screen configurations can affect battery life and lecture-hall visibility |
| Value-oriented Windows portability | HP OmniBook 7 Aero 13 | Compact design with 16GB memory and current AMD Ryzen AI processors | Configuration-dependent pricing and onboard memory |
| Lowest-cost route into macOS | Apple MacBook Neo | Compact Apple laptop with an A18 Pro chip and up to 16 hours of stated video-streaming battery life | Base 8GB memory and 256GB storage are limited for four years of heavier work |
| Best display-focused Windows ultrabook | ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405 | Optional 3K, 120Hz OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 coverage and useful ports | UX3405 is a family name; processor, screen, wireless, and memory vary by SKU |
| Large-screen productivity | Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition 15 | 15.3-inch 2.8K 120Hz display in a roughly 3.37-pound design | Less convenient to carry than a 13- or 14-inch laptop and has no pen-enabled tablet mode |
Short version: buy the MacBook Air M5 for general academic work if macOS compatibility is confirmed; choose an Intel- or AMD-based Windows laptop when compatibility is uncertain; choose the Yoga 7i when pen input matters; and target at least 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage for a primary four-year computer.
1. Best overall: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch, M5
The 13-inch MacBook Air M5 is the strongest default recommendation for a broad U.S. college audience. Its 13.6-inch display has a 2560-by-1664 resolution and a rated brightness of 500 nits. The laptop weighs 2.7 pounds, uses a silent fanless design, supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and has two Thunderbolt 4 ports plus MagSafe 3 charging.
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Apple lists 16GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD as the base configuration, with options up to 32GB of memory and 4TB of storage. That base combination is more practical for a four-year student computer than an entry-level configuration with only 8GB of memory or 256GB of storage.
Apple’s stated maximums are up to 18 hours of video streaming and 15 hours of wireless web use under the company’s specified test conditions. Those figures are manufacturer claims, not independent test results, and actual battery life will vary with brightness, browser tabs, video calls, peripherals, applications, and network conditions.
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For essays, web research, office documents, programming that supports macOS, video calls, media consumption, and many creative workflows, the Air has the right balance of portability and capability. It is also easy to carry between lectures, libraries, dorms, and public transit without the weight and fan noise associated with many performance-oriented laptops.
Which MacBook Air configuration should you buy?
- 16GB/512GB: the sensible minimum for general college work and the configuration to target when the laptop will be your primary computer.
- 24GB or 32GB: worthwhile for virtual machines, large development environments, professional creative applications, heavy multitasking, or several years of more demanding use.
- 1TB or more: appropriate for photography, video, large datasets, game libraries, or students who want to keep multiple years of files locally.
- 13-inch: best for daily carrying and cramped lecture-hall desks.
- 15-inch: better when split-screen reading, spreadsheets, coding, or a larger creative canvas matters more than minimum weight. Apple identifies the 15-inch model as part of the same 2026 M5 generation; it starts at $1,299 in the U.S. and $1,199 for education.
The 13-inch model starts at $1,099 in the U.S. and $999 for education. Students should compare the current education pricing for MacBook Air with ordinary retail promotions, and confirm the current U.S. eligibility rules before checkout.
Who should not buy it?
Do not choose the MacBook Air before checking your department’s software list. Some engineering, accounting, scientific, CAD, testing, and enterprise applications are Windows-first or Windows-only. Windows gaming support is also broader, particularly for games that depend on specific drivers, anti-cheat systems, or dedicated graphics hardware. A MacBook Air can be excellent for a computer-science student, but that student should verify requirements for virtualization, containers, databases, mobile development, and Windows-only tools.
2. Best Windows-first alternative: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition, 13.8-inch
The 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition is the premium Windows alternative for students who want a compact, polished laptop but need Windows. Microsoft lists Copilot+ PC configurations with Snapdragon X-series processors, including Snapdragon X Elite options, 16GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD.
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Microsoft’s broader Surface Laptop 7th Edition family also includes Intel versions. An Intel configuration may be the safer choice when maximum traditional Windows application compatibility is more important than choosing a Snapdragon model for its battery-focused design. Do not assume that every laptop sold under the Surface Laptop 7th Edition name has the same processor or compatibility profile.
Microsoft’s published battery results use preproduction systems and the company’s own test methods. Treat the stated endurance as a manufacturer claim rather than an independently verified result.
Best fit
Choose the Surface Laptop when your school requires Windows but your workload is primarily writing, research, office work, browser-based applications, programming, and video calls. Choose an Intel model—or another Intel- or AMD-based Windows laptop—when your major specifies drivers, CAD, simulation, testing tools, or other software that has not been explicitly certified for ARM.
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The 14-inch Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 Gen 10 is the best fit for students who want one device for typing, handwritten notes, drawing, annotation, presentations, and tablet-style media use. Its 360-degree hinge lets the display fold into tablet, tent, and stand modes, and Lenovo lists an included Yoga Pen.
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The researched U.S. configuration includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor, integrated Intel Arc 130V graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, a 14-inch WUXGA OLED touchscreen with HDR 500 True Black and 100% DCI-P3 coverage, a 5MP IR camera, and a fingerprint reader. Lenovo also identifies it as a Copilot+ PC.
The included 1TB SSD is a practical advantage. Students can keep lecture recordings, PDFs, projects, photos, and applications locally without immediately managing space as aggressively as they would on a 256GB machine.
Trade-offs
The OLED touchscreen is attractive and useful for pen work, but a glossy touch panel can reflect overhead lights in lecture halls. OLED and touch can also use more power than a basic IPS display, depending on brightness and workload. The panel is listed at 60Hz, which is entirely adequate for academic work but not a gaming-oriented specification.
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Lenovo also sells a 16-inch Yoga 7i 2-in-1 with a WUXGA IPS touchscreen, 16GB of memory, a 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7, and an included Yoga Pen. That version gives students more working area for spreadsheets and split-screen work, but the larger chassis is less convenient for everyday campus carry. Confirm the exact screen size, processor, memory, storage, and regional configuration before ordering because Yoga 7i specifications vary.
4. Best value-oriented lightweight Windows laptop: HP OmniBook 7 Aero 13
The HP OmniBook 7 Aero 13 is a strong value-oriented choice for students who want a small Windows laptop without immediately moving to a premium-priced model. HP lists it as a 13.3-inch Next Gen AI PC with AMD Ryzen AI processors, integrated Radeon graphics, 16GB of memory, and 512GB or 1TB SSD configurations.
On the researched U.S. store page, a configurable 13z-bg100 model was displayed at $849.99, reduced from a displayed $1,299.99 MSRP. That is a time-sensitive promotional snapshot, not a permanent price. The listed configuration used Windows 11 Home, a Ryzen AI 5 340 processor, 16GB of onboard memory, a 512GB SSD, and a 13.3-inch 1920-by-1200 anti-glare IPS display rated at 400 nits.
For general writing, research, web applications, programming, office work, and video calls, the combination of 16GB memory, 512GB storage, a compact footprint, and an anti-glare display makes the OmniBook 7 Aero practical. Higher configurations are available with a 2K display, Ryzen AI 7 processors, 32GB of memory, and 1TB of storage for students who need more multitasking headroom.
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Pay close attention to the configuration shown at checkout. The OmniBook 7 Aero 13 name covers different displays, processors, storage options, and prices. HP lists onboard memory on the researched configuration, so buyers should not assume that the RAM can be upgraded later. If you need 32GB, choose it at purchase rather than planning to add it afterward.
5. Best budget Mac: Apple MacBook Neo
The MacBook Neo is the entry point for students who want macOS and whose workload is mostly documents, browsing, email, video calls, streaming, and cloud applications. It uses an A18 Pro chip with a six-core CPU and five-core GPU and is available with 8GB of unified memory and either 256GB or 512GB of SSD storage.
Apple lists a 13-inch display with a 2408-by-1506 resolution and 500-nit brightness. Its stated maximums are up to 16 hours of video streaming and 11 hours of wireless web use under Apple’s specified conditions. The battery is 36.5Wh, and the included power adapter is 20W.
The Neo also has two USB-C ports with different USB speeds. Apple lists support for one external display at up to 4K/60Hz. Those limitations matter if you regularly connect to classroom displays, external drives, monitors, card readers, or other accessories.
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Why it is not the default recommendation
The base 8GB of unified memory and 256GB of storage are modest for a four-year primary computer. Large development environments, virtual machines, creative applications, many simultaneous browser tabs, and local media libraries can expose those limits quickly. The MacBook Air M5 starts with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, has two Thunderbolt 4 ports plus MagSafe 3, and carries higher Apple-stated battery maximums.
Choose the MacBook Neo when the lower entry cost is more important than long-term headroom and your applications are light or cloud-based. For a student buying one machine to last through a demanding degree, the MacBook Air is usually the more responsible configuration if the budget allows it.
6. Best display-focused Windows ultrabook: ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED UX3405 is the Windows choice for students who care unusually much about display quality for design, photography, video, reading, and multitasking. ASUS lists configurations with several Intel Core Ultra processor generations, up to 32GB of LPDDR5X memory, and up to a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD.
Some versions have a 14-inch 3K 2880-by-1800 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, and touch or non-touch options. The family also includes lower-resolution OLED configurations. ASUS lists two Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, a 75Wh battery, Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 depending on configuration, and an FHD IR camera with a privacy shutter.
That combination is useful for students who want a visually excellent screen without giving up Windows compatibility or a broad selection of ports. The 120Hz refresh rate can make scrolling and movement look smoother, although it is not a substitute for a dedicated GPU when gaming or running demanding 3D applications.
Do not buy based on the UX3405 family name alone. Check the processor generation, memory amount, SSD capacity, screen resolution, refresh rate, touch support, wireless standard, and exact SKU. OLED is not automatically better for every student: glossy reflections, battery behavior, burn-in management, and price differ across configurations.
7. Best large-screen productivity option: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition 15
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition 15 is a good choice for students who want a larger workspace but do not want to move to a heavy gaming laptop. It has a 15.3-inch screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio, a 2.8K resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Lenovo lists Intel Core Ultra 7 258V or 256V processors, 16GB or 32GB of LPDDR5X memory, and 512GB or 1TB of PCIe Gen 4 storage.
Lenovo gives the laptop a target starting weight of approximately 3.37 pounds. Its listed ports include two Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, a headphone jack, and an FHD IR camera. It also has Wi-Fi 7 and a 70Wh battery.
The larger display is useful for spreadsheets, coding, research windows, timelines, and creative applications. It offers more room for side-by-side work than a 13-inch laptop while remaining lighter and more portable than many dedicated gaming systems.
The compromise is mobility. A 15.3-inch laptop takes more space on small lecture desks and is less comfortable to carry all day than the 2.7-pound MacBook Air. It is a clamshell rather than a pen-enabled convertible, and its integrated graphics are not intended to replace a dedicated gaming GPU.
Choose by major and workload
Humanities, business, communications, education, and social sciences
Start with the 13-inch MacBook Air M5 if your required applications run on macOS. Its weight, battery claim, display, keyboard-oriented design, and 16GB/512GB base configuration are well matched to reading, writing, presentations, research, spreadsheets, and video calls.
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If your school requires Windows, consider the Surface Laptop, Lenovo Yoga 7i, HP OmniBook 7 Aero, ASUS Zenbook 14, or Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i. For the broadest application compatibility, favor Intel- or AMD-based Windows models when the department has not confirmed ARM support.
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The MacBook Air M5 is suitable for many programming curricula, especially when the required languages, IDEs, databases, containers, and development tools support macOS and the student is not dependent on Windows virtual machines.
Target 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage as the minimum sensible baseline. Choose 24GB or 32GB when you expect to run virtual machines, containers, local databases, emulators, large projects, or several development environments simultaneously. Confirm requirements for Windows-specific tooling, mobile-development platforms, and virtualization before choosing Apple silicon.
Engineering, architecture, accounting, and specialized science
Prioritize software compatibility over brand or battery claims. Verify the department’s required applications, drivers, CAD packages, simulation tools, exam software, laboratory interfaces, and testing environments before buying.
A Windows laptop with an Intel or AMD processor is the safer default when native Windows software or specialized hardware is required. That is a compatibility recommendation, not a claim that every engineering, architecture, accounting, or science program is unavailable on macOS. Ask the department or instructor for the exact software list.
Art, design, photography, and video
Consider the MacBook Air M5 with 24GB or 32GB of memory and at least 1TB of storage, or the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED with its 3K, 120Hz, 100% DCI-P3 display configuration. The Zenbook is especially attractive when display coverage and Windows compatibility matter.
Students working with long video projects, RAW photographs, large datasets, or extensive asset libraries should not assume that 512GB is enough. Budget for 1TB internal storage or a reliable external SSD, and keep a separate backup rather than treating one laptop as the only copy of important work.
Note-taking and handwritten annotation
The Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 14-inch is the clearest match because it combines a touchscreen, convertible hinge, and included Yoga Pen. It can be used as a conventional laptop for papers and coding, then folded into tablet mode for handwritten notes, diagrams, markup, and presentations.
Gaming
None of the main ultrabook recommendations here is a gaming-first machine. The MacBook Air, MacBook Neo, Surface Laptop, and Yoga Slim 7i are not equivalent to a Windows gaming laptop with a dedicated GPU. Students who want to play current AAA games should shop in a separate category and compare GPU performance, cooling, fan noise, weight, battery behavior, and game-specific compatibility.
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A dedicated gaming laptop can run required software and games well, but its extra weight, shorter unplugged runtime under demanding loads, louder cooling system, and larger power adapter can be inconvenient on campus. Buy one only if gaming or GPU-intensive coursework justifies those trade-offs.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Minimum specifications to target in 2026
| Component | Recommended target | When to go higher |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | 16GB | 24GB or 32GB for creative work, virtual machines, engineering tools, or heavy multitasking |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 1TB or more for video, photography, datasets, development environments, or long-term local storage |
| Display | At least 1920-by-1200, preferably 16:10, and around 400 nits or brighter | OLED, 3K resolution, 120Hz, or wide color coverage when those features support your actual work |
| Camera | FHD or 1080p class | Higher-resolution cameras help with hybrid classes and office hours, but lighting and microphone quality still matter |
| Ports | At least two USB-C ports | Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack reduce dongle dependence |
| Weight | Approximately 3 pounds or less for daily campus carry | Choose a 15- or 16-inch model when workspace is more important than portability |
Why 16GB and 512GB are the practical floor
Memory is not the same as storage. Memory affects how many applications and browser tabs can remain active smoothly; storage holds the operating system, applications, documents, media, and project files. A laptop with 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage may handle basic coursework, but it leaves less room for four years of updates, development tools, local files, and demanding applications.
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Some thin laptops use soldered or onboard memory. That is the case for the researched HP OmniBook configuration, and Apple’s unified memory is also selected at purchase rather than treated like a conventional user-upgradeable RAM module. Buy the amount you expect to need for the entire ownership period.
Display features that matter on campus
A 16:10 display provides more vertical space for documents, websites, code, and note-taking than a similarly sized 16:9 panel. Around 400 nits or better is a useful target when working under varied campus lighting. Anti-glare treatment can be more comfortable in bright lecture halls, while OLED generally offers stronger contrast and color but may be glossier and more power-hungry depending on the model.
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Do not sacrifice memory, storage, or software compatibility merely to obtain OLED or 120Hz. Those features are worthwhile when you edit images, watch or create video, value smooth scrolling, or simply care deeply about display quality; they are not essential for writing papers or browsing course websites.
Ports, accessories, and campus practicality
Thin laptops often require accessories. Before buying a hub, list the devices you will actually connect: classroom HDMI projectors, USB-A flash drives, Ethernet, SD cards, external monitors, or wired peripherals. Students with limited ports may want a USB-C hub or docking station, but there is no reason to carry one if the laptop already has the connections you need. Check whether the hub supports the required display resolution, charging pass-through, USB speed, and operating system.
A protective college laptop backpack or appropriately sized sleeve is sensible for students carrying the computer between dorms, classrooms, libraries, and transit. Match the sleeve to the actual laptop dimensions, especially for 13-inch and 14-inch models, rather than assuming all laptops with the same screen size fit identically.
Students storing video, photography, datasets, backups, or large development environments may benefit from a portable external SSD for laptop. Use it as additional working or backup storage, not as the only location for irreplaceable coursework. A second copy in a separate location or a reputable cloud service is still important.
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How to make the final decision
- Check the department software list first. Identify Windows-only applications, required drivers, virtual machines, exam tools, CAD or simulation packages, and laboratory equipment.
- Choose the operating system. Pick macOS when the required workflow is confirmed compatible; choose Windows when the course requires it or compatibility is uncertain.
- Set the memory and storage floor. Target 16GB of memory and 512GB of SSD storage. Move to 24GB or 32GB and 1TB for creative work, engineering tools, virtual machines, datasets, or a long ownership period.
- Decide whether pen input is essential. If you annotate slides or write notes by hand, the Yoga 7i 2-in-1 is more appropriate than a conventional clamshell.
- Choose portability versus workspace. A 13-inch laptop is easier to carry; a 15- or 16-inch laptop is more comfortable for split-screen work and spreadsheets.
- Inspect the exact SKU. Confirm processor platform, memory, SSD, display, refresh rate, ports, camera, wireless standard, operating-system edition, and included accessories.
- Check support and protection. Compare the included warranty, repair process, accidental-damage coverage, deductible, and term. Do not assume that a thin premium laptop or an onboard-memory design will be inexpensive or easy to upgrade.
- Compare the final price, not the advertised starting price. Promotions, education pricing, storage upgrades, memory upgrades, and warranty options can substantially change the value.
Bottom line
The MacBook Air 13-inch M5 is the best overall college laptop for students whose required software runs on macOS. It has the most balanced combination of portability, display quality, silent operation, base memory, base storage, and manufacturer-stated battery life in this shortlist.
Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition when you want a premium compact Windows computer, but verify whether the selected Snapdragon or Intel processor fits your software needs. Choose the Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 for pen input and tablet mode, the HP OmniBook 7 Aero 13 for value-oriented Windows portability, the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED for display quality, and the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition 15 for a larger workspace.
The right college laptop is the one that runs your coursework reliably, has enough memory and storage to remain useful for several years, and is comfortable enough that you will actually carry and use it every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MacBook Air M5 good enough for college?
Yes, for most writing, research, office, programming, media, and creative workloads, provided the required applications support macOS. Check with your department before buying if your program uses Windows-only CAD, engineering, accounting, scientific, testing, or enterprise software.
Is 8GB of memory enough for a college laptop in 2026?
It can handle light documents, browsing, email, and cloud applications, but 16GB is the more responsible minimum for a primary four-year laptop. Choose 24GB or 32GB for virtual machines, creative applications, engineering tools, large development environments, or heavy multitasking.
Should I buy a Snapdragon Surface Laptop or an Intel Windows laptop?
Choose Snapdragon when your applications, drivers, virtual machines, anti-cheat systems, and connected equipment are confirmed compatible with Windows on ARM. Choose Intel—or an AMD Windows model—when maximum traditional Windows compatibility is more important.
Is a 2-in-1 laptop worth it for college?
It is worthwhile if you will regularly handwrite notes, annotate readings, draw diagrams, present in tent mode, or use the computer as a tablet. If you will only type and browse, a conventional clamshell may offer better value and fewer display compromises.
What laptop specifications should a college student buy?
Target at least 16GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, a 1920-by-1200 or better display, around 400 nits or more, a 1080p-class camera, and a weight near 3 pounds or less when portability matters. Move to 32GB and 1TB for demanding or media-heavy work.
Are these laptops good for gaming?
They are mainly productivity and academic laptops. Students who want current AAA gaming should consider a separate Windows gaming-laptop category with a dedicated GPU and compare its thermals, fan noise, weight, battery behavior, and game compatibility.
The Bottom Line
Best overall: MacBook Air 13-inch M5, if your coursework supports macOS. Best Windows alternative: Surface Laptop 7th Edition, with the processor platform chosen carefully. Best for handwritten notes: Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1. Whatever you choose, 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage should be the starting point for a primary college laptop in 2026.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
