Today's modern computers incorporate everything, including ultra-portability, lightweight nature, and powerful specs. As a computer science student, you want a laptop that can handle anything you throw at it. Today we'll look at some of the best laptops for computer science in the market.
In addition to learning cool programming languages, coding, and submitting assignments, you want a laptop that will allow you to game in peace. Being a computer science student can be hardcore work. Therefore, you want a laptop that you can watch a movie, game, and code in peace and all at the same time if you want.
After consulting with programming experts, software developers, and other knowledgeable individuals, we've compiled a neat list for you. Let's dive in.
What is the Best Laptop for A Computer Science Student?
1. Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
- 9th Generation Intel Core i5-9300H Processor (Up to 4.1 GHz)
- 15.6 inches Full HD Widescreen IPS LED-backlit display; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM
- 8GB DDR4 2666MHz Memory; 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD (2 x PCIe M.2 slots - 1 slot open for easy upgrades) and 1 - Available hard drive bay
- LAN: 10, 100, 1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port); Wireless: Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11ax
- Backlit keyboard; Acer Cool Boost technology with twin fans and dual exhaust ports
Starting us off is this beauty that has RAM of 8GB DDR4 and a 256GB SSD card. The processor is the 9th Gen Intel Core i5-9300H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, and you get to enjoy a 15.6 inch Full HD Widescreen IPS LED-backlit display. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics also enhances your viewing experiencing whether you're coding, viewing graphs and charts, or gaming.
Remember how we mentioned above that you want the best laptop for computer science that can handle multiple programs at once? Well, this gaming laptop has the storage capacity to handle multiple tasks in addition to the 15.6-inch screen. So, for example, you can do your computer science coding assignment as you watch a movie. In addition, the 9th Generation Intel i5-9300H Processor ensures that you always get fast-paced performance.
Although this best laptop for computer science can handle a lot, avoid using it for extended periods non-stop as this can cause the processor to heat up. Nonetheless, you don't have to worry about your gaming laptop heating up, thanks to the dual fans that dissipate any excess heat away from the processor.
Computer science students will love that this gaming laptop has an 8-hour battery performance. One drawback is that you only get two USB ports with this best laptop for computer science students. The 5.07 pounds can also make it a bit difficult to carry this computer around. Nonetheless, portability is a small compromise for the power, speed, and cool features you get.
2. 2020 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Get more done with up to 20 hours of battery life, the longest ever in a Mac
- 8-core CPU delivers up to 2.8x faster performance to fly through workflows quicker than ever
- 8-core GPU with up to 5x faster graphics for graphics-intensive apps and games
- 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning
Apple is a brand that's renowned for delivering high-quality gadgets that are suitable for computer science students and everyone else. This Apple M1 chip ensures that you get smooth functioning no matter what you are doing. The 8-core CPU on this best laptop for computer science students delivers very fast performance that will allow you to do your work faster.
You also get to enjoy advanced machine learning thanks to the 6-core Neural Engine. You won't have trouble with your laptop heating up as this laptop for computer science students has an active cooling system. With over 20 hours of amazing battery performance, you can get all your assignments and coding done on a 20-hour flight.
Even the MacBook Air cannot compete with this insane battery performance. However, if you are running graphics-intensive apps, this is the computer for you. Also, if gaming is your downtime hobby, the graphics on this laptop will serve you well. The 13.3-inch Retina display comes with 500 nits of brightness to give you amazing image detail.
Zoom calls and Online classes are becoming the norm in an era where you'll enjoy the call and camera features on these best laptops for computer science students.
3. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Touch-Screen Laptop
- Next-gen, best-in-class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can type, touch, draw, write, work, and play more naturally
- Faster than Surface Pro 6, with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor – redefining what’s possible in a thin and light computer.Bluetooth Wireless 5.0 technology
- More ways to connect, with both USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting to displays, docking stations and more, as well as accessory charging
- Standout design that won’t weigh you down — ultra-slim and light Surface Pro 7 starts at just 1.70 pounds
- All-day battery life upto 10.5 hours, plus the ability to go from empty to full faster — about 80% in just over an hour
This best laptop for computer science students is the best hybrid computer that you'll come across suited for your needs. The Intel 10th Gen performance, design, sharp display, and USB-C port are all features that make this bad boy stand out. You will kill it in class and enjoy every minute of your downtime as you game and enjoy watching on this screen.
The battery length on this Microsoft Surface laptop for computer science students is not as good as our two options above. Therefore, you won't be able to run heavy programs simultaneously as you'll drain the battery that much quicker. On the other hand, the 12,3-inch 2736 x 1824 display on this Surface laptop is great and will make the colors on your screen pop.
The 8GB RAM, integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics, and 10th Gen Intel i5-1035G4 CPU give this laptop all the specs that a CS student needs. This operating system is quite impressive. The 256GB SSD boosts the performance of these best laptops for computer science students.
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 6
- A best in class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet
- More power now with the new 8th Generation Intel Core processor
- Ultra slim and light, starting at just 1.7 pounds. Sensors : Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope
- All day battery life, with upto 13.5 hours of video playback
- Pair with our signature type cover in luxurious Alcantara material and rich colors for a full keyboard experience
With a core i5 processor and 8GB RAM, this lightweight laptop comes with a touchpad and a smartpen for convenience. The screen size is 12.3 inches FHD, and the card is 128 GB SSD. You can use these best laptops either as a laptop or as a tablet.
The advantage of having the two modes is that you can comfortably make changes to your web app before it goes live. Those computer science practical classes will become a breeze once you get these best laptops for computer science. In addition, you can tilt the drawing angle at a flexible 15 degrees as you frame your design.
If you've ever tested an advanced Python program-based design, you know how handy this feature will be. If you have a graphics design course or unit, this best laptop for computer science is one of the best decisions you'll make. When you're not typing, you can fold this laptop into a tablet.
The design of this best laptop for computer science is another great thing about it. You get to have a laptop with a unique design that looks stylish and cool. In addition, the surface pen that you get comes with a rubber eraser that you can use to edit your creations.
5. ASUS TUF F17 Gaming Laptop
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB GDDR6 Graphics up to 1585MHz at 80W TGP.
- Quad-core Intel Core 15-10300H Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.5 GHz, 4 cores)
- 144Hz17.3” Full HD (1920x1080) IPS-Type display
- 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD | 8GB DDR4 2933MHz RAM
- Durable MIL-STD-810H military standard construction
Finally, we have the ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop that allows you to game in peace and kick ass with your schoolwork. This best laptop for computer science has a Quad-Core GeForce GTX 1650 Ti processor graphics memory that runs the most advanced programming applications with ease. You can use this Windows 10 on this 512GB NVMe SSD.
The display is a cool 17.3 HD ultra-wide 120Hz IPS display screen that you will enjoy using. The specs on this best laptop for computer science students are so good that you can multi-task and still get great performance. In addition, the military-grade construction of these best laptops is durable and protects your laptop from any sudden shocks.
The anti-dust technology is also another safety mechanism that this best laptop for computer science features. You will feel like you are gaming with X-box thanks to the Nano Edge display system that this laptop boasts.
Graphic designing is also a breeze, and you will enjoy seeing how your creations have turned out. The backlit keyboard gives you extra flexibility as you can use it in the dark. You get several ports, including a 3.1 Gen 1 USB port, 2.0 USB port, a 3.5 mm audio jack for audio, an HDMI 2.0 port, and an RJ45 jack at the back of the laptop.
What Do You Consider When Choosing the Best Laptop for Computer Science?
1. Display
As a computer science student, you'll likely spend several hours in front of your laptop doing assignments and creating programs. Therefore, you need to consider a display that is good for you. High resolution, accurate brightness levels, precise panel, and numerous color gamuts that protect your eyes are important elements to check.
Don't choose a laptop that has less than a matte full HD 13” display. It can be strenuous to view your work on a small screen. Also, getting a laptop that has a low resolution will damage your eyes. Ensure that you get a laptop that you can look at all day if need be.
2. RAM
A good RAM ensures that your best laptops for computer science don't lag while you are using them. A minimum of 8 GB RAM is essential to your computer science assignments and projects; therefore, if you can get higher, like 16 GB RAM, the better.
3. Processor
A large CPU performance is necessary as you choose the best laptop for computer science. This processor will be able to store data more securely and also process data operations more fluently.
You can either get Intel or an AMD Ryzen processor. Intel Core i7, give or take, is a good place to start. AMD Ryzen 7 and AMD Ryzen 5 are also good choices for CS students. You'll learn and use several programming languages such as Python, Angular, Java, and JavaScript.
Therefore, you want a processor that can handle all of this. Anything lower than Intel Core i5 can cause your laptop to hang a lot.
4. Storage
You will need large storage space as a computer science student. All those datasheets, software, large project files, and applications will need a place to go. When you have more storage, you'll have a smooth experience as you work.
Some softwares such as Eclipse, Visual Studio, and more require more disc space. And since you'll be having many of these, you don't want a lack of storage space to be a reason you didn't finish your project. So, in addition to having a good core processor, having at least 256GB SSD for storage is a good place to start.
You can even go for 1TB of HDD if you need more space. However, we encourage you to go for SSD storage over the typical hard drive storage. This is because SSD stores data better and will not interfere with the speed performance of your laptop.
SSD also supports the opening of multiple tabs and coding much better.
5. Graphics Card
Whether you're taking a computer science class or not, checking your laptop's graphics is important. The AMD Ryzen and Intel processors we've mentioned come with integrated graphics. Therefore, they produce keen images and sharp text.
You require great graphics to be able to produce top-notch work. These integrated graphics can be enough for you. However, if graphic visuals and illustrations are a priority for you, check the specs and choose the best laptops for computer science with added features.
6. Battery
The battery life is an important factor to consider, especially since you might spend long hours coding. Also, you don't want to miss your deadline because you didn't have a charging port nearby. So at least 8 hours of battery life should be a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Core i5 good for programming?
Yes. You can get either core i5 or Intel Core i7 for your coding and programming, and computer science needs. Choose from the best laptops for computer science above. We've selected ones that have generation Intel core i7 and i5.
2. Is 8GB RAM enough for a computer science student?
Yes. 8GB is the minimum RAM that you should consider when getting the best laptop for computer science. You can also get 16GB RAM if you need more efficiency.
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