Searching for the best laptop for computer science students can be tough. One has to have a laptop always ready to take anything you throw at it. Students might need to use the best laptop for computer science just anywhere to keep going with their work. The subject field under discussion can have very specific and high needs. The machine should be able to handle anything from programming to rendering. So, no compromise can be made when it comes to selecting their machine.
As per computer science, students’ mobility and usage need the laptop for computer science strictly needs to be compact, light-weighed, powerful, and have a long battery backup. Something that they can carry without much burden on their shoulders, but also something that wouldn’t put a burden on their grades. Which made it very tough for us to filter out the laptops that would be just the right fit for the computer science enthusiasts.
6 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
Here is a list of laptops for computer science students:
Best High-Efficiency Laptop on a Budget
Acer Swift 5 Intel Evo, is yet another suitable machine for computer science students.
CPU
The machine comes equipped with an extremely powerful intel core i7 quad-core processor that can overclock to an unbelievable speed of 4.7 Gigahertz which falls literally on the higher end of the spectrum when we draw a comparison in the current market. Such a performance beast is what one needs to carry out multiple tasks simultaneously to excel at computer sciences.
GPU
Moreover, the powerful CPU is paired with a much decent GPU, Intel Iris XE graphics card, which runs demanding applications. It’s a perfect pick for those who have a limited budget and are not much into gaming. But that doesn’t mean one can’t play games at all, they will just have to compromise a bit on the graphics. But that doesn’t make it any less than the best laptops for computer science students.
RAM and storage space
Talking of RAM, Acer swift 5 comes packed 16 GBs of it, fully integrated with DDR4 technology which is quite sufficient to perform just about any number of tasks lag-free.
What is a relief is that the machine comes with an abundant 1 TERABYTE of NVMe SSD storage. Understandably, it’s confusing what to be excited about more? The fact that this laptop offers an NVMe SSD storage which roughly translates to having the fasting data transfer technology available in the market or having 1 Terabyte of storage, means computer science students would be practically retired from the duty of having to keep the storage space in check.
Display, battery, and other components
This laptop has a 14 inch full HD display covered with an anti-microbial gorilla glass protective layer, adding to the user’s safety and the laptop’s durability. The machine comes packed in a very slim and light chassis perfect for people especially students who need to have the laptops on the go at all times and thus have to carry them in their backpacks at all times. When computer science students would step on a weighing scale with that backpack you might be surprised to find out that they only put on four pounds.
Now, something so antonymous yet together, with compact size, powerful processor, and an excellent battery life of around 9 hours, what more can computer science students ask from a machine?
- Powerful processor
- Lightweight
- 1 TB of NVMe SSD storage
- Long battery timing
- Underpowered GPU
- Not suitable for High-end gaming
Best for App Developers
Computer science students with an essence of love for Apple take us to this compact yet powerful machine, the Apple MacBook Pro.
CPU and GPU
When we speak of processors, this machine comes equipped with the latest state-of-the-art Apple technology, the M1 chip 8 core CPU. That’s also the smallest octa-core processor in the market making it a wonder in the world of technology as delivering so much in such a compact size is a feat worth appreciation.
This coupled with yet another marvel, an octa-core GPU makes the laptop a complete powerhouse as there is nothing the system can get bothered by. Thus making it a multi-purpose perfect system for computer science studies as well as gaming, just the right technology for part computer science students, part gamers.
RAM and storage
The system further comes with 512GB SSD storage, just the perfect technology to complement other components of the system.
Looking at RAM, the machine offers 16 GBs of it. Keeping in mind the sole purpose of mentioning the system is used for computer science students, the RAM suffices, but for the high-end gaming experience of newly released and demanding titles, the RAM would need to be upgraded. Bad news? Storage is not upgradable. Good news? The system has RAM compatibility of up to 32 GBs, just in case, 16 GBs of it doesn’t do the job.
Display and Battery
The laptop comes with a high-resolution 13-inch screen Retina display fully integrated with IPS technology. This means no matter what angle the screen is, there will be no difference seen in the color contrast. Furthermore, the laptop has a fingerprint scanner integrated within the power button, making logging into the system quick and worry-free as computer science students won’t have to be careful about people sneaking what password they type.
With so much power, technology, and color to offer, one would expect the battery timing to do just fine, but living up to its reputation, the laptop comes loaded with an excellent battery life that can deliver 10 hours on a single charge. This can effortlessly serve its users for a whole day without having to worry about finding a spot near charging ports.
- Octa-core Graphics Card
- High-performance CPU
- High-resolution display
- Dependable battery timing
- Upgradable RAM
- Storage cannot be upgraded
Best for innovative and user-friendly features
If your studies or preference are focused on abundant RAM, then this is the laptop you should go for without giving anything a second thought
CPU and GPU
The machine is packed with a top-of-the-line AMD processor, Ryzen 7, the most advanced technology available in the market, something to align with the goals of computer science students. Owing to its advancement the CPU is designed in such a way that lag or overheating become problems of the past.
This is coupled with a fully dedicated and compatible GPU, AMD Radeon. GPU is fully integrated with GDDR technology, known for its high performance and easy on power consumption, making the pair live up to the performance and power needs of the students making it the best laptop for computer science students if they are into gaming.
RAM and storage
Talking of ROM, the laptop offers a 1TB SSD, integrated with PCIe technology, giving the machine lightning speed, making the experience one of a kind, with zero lag. The machine further offers a HUGE 36 GBs of RAM, there is nothing that the laptop can’t handle. Such a RAM makes a system heavenly, one can do as much multitasking as possible, no matter how demanding each task is.
The RAM further follows the latest concept giving it quite a long life before you need to change it, talking of upgrades, computer science students might need to go above 36 GBs after a couple of decades.
Display and other components
The machine also comes equipped with a High-resolution 15’’ FHD IPS display delivering perfect color combination and vibrancy no matter what the angle and what the external lighting, IPS technology ensures minimal reflection and bold view. What adds to its look is a backlit keyboard with a huge touchpad to deliver comfort to its user and make the machine look appealing.
We aren’t done just yet, the laptop has a fingerprint scanner, exactly what computer science students require when they are always looking for quick and convenient access anytime anywhere without having to worry about remembering passwords.
Although the laptop falls on the expensive side, it offers a compact and powerful system, a slim bezel display, and an extremely light chassis. Practically speaking, from students’ perspective the combination is worth every penny.
- Slim bezels
- High RAM storage
- Light chassis
- Latest processor
- Heavy on pockets
Best for Programming
Apple MacBook Pro Intel Version
Yet another product for computer science students who just can’t see themselves departing from their favorite brand, Apple. Here is the most suitable option available in the market, safe to say it best of both worlds, as this Apple product comes with an INTEL Core i7 Processor.
CPU and GPU
This Intel version of Apple is installed with an over-the-edge core i7 4-core processor with a decent overclocking speed of up to 3.9 Gigahertz. It comes as a great option for computer sciences students looking to flaunt the brand logo along with an intel processor integrated within.
And what might take you by surprise, is that it has DUAL GPUs, 4 GB of AMD Radeon fully integrated with GDDR5 technology coupled with a dedicated Intel Graphics Chipset. This deadly combination makes this laptop second to none in terms of power and performance.
RAM and storage
This apple product further offers LPDDR3 RAM of 16 GBs, keeping in mind the technology used, can run just anything there is, simultaneously lag-free. This combination can even handle the most demanding of programming and editing tools altogether without a hitch.
You might need to fasten your seatbelts for this one, this lightweight MacBook is packed with a huge 2 TB SSD storage. This would make sure computer science students’ minds’ memory stays free of any worries about maintaining the system’s storage.
Display and other components
The laptop comes with an EXTREMELY high PPI of 220 full HD Retina Widescreen 15.4-inch display making sure the users get a thrilling experience. Such high pixels and resolution give its users a flawless view. Even if the videos played aren’t up to the mark, this high-end display compensates for that.
Adding to that, the machine ranks high on durability so you won’t get a heart attack at the slightest of the bumps the machine would take. What further compliments all the power and strength is its weight, as it weighs a mere 4 pounds which goes against what we might imagine when we think of strength and power together.
- High-performance CPU
- DUAL GPU
- Lightweight Chassis
- High-resolution display
- Not budget-friendly
- Overheating issue
Best for Powerful performance
A complete overkill, Dell XPS 9710 is a machine that leaves no component outdated. Featuring a huge 17.3’’ display with extremely powerful specs makes it the go-to device for any student who is a die-hard gaming fan. This machine just takes your machine experience to a whole new level.
CPU and GPU
This laptop comes with an extremely powerful Core i7 Octa-core processor with a clock speed of 2.4 Gigahertz, with the capacity to overclock up to a monstrous 4.6 Gigahertz, which is practically the most one might dream of receiving from a CPU. You won’t even need to check system requirements for even the heaviest and most demanding of the programs and games.
Along with that comes perfect support, fully dedicated GPU NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3060, a card not to be messed with. The GPU delivers 6 GB of VRam, it can effortlessly deliver over 100 fps without taking any load onto itself. This combination easily makes it the best laptop for computer science students in this league.
RAM and storage
Moving on the machine features 64 GB RAM, we might hardly find something in the market with such a deadly combination of CPU, GPU, and RAM. One might not have to even think before actually developing the latest titles on their very own system and then running them on high configuration.
The system further offers the much-needed complement with the other high-end components 8 TB of SSD storage to run everything as smoothly as computationally possible.
Display
Moreover, the chassis comes attached with a whopping 17.3’’ 4K resolution display which is exactly what one looks for whose heart beats for games but the profession or education demands a great view for coding. Such an overkill effortlessly makes it the best computer science student laptop.
- Powerful core i7 octa-core processor
- Advanced GPU
- 17.3-inch display
- 4K display
- Expensive
- Can be a little inconvenient to carry around
Best Google Classroom Laptop to Boost Your Productivity
The ASUS ROG Strix G15 is a must-have gadget for all computer science students as the machine offers everything to fulfill the necessities of the field. What adds to it is the fact that the laptop along with being a performance house, it’s budget-friendly, keeping in mind that it would be required by students with minimal budget flexibility the machine is a perfect fit.
CPU and GPU
The system comes with an extremely powerful CPU, the latest technology in the market, AMD Ryzen 9 5900 HX processor. With a clock speed of 3.3 Gigahertz and a capacity to turbo boost up to an amazing 4.6 Gigahertz of speed at the need of the hour. The CPU is integrated with an octa-core 16 threads processor. Perfect to get you through college without having to worry about upgrading your gadget.
And what it is paired with won’t be a disappointment as this CPU comes with a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card. The machine can easily serve as a double when one might take a little break from a hectic course routine to play a few heavy titles without suffering any freezes.
RAM/ROM
Speaking of RAM and storage the system is embedded with over-the-edge 16 GB DDR4 RAM which might never give one a chance to reconsider their device choices since it won’t disappoint no matter how many tasks one might perform, complemented by a huge storage space of 1 TB integrated with SSD technology hindrance free experience to young students.
Display
The machine offers a 15.6’’ 2K resolution IPS display with an amazing 300 nit brightness level, suitable for low-light study requirements. But don’t lose it just here, the display comes with an astounding 165 Hertz of refresh rate keeping functions as smooth as they can be. The machine comes packed in a mix of aluminum and plastic chassis, giving it a great look, lightweight, and very durable.
Battery
With great power comes great hunger, the system has a decent battery timing of 6 hours, which is sufficient but might be a problem when you need to have long study sessions on the system.
- Powerful CPU
- High refresh rate
- High-performance GPU
- 1 TB storage
- Low battery timing
System Requirements Preferred for Computer Science Students
To make things transparent to our readers and computer science students looking for their perfect machine we have mentioned each component’s requirement and importance and what technologies would be right to have in your future machine. Here is a list of features and specifications required for each component to keep the students equipped with the best for every task they can potentially get assigned:
CPU
Talking of CPU, computer science students need to have at least an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 to keep pace with the fast-moving world of computer sciences and not disappoint any of the users when it comes to fieldwork as the field can be highly demanding of high-performance machines.
GPU
When it comes to graphics cards, it plays a vital role in what your machine can deliver, it makes all the difference. We can safely say that gaming laptops can be used as a multipurpose machine, to play games as well as to fulfill the needs of the computer science field.
RAM
Speaking of RAM, the main component responsible to multitask without any lags needs to be AT LEAST 16 GB, but long story short, the more the better for young computer science students.
ROM
The same goes for ROM, the more the better, ideally 512 GB, that too SSD. As HDD technology is quite outdated now and plays a key role in maintaining smooth transfer of data instead of becoming a nuisance while one is inflow to get things done.
Battery and Display
One of the major components that need to be taken care of when keeping in mind that one has to move around and stay out for quite a huge part of their day, something computer science students have to do, is an excellent battery. What good would a powerful machine do if it won’t even be by your side?
Running around looking for charging ports sure sounds like another job put on your desk and something you surely don’t want to be associated with. Frankly, 7 hours of battery timing is quite decent, keeping in mind the load the powerful machines would be handling. Furthermore, coming to displays, size doesn’t matter as long as it is HD with IPS technology integrated within it.
Operating System
Talking of OS, most languages and courses for computer science students are compatible and work great with Microsoft windows and that is bad news for Apple lovers. But wait! If you’re an Apple enthusiast you don’t need to lose hope just yet, there is software that you can use to run Windows on an Apple laptop which is such a huge relief since we can’t change our machine preference just like that for the sake of education, now can we?
FAQs
1. What’s better HDD or SSD?
If the preference is speed, then without a doubt it’s SSD that the students should go for, but if their course doesn’t demand very high performance and they want to extend systems life then HDD is the answer.
2. What are important factors to be kept in mind while buying a laptop for computer sciences?
To sum it all up, sufficient RAM to handle multitasking, a powerful processor to be able to run any program no matter how demanding it is, and last but not the least, SSD storage for fast processing.
3. Is advanced GPU important for computer sciences?
If one is not into gaming, then it’s not necessary to have the most powerful and advanced GPU available in the market. Even a decent GPU would suffice.
Conclusion
The market is flooded with loads of machines to cater to the needs of computer science today as the field is very crucial and demanded in this era, most of the companies strive to be the brand of choice when it comes to this field.
Keeping all the best laptops for computer science students reviews and all types of students with different individual and education preferences and requirements, we have listed down the best laptops for computer science students covering all the spectrum, leaving no gap unfilled helping our readers reach a decision rather than being left with even more confusion. From affordability to power beasts, we have listed everything that falls on the spectrum.