Struggling with selecting the ideal laptop for your computer science studies?
In this blog, we reveal the best laptops for computer science majors, tailored to meet the diverse and demanding needs of students in this field. From models that excel in coding and software development to those capable of handling complex simulations and data analysis, we include a range of laptops that balance performance, portability, and battery life. We also consider alternative options for various budgets and the specific requirements of computer science coursework.
With over 15 years of experience in educational technology and computer science, we’ve helped numerous students, from beginners to advanced learners, find laptops that support their academic journey. Our selection of the best laptops for computer science majors is grounded in comprehensive testing and real-world academic use, ensuring our recommendations are practical and effective.
These laptops aren’t just about processing power; they excel in offering a combination of fast CPUs, sufficient RAM, and robust storage, along with features conducive to programming and development tasks. We’ve evaluated them for their overall performance, durability, and compatibility with essential software and tools used in computer science, finding them ideal for students who need a reliable, high-performing laptop that can keep up with the rigors of their coursework.
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Let’s delve into the best laptops suitable for their specific needs in 2023.
Best Laptops for Computer Science Major 2024
Apple MacBook Pro (13-Inch, 8GB RAM, & 256 GB Storage)
The MacBook Pro is always a next-gen series of laptops, the epitome of perfection. No doubt it is among the best computer engineering laptops of 2024. Originally released in July 2019, the Apple MacBook Pro 1.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 features high power and capability.
Configured with a 1.4GHz quad-core (8th-generation) Intel Core i5 processor, the 13-inch model suffices for a CS student’s needs. Tasks like compiling code, encoding video, running 3D apps, and many more are much faster than the previous models, making it the overall best Mac laptop for CS. Also, running multiple pro apps won’t be a problem with the ultra-fast 128GB SSD and the 8GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory.Benefits for CS Students
- The only con is that it is in a higher range than the other models on the list.
- Also, if the budget is not what you are bothered about, there are the latest refurbished models that you can check out as well.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Platinum (PUV-00001)
Microsoft has launched its PUV-00001 for all those individuals who take computing seriously. The best aspects of its design are convenience and portability. With a built-in kickstand and removable type cover, this one is versatile enough to be used both as a studio and a tablet.
This one comes in a solid platinum hue, and the keypad is designed in a matte red shade. The manufacturing brand claims that the overall experience of typing, touching, writing, and drawing is seamless. All these features make it a good laptop for computer science students. The options for connectivity between USB-C and USB-A let you use it conveniently according to your needs. Secondly, this one can be easily connected to multiple displays, docking stations, and more gadgets. Charging your phone and accessories seamlessly is something you can be assured of. Benefits for CS Students
- However, it has an average battery life as compared to some other models.
Acer Aspire E 15, E5-576-392H
Ensuring reliable performance, this one is among the best budget laptops one can opt for. The simple design of this one suggests that it has a robust build. The solid black hue and the brand logo are all about simplicity.
An Intel Core i3 8130U processor from the 8th generation powers this one. The processor speed of 2.2 GHz has a maximum turbo speed of 3.40 GHz. Superfast computing, coding, and multitasking are the main attractions of this model as the best budget laptop for computer science majors. The 1 TB (5400 RPM) hard drive capacity with a serial ATA interface ensures expandable memory. Built-in activities like a front camera with a 1280 x 720 resolution, a digital microphone port, sneakers, speakers, an HDMI port, and four USB ports are some of the basic features of this Acer gadget.Benefits for CS Students
- Yet, individuals looking for attractive designs will find this one featureless.
2019 Newest HP Pavilion Business Flagship Laptop Gold
To strike a balance between fine aesthetics and powerful performance, this HP Pavilion laptop can be a great option. Mainly, this exclusive model from the HP Business Flagship series of laptops is designed for professionals. It makes the most inexpensive laptop for computer science majors.
The computing needs of a CS student will be fulfilled with this HP Pavilion laptop. Its 8th Generation Intel Core i5 Quad-Core processor is dedicated to superfast computing and backed by a maximum turbo speed of 3.4 GHz. For seamless multitasking, the 12 GB of DDR4 RAM is sufficient. For cable-free networking, this one is designed with Wireless-AC (802.11ac) technology. No need to worry about fast wired connectivity, as this model has a Gigabit Ethernet connectivity option too. You can also transfer files from multiple formats with the advanced digital media card reader.Benefits for CS Students
- However, this laptop comes with the Windows 10 operating system, which many individuals consider a con.
Dell XPS 13 7390 Laptop
From the house of Dell, this one is designed with advanced features to suit the computing needs of professionals. The manufacturing brand claims this exclusive model is stunning inside and out. So, let’s check out whether it makes one of the best laptops for computer science students in 2023 or not.
Kudos to the 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10710U Processor, which lets you multitask without a single interruption. No chances to slow down or hang as the device is backed by a powerful 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe solid-state drive storage system. The safety measurement is also high with a fingerprint reader.Benefits for CS Students
- Though it is one of the best Computer Science laptops for mid-range, the display technology is not among the basic computing necessities of a CS student or professional.
Dell XPS 15 laptop 15.6″, 4K UHD InfinityEdge Touch
This Dell-designed laptop for CS is inexpensive, sleek, and attractive. Though this one is a 15.6-inch laptop, it has a compact shape compared to the other laptops of its dimension. It is one of the lightest 15-inch laptops, with a diameter of 11 to 17 mm.
This Dell laptop is configured with a 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750h (12 MB Cache, 6 Core, up to 4.50 GHz) processor. Adding to it, the advanced Windows 10 OS allows the user to multitask without slowing down the device.Benefits for CS Students
- This one is definitely among the best mid-range laptops for computer science majors.
Comparison of Laptops for CS Students
Comparison
ASUS 14″
ZWYING
HP Stream 14″
HP 14″
Computer Memory Size
4 GB
8 GB
4 GB
4 GB
Connectivity Technology
Ethernet
—
—
—
CPU Model
Celeron N4020
Celeron
Celeron N
Celeron N4020
CPU Model Manufacturer
Intel
Intel
Intel
Intel
CPU Speed
1.10 GHz
2.0 GHz
1.10 GHz
1.10 GHz
Display Resolution Maximum
1366 x 768 pixels
1920*1080 pixels
1366 x 768 pixels
1366 x 768 megapixels
Screen Size
14 inches
15.6 inches
14 inches
14 inches
Display Technology
LED
—
—
—
Graphics Coprocessor
Intel UHD Graphics Integrated Graphics Card
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Intel UHD Graphics 600
Intel
Hard Disk Description
SSD
SSD
—
SSD
Hard Disk Size
128 GB
128 GB
64 GB
64 GB
Hardware Platform
PC
PC
PC
PC
Human Interface Input
Microphone
Microphone, Keyboard, and Mouse
Keyboard
Microphone
Item Dimensions
12.8 x 8.54 x 0.72 inches
6.69 x 4.8 x 1.06 inches
19 x 12 x 3 inches
12.76 x 8.86 x 0.71 inches
Item Weight
2.87 lbs
3.97 lbs
3.17 lbs
3.20 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Windows 11 Pro
Windows 10 S
Windows 10 Home
Processor Count
2
4
2
2
RAM Type
DDR4 SDRAM
DDR4 SDRAM
DDR4 SDRAM
DDR4 SDRAM
Wireless Communication Standard
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth, 802.11a
Wireless Communication Technology
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Buying Guide: Best Laptop for Computer Science Students
Now, when you know about the specifications of some of the best laptops in this category, it will be easier to pick the right one. Before you make a final decision, let’s answer some of the frequently asked questions about CS laptops.
FAQs: Best Laptops for Computer Science Major
For computer science, you’ll need a reasonably powerful laptop since you’ll be running various software and possibly doing some heavy computations or coding. Ideally, look for a laptop with a fast processor (preferably a recent-generation i5 or i7), at least 8GB of RAM (though 16GB is better), and a decent-sized SSD for quicker file access and system responsiveness. As of 2023, here’s a general guideline for what a computer science student might need: The Mac vs. Windows debate largely comes down to personal preference, and both platforms have their advantages. That said, some software tools and platforms might be exclusive to one OS or run better on one than the other. It’s essential to check the requirements for the specific software or tools you’ll be using in your courses. Ultimately, both platforms can serve a computer science student well. It’s best to choose the one you’re most comfortable with and that aligns with your budget and software needs. It is suitable for learning programming. To learn the basic programming concepts and apply them, you don’t need a powerful computer. The experienced coders need much higher RAM and such needs also suffice within the 8GB RAM. Also, it depends on what other computing tasks you are performing on that device. More than the display size, the resolution matters for the developers. A larger screen with a lower resolution is not a good option for programming, whereas a 13-inch screen with a full HD display with a high resolution makes a better choice. Hence, 13-inch laptops are suitable for programming if they render a high-resolution, crystal-clear display. You will find laptops offering up to 16 GB of battery backup, which is always a brilliant option. However, a battery backup of up to 10 hours is good enough for CS students and professionals. Both the mid-range and the high-range of laptops with proper configuration usually offer higher battery backup and battery life than the others. A dedicated graphics card is essential for specific tasks. For example, when somebody is working with graphics-intensive apps, a graphics card is needed. Otherwise, it is not compulsory for all CS majors. One can find graphics cards in the best Computer Science laptops for mid-range. One can consider SSDs as a secondary storage option. 1TB hard drive can store four times as much data as a 256 GB SSD. Hence, there can be no comparison between a 256-GB SSD and a 1TB hard drive. The only advantage of an SSD is that one can access online files easily from other devices, including PCs, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. The MacBook Pro is one of the best laptops for programming. Many professionals rely on MacBooks when it comes to coding and programming, coding, and graphic design. For many CS students, the MacBook Pro is the ultimate choice for its exceptionally outstanding performance. Especially when you are writing iOS apps or macOS apps, this is the final option. Only the budget becomes a real concern before buying a MacBook Pro.How good of a laptop do I need for computer science?
What are the laptop requirements for computer science students in 2023?
Is Mac or Windows better for computer science?
Is 8GB of RAM suitable for learning to program?
Are 13-inch laptops suitable for programming?
How is battery backup good for CS students?
Is a dedicated graphics card needed for CS majors?
Is a 256-GB SSD better than a 1 TB hard drive?
Is the Apple MacBook suitable for programming?
Conclusion
Above are some of the best laptops for computer science majors that will help you optimize your search. For many students and professionals looking for laptops in this category, the MacBook Pro is the ultimate choice.
Those looking for Windows OS can also consider the HP Pavilion Business Flagship Laptop or the Dell XPS laptops.
There is fierce competition among these three for the best laptop for computer science students in the mid-price range. If the budget is what you are concerned about, the Acer Aspire E 15, E5-576-392H from the list makes a suitable option.
If you are searching for the most stylish laptop in this category, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Platinum makes a perfect choice. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and get the best laptop for CS students, keeping these options in mind.