Are you in the market for a laptop to help you study computer science? These are the best laptops for computer science students. The laptops we are looking at don’t have to be top of the line, but should still have good specifications and performance. They aren’t necessarily the lowest price either, so don’t go on this list if you’re looking for a quick and cheap laptop.
There are many different places you can look for these items but most will require that you spend some time in order to narrow down your options. You want a laptop that is good for coding or programming. These laptops have the best processors, solid-state drives, and enough RAM and HD space to help with more than just everyday tasks. If you need help deciding what else you should look for in a laptop you can check out our laptop buying guide.
You will find that most of the Macbooks on this list are from late 2016 or earlier because 2017 models are not out yet. You can get a good price on them, but they are underpowered compared to the competition. If you prefer something more recent you might want to check out some of the other laptops out there like the Dell XPS 13 or Lenovo Yoga 920.
With all that said let’s get into the best laptops for computer science students in the year 2023.
Laptop | Name | Summary | Price |
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Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – 12.3" Touch-Screen
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Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
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2020 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip
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MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-066 15.6" Gaming Laptop
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HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop
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Dell XPS 13 (9310), 13.4- inch FHD+ Touch Laptop
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Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Gaming Laptop
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Lenovo Yoga C930 2-in-1 13.9" 4K UHD
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2020 Dell XPS 15 7590 Flagship Laptop
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Apple MacBook Pro 13" with Touch Bar
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Best Laptops For Computer Science Students
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – 12.3" Touch-Screen - 10th Gen Intel Core i5 - 8GB Memory - 128GB SSD (Latest Model) – Platinum (VDV-00001)
- Processor: Core i5-1035G4
- Size: 12.3 inches
- RAM: 8 GB
- Color: Platinum
What makes the Surface Laptop a great laptop for coding is its excellent keyboard, which has very large keys with good spacing in between them. It's also great at multitasking thanks to its solid hardware components, so you can keep multiple programs open at once without any issue. It also comes with excellent screen quality that will help you see everything clearly when you're coding.
The only issue with the Surface Laptop is that it has a fairly bulky body and this could be an issue for some users. However, it's not too big to make it uncomfortable as long as you can get used to its size. The battery life is also a bit on the shorter side, but that's pretty typical of laptops nowadays.
Hardware Specifications of Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – 12.3" Touch-Screen | |
Processor | Intel Core i5-1035G4 |
RAM | 8 GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | 128 GB SSD |
Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Integrated) |
Display | 12.3 inches |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Color | Platinum |
- Solid build quality and a great keyboard.
- Good thermal management.
- Fast Processing.
- Very fast for an Intel Core i5.
- The screen isn't very bright and can get a bit too warm at times.
- In our tests, the battery life was about average for a gaming laptop, but we'd still suggest avoiding frequent use at 100% brightness.
2. Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop, Intel i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB, 15.6" Full HD 144Hz 3ms IPS Display, 16GB Dual-Channel DDR4, 512GB NVMe SSD, Wi-Fi 6, RGB Keyboard, PH315-53-72XD
- Processor: Core i7-10750H
- Size: 15.6 inches
- RAM: 16 GB
- Color: Black
Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop is the best shot for computer science students. This is because, according to the experts, it’s a laptop that is simple and fast. It doesn’t have too many features, but it doesn’t need them. The laptop has old fashioned design, with a button at the top of the keyboard.
This makes it less complicated when compared to modern lappies which are full of fancy features that can get in your way when you want to focus on your work. As there are no complicated buttons, the laptop is quick when you want to toy with it. This laptop has a Core i7 processor, which is a good deal for those who want the best.
There are two models of the Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop, the 17-inch version and the 15-inch one. They both feature an amazing 1080p display. They have a screen between 15 and 17 inches, which is not too small but not too big. It is perfect for those who need a laptop for studying and work.
Hardware Specifications of Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop | |
Processor | Intel Core i7-10750H |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 512 GB SSD |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 (Dedicated) |
Display | 15.6 inches |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Color | Black |
- Cleaner design
- Excellent 1080p gaming performance
- The Metal chassis is strong but has some sharp corners
- The base model is a better value than our tester
3. 2020 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage) - Space Gray
- Processor: M1
- Size: 13.3 inches
- RAM: 8 GB
- Color: Space Gray
The new, updated MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) is an excellent laptop for computer science students who want both portability and performance. This laptop is best suited for scientific computing, but it’s more than capable of handling everyday tasks with ease. With a powerful Nvidia GeForce graphics card and Apples own M1 Chip CPU, this laptop has the power and portability to take on any task.
The MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) is compatible with most software available in the Mac App Store. The touchpad is responsive and precise for cursor control, while the backlit keyboard makes typing at night easier on your eyes.
It’s a pleasure to have a fully functional computer running smoothly on such light hardware. With its powerful combination of portability and performance, this laptop is ideal for anyone looking for an all-around computer that can handle everyday use without compromising speed.
Hardware Specifications of 2020 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip | |
Processor | Apple M1 |
RAM | 8 GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | 256 GB SSD |
Graphics | Apple M1 GPU (8-core) (Integrated) |
Display | 13.3 inches |
Operating System | macOS |
Color | Space Gray |
- The MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a laptop with great performance.
- Long battery life
- Plenty of storage
- Some users have complained that the 15W power adapter with a USB-C port is insufficient. The power adapter should be able to charge much faster as well.
4. MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-066 15.6" Gaming Laptop, Thin Bezel, Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX1650, 16GB, 512GB NVMe SSD
- Processor: Core i7-9750H
- Size: 15.6 inches
- RAM: 16 GB
- Color: Black
The MSI GS65 Stealth is a high-performance laptop, which makes it a great choice for computer science students who want something that can handle whatever workload you throw at it. This model comes with the latest Intel Core i7-9750H processor which has up to 6 cores and 12 threads, along with 16GB of RAM, which is more than enough to handle any possible workload you'd run on your laptop for school. It also has a great display that's perfect for editing videos or doing other graphics-intensive projects.
The only downside to this laptop is that it's very expensive. However, its overall build quality and hardware are among the best on the market, so if you want something that can handle anything you throw at it then this is the laptop for you.
Hardware Specifications of MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-066 15.6" Gaming Laptop | |
Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 512 GB SSD |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (Dedicated) |
Display | 15.6 inches |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Color | Black |
- Comes with excellent hardware and a display that makes working on your computer enjoyable.
- Very expensive, especially if you choose options with better builds and higher-res displays.
- Being such a high-performance laptop, it struggles to keep up its battery life and can drain very quickly when doing heavy workloads.
5. HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop,15.6" FHD IPS, Intel 8th Gen i5+8300H, NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti 4GB, 8GB RAM, 16GB Intel Optane Memory, 1TB HDD, Narrow border design, Windows 10 Home (15-cx0020nr,Black)
- Processor: Core i5-8300H
- Size: 15.6 inches
- RAM: 8 GB
- Color: Black
The HP Pavilion gaming laptop is the best pick for computer science students. It features not only powerful performance, but also a lightweight and ultra-thin design that makes it the perfect portable companion to your busy schedule.
HP Pavilion gaming laptop is easy to carry and has a 15.6” FHD (1920 x 1080) LED-backlit display. This gaming laptop comes preinstalled with Windows 10 Home operating system. The HP Pavilion gaming laptop is compatible with almost all popular software packages that are used in computer science programs. It features a full-size island-style keyboard with a numeric keypad for extra productivity, multimedia keys, and a touchpad for easier navigation through Windows 10. The touchpad supports gloved finger gesture control to get the most out of your laptop without having to use the trackpad.
Hardware Specifications of HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop | |
Processor | Intel Core i5-8300H |
RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 1 TB HDD |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (Dedicated) |
Display | 15.6 inches |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Color | Black |
- It is a powerful computer, great for gaming
- Nice design
- Expensive
- Runs hot
6. Dell XPS 13 (9310), 13.4- inch FHD+ Touch Laptop - Intel Core i7-1185G7, 16GB 4267MHz LPDDR4x RAM, 512GB SSD, Iris Xe Graphics, Windows 10 Pro - Platinum Silver with Black Palmrest (Latest Model)
- Processor: Core i7-1185G7
- Size: 13.4 inches
- RAM: 16 GB
- Color: Platinum Silver
The Dell XPS 13 is an excellent laptop for computer science and software development students, but it's mostly a great deal because of its display. The latest version has a resolution of 1920 x 1200 which is something you can't find on other laptops. This machine also has the best battery life you can get on a laptop right now.
The 13.4-inch model has a very sharp screen which is great for computer science. Dell is one of the best companies that make laptops, and this product shows why. It has a powerful processor as well as high-end graphics performance which means it can handle heavy coding processes and software without any issues. The screen resolution is also really nice on this computer and will look great with whatever programs you run, be it coding software or video editing, or graphic design software.
Hardware Specifications of Dell XPS 13 (9310), 13.4- inch FHD+ Touch Laptop | |
Processor | Intel Core i7-1185G7 |
RAM | 16 GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | 512 GB SSD |
Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96EU) (Integrated) |
Display | 13.4 inches |
Operating System | Windows 10 Pro |
Color | Platinum Silver |
- Great for coding and software development
- Great resolution and battery life.
- The short keyboard might cause some problems if you have big fingers.
7. Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Gaming Laptop: Intel Core i7-1065G7 4 Core, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q, 13.3" 1080p 60Hz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, CNC Aluminum, Chroma RGB, Thunderbolt 3, Black
- Processor: Core i7-1065G7
- Size: 13.3 inches
- RAM: 16 GB
- Color: Classic Black
The Razer Blade Pro is one of the best laptops for computer science students if you want something that can handle can do just about anything with no issue. It has a full HD display that looks great when you're working on your coding project or graphic designing but also includes a 4K display for those who want to push their machine to its limits. The Blade Pro also has enough storage space and RAM to support multiple heavy applications running at once without any issue.
The Razer Blade Pro is an excellent choice for anyone looking for something that can handle heavy workloads thanks to its high-end hardware. Its performance is one of its best features and it has the power you need to do coding or software development without any issues. The biggest downside here is the price, and while it's not as expensive as some other models, it still isn't a cheap laptop.
Hardware Specifications of Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Gaming Laptop | |
Processor | Intel Core i7-1065G7 |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 512 GB SSD |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q (Dedicated) |
Display | 13.3 inches |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Color | Classic Black |
- Extremely fast with powerful hardware that can handle even heavy workloads.
- Great 4K resolution for those who want to push their machine to its limits.
- Expensive when you add the cost of the 4K display option, and it's still more expensive than some other models from Razer or other companies.
- Short battery life compared to other laptops from this brand.
8. Lenovo Yoga C930 2-in-1 13.9" 4K UHD Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel i7, 16GB DDR4, 1TB PCI-e SSD, 2X Thunderbolt 3, Dolby Atmos Audio, Webcam, WiFi, Windows 10, Active Pen, 3 LBS, 0.6", Mica
- Processor: Core i7-8550U
- Size: 13.9 inches
- RAM: 16 GB
- Color: Silver
Lenovo Yoga C930 is also a great laptop for CS students it is just a perfect choice for coders. It has an amazing battery life and display and it comes with Intel Core i7 Processor. It also has 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of PCI-e SSD Storage.
It starts in under 10 seconds which is great for CS students. It has a touch-screen that makes it easier to use during class or on the go. Lenovo yoga C930 is a very good laptop for CS students and all computer users as well because of its amazing screen quality, battery life, and affordable price. The Yoga C930 is a premium 2-in-1, meaning it has the power and versatility of a laptop with the convenience of a tablet.
Hardware Specifications of Lenovo Yoga C930 2-in-1 13.9" 4K UHD | |
Processor | Intel Core i7-8550U |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 1 TB HDD |
Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 (Integrated) |
Display | 13.9 inches |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Color | Silver |
- The device is very durable and strong.
- The device also has a long battery life and comes with a color-accurate screen, as well as the ability to fold over 360 degrees into different positions.
- This laptop is easy to carry around and very light.
- The device is relatively expensive.
- Unimpressive battery life.
- The device also does not have a great set of features, which can be found in competing products.
- some people find this device’s keyboard uncomfortable to use.
9. 2020 Dell XPS 15 7590 Flagship Laptop 15.6" 4K UHD OLED 9th Gen Intel Hexa-Core i7-9750H 16GB DDR4 512GB PCIe SSD 4GB GTX 1650 Thunderbolt Backlit FP MaxxAudio Win 10 + iCarp HDMI Cable
- Processor: Core i7-9750H
- Size: 15.6 inches
- RAM: 16 GB
- Color: Silver
The Dell XPS 15 is another excellent choice for coding students because of its display. The 15-inch model has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and it's also one of the best on the market in terms of brightness. This means you can see everything clearly while you're coding or working on graphics-intensive applications without any problem. There are also other good improvements like solid battery life and great processing performance. Overall, this is a good laptop for students and developers.
The only issue with the XPS 15 is that it's on the pricey side compared to other laptops in its category. However, if you're willing to pay a premium for top-of-the-line performance you'll get great value from this machine.
Hardware Specifications of 2020 Dell XPS 15 7590 Flagship Laptop | |
Processor | Intel Core i7-9750H |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 512 GB SSD |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (Dedicated) |
Display | 15.6 inches |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Color | Silver |
- Great screen resolution and brightness make data extremely clear even during long coding sessions.
- Solid build quality with good hardware that can easily handle any workload you throw at it.
- Pricey, especially considering the competition.
- Batteries are known to have issues on some units, even after just a year or two of use.
10. Apple MacBook Pro 13" with Touch Bar, 10th-Generation Quad-Core Intel Core i7 2.3GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Space Gray (Mid 2020)
- Processor: Core i7-1068NG7
- Size: 13.3 inches
- RAM: 16 GB
- Color: Space Gray
It's a premium choice for computer science students, according to the latest reviews, but it doesn't come cheap. The 2020 Apple MacBook Pro is pricey, But if you're a design student or just want something with a little more processing power, it could be worth the investment. The MacBook Pro's powerful and long-lasting components will help you stay productive, while its Intel Core I7 CPU is capable of running up to 18 cores. Students who are not on tight budgets should definitely give it a try.
Hardware Specifications of Apple MacBook Pro 13" with Touch Bar | |
Processor | Intel Core i7-1068NG7 |
RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
Storage | 512 GB SSD |
Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Integrated) |
Display | 13.3 inches |
Operating System | macOS |
Color | Space Gray |
- Adjustable keyboard and no-frills design.
- Touch Bar capabilities for easy access to all your applications.
- The webcam on the MacBook Pro isn't great.
- battery life is average at about 10 hours.
How to Choose the Right Laptop for Computer Science Students
Well, there are hundreds of models of laptops out there and it can be difficult to pick just one out of all those choices. However, getting the right laptop is extremely important for any student, especially computer science students who need something that can handle whatever workload they throw at it.
There are several different things to consider when it comes to choosing the right laptop for computer science students. One of the more important features that you’d want in any laptop is a display with high resolution and brightness, so you can see everything clearly without straining your eyes. This applies to both graphic design and software development programs, so make sure you pick a laptop with a high-quality display on any model that you choose.
Another feature you’ll want is strong hardware that can handle whatever software or programs without issues. This means a powerful processor and graphics card with plenty of RAM. These components are important for software development and graphic design programs, so getting a laptop with these features is important.
Some other things to consider include weight, storage space, battery life, and build quality which can all play a role in the laptop’s performance. Some of these factors will vary depending on what you need from your laptop. For example, if you plan on using the laptop to do heavy gaming then a gaming laptop is a good choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that will last years without having any major issues then you’ll want something with the best build quality possible.
In this guide, we’ve picked some of the top laptops available and put them side by side to show their differences and help make your decision easier. You can choose the best laptop for computer science students based on your budget, needs, and other factors that are important to you. For example, some students may want something that has a lot of RAM and a powerful processor to handle heavy workloads while others may need something with a good graphics card or versatile design. The point is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so we’ve tried to make this guide as detailed as possible to help you pick out the right laptop for computer science students.
Things to Consider When Buying a Computer for CS Students
Now that you know what some of the best laptops for computer science students are, let’s take a look at some of the main features you’ll want to consider when buying one. These considerations will depend on your needs and how you plan on using your laptop.
Price and Budget: Laptops can run the gamut in terms of their prices and most students don’t have an unlimited budget when it comes to getting a new computer for school. Therefore, it’s important to find the right balance between getting a laptop that has good hardware and remains within your budget. There are dozens of models at every price point, and we’ve tried to compare some of the best you can get for your money in this guide.
Storage Space: All computers require storage space even if it’s just for installing your operating system and programs. However, it’s a good idea to get as much storage space as possible when you’re buying a new laptop. This will help you with large video or graphics files, especially if you plan on doing some graphic design projects on your computer.
Battery Life: This may not be the most important factor when choosing a laptop for computer science students but it can help out with long coding sessions or other workloads that may require the laptop to be used throughout the day. Therefore, it’s important to get a laptop that can handle heavy workloads without having any issues.
Screen Resolution and Brightness: Many computers for computer science students have high-quality displays that make working on your projects more enjoyable. However, this feature is something you may or may not want depending on the specific programs you’re using. In this case, your main focus should be on getting a laptop that has a good display with high resolution and brightness so you can see everything clearly.
Processor and Graphics Card: The processor is one of the most important components in a laptop because it’s what handles all the work that you do on your machine. This means it should be powerful enough to handle heavy workloads without any issue. Additionally, you’ll want to get a laptop with enough RAM to handle whatever workloads you have installed on your computer, especially if you’re doing some software development or even video editing on your computer.
Wireless and Bluetooth Connectivity: Many laptops now come with these features, and they make working on the computer much more enjoyable. However, it’s important to get a laptop that can connect to your device wirelessly if you plan on running your current desktop programs on the laptop. This will help you avoid having to run cables all over the place when you need to use your computer in a different room. Bluetooth connectivity is another feature that makes it easier to use your laptop with wireless accessories, which is ideal for working on coding projects or editing videos while you’re in another room.
Overall Build Quality: When you’re buying a new laptop for computer science students it’s important to check out all aspects of the build quality including the keyboard, trackpad, and overall construction of the machine. Other features include the screen bezel and hinges which can make a big difference in how enjoyable it is to use your computer on a daily basis.
Conclusion & Recommendations
Finding the right laptop for computer science students can be a difficult process, especially if you haven’t done it before. However, it’s important to get something that can handle all your workloads without any issue. The laptops we’ve chosen here are some of the best on the market and they’re great for students who need something that will run heavy workloads without any issues.
If you’ve used any of these laptops for computer science students or have one you’d like to recommend, feel free to leave a comment below. We’d love to hear what your experience has been like with the different models and if you have any advice for someone who’s looking for a new laptop for school.