Students looking for the best laptops for computer science have a lot factors to consider. The best laptop should not only be able to handle complex coding equations and project development tasks but should also be durable enough to survive school life and offer expandability. However, with hundreds of options promising great portability and performance, finding the ideal laptop for computer science-related tasks can be overwhelming. This guide is dedicated to helping computer science students find the best laptop, ensuring a useful and future-proof purchase. Students pursuing this course must have a reliable PC for smooth sailing. That said, buying the right laptop for computer science classes is very important.
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Updated on April 23, 2024, by Charlie Vin Tonny: Prices for all products have been updated. We’ve also updated our selection for the best entry-level laptop for computer science students to the LenovoIdeaPad Core i5, a ten core laptop that offers balances price, performance, and portability.
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MSI Cyborg 15 Gaming Laptop
Best Overall Laptop for Computer Science Students
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Intel Core i7 12650H
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060
- RAM
- 32GB DDR5
- Storage
- 2TB NVMe SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 15.6″, IPS, 1920×1080
- Dimensions
- 14.15 x 9.86 x 0.9 inches
- Weight
- 4.37 lbs
- Brand
- MSI
- Lightweight and portable design at 4.37 lbs
- Powerful Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU
- Substantial 32GB RAM and 2TB NVMe SSD storage
- Limited battery life
- Some users might prefer a higher resolution display
The MSI Cyborg 15 Gaming Laptop stands as the best overall laptop for computer science students, striking a perfect balance between portability and power. Weighing just 4.37 lbs, this laptop fits in backpacks and into a bustling student lifestyle. With its Intel Core i7 12650H CPU and Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060 GPU, this machine tears through programming tasks and gaming challenges alike, leaving no room for lag or frustration.
The 32GB DDR5 RAM and a colossal 2TB NVMe SSD ensure students won’t be left wanting any more speed and storage. But remember, with great power comes a not-so-great battery life. So, keep that charger handy for extended coding sessions or gaming marathons. Even with its battery quirks, the MSI Cyborg 15 stands as the best overall laptop for computer science students.
HP Envy Laptop WQXGA
Best Multi-Purpose Laptop for Computer Science Students
$1550 $1750 Save $200
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Intel Core i9 13900H
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060
- RAM
- 64GB DDR5
- Storage
- 2TB+2TB SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 16″, 2560x1600p
- Brand
- HP
- Model
- Envy WQXGA
- Display type
- IPS touchscreen
- Connectivity
- WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
- Impressive 16″ IPS touchscreen with high resolution
- Powerful Intel Core i9 CPU and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU
- Massive 64GB RAM and dual 2TB SSD storage
- Lacks a numeric keypad on the keyboard
- Price point may be high for budget-conscious students
For those who need a laptop for school, gaming, and work, check out the HP Envy Laptop WQXGA. This amazing laptop is our choice for best multi-purpose laptop for computer science students, offering a harmonious blend of high-end performance and stunning visuals. Its 16″ IPS touchscreen dazzles with a crisp 2560x1600p resolution, ideal for both detailed coding sessions and immersive gaming.
With a colossal 64GB DDR5 RAM and dual 2TB SSDs, storage and speed are in a league of their own, catering to the diverse demands of computer science students. However, it’s not without some considerations and drawbacks. The absence of a numeric keypad might be a slight hiccup for some, and its price tag could make some wallets wince. But for those seeking a laptop that combines productivity with play, the HP Envy Laptop WQXGA is the top multi-purpose choice in its class.
Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop (RTX 4090)
Best Gaming Laptop for Computer Science Students
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-13950HX 24 Core Processor
- GPU
- RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W
- Storage
- 2TB NVME (1+1TB SSD)
- Battery
- 91.7 WHr Li-Ion Battery
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 2K (2560 x 1600), 18″ 240 Hz IPS
- Camera
- 5MP Webcam (Windows Hello support)
- Speakers
- 2 Speaker, 4 Woofer Array
- Colors
- Black
- Memory
- 32 GB DDR5 5600MHz
- Ports
- USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, SD Card, Ethernet
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet 2.5G
- Dimensions
- 0.86″ x 10.84″ x 15.74″
- Weight
- 6.80 lbs​
- Form
- 18”
- Brand
- Razer
- Model
- RZ09-0484UEH4-R3U1
- Power
- 330W AC Power Adapter
- Desktop-grade performance with Intel Core i9 and RTX 4090
- Dual 1TB NVMe SSDs for ample and fast storage
- 32GB DDR5 RAM ideal for demanding applications
- Battery life may be shorter under heavy usage
- High-end components may generate notable heat
Ready for the best gaming option? The Razer Blade 18 Gaming Laptop stands out as the top gaming laptop for computer science students, blending high-end performance with portability. Its Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU impress even the harshest critics, and it can rival desktop setups while maintaining a portable form factor. This is a game-changer for students who need both power and mobility. Whether you’re coding or gaming, this is a powerhouse for both studies and entertainment.
Many have praised its build quality as the best among Windows laptops, highlighting its sharp screen and top-of-the-line performance. Its dual 1TB NVMe SSDs offer ample storage with blazing-fast speeds, and 32GB DDR5 RAM easily handles demanding applications and multitasking. This combination of performance, quality, and thoughtful features firmly places the Razer Blade 18 as the best gaming option for computer science students who won’t settle for less.
ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Business Laptop
Best Mid-Range Laptop for Computer Science Students
$700 $1000 Save $300
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Core i5
- GPU
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM
- 8 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
- Brand
- Asus
- OLED screen with vivid colors and sharp imagery
- Lightweight, portable design ideal for students on-the-go
- ASUS 3D Noise Reduction for quieter operation
- Limited RAM for more demanding tasks
- May not be ideal for heavy gaming or intense graphic design
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED is a stellar mid-range choice for computer science students, striking a balance between performance and portability. Its 13th Gen Intel i5 processor and Intel Iris Xe Graphics make it a powerhouse for coding and design tasks. The OLED screen is a visual treat, enhancing every pixel with vibrant colors and deep contrasts, perfect for those late-night coding or study sessions.
While it shines in many areas, the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED does have a few considerations. Its 8 GB of RAM might restrict performance under heavy multitasking. However, for the majority of computing tasks, it delivers impressively. Its portability, combined with the innovative noise reduction technology, makes it the top mid-range laptop for computer science students who value both power and portability in their academic journey.
MSI Titan GT77 17.3′ Gaming Laptop (Core i9, RTX 4090)
Best High-End Laptop for Computer Science Students
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Intel Core i9-13980HX (8 P-Cores, 16 E-Cores)
- GPU
- RTX 4090 16GB GDDR6 175W
- Storage
- 4TB NVME SSD
- Battery
- 4-Cell 99 WHR Battery
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 4K (3840 x 1920), Mini-LED, 144Hz
- Camera
- 720p 30fps
- Speakers
- 2x 2W Speaker, 2x 2W Woofer
- Colors
- Core Black
- Memory
- 64GB DDR5
- Ports
- USB-C Thunderbolt (4.0), USB-A, SD Card, Mini DP, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.3, 2.5G Ethernet
- Weight
- 7.3 lbs
- Form
- 17.3′ Form Factor
- Brand
- MSI
- Power
- 330W Power Adapter
- Unmatched performance with Core i9 and RTX 4090
- Massive 128GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB NVMe SSD
- Robust 99 WHR battery for extended use
- Bulkier form factor compared to lighter laptops
- Can run quite hot under heavy load
The MSI Titan GT77 is a powerhouse that’s perfect for computer science students who crave high-end performance. Its Intel Core i9 processor and RTX 4090 GPU slice through complex coding environments and simulations like a hot knife through butter. The colossal 128GB DDR5 RAM and 4TB NVMe SSD make multitasking and data processing a breeze. And let’s not forget that dazzling 4K Mini-LED display, which is like having a personal cinema for those well-deserved break times.
However, it comes with a hefty price tag, and its bulkier design might make you think twice if portability is your top priority. Also, brace yourself for some heat during those intense programming sessions. But for the aspiring computer science student who demands nothing but the best, the MSI Titan GT77 stands out as the ultimate choice, making it the best high-end laptop for computer science students.
Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3
Best Budget Laptop for Computer Science Students
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS 8-Core CPU
- GPU
- Nvidia RTX 4060 8GB
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB NVME M2 SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 17” 3 QHD/2K 165Hz
- Network
- Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
- Brand
- Acer Nitro
- Model
- ‎AN17-41-R7G3
- Card Reader
- Yes
- Keyboard
- Backlit
- Webcam
- Yes
- Impressive 17″ QHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS 8-Core CPU and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU
- Excellent value for the price, especially for gaming and school work
- Heavier and bulkier compared to similar laptops
- Battery life may be limited due to high performance components
The Acer Nitro 17 Gaming Laptop AN17-41-R7G3, crowned as the best budget laptop for computer science students, is a powerhouse of performance and value. It’s like having a portable supercomputer, thanks to its 17″ QHD display, rapid 165Hz refresh rate, and formidable AMD Ryzen 7 CPU paired with an Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU. Whether it’s for developing complex algorithms or unwinding with some high-end gaming, this laptop meets and exceeds expectations.
Before choosing this laptop, make sure you’re aware of its considerations. Specifically, its size and weight might not appeal to those seeking a more compact option, like those commuting to class or studying at the library. Nonetheless, for the student who wants to game as hard as they study, the Acer Nitro 17 is a budget-friendly powerhouse, proving that top-notch performance doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag.
Lenovo IdeaPad Core i5
Best Entry-Level Laptop for Computer Science Students
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Intel 12th Gen core i5-1235U
- GPU
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM
- 16GB RAM
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 15.6″ FHD Display
- Memory
- 512GB PCIe4.0 SSD
- Dimensions
- 14.17 x 0.7 x 9.29 inches
- Weight
- 3.52 pounds
- Brand
- Lenovo
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi6, Bluetooth,
- Adequate RAM and storage space
- A full HD anti-glare display
- A potent Core i5-1235U processor
- Battery life could be better
Computer science students should have laptops with sturdy processors to handle the heavy lifting of assignments like software development. The Lenovo IdeaPad Intel 12th Generation Core i5 laptop possesses an impressive processor with ten cores and a clocking capability of up to 4.4GHz. It is a good entry-level piece for computer science students as it balances price, performance, and portability.
This PC is convenient and supported by numerous features, starting with its vivid display that guarantees users a glare-free experience. The 15.6-inch FHD display has a 1920 x 1080p resolution, which gets a boost from the Intel Iris XE graphics for crispiness and clarity. The other area where students can enjoy the user-friendliness of this laptop is its vast 16GB DDR4 RAM(which can be upgraded up to 40GB), which ensures faster processing and multitasking. It also has a decent 256 GB SSD for file storage that can be expanded to 2TB, saving users from mishaps like hanging and freezing due to overloading.
The laptop comes with Windows 11 Pro preinstalled. It is one of the latest operating systems, and it is lauded for its excellent performance, versatility, and friendly interface. Users can enjoy a private session when working or attending class, as the built-in HD webcam has a privacy shutter. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity bring forth seamless and reliable connections.
HP 2023 15.6” FHD(1920×1080) Laptop
Best Ultra-Portable Laptop for Computer Science Students
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Intel Core i5-1135G7
- RAM
- 32GB RAM
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- HP 2023 15.6” FHD(1920×1080)
- Ports
- 2 x USB Type-A | 1 x USB Type-C | 1 x HDMI
- Brand
- HP
- A powerful Core i5 processor that allows for multitasking
- A compact build that makes it manageable
- Slim and lightweight design
- Battery life could be better
The HP 2023 Intel Core i5-1135G7 laptop is perfect for computer students seeking power, reliability and portability. As its name hints, the laptop gets its power from an Intel Core i5 processor, with four cores, eight threads and a maximum clocking rate of up to 4.2 GHz. It can swiftly handle demanding tasks such as coding, compiling, and running virtual machines.
A 32GB RAM guarantees that users can multitask without any problems; they can launch several tabs or operate numerous applications simultaneously without the device crashing. A 1TB SSD storage space will hold numerous class files for students, plus the device operates relatively fast, and students won’t have to worry about space. Also, the sharp and bright 15.6″ FHD display means that students can have clarity even during extended coding lessons, while the webcam and mic ensure that presentations and collaborations are a breeze.
The convenience of this device comes into play owing to the preinstalled Windows 11 operating system. This new-age operating platform is effective and allows users to multitask seamlessly.
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The HP 2023 Intel Core i5-1135G7 has a compact frame, weighing only 3.52 pounds, making it easy for students to carry it around campus. The slim and lightweight design also works to its aesthetic advantage and is a conversation starter among students during their leisure time.
The only downside is that the battery life is a bit shorter. So users will have to ensure they are close to a charging port. Nonetheless, it still supports a few hours of use, which can be enough sturdy sessions for lectures.
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Selecting the Best Laptop for Computer Science Students
Choosing the right laptop for computer science studies involves more than just picking any high-tech device. It’s about finding a balance between power, endurance, and versatility to support your academic journey and beyond.
Processing Power
For computer science students, a powerful laptop processor is crucial. A robust CPU ensures efficient code compilation, smooth running of development tools, and quick execution of programs. Opt for laptops with advanced processors to handle complex tasks with ease.
Battery Life
Long battery life is essential for students who spend hours coding, researching, and completing assignments. It means less time tethered to a power outlet and more time being productive in various settings, whether in a library, café, or at home.
Portability and Build Quality
A laptop that strikes the right balance between durability and portability provides the flexibility needed for a busy student life. Lightweight yet sturdy laptops are ideal for carrying around campus while withstanding the rigours of daily use.
FAQ
Q: How important is battery life for a computer science student’s laptop?
Long battery life is essential for students, offering the flexibility to work on projects and attend classes without constant recharging.
Q: Should a laptop for computer science have a touchscreen?
Touchscreen is optional, and it depends on personal preference and the type of work. Some find it useful for design and note-taking.
Q: How much RAM is recommended for computer science laptops?
A minimum of 8GB RAM is recommended, but 16GB or more is ideal for handling multiple programming environments and virtual machines.
