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11 Best Laptop For Computer Science Major Reviews in 2023 | Performance, Features & Portability

11 Top Picks

4 Reviewers

40 Hours of Research

32 Options Considered

Laptops for Computer Science students have more requirements than your everyday laptop. I prefer a powerful laptop that can handle software installation for coding, research, and most of my assignments.

While undertaking my majors, I relied on software, including Autodesk, Adobe Software, and many others that require more CPU power. Also, the fact that I needed my laptop out of class most of the time meant I needed a lightweight laptop.

Choosing the best laptops for computer science majors may take time and effort. However, I have covered everything you need to know about the best laptops for computer science students. In addition, I have highlighted the best laptops for computer science students in the market and included a buying guide below.

3 Top Laptops For Computer Science Major

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop, 15.6 inches Full HD

1. [Best Overall]

 Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

5/5

The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is the best laptop I have tested as a computer science student. This laptop has amazing features and a monster performance which exceeded my expectations.


The high-performance AMD Ryzen 3 3200U, SSD storage, and Windows 10 S mode are outstanding features.

  • Impressive battery life
  • Rich port connectivity
  • The display is easy on my eyes.
 Apple 2020 MacBook Pro

2. [Best For The Money] 2020 Apple MacBook Pro

4.9/5

Macbooks are among the best laptops for computer science students. They run on the UNIX system, providing the best environment for multiple language development.


The 2020 Apple MacBook Pro is an excellent choice for computer science majors. The laptop has an MI chip that has 2.8 times better CPU performance.

  • Excellent battery life
  • Excellent for machine learning
  • Enough storage space for large files
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop

3. [Best For The Vibrant Display]

Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop

4.8/5

Gaming laptops have the best performance, and my experience with gaming monitors tells me they are among the best laptops for computer science students.


The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop has high-end features that deliver the best performance for computer science majors. Outstanding features include the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, 144Hz refresh rate, SSD storage, and Full HD display.

  • Fast internet connectivity
    Ample space for working
    Rich port connectivity
    Vibrant display.

  • Ample space for working
  • Rich port connectivity and vibrant display

What Are the Best Laptops for Computer Science Majors?

The best laptops for computer science students are as follows.

  • Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

  • 2020 Apple MacBook Pro

  • Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptops

  • 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop

  • Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop

  • HP Pavilion 15 Business Laptop Computer

  • 2020 Lenovo ThinkPad E15

  • ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop

  • [Windows 10 Pro] HP 15 15.6" FHD Business Laptop

  • ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 Thin and Light 2-in-1 Laptop

  • LG Gram 17Z90N

[Best Overall]

1. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

5/5

The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is the best laptop I have tested as a computer science student. This thin laptop has amazing features like a backlit keyboard and a monster performance which exceeded my expectations. The high-performance AMD Ryzen 3 3200U, SSD storage, and Windows 10 S mode are outstanding features.

 Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop, 15.6 inches Full HD

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop Features

The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop features are as follows.

  • The best laptops for computer science students need an ample display. With a 15.6 inch screen, I can view more software content/ lines of code and multitask efficiently.
  • As a computer science student, I need a laptop that is easy on my eyes. The Full HD resolution is the perfect choice for this feature and has always been easy on my eyes.
  • I enjoyed the sharp and accurate images this laptop produces, thanks to the IPS display, which also has wide viewing angles. The accurate images allowed me to work efficiently on my projects to produce the best results.
  • The AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core Processor has a high processing speed of up to 3.5GHz, allowing me to code efficiently. The high processing speed also allows me to run programs smoothly without lag, enhancing my experience.
  • The laptop has 4GB DDR4 RAM, which helps my processor speed up operations. Besides, I could open multiple programs simultaneously without slowing down the PC.
  • I have always desired SSD storage. This laptop has 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage, allowing me to launch programs instantly and easily access my files.
  • The backlit keyboard has well-fit characters that make typing much easier. I could do my assignment, coding, and projects more easily.
  • The laptop runs on Windows 10 in S Mode, providing Windows 10 experience with enhanced security while navigating my undergraduate program.
  • The laptop features one HDMI port with HDCP support, one USB 3.1 Gen 1, and two USB 2.0 ports, allowing me to connect to external devices, such as external storage devices, a keyboard, and charging phones.
  • It has a powerful battery with an extended battery life of up to 7.5 hours, allowing me to use the laptop for long sessions without recharging it.

Specs

CPU

AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual Core

Operating System

Windows 10 S Mode

Screen size

15.6 inches

Screen resolution

1920 x 1080

Panel type

IPS

RAM

4GB DDR4

Storage

128GB

Pros

  • Impressive battery life
  • Rich port connectivity
  • Decent keyboard
  • The display is easy on my eyes.

Cons

  • I prefer Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 over Windows 10 in S Mode.

[Best For The Money]

2. 2020 Apple MacBook Pro

4.9/5

Macbooks are among the best laptops for computer science students. They run on the UNIX system, providing the best environment for multiple language development. The 2020 Apple MacBook Pro is an excellent choice for computer science majors or engineering students. The laptop has an MI chip that has 2.8 times better CPU performance.

 Apple 2020 MacBook Pro

2020 Apple MacBook Pro Features

2020 Apple MacBook Pro features are as follows.

  • The laptop has an Apple M1 chip with better CPU performance, allowing me to run my programs and software smoothly without lag. In addition, it has a 16-core Neural Engine excellent for machine learning, which is an added advantage.
  • Unlike my previous Windows PC, the 2020 Apple MacBook Pro laptop has an extended battery life of up to 20 hours. Therefore, I can work on my projects for long sessions outside the lecture hall without recharging it.
  • The laptop features an 8-core GPU with over five times the graphics performance, excellent for graphics-intensive tasks.
  • The laptop's high memory capacity impressed me. With 8GB memory, I can run several applications simultaneously without affecting my laptop's performance.
  • I could save more files with the high 512GB SSD storage capacity. The SSD storage is super fast, allowing me to launch apps instantly and retrieve my files quickly.
  • This laptop is designed to enhance performance. The active cooling system ensures the laptop operates optimally without overheating, ensuring I do my projects and research more efficiently.
  • The laptop has a high peak brightness of 500 nits. This brightness has incredible image detail and produces vibrant colors, enhancing my experience.
  • With the FaceTime HD camera, I could communicate efficiently with my colleagues and team members when doing our research.
  • Mac OS Big Sur and M1 chips have the best security features that help me protect my files and project data.

Specs

CPU

Apple M1 Chip

GPU

8-core GPU

Screen size

13.3 inches

Screen resolution

2560 x 1600

Battery life

Up to 20 hours

RAM

8GB

Storage

512GB

Pros

  • Excellent battery life
  • Better CPU performance
  • Excellent for machine learning
  • Enough storage space for large files.

Cons

  • While a 13.3-inch display is OK for the best laptops for computer science students, I prefer more extensive displays.

[Best For The Vibrant Display]

3. Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop

4.8/5

Gaming laptops have the best performance, and my experience with gaming monitors tells me they are among the best laptops for computer science students. The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop has high-end features that deliver the best performance for computer science majors. Outstanding features of this gaming laptop include the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, 144Hz refresh rate, SSD storage, and Full HD display.

Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop

Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop Features

Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop's features are as follows.

  • The laptop has extensive port connectivity with HDMI, USB, and Ethernet. It has one HDMI 2.0 with HDCP support, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 for charging, and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, letting me connect it to external devices.
  • I could run processes smoothly without lag with the 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H processor. Running my software was never an issue with this Intel core i processor.
  • The dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU produces the best graphics, relieving my CPU and RAM workload and improving the overall laptop performance.
  • The Full HD 1080p resolution has sharp and accurate images. The display is also easy on my eyes, eliminating any chances of eye fatigue.
  • I loved the extensive screen of this laptop. With 15.6 inches, I have enough space to view more code lines and software details. I could also split the screen into two windows, allowing me to multitask.
  • The IPS display gives me wide viewing angles and a vibrant color display. Therefore, I could view project contents more precisely.
  • This laptop has the best fluidity. Everything moved smoothly, thanks to the 144Hz refresh rate.
  • The 8GB DDR4 2933MHz Memory allows me to open several apps simultaneously without lag, enhancing my experience. The laptop also has a superfast 256GB NVMe SSD, allowing me to save more files and retrieve them instantly.
  • The laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 AX201 wireless connectivity that lets me connect and surf the internet efficiently. This feature was helpful in my research process.

Specs

CPU

10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H

GPU

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU

Screen size

15.6 inches

Screen resolution

1920 x 1080

Panel type

IPS

RAM

8GB

Storage

256GB SSD

Pros

  • Fast internet connectivity
  • Ample space for working
  • Rich port connectivity
  • Vibrant display

Cons

  • This gaming laptop is bulky and might not be ideal for everyone’s needs.

The 2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop is a powerful laptop with quality features that I recommend for any computer science student. The laptop has the Apple M1 chip that delivers high CPU performance, ensuring you run programs smoothly. It hosts many other features that facilitate high performance for computer science majors.

 Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop

2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop Features

The 2020 Apple MacBook Air laptop's features are as follows:

  • The laptop has a powerful battery with an excellent battery life of up to 18 hours. You can use the laptop for long sessions without recharging it.

  • The Apple M1 chip has an 8-core processor with 3.5 times faster performance. I was able to run programs smoothly without lag.

  • The high 8GB memory capacity allowed me to open several programs simultaneously without slowing down my laptop. This feature was helpful when I was doing my research and project.

  • I enjoyed the exclusive AppleCare+, which guaranteed me free services for up to three years after purchasing the laptop.

  • The laptop has a 13 inch screen with enough space for doing assignments. However, I like a more extensive display that can allow me to multitask.

  • The Retina display produces sharp, high-quality image displays that enhance user experience.

  • I liked the quiet working environment this laptop gave me. With its fanless design, the laptop produces no noise, allowing me to concentrate on my project.

  • The laptop features a 16-core neural engine that is resourceful in machine learning.

  • MacOS Big Sur on the M1 chip has the best privacy features that protect my project data and other confidential documents.

  • The laptop features a P3 wide color gamut that displays a wide palette of colors, bringing a real-life experience. Images have a precise display, ensuring you can render your video editing projects accurately.

  • The True Tone technology automatically adjusts the white point of my display to match my room color temperature, making it easy on my eyes. Therefore, I don't have to worry about eye fatigue.

Specs

CPU

Apple M1 chip with an 8-core processor

Operating System

Mac OS

Screen size

13 inches

GPU

Apple 8-core GPU

Battery Life

Up to 18 hours

RAM

8GB

Storage

256GB SSD

Pros

  • The display is easy on the eyes
  • Enhanced privacy
  • Quiet working environment
  • Powerful battery with excellent battery life

Cons

  • The 13 inches display has limited space for multitasking.

The Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop is a premium laptop with features designed to make it one of the best laptops for computer science students. The touchscreen laptop has the latest generation Intel Core i processor with high processing power, ensuring all your programs run smoothly without slowing down the computer. The laptop has high-end features, which I have listed below.

Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop

Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop Features

The Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop's features are as follows:

  • The laptop has an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor guaranteeing processing power for the program's smooth running. I had the best experience working with this Intel Core i processor.

  • I loved the thin and lightweight design. I could carry it around easily, allowing me to do my assignments from anywhere.

  • I found it easy to navigate the touch screen panel. Coding has never been this easy.

  • I could do more with the Wi-Fi 6 technology compatibility. This technology has the fastest internet connection, allowing me to access additional course resources from the internet.

  • It supports Dolby Vision, which delivers stunning quality display. I enjoyed quality images that were ten times darker and 40 times brighter. With this display, there was no chance for errors when rendering my project.

  • This Dell laptop has a 13.4-inch display which is quite OK for the best laptops for computer science assignments. However, I like larger displays with ample space for multitasking. I had problems viewing lines of code when doing my projects.

  • With a Full HD 1080p resolution, this laptop has an accurate and sharp display. What I love most about this resolution is that it is easy on my eyes. I never experienced eye strain while using this laptop.

  • Do more with the high 16GB LPDDR4x RAM. The high memory capacity allowed me to run multiple programs simultaneously without slowing the laptop down.

  • The laptop has dedicated Intel Iris Xe Graphics that offloads workloads from the CPU, improving the laptop's performance.

  • The laptop runs on Windows 11 Pro. This Operating System has the latest accessibility features that ensure high performance and enhanced experience.

Specs

CPU

11th Gen Intel Core i7-1195G7

Operating System

Windows 11

Screen size

13.4 inches

GPU

Intel Iris Xe Graphics

Screen Resolution

1920 x 1200

RAM

16GB

Storage

512GB SSD

Pros

  • The laptop supports Windows 11 Pro
  • High memory capacity
  • Dedicated graphics card
  • Less eye fatigue

Cons

  • Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop is pricey

HP Pavilion 15 Business Laptop Computer is a reliable laptop ideal for computer science students. The laptop features high-quality features, including an Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM, SSD storage, and a widescreen IPS panel.

HP Pavilion 15 Business Laptop Computer

HP Pavilion 15 Business Laptop Computer Features

HP Pavilion 15 Business Laptop Computer features are as follows:

  • The laptop has a 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035 processor with high processing speed, allowing me to run operations smoothly.

  • The laptop features an extensive 15.6-inch display with ample space for doing my computer science projects and for multitasking.

  • With an IPS panel, the laptop has accurate and sharp colors, which ensures I render my video editing projects accurately. Besides, the IPS panel has wide viewing angles, enhancing my experience working on my computer science projects.

  • I could run several programs simultaneously without slowing the computer down, thanks to the high 16GB memory. This feature was really helpful when I was doing my research.

  • You can save more files and project data efficiently thanks to the large 512GB SSD storage. You can also retrieve my files fast, as the SSD storage is superfast.

  • It supports Windows 10 Pro Operating System with powerful management tools to boost my productivity.

  • The laptop supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5 wireless connectivity. With Wi-Fi, I could surf the internet easily to get additional course resources. On the other hand, I used Bluetooth to connect to other wireless devices, including my headphones and mouse.

  • This laptop is thin and lightweight. Weighing 4.0 lbs, I could carry it around more easily, letting me work on my computer science project from anywhere.

  • It has an elevated keyboard with well-spaced characters that make typing much easier.

  • I loved the extended battery life of this laptop. I could use it for more than 11 hours without plugging in.

Specs

CPU

10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035

Wireless connectivity

Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5

Screen size

15.6 inches

Operating System

Windows 10 Pro

Panel Type

IPS

RAM

16GB

Storage

512GB SSD

Pros

  • Better management tools with Windows 10 Pro OS
  • Excellent battery life
  • Portable
  • High memory capacity

Cons

  • The laptop's touchpad position unimpressed me. I'd like it if it was in a central position.

The 2020 Lenovo ThinkPad E15 laptop succeeded the 2020 Lenovo ThinkPad E590 and came with some stunning features. The laptop provides ample storage space for storing large files. It also has a high memory capacity that allows me to run multiple programs simultaneously, especially when doing research or working on a computer science project. I haven't even mentioned the benefits of the Windows 10 Pro operating system.

2020 Lenovo ThinkPad E15 15.6

2020 Lenovo ThinkPad E15 Features

The following are the 2020 Lenovo ThinkPad E15 features:

  • The laptop has a 15.6 inch display. Computer science courses require a monitor with ample space for multitasking and displaying large software. With this display, I can efficiently display large software and multitask when needed, thus enhancing my productivity.

  • A Full HD 1080p display is easy on the eyes. I never experienced eye fatigue while using this laptop.

  • The key to delivering quality computer science projects is a powerful processor. The 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10210U processor has a high processing power that ensures you run programs efficiently without lag, enhancing my productivity.

  • This laptop allowed me to open several programs simultaneously and never affected the laptop's performance. This feature is only possible because of the 16GB DDR4 memory.

  • Computer science majors have large files that I need to save locally. I never get to worry about where to save these files, as the 512GB PCle SSD storage is enough for the task.

  • The laptop runs on Windows 10 Pro Operating System with advanced management tools to boost your performance and computer science experience.

  • The laptop is fast and super-responsive, thanks to the TN panels. However, the panels have compromised colors and poor viewing angles.

  • I never have to worry about my eyes. The anti-glare screen eliminates eye fatigue to protect my eyes.

  • This laptop supports an external resolution of up to 4K when you connect it to an external monitor. The high resolution makes the project presentation to a panel more efficient.

  • The laptop features one USB 2.0, one USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C, one HDMI 1.4b, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, and an ethernet port, allowing me to connect external devices.

Specs

CPU

10th Gen Intel Core i5-10210U

GPU

Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620

Screen size

15.6 inches

Screen resolution

1920 x 1080

Operating System

Windows 10 Pro

RAM

16GB

Storage

512GB SSD

Pros

  • TN panels are fast
  • Less eye fatigue
  • Large memory and storage space
  • Supports 4K resolution for external monitors.

Cons

  • TN panels have low color quality and viewing angles. I prefer IPS panels over TN panels.

The ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop is among the premium laptops I recommend for computer science students. The laptop's choice of features is absolutely what computer science students and professionals need. What I loved most about this laptop was the inclusion of the super-speed Thunderbolt 4 port. Besides, this core i7 laptop runs on Windows 11 Home Operating System with performance-improvement features.

ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop

ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop Features

The ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop's features are as follows:

  • It has an OLED panel with a peak display of 400 nits to produce a vibrant display, thus enhancing my experience.

  • The laptop has a Full HD display that produces sharp images and doesn't cause eye fatigue.

  • The latest 11th generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 Quad Core Processor has a clock speed of up to 4.70 GHz, ensuring I run programs smoothly without lag.

  • Windows 11 Home has performance-improving features that improve the overall laptop performance, ensuring I do my computer science projects efficiently.

  • The laptop has fast storage. The 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage lets me access files and programs fast to enhance my experience. Besides, it has fast memory; 8GB LPDDR4X RAM lets me open several applications without slowing down the laptop.

  • The laptop has enhanced security features. Its built-in IR camera allows me to sign in more securely with face recognition with Windows Hello.

  • The laptop has an ergonomic design. It has an ErgoLift hinge that lifts the back of the laptop, making typing easier. The backlit Numberpad and keyboard also make typing easier.

  • The laptop's rich port connectivity allowed me to connect it to external devices, including monitors. It has HDMI 2.0b, USB 3.2 Type-A, and supports Thunderbolt 4 through a USB Type C port.

  • Besides the port connectivity, this laptop has Bluetooth 5.0 and super-speed Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) that lets me easily connect to other devices and the internet.

  • I loved the laptop's sleek and portable design. With an average weight of 2.51 lbs, I could easily carry it around, allowing me to work from anywhere.

  • The ASUS AI Noise-Canceling technology eliminates unwanted noise, ensuring effective communication with colleagues or when listening to a lecture.

  • The laptop has a 13.3 inches screen with enough space for doing computer science assignments. However, this space won't allow you to multitask and may also limit the lines of codes you view on the screen.

Specs

CPU

Intel Core i7-1165G7 Quad Core Processor

Wireless connectivity

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5

Screen size

13.3 inches

Screen resolution

1920 x 1080

Operating System

Windows 11 Home

RAM

8GB

Storage

512GB SSD

Pros

  • Supports super-speed Thunderbolt 4 port
  • Windows Hello has a secure sign-in option
  • Sleek and lightweight
  • The Ergolift hinge with backlit keyboard makes typing easy.

Cons

  • The laptop display is limiting.

[Windows 10 Pro] HP 15 15.6" FHD Business Laptop is another high-end laptop you should consider for computer science majors. Unlike most of its competitors, this business laptop has a Hexa-Core AMD Ryzen processor. It has the highest memory capacity compared to other laptops, so you can run multiple programs simultaneously without affecting the PC's performance.

[Windows 10 Pro] HP 15 15.6" FHD Business Laptop

[Windows 10 Pro] HP 15 15.6" FHD Business Laptop Features

[Windows 10 Pro] HP 15 15.6" FHD Business Laptop features are as follows:

  • The laptop has a Hexa-Core AMD Ryzen processor with a high processing frequency of up to 4.0GHz and better performance than the Intel Core i5-1135G7. With this processor, any computer science student can run programs smoothly without experiencing lag.

  • The laptop has a high memory capacity of 32GB DDR4 RAM. I could open several apps simultaneously without slowing down my laptop.

  • It has fast storage. The 256GB PCIe SSD storage allows me to access my data easily and retrieve them fast. Besides, I could save my project files more efficiently.

  • As a computer science student, I was supposed to do more research on the internet. Fortunately, [Windows 10 Pro] HP 15 15.6" FHD Business Laptop supports Wi-Fi 802.11AC, providing fast internet access.

  • The laptop has an extensive 15.6 inches display with ample space, letting me code and work on my computer science tasks efficiently.

  • The Full HD resolution produces a sharp and accurate image display, improving the quality of my projects. Besides, Full HD resolution is easy on my eyes, eliminating any chance of eye strain. The screen is also an anti-glare type, meaning I won't experience eye fatigue.

  • It has an HP True Vision 720p HD camera that lets me video call my colleagues when discussing our projects. In addition, it has a dual array digital microphone that ensures I actively participate in online computer science classes.

  • It supports Bluetooth 4.2 combo and Realtek RTL8821CE-M 802.11a Wi-Fi connectivities, letting me wirelessly connect to other devices and surf the internet.

  • Besides the wireless connectivity, this laptop also features several ports. It has one USB Type-C, two USB Type-A, and one HDMI 1.4 port, letting me connect with external devices.

Specs

CPU

Hexa-Core AMD Ryzen

Wireless connectivity

Bluetooth 4.2 combo, Realtek RTL8821CE-M 802.11a Wi-Fi

Screen size

15.6 inches

Screen resolution

1920 x 1080

Operating System

Windows 10 Pro

RAM

32GB

Storage

256GB SSD

Pros

  • Stylus pen support
  • Anti-glare screen
  • High-performance processor
  • Extensive screen

Cons

  • Rather than Bluetooth 4.2 and Realtek RTL8821CE-M 802.11a Wi-Fi, it would be much better if the laptop supported Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6

The ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 Thin and Light 2-in-1 Laptop is a powerful convertible laptop ideal for computer science students. This laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen mobile processor with high processing speed. It features high memory and storage capacities and features a 360 degrees hinge, letting me use the laptop as a tablet or a traditional laptop.

ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 Thin and Ligh

ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 Thin and Light 2-in-1 Laptop Features

ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 Thin and Light 2-in-1 Laptop features are as follows

  • The laptop has a 14 inches display with ample space for doing assignments and displaying more lines of code.

  • The Full HD display has a quality image display and reduces eye fatigue to protect my eyes.

  • The touchscreen display makes controlling and navigating the laptop easier, thus, enhancing my experience.

  • It has a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 5700U that delivers a better CPU performance to enhance my experience.

  • The laptop supports Windows 10 Home Operating System with a free update to Windows. 

  • It has a Fingerprint Reader that lets me sign in safely and fast.

  • The laptop has more storage space of 512GB SSD, letting me save my files and documents efficiently. Besides, it has 4GB DDR4 onboard and 4GB DDR4 SO•DIMM, allowing you to run more than one program without slowing the laptop down.

  • The convertible laptop is portable and convenient. I could shift from laptop mode to tablet mode easily. It has four viewing modes; laptop, tablet, stand, and tent.

Specs

CPU

AMD Ryzen 7 5700U

Display

Touchscreen

Screen size

14 inches

Screen resolution

1920 x 1080

Operating System

Windows 10 Home

RAM

4GB DDR4 onboard and 4GB DDR4 SO•DIMM

Storage

512GB SSD

Pros

  • Fingerprint reader
  • Flexible with four viewing modes
  • Windows 10 OS with a free upgrade to Windows 11
  • High storage space.

Cons

  • This laptop doesn't have a Thunderbolt port.

3.8/5

Last on my list is the LG Gram 17Z90N laptop. This laptop features an ultra slim design that looks appealing to my eyes. It is also a portable laptop, allowing me to carry it around easily. I loved its extensive display, excellent battery life, and powerful CPU. I was also amazed to learn that this laptop supports Thunderbolt 3 port.

LG Gram 17Z90N

LG Gram 17Z90N Features

LG Gram 17Z90N's features are as follows:

  • The laptop has an extensive 17 inches display with ample space for viewing more lines of code, doing computer science assignments, and multitasking.

  • The laptop has an IPS panel. This panel has wide viewing angles, enhancing my watching experience. Besides, it has accurate color reproduction to render my projects efficiently.

  • It has a 2560 x 1600 resolution with a sharp and accurate display to enhance my experience.

  • The ultra-light design allows me to carry this laptop easily anywhere I go; thus, I can work from anywhere.

  • The powerful 10th gen Intel Core i5-1035G7 processor provides sufficient processing speed, ensuring I run operations smoothly.

  • I could run several operations simultaneously on this laptop, thanks to the 8GB memory. Besides, the 512GB NVMe SSD storage allows me to save more files efficiently.

  • I was impressed by the powerful batteries, which let me use the laptop for more than 17 hours without recharging it.

  • The laptop features Thunderbolt 3 port with fast data transfer to enhance my experience.

  • It supports one HDMI, two USB-A 3.2 ports, and one USB Type C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, letting me connect external devices.

Specs

CPU

10th gen Intel Core i5-1035G7

battery life

Up to 17 hours

Screen size

17 inches

Screen resolution

2560 x 1600

Panel type

IPS

RAM

8GB

Storage

512GB SSD

Pros

  • Thunderbolt 3 support
  • Excellent battery life
  • High processing speed
  • Extensive display

Cons

  • This laptop has a high price point

Best Laptop for Computer Science Major Buying Guide

The best laptop for computer science majors has to have certain features. Consider these factors before buying your laptop.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A computer science major involves a lot of coding. Therefore, you need a laptop with a powerful processor. I recommend processors from the 8th generation Core i3 laptops to the AMD Ryzen 3 CPU and later generations. However, for steady performance, I recommend the Intel Core i5 laptop. Avoid Pentium, Celeron, and AMD A9/A6/A4 processors when considering a laptop for a computer science major.

Digital programming code


RAM

The memory capacity of my laptop should help my processor speed up operations. Besides, it should be large enough to allow me to open multiple programs simultaneously without affecting the laptop's performance.

A computer science major laptop should have at least 4GB RAM. However, I recommend higher memory capacities like 8GB or even 16GB for the best experience.

I have the best experience with DDR5 RAM. To the best of my knowledge, this RAM has been the fastest I have ever used. I realized a big difference in my laptop's performance when I began using it, so you can consider it for your laptop as a computer science major.

Storage

You'll be dealing with large files and demanding programs when undertaking a computer science major. Therefore, your ideal laptop should have enough space to efficiently accommodate your files, assignments, and project data.

128GB SSD is the minimum you should consider for your computer science laptop. However, if you have the cash to spend, you can use higher-storage laptops, such as those with 512GB SSD or even 1TB.

Another question I always come across is whether to go for HDD or SSD storage for a computer science laptop. I'll always use SSD storage; I bet you'll know why. SSD storage is four times faster than HDD storage, meaning I can instantly launch applications and programs. Since computer science students need a fast laptop, SSD storage is the best option. Be ready, though, to splash the cash for this storage.

Businessman using smartphone


Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial consideration that some individuals usually overlook. While pursuing my computer science major, I had few chances to access power outlets because, most of the time, we had lessons outside the class. My old laptop, which had a short battery life, would occasionally shut down in the middle of a class or, worse, when I was presenting a project. I was fed up with that laptop and decided to replace it with one that had a longer battery life.

The ideal laptop for computer science should have a battery life of more than 8 hours. This way, you'll not need to recharge it after short periods, allowing you to do your work without interruptions.

Keyboard

A laptop for computer science should have a decent full-size keyboard. The keyboard should be easy to press and not be bouncy or clicky. Besides, it should have well-spaced characters for easy typing.

I insist on a decent keyboard because you'll spend more time on your laptop coding, which involves a lot of typing. Besides, you'll have many assignments and projects that require you to type on your laptop. The keyboard will significantly affect your speed and user experience.

Laptop keyboard


Price

Price is a key determinant for many laptop users, especially students. While you may want a more powerful laptop, cash can limit you. However, I always advise students to live by their means. By that, I mean you buy what you can afford, as long as they don't compromise on the features you need for computer science.

However, you can have a high-end laptop if you have the cash. As a computer science student, buying a laptop is your best investment. But remember that you can consider affordable options without breaking the bank.

Display

I insist you get this feature right if you're ever going to buy a laptop for computer science majors. Since you'll spend a lot of time on your laptop, choose one with an ideal display. I can't imagine you graduating with eye strain complications when you can avoid them by getting the right display.

The laptop display entails resolution, size, refresh rate, and finish.

  • Resolution: The bare minimum resolution for a computer science laptop is Full HD 1080p resolution. This resolution is easy on the eyes and allows me to see more details when coding. Thus, I can follow my code logic more efficiently. 

  • Finish: An anti-glare screen is always recommended. With less eye strain, I won't worry about eye fatigue. You can also get a laptop with a Matte screen. 

  • Size: Computer science will require you to work with several software. You'll need a screen with ample space to display more software content efficiently. Therefore, the best laptop for computer science majors should have a large screen, 14 inches to 17 inches. With this space, I can view more lines of code and multitask efficiently. However, there are some with 13 inches screens, which work perfectly though you can't multitask.

  • Refresh rate: A high refresh rate allows my laptop to refresh images more frequently, making my display smoother. 60Hz refresh rate should be enough for computer science students.

bright laptop in the dark

Operating System

When I was still doing undergraduate courses, most courses worked well with the Windows OS. Nothing has changed to date. Therefore, you should get a Windows laptop.

However, if you're a Mac lover, I recommend you buy an Apple PC with pre-installed Windows through Bootcamp. You can run multiple operating systems with this free software.

Wireless Connectivity

As a computer science student, I always interacted with wireless devices (mice, keyboards, and headphones). Therefore, my laptop needed to have wireless connectivity options. Computer science students also need a stable internet connection. I recommend a laptop with Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac.

However, you can opt for Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 802.11ax to experience the fastest internet connectivity.

Ports

An ideal laptop for computer science majors should have at least one HDMI, USB-C, and one USB-A port. Besides, it should feature an SD card reader. However, you'll need a ThunderBolt port when dealing with large files.

usb c next to macbook pro

FAQs

Do Computer Science Majors Need a Good Laptop?

Yes, computer science majors need a good laptop. You'll work with multiple software that need quality laptop features. However, you can work around it with a standard Mac or Windows laptop for the early years. These laptops may not have the best performance you desire, but they will do the job.

I don't think you need too much computer power when taking computer science courses as an undergraduate. The Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM should get the job done with less workload. However, you'll need 16GB RAM for a Macbook because you can't upgrade its memory.

However, research, such as computer system research and ML, has more workload. However, you won't need a laptop, as these workloads are powerful for a laptop. You'll use your institution's lab resources.

How Do I Choose a Laptop for Computer Science?

To choose the best laptop for computer science, consider the following features:

  • RAM

  • Storage space

  • Processor

  • Display

  • Keyboard

  • Wireless connectivity

  • Portability

Woman talking on a phone and working on a computer

What Laptop Specs Do I Need for Computer Science?

Laptop specs you need as computer sciences students include;

  • RAM - 8GB

  • Storage space - 256GB SSD

  • Processor - Intel Core i5

  • Display - 15 inches, 1080p resolution, anti-glare

  • Keyboard - Full-size with well-fit characters

  • Wireless connectivity - Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac

Is a Macbook Better for Computer Science Students?

Yes, a Macbook is better for computer science students. Macbooks run on the UNIX system, which provides the best environment for multiple language development. If you're using Java, Python, and other related programming tasks, I recommend a Macbook Pro. Otherwise, a Macbook Air should be good.

About Dusan Stanar

I'm the founder of VSS Monitoring. I have been both writing and working in technology in a number of roles for dozens of years and wanted to bring my experience online to make it publicly available. Visit https://www.vssmonitoring.com/about-us/ to read more about myself and the rest of the team.