10 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students in January 2023

Don't let a subpar laptop hold you back in your computer science studies! Our top picks offer the performance, durability, and features you need to excel in your coursework.
By Laptops Crunch Team | Updated On June 2, 2023
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Best Laptops for Computer Science Students

Are you curious about computer programs & coding patterns? Do you have a major in computer science? Well, perfect to know this, as computer scientists are making generous remuneration. For this, first, you should pay heed to your studies. Select a skill of your choice in any niche of the computer science field and get masterly expertise in it. A laptop is the necessity of this era. For CS students, it is as crucial as their degree is! Hence, strive to purchase the best laptop that can assist you as a perfect study partner.

The easy user interface will be preferable with convenient note-taking and project accomplishment abilities. The most integral aspect is effortless programming that can help you in excelling in this field. Bearing your institute expenses is quite challenging, specifically when you are in college or university. Despite it, you crucially need to buy books that are costly too, along with adding burden. Don’t you want to make your study fascinating by keeping your entire syllabus and notes in one gadget, a laptop?

You can get rid of the gigantic size of books, and there is no expense of books anymore when you buy a study laptop once for e-learning. Boom, enticing perks of purchasing this gadget that can create unexpected ease in your life! If you want this to happen, then you are in the right place. Here you will get information about all the latest best laptops for computer science students in a quick go. 

Picture Details
Top choice
Apple MacBook Air 2020
Apple MacBook Air 2020
✔Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU
✔8GB RAM
✔256GB SSD Storage
✔13.3-inch LED-backlit
Dell XPS 13
Dell XPS 13
✔Intel Core i7-1185G7
✔16GB LPDDR4x RAM
✔512GB SSD
✔Touchscreen 13.4-inch FHD
Microsoft Surface Book 2
Microsoft Surface Book 2
✔Intel Core i7
✔8GB RAM
✔256GB Solid State Drive
✔13.5-inch PixelSense Display
HP Pavilion 15 Laptop
HP Pavilion 15 Laptop
✔11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor
✔16 GB RAM
✔512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage
✔Full HD IPS micro-edge Display
Lenovo ThinkPad E15
Lenovo ThinkPad E15
✔10th gen Quad-Core i5-10210U
✔16 GB RAM
✔1TB SSD storage
✔13.5-inch PixelSense Display
Dell Inspiron 17 3793
Dell Inspiron 17 3793
✔Intel Core i5-1035G1 1. 0 GHz, Turbo to 3. 60 GHz
✔16GB Ram
✔512GB SSD + 1TB HDD
✔13-inch FHD (1920 x 1080), Anti-Glare
Acer Nitro 5
Acer Nitro 5
✔Intel Core i5-9300H Processor (Up to 4.1 GHz)
✔8GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM
✔256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
✔15.6 inches Full HD Widescreen IPS
ASUS ZenBook 13
ASUS ZenBook 13
✔Intel Core i7-8565u Quad-Core Processor
✔16GB RAM
✔512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
✔13.3-inch wide-view Full HD
Acer Predator Helios 300
Acer Predator Helios 300
✔Intel Core i7-10750H 6-Core Processor
✔16 GB DDR4 Ram
✔512GB NVMe SSD
✔15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen Display
Acer Aspire 5
Acer Aspire 5
✔Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor
✔16GB DDR4 Ram
✔512GB NVMe SSD
✔15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS

Top 10 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students -Ultimate Review

01. Apple MacBook Air 2020

Apple MacBook Air 2020
SPECIFICATIONS
CPUApple M1 chip; 8-core CPU
Ram8GB RAM
Storage256GB SSD Storage
Display13.3-inch LED-backlit
GPUApple 8-core GPU
Battery LifeUp to 18 hours of battery life
REASONS TO BUY
  • Availability of numerous color options
  • Surprising battery life
  • Exceptional portability
  • Advanced M1 processor is incredible
  • High resolution & dazzling display
REASONS TO AVOID
  • The touchscreen option is still not available
  • Only 2 USB-C ports
TODAY’S BEST DEALS

No one can deny the fact that Apple is the most popular brand in selling phenomenal e-devices. The term for apple’s laptop is MacBook. Every year there is an upgraded MacBook launched by the company. 

MacBook Air 2020 has some distinguishing features that are not present in previous generations. This version includes an enticing default 256GB SSD. You get 128GB usually, but by using exactly double of it, you can create wonders due to its fastness!

Keep in mind one thing purchasing study laptops that Apple MacBook 2020 is the best laptop for computer science students. It weighs 2.8 pounds & in kg, it is 1.29 kg. Hence, it is portable to carry with you. 

It has 8GB RAM to let you get advanced in your student life by developing incredible programs. The operating system is MAC. It has a battery life of up to 18 hours that is awesome. A 13.3-inch display is fantastic for appropriate visualization. The control pad gives you a different feel by its swiftness & the backlit keyboard is nowadays the talk of the town.

If you are afraid of taking virtual classes because of noise outside, MacBook 2020 is for you! It has a smartly sensitive mic that will recognize your voice by ignoring what’s happening around you. You can connect it with iPhone or iPad anytime you want.   

Last but not least, Apple has kept UI very simple with a plethora of functional furtherance. It has super-enticing browsing features to let you enjoy your work with easy-functioning goals.

02. Dell XPS 13

Dell XPS 13
SPECIFICATIONS
CPUIntel Core i7-1185G7
Ram16GB LPDDR4x RAM
Storage512GB SSD
DisplayTouchscreen 13.4-inch FHD
GPUIntel Iris Xe Graphics
Battery LifeUp to 4 Hours of battery life
REASONS TO BUY
  • Great in performance
  • Highly detailed and enlarged screen
  • Excellent battery life
  • Easy to carry with you
  • It has a face recognition feature that works exceptionally
REASONS TO AVOID
  • There is no way to upgrade RAM
  • Webcam is not excellent in working
TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Dell always presents innovative, flawless, and portable laptops for a long time. It weighs around 2.8 pounds. It’s because it is light in weight, as its size is ultrathin. It possesses an anti-reflective display with a touch screen in it. It has the 11th generation Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor with a knack for handling all processes in it.

It has a screen size of 13.4” having Windows 10 Pro operating system. Its cache has a size of 12MB. Alexa is pre-installed. You can use it for a wide range of tasks on your laptop. Guess what? It consists of 16GB RAM that makes it captivating for students having computer science majors.

It comes with a standardized backlit keyboard having maximum keys’ navigational functionality smoothly. XPS is elite for accomplishing your working tasks.

CPU is stunning to go. It is light but powerful to handle your studies and programming to excel in your chosen field. If it is what you are looking for, then go and buy yours. Because of its salient features, it is among the best laptops for a computer science major!

03. Microsoft Surface Book 2

Microsoft Surface Book 2
SPECIFICATIONS
CPUIntel Core i7
Ram8GB RAM
Storage256GB Solid State Drive
Display13.5-inch PixelSense Display
GPUNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
Battery LifeUp to 13.5 hours of battery life
REASONS TO BUY
  • High in precision
  • Remarkable pixel sense display
  • Fast typing keyboard
  • Powerful & durable
  • Great power and functionality
REASONS TO AVOID
  • You need to buy a surface pen additionally
  • The power supply is not sufficient
TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Microsoft Surface Book 2 is a wonderfully designed machine considering all updated features for students and working folks.

It is an in-between thing of a laptop or a mobile that makes it interesting. It is convenient to usage, as it is similar to your mobile as well in operating.

It offers you swift working capability with a durable battery. You will be surprised that Microsoft Book 2 has efficient battery life as compared to Apple MacBook Pro. 

There is 256GB SSD (Solid-State Drive). It comprises 10-Point Multi-Touch G5 (3000×2000) & 267 PPI. It weighs 3.26 lbs. You can connect your devices to it via USB 3.1 or a full-size SD card.

Its display size is 15 inches that are wider, and hence ensures uncomplicated visual representation for all. There is no hindrance between excellence and you once you perform your tasks on this magical device with super-enticing aspects.

Want to know one more exciting thing about it? You can detach (separate) its screen from the base that is very rare to find in any laptop.

If you are a pro gamer, you can use it for efficient performance in gaming. For study and coding purposes, it is highly preferable because of its worthy & dynamic environment.

04. HP Pavilion 15 Laptop

HP Pavilion 15 Laptop
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor
Ram16 GB RAM
Storage512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage
DisplayFull HD IPS micro-edge Display
GPUIntel Iris Xe Graphics
Battery LifeBattery life of up to 8 hours
REASONS TO BUY
  • Highly efficient in functioning
  • Compact in its size
  • 1-year hardware warranty
  • 45 minutes fast charging
  • Built-in battery
REASONS TO AVOID
  • Sometimes it is inconsistent
  • The screen is dark as compared to other laptops
  • A keyboard layout is not impressive
TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Using for the first time HP Pavilion 15 Laptop, you will say, “yes, I got what I wanted” if you are a student. By using this machine, you can accomplish many tasks quickly without dealing with hang-up problems, etc. It has 15X swift performance than traditional hard drives because of advanced insertion.

You don’t need to exert any effort to connect it to various devices. You can take full advantage of its wireless mechanism! It maintains its energy and storage phenomenally when you pile up different files and programs on it one after another.

It consists of all those aspects that are essential for an unstoppable working environment. It is classy and professional at the same time. It has a 1920X1080 brilliant Resolution that allows you a magnified view of the content in front of you.

16GB DDR4 SD RAM is inserted for an exceptional experience. Enjoy its 4.7 GHz speed of CPU. It has a weight of 3.86 lbs that is good to go. Keep shining with the mind-blowing performance of the HP Pavilion 15 Laptop if it fits your interests!

05. Lenovo ThinkPad E15

Lenovo ThinkPad E15
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU10th gen Quad-Core i5-10210U
Ram16 GB RAM
Storage1TB SSD storage
Display13.5-inch PixelSense Display
GPUIntel UHD Graphics
Battery LifeUp to 11 hours of battery life
REASONS TO BUY
  • High-class keyboard
  • Flawless display & design
  • Sleek touchscreen
  • Easy to setup
  • It can last for 5 to 6 years
  • HDMI & USB-A ports
REASONS TO AVOID
  • A little bit expensive
  • Sometimes there is a lack of high durability
TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Lenovo ThinkPad 2021 is an addition to the Lenovo laptops family without some extraordinary advancement in it. It has a 15.6” screen display with an anti-glare LED that’s fantastic. Its upgraded 1TB SSD is phenomenal. While purchasing it, you will get Windows 10 Professional 64-bit OS having worth.

It consists of 16GB DDR4 RAM and has integrated Intel UHD Graphics for a powerful experience. The screen resolution is enhanced by 1920 X 1080. It weighs 4.3 lbs that are perfectly fine to carry with you whenever you want. It stands up exceptionally to heat, cold, water, humidity, dust, etc.

Its keyboard is like a surprising luxury for your fingers. Because its keys are highly functional with up to the mark capability of keys like up, down, Fn, etc. It simply excels your working mode by ensuring you smooth keyboard operations.

Its battery life will last long for 11 hours by having 3-cells Lithium-ion. Because of this, you can enjoy it without getting worried about charging for a long time. Matte black color makes it classy on the top with updated configurations. It values your investment due to its look and efficient working paradigm!

06. Dell Inspiron 17 3793

Dell Inspiron 17 3793
SPECIFICATIONS
CPUIntel Core i5-1035G1 1. 0 GHz, Turbo to 3. 60 GHz
Ram16GB Ram
Storage512GB SSD + 1TB HDD
Display13-inch FHD (1920 x 1080), Anti-Glare
GPUIntel UHD Graphics
Battery LifeUp to 3 hours of battery life
REASONS TO BUY
  • Enhanced clarity
  • Exclusive AMD graphics
  • Premium quality product
  • Not too heavy
REASONS TO AVOID
  • Usual keyboard
  • Battery life is not exceptional
TODAY’S BEST DEALS

If you want a wide-screen experience, then Dell Inspiron 17 3793 is here to fulfill your requirements! It has a 17.3” display screen that is protected with anti-glare as well. This super-impressive study gadget has a core i5 processor & 16GB RAM for sufficient storage along with multitasking.

Its WVA (wide viewing angle) display makes it fascinating to another extent. Some of its other features are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, & DV to perform different tasks. It is a customized product having salient features based on user requirements.

It weighs 6.16 pounds & the average battery life is around 7 hours. It comprises one USB 2.0 port and one USB 3.0 port. You’ll get a number pad in addition to easy calculations while studying and coding.

It is super-fast with getting boots up in a quick manner. It is a terrific machine to assist you in taking notes and keeping them with you every time. Don’t get skeptical once you know that it can serve you in the best way than the rest of the laptops!

07. Acer Nitro 5

Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
SPECIFICATIONS
CPUIntel Core i5-9300H Processor (Up to 4.1 GHz)
Ram8GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM
Storage256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Display15.6 inches Full HD Widescreen IPS
GPUNVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics
Battery LifeUp to 8 hours of battery life
REASONS TO BUY
  • Exceptional AMD CPU
  • Worthy for the price
  • Slim in size
  • Highly portable
REASONS TO AVOID
  • CPU becomes hot instantly
  • The touchpad is not appropriately functional
TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Acer launches premium-quality laptops with affordable ranges. Coders can use it for fast-paced programming.

Considering its specs, it has an Intel Core i5, 9th generation. Its screen size is 15.6”, ensuring a clear screen view. 4.1 GHz is its memory speed enough to cater to your needs. You can utilize it for up to 8 hours due to its splendid battery life.

All of the features are great to deal with. There is no hidden specification that will frustrate you regarding poor functionality. Everything is easy to tackle, having a smooth experience. The best thing about it is that you can upgrade its RAM and storage anytime you want!

The weight of this innovative machine is 5.07 pounds. It can give you the perfect dynamic environment for studying and coding if you are a computer science student. It is stunning with its impressive graphics. What else do you need when you are getting a treat of all-in-one features? Despite lacking in storage, it delivers 1080p resolution at such a price.

08. ASUS ZenBook 13

ASUS ZenBook 13
SPECIFICATIONS
CPUIntel Core i7-8565u Quad-Core Processor
Ram16GB RAM
Storage512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Display13.3-inch wide-view Full HD
GPUIntel HD Graphics 620
Battery LifeUp to 17 Hours of battery life
REASONS TO BUY
  • Versatile Ergo-Lift hinge
  • Comfy typing
  • Easy to carry
  • Budget-friendly laptop
REASONS TO AVOID
  • Speakers are not excellent
TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The ASUS ZenBook 13 is exceptional in delivering premium quality to consumers. It has a 13.3” screen size that is good to go. It is slim in size due to its 2.6 lbs weight, and its durability is magnificent. The memory size is 16GB & 4.6 GHz is its CPU speed

You will get a great experience out of it because of its swift functionality, portability, and extended battery life. It is a good purchase for meeting your requirements criteria regarding studies, projects, assistance in notes, etc. If you are looking for the best laptops for a computer science major, you can consider this one for satisfactory performance.

It has a face recognition feature with a built-in IR camera. Data encryption is highly reliable in this laptop. It is one of the premium gadgets because of its highly advanced security features.  

09. Acer Predator Helios 300

Acer Predator Helios 300
SPECIFICATIONS
CPUIntel Core i7-10750H 6-Core Processor
Ram16 GB DDR4 Ram
Storage512GB NVMe SSD
Display15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen Display
GPUNVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
Battery LifeBattery Life: Up to 6 hours of battery life
REASONS TO BUY
  • Free neoprene laptop sleeve
  • Excellent webcam for chat
  • Highly efficient and powerful processor
  • Easy up-gradation is possible
REASONS TO AVOID
  • No built-in biometric features
TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Acer Predator Helios 300 is 10th generation with Intel Core i7-10750H. Its operating system is Windows 10 home 64 bit. A 15.6” display is sufficient for viewing the screen clearly without any obstacles. You can operate it unstoppable for 6 hours, as it is its battery life.

It has 6GB GDDR6 VRAM (video RAM). Connect any device to it easily via using Bluetooth. There is a flash memory solid state hard drive that makes it spectacular. The total number of USB 3.0 ports is 3 for easy USB insertion for instant data transfer.

It is well-packaged with appropriate sealing for ultra-level protection. There are several mechanisms to keep it safe during journeys. The display look of 1080p ensures great viewing angles by supporting the dynamic vision. RGB zoned keyboard is very captivating to use this machine without getting bored.

10. Acer Aspire 5

Acer Aspire 5
SPECIFICATIONS
CPUIntel Core i7-1165G7 Processor
Ram16GB DDR4 Ram
Storage512GB NVMe SSD
Display15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS
GPUIntel Iris Xe Graphics
Battery LifeUp to 8.5 hours of battery life
REASONS TO BUY
  • Aluminum top covering
  • Premium and appealing look
  • Lithium-ion battery
  • It weighs 3.64 lbs, easy to carry
  • Runs very well
REASONS TO AVOID
  • Heats up hurriedly
TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Acer Aspire 5 delivers you maximum output when it comes to performance. Its responsive capability is fascinating that is a plus to this study laptop. It has a fingerprint reader with a backlit keyboard. The battery life is sustainable up to 8.5 hours. 

It is made up of metal entirely, being an ultra-slim device having enhanced portability. It has unrivaled speed that makes it super-fast even when you have maximum workload. The reliability factor is to the next level. Overall, it is a finely tuned, flawless designed laptop. You can consider it if you are hunting for the best laptops for computer science students.  

Buying Guide to the Best Laptops for Computer Science Students

Being a CS student, you need to get a proficient laptop to fulfill your study and programming requirements. These include assignments, allocated projects, and coding programs, etc. There is no rocket science behind purchasing the best laptop for computer science students. All you need to be careful about some specs while buying it. Following is a complete and well-researched buying guide that will help you for sure to make the best purchase for a study laptop:  

Some Key Aspects

RAM:

Random-access memory (RAM) is the first and foremost feature in a laptop to check. While buying a study laptop, take a look at the RAM. Following is an accurate evaluation of RAM sufficiency in the computer (laptop) for computer science students: 

  • You can select the laptop with 4GB RAM if you have no high-level coding requirements. You can quickly go for 4GB when you need to make assignments and accomplish everyday tasks of Chrome OS, Windows 10, etc.
  • One should prefer 8GB RAM when you are a pro programmer needing a high-level coding environment. If you want to get expertise in Android, then 4GB is not enough anymore, & just a waste of time. Switch instantly towards 8GB for brilliant programming.
  • When you are stepping into computer science professionalism with studies, you need a blockbuster sort of RAM. It will support your system to carry functionality in a splendid way. Code testing demands RAM in between 16GB-32GB.

A fun fact: RAM is now stepped up from GB’s towards TB’S (terabytes)! Be ready to get the gadgets able to tackle your data in terabytes. Wow, Terrific!

Storage:

It is not the demand of time to look for spacious storage in the laptop to buy. Here’s an age of cloud computing where everything is around you every time! But for ensuring storage of your crucial data, you can use SSD (solid-state drive) ranges from 120GB to 2TB. Mostly 500GB is enough for you to handle various assignments, tasks, projects, programming, etc.

Screen Size & Display:

Let’s come towards the size of your laptop. It should be suitable to let you watch everything. Try to purchase the optimal screen-sized laptop to complete your graduation without wearing glasses! 1080p or more resolution will be helpful in clear visualization.

In-display, try to get rid of the glossy screen by using an anti-glare. It will keep your eyes safe from getting affected by the screen light.

Battery Life & Warranty:

In all advanced laptops, battery life is fantastic for letting you work for hours. The recommended battery life is 4 hours at least to enhance the capability of your palm top.

Weight:

No one wants to carry weighty laptops. It is an era of intelligent and portable gadgets and devices. I prefer a laptop having lesser weight and increased portability factor to carry easily. It will make it easy to pick your laptop anywhere with you without getting worried about handling it! 

Keyboard:

The size of the keyboard should be appropriate for handling various tasks. The material of the surface must be convenient to tackle. Select the one that is a treat for your fingers. In this age, there are stylish keyboards that are finger-friendly. The concave shape is the most flexible for keypad keys to function swiftly.

CPU:

CPU is now better known as the processor for laptops. Advanced processors with the latest in-built mechanism are outstanding to select. Try to avoid old generation processors even if the computer is in highly excellent & stable condition.

GPU:

GPU is not an essential factor while buying the best laptop for a computer science major. You can ignore this aspect if the rest of the elements mentioned above are brilliant. It works in parallel computing to scale the programs similarly effectively. It has no concern with the significant processing of a study laptop.

Cost Factor:

Try to purchase a budget-friendly laptop, being the best laptop for a computer science student. Go for the lesser price but never compromise on the quality ever! There is a wide variety of notebooks ranging differently in prices. Pick the one that fits your interests and requirement criteria phenomenally.

Webcam:

Webcams were not integral to laptops some time ago. But it is the need of today because of virtual classes and business meetings. Being a student, you should consider a webcam as an integral aspect of your laptop while buying it to attend your online courses without any lacking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A study notebook is integral for a computer science student to learn various skills about the computer science field. The best laptops for computer science students are illustrated below:

  • Apple MacBook Air Laptop 2020
  • Dell XPS 13
  • Microsoft Surface Book 2
  • HP Pavilion 15 Laptop
  • Lenovo ThinkPad E15
  • Dell Inspiron 17 3793
  • Acer Nitro 5
  • ASUS ZenBook 13
  • Acer Predator Helios 300
  • Acer Aspire 5

You must look for laptop specifications with a high-interest level being a student of computer science. Some college or universities recommend their specified laptops for students that are perfect according to their requirements. Otherwise, you can select by keeping an eye on your needs. Many study palmtops can assist you regarding your career needs. But the main thing is to focus on what your wants are. 

There is a high response when you avail yourself of SSD instead of considering HDD. SSD has low consumption of power that is splendid for having a workload. It is not easily breakable and takes a little space for its adjustment. It is the perfect thing about it. Hence, SSD is worth buying instead of HDD in this highly fast-paced era of advancement.

FINAL VERDICT

In a nutshell, scroll through all the laptops mentioned above with their specifications, pros, and cons. Get the one that can assist you personally in your routine work. One thing, focus on buying guide to make yourself clear about the requirements of a good laptop that is useful and top-notch at the same time. Buying the best laptop for a computer science student demands a laptop having all specifications that you require to excel!

About Author

More From Laptops Crunch