10 Best Laptops for Computer Science (CS) Students

The importance of laptops for computer science students is a matter of great interest to many people. There will be many factors that you need to consider to choose the right one, including design, hardware, and software.

After much research and experimentation, we found the 10 perfect laptops for computer science major.

Let’s explore them all now!

Our Top Picks:

For most students, a laptop will be the device that accompanies them throughout their learning journey. They have to do all of their work on a laptop, so they need a model that is powerful enough and offers useful features.

1. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop: Best for Overall

Specifications

• Brand: Acer
• Color: Silver
• Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
• Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB

Product Highlights

The Acer Aspire 5 Laptop is an excellent ergonomically designed computer you can own. Its hinge is high enough to raise the keyboard slightly.

The long essential travel feels authentic and satisfying. In addition, the larger space between the computer and the tabletop also facilitates better air circulation and heat dissipation.

I feel completely at ease when I do meetings or take online classes with this computer because of its excellent sound quality.

Acer’s Purified voice technology allows the device to cancel out background noises intelligently. Thanks to that, the machine can improve voice clarity and accuracy, and I no longer have trouble talking to Alexa to control my computer.

The product is just the right size and weight to move the machine around quickly. I often bring my computer to school to take computer science lessons in the library without difficulty.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Lightweight
• Ergonomic Design
• Good keyboard
• Diverse connection ports
• Has the ability to remove noise

Things to Consider

• The touchpad is off to one side.

2. MacBook Pro Laptop with M2 chip: Best for Display

Specifications

• Brand: Apple
• Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
• Screen Size: 13.3 Inches
• Color: Space Gray
• Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB

Product Highlights

Apple’s Macbook products are always the choice that many students and working people love thanks to their powerful performance.

The Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop with M2 chip is also excellent for computer science students. Outstanding features and a high-performance processor will meet all your daily needs.

The device’s multi-core CPU and GPU combined with a large 512GB SSD memory provide the professional performance of the product. Even when I use this computer to do my challenging exercises or program complex applications, I have not encountered any crashes or freezes.

Its compact size and battery life allowed me to carry the computer throughout my school day. I can use the machine for more than 20 hours with simple tasks.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• High performance
• Strong activity
• High screen brightness
• Long battery life
• High mobility

Things to Consider

• Few ports

3. Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Laptop: Best for Visual Intensity

Specifications

• Brand: Acer
• Hard Disk Size: 256 GB
• CPU Model: Core i5
• Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
• Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB

Product Highlights

The 10th Gen Intel Core i10-10300H delivers high performance, leaving you in awe. I use this computer to complete my daily work, study tasks, and play games in my free time. This product can run smoothly with all the complex tasks and heavy games I use.

Thanks to the IPS display and high-quality LED backlight, all your experiences on this device will be very comfortable. The computer screen size is diagonally up to 15.6 inches but still ensures the full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080.

You can get realistic, clear, and colorful images from the model. A high refresh rate is also a great advantage to help games on the machine not cause discomfort due to image lag.

My previous laptops would heat up quickly and give off high heat after complex tasks. I’ve noticed that the complaint’s screen life isn’t as high as I expected. They may encounter problems after a period.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• High performance
• Full HD resolution
• High refresh rate
• Limit temperature rise
• Perfect for working and playing games

Things to Consider

• Screen life is not high

4. Lenovo Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop: Best for Ergonomic Typing

Specifications

• Brand: Lenovo
• Hard Disk Size: 256 GB
• Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
• Ram Memory Installed Size: 20 GB

Product Highlights

If you are looking for a computer to take computer science classes at university, the Lenovo Ideapad 3 Laptop will be the model that satisfies you.

The product is equipped with 8GB RAM with high bandwidth, allowing to complete multitasking tasks smoothly.

I handled my complex exercises with different windows simultaneously without any slowdowns or computer freezes.

My data transfers could have been more challenging regarding the performance of the mighty 256GB PCIe solid-state drive with ports.

Occasionally I also need to use the computer to perform graphic tasks, like preparing hand-drawn drawings or editing images and videos. The touch screen of the machine has met my needs well.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Good price
• Useful touch screen
• Diverse connection ports
• 8GB RAM with high bandwidth
• Handle multitasking tasks smoothly

Things to Consider

• The resolution is not high

5. HP 17-inch 11th Core i5-1135G7: Best for HD Display

Specifications

• Brand: HP
• Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
• Screen Size: 17.3 Inches
• Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB

Product Highlights

Many computer science students will need to deal with graphics in their assignments or dissertations. In this case, HP 17-inch 11th Generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 Laptop will be the product that gives you general help. It is the most suitable computer for graphics-related tasks I have ever owned.

The computer screen is enormous, up to 17.3 inches diagonally, providing a great visual experience for users. I love the high-quality 1600 x 900 HD plus resolution of the product.

The images on the screen were realistic and detailed, making my exercises and image analysis effortless. I also regularly play games and watch movies on this computer and can not complain about the image quality of the machine.

The device’s memory is large enough to store the documents and applications I need. I can set up my fingerprint security in the options on the device. However, since the product does not have a USB-C socket, I encountered problems transferring files.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• HD resolution plus
• Ergonomic Design
• The picture is clear and true
• Comfortable typing experience
• Large enough memory for everyday tasks

Things to Consider

• No USB-C socket

6. Acer Aspire Vero Green PC: Best for Bio-Protection

Specifications

• Brand: Acer
• Operating System: Operating System
• Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
• Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB

Product Highlights

I need a computer with good security to keep my dissertations and data safe while studying computer science. The Acer Aspire Vero AV15-51-7617 Green PC met my needs by providing advanced biometric security.

I just put my finger in the fingerprint receiving area to unlock my computer. This feature ensures all my information is in the safe zone.

The machine’s specifications are suitable for solving challenging exercises and problems I encountered during my studies. I use the product to learn subjects that require solving complex tasks and doing software coding.

The computer screen has high-quality Full HD resolution and 300-nit brightness to provide a perfect visual experience for users. I could work outdoors without any issues with the image on the screen being washed out or blurred.

This computer’s biggest problem is that the battery life could be higher. I can only use it for a short while after unplugging the charger.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Good security
• High performance
• High resolution
• Good brightness
• External connection ports

Things to Consider

• Low battery life

7. MSI GV15 15.6″ Laptop: Best for Windows Laptops

Specifications

• Brand: MSI
• Hard Disk Size: 256 GB
• Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
• Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB

Product Highlights

MSI GV15 15.6″ Gaming Laptop is a computer that can satisfy all the intricate and highly complex tasks a computer science student must face every day.

Thanks to the product’s equipped with Intel’s advanced 11th-generation 6-core CPU, I had no trouble working. The Windows 11 Home operating system provides smooth and fluid experiences for both work and when I play games.

This computer is also the perfect choice for games that require high graphics. The device has powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Series graphics to satisfy all my entertainment needs. It is also a big plus to support me when I need to analyze image data for my field of study.

My previous models would make an annoying sound when the machine heated up. However, this phenomenon is not in this computer. One feature of the product that makes me wonder is that the HDMI socket is on the back instead of the traditional side. This design causes inconvenience for me when presenting.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Quiet activity
• Smooth operation
• Powerful Operation
• High-quality graphics
• Advanced Windows 11 system

Things to Consider

• The HDMI socket in the back is complicated

8. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i – 2-in-1: Best for FHD Touchscreen

Specifications

• Brand: Lenovo
• Color: Abyss Blue
• CPU Model: Core i3
• Screen Size: 13.3 inches
• Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB

Product Highlights

There are many affordable laptop models that any student can easily own. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i laptop is one such product. However, this model could not be of better quality because of the low price.

Its 13-inch FHD touch screen combined with a flexible hinge allows me to use the device in many different ways. I can let the product function like a regular laptop, fold it into a tent, or use the device as a tablet.

I also appreciate its compact design and low weight. I can bring the device to school to work every day without too much effort.

The only downside I noticed is that the case clings to the fingerprint. It gets dirty quickly and requires me to clean the machine quite often.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Low price
• Touch screen
• Flexible hinge
• Play good sound
• Design with high aesthetic

Things to Consider

• The case is easy to get dirty

9. HP Pavilion 15-inches Core i7: Best for Modern Processor

Specifications

• Brand: HP
• CPU Model: Core i7
• Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
• Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
• Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB

Product Highlights

The performance of the HP Pavilion 15-inch 12th Generation Intel Core i7 Laptop leaves me with no complaints. This computer is equipped with modern 12th-generation Intel Core processors to help improve work efficiency.

Even when I use the machine to perform many advanced tasks simultaneously, the machine does not freeze or freeze.

I often use the device to edit photos and videos with the GoPro Quik app and do strenuous exercises that my teachers give me. The machine’s powerful processor can meet all my work and entertainment needs.

The wide screen with a 178-degree viewing angle is the feature that helps this laptop display images with excellent quality. Meanwhile, the BrightView screen brings bright colors and actual depth to users.

The only point is that the keyboard needs to be backlit. So, I need help if I have to work in dark rooms or handle work at night.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Advanced processor
• High performance
• Good picture quality
• Screen with wide viewing angle

Things to Consider

• No keyboard backlight

10. ASUS Chromebook Flip C433: Best for 360-Degree Hinge

Specifications

• Brand: ASUS
• Hard Disk Size: 64 GB
• Screen Size: 14 Inches
• Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB

Product Highlights

I love convertible computer models like the ASUS Chromebook Flip C433 2-in-1 Laptop. Its 360-degree rotatable hinge allows me to use the device in various ways. And the touch screen is the most convenient feature of this product.

In addition to using the machine like a regular laptop, I often use it as a tent or fold it into a tablet to work more conveniently.

This computer’s operating system is the new Chrome OS with unique features. Thanks to modern anti-virus protection, I don’t need to worry about viruses that can affect my computer and cause data loss.

The machine’s keyboard has a valuable backlight feature, making it easier for me to work in low-light environments.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Touch screen
• With keyboard backlight
• The 360-degree rotating hinge
• Advanced Chrome OS operating system

Things to Consider

• The keyboard’s silver plating is peeling off

Buying Guide

RAM

A computer for CS students would certainly be without powerful RAM. If you are a computer science student, you need at least 8GB of RAM.

For more intensive learning programs, you should look for models equipped with 16GB of RAM to ensure the computer can run smoothly when you handle complex tasks.

Storage

Data storage will become a problem if your laptop has a good capacity. You’ll need a hard drive with at least 128GB of storage to hold all the materials and software you need for your studies.

You should have more memory if you work on complex tasks on your laptop. A product with 512GB of memory will be perfect for programming or graphic design if you want to play computer games.

Battery life

You only sometimes find power outlets to charge your laptop at the library, lecture hall, or cafe. So, to ensure flexibility when you want to bring your computer to school and work, you must own a model with long battery life.

FAQs

What is the essential requirement of a laptop for CSE students?

Engineering and computer science students need powerful laptops with high performance to perform the challenging tasks they need to handle. The laptop needs a high-quality screen, good portability, and comfortable use.

Which laptop configuration is best for students?

There is no specific configuration for all students. Every student studying computer science or other engineering disciplines must find the most suitable computer model to meet their needs.

In general, these products should have at least 8GB of RAM, a large SSD hard drive, and good graphics to provide the best support for students.

How powerful should a laptop be for programming?

Programming often requires a computer with good performance and a more powerful processor. Products with at least 8GB RAM meet your coding needs.

Is a laptop with Core i5 suitable for programming?

Core i5 is a good choice for the computer you plan to use to learn to program. Yet, I recommend you equip yourself with products with the new generation core i7 to make the work easier and smoother.

How much RAM is suitable for a laptop for programming?

You should choose computers with 12GB or 16GB of RAM for efficient programming. These products can handle the complex or multitasking tasks you need for your job well.

Conclusion

Laptops for students are now very diverse and are always available at online stores or electronics supermarkets. However, your most important task is finding the product that suits you from various models.

All the products we listed above are the best options for computer science students. I think Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-347N Slim is still the preferred choice this year because of its optimal performance and price.