Best Laptops for Computer Science Students

When it comes to pursuing a degree in computer science, having the right laptop can make all the difference. With so many options available, finding the best laptop for your studies can be a daunting task.... That's why we've curated a list of top-rated laptops for computer science students, based on user reviews. From powerful processors and ample storage to long battery life and portability, these laptops are designed to meet the demands of coding, programming, and other technical tasks. Whether you're a freshman diving into your first programming class or a seasoned student tackling complex projects, this selection of top-rated laptops is sure to help you find the perfect fit for your academic journey.
Read more

What to look for in the best laptops for computer science students

1. Performance and Processing Power

Look for a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor (or better), and a minimum of 8GB RAM to smoothly run development environments, compilers, and virtual machines.

2. Operating System Compatibility

Consider whether your coursework or preferred programming languages require Windows, macOS, or Linux. Some software may only be available on specific operating systems.

3. Portability and Battery Life

A lightweight design and long-lasting battery make it easier to take your laptop to class, study sessions, or the library without constantly searching for an outlet.

4. Storage Capacity

Opt for at least a 256GB SSD to ensure fast boot times and ample space for projects, code repositories, and software installations.
Citrus catapult arrow
Some products may be subject to Environmental Handling Fees (EHF) depending on your province. Learn more about EHFs .
  1. 1
    HP Refurbished (Excellent) - Envy X360 2-In-1 16" Wuxga Touchscreen Laptop, Intel Ultra 7 155U, 2Tb SSD, 16GB Lpddr5, Backlit Keyboard, 5Mp Ir Great & fast

    About this product

    A versatile silver 2-in-1 laptop with touchscreen, Intel Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, and 2TB SSD.

    A versatile silver 2-in-1 laptop with touchscreen, Intel Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, and 2TB SSD.

    What customers like

    • Powerful performance for multitasking
    • Long-lasting battery life
    • Versatile 2-in-1 design
    • Vibrant and sharp 2K touchscreen display
    • Premium and sleek build quality
    4.7 (1,459 reviews)
    $1,149.00
    SAVE $630
    Your price for this item is $1149
  2. 2
    LENOVO Thinkpad E15 15.6" Business Laptop-Black(Intel Core I5 1135G7/256 GB SSD/8 GB Ram/windows 10)-(20Tds00B00) Best Laptop Ever

    About this product

    A sleek black business laptop featuring an Intel Core i5, 256GB SSD, and integrated fingerprint reader.

    A sleek black business laptop featuring an Intel Core i5, 256GB SSD, and integrated fingerprint reader.

    What customers like

    • Fast performance
    • Clear, bright display
    • Reliable fingerprint reader
    • Comfortable, responsive keyboard
    • Lightweight and portable
    4.6 (993 reviews)
    $2,016.68
    SAVE $182
    Your price for this item is $2016.68
  3. 3
    DELL - Inspiron 7000 2-In-1 13.3" Fhd Touchscreen Laptop, Intel Core I5-1135G7, 1Tb PCie SSD, 8GB Ram, Backlit Keyboard, Intel Iris Xe Graphics Great deal!

    About this product

    A sleek silver 2-in-1 laptop featuring a 13.3" FHD touchscreen, 1TB SSD, and Intel Iris Xe Graphics.

    A sleek silver 2-in-1 laptop featuring a 13.3" FHD touchscreen, 1TB SSD, and Intel Iris Xe Graphics.

    What customers like

    • Versatile 2-in-1 touchscreen functionality
    • Good battery life and portability
    • Fast performance and quick startup
    • Lightweight and compact design
    • Large 1TB SSD provides ample storage
    4.4 (753 reviews)
    $1,049.00
    SAVE $430
    Your price for this item is $1049
  4. 4
    LENOVO Thinkpad E15 15.6" Business Laptop-Black(Intel Core I7 1165G7/512 GB SSD/16 GB Ram/windows 10)-(20Tds06700) Best laptop ever! I love the big screen & easy keyboard

    About this product

    A powerful black business laptop featuring an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD.

    A powerful black business laptop featuring an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD.

    What customers like

    • Long battery life
    • Comfortable and backlit keyboard
    • Fast and reliable performance
    • Lightweight and portable design
    • Bright and high-quality display
    4.7 (658 reviews)
    $5,434.68
    SAVE $490
    Your price for this item is $5434.68
  5. 5
    Lenovo Legion 7i 16" Gaming Laptop - White (Intel Core i9 - 14900HX/32GB RAM/1TB SSD/RTX 4070) - English Awesome laptop, great deal from best buy

    About this product

    A powerful white gaming laptop featuring Intel Core i9, 32GB RAM, RTX 4070 graphics, and privacy shutter.

    A powerful white gaming laptop featuring Intel Core i9, 32GB RAM, RTX 4070 graphics, and privacy shutter.

    What customers like

    • Effective and quiet cooling system
    • Easy upgradeability and ample storage capacity
    • High-quality, vibrant display with sharp resolution
    • Powerful performance for gaming and creative tasks
    • Premium, sturdy build with sleek design
    4.5 (599 reviews)
    $1,999.99
    SAVE $800
    Your price for this item is $1999.99
  6. 6
    HP 15.6" Fhd Touchscreen Laptop, Intel Core I7-1255U, 1Tb PCie SSD, 16GB Ram, Numeric Keyboard, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Fast Charge, Win 11 Pro Best graphics and blazing fast laptop love it! Would recommend

    About this product

    A sleek silver laptop with FHD touchscreen, Intel i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and numeric keyboard.

    A sleek silver laptop with FHD touchscreen, Intel i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and numeric keyboard.

    What customers like

    • Great value for the price
    • Fast and reliable performance
    • Lightweight and sleek design
    • Long battery life with fast charging
    • Easy and quick setup process
    4.3 (579 reviews)
    $1,149.00
    SAVE $492
    Your price for this item is $1149
  7. 7
    HP Refurbished Excellent - 15.6" HD Touchscreen Laptop, 11Th Gen Intel Core I5-1135G7, 512GB PCie SSD, 12GB Ram, Backlit Keyboard, Iris Xe Graphics great pc

    About this product

    A sleek silver laptop featuring a 15.6" HD touchscreen, 11th Gen Intel Core i5, and backlit keyboard.

    A sleek silver laptop featuring a 15.6" HD touchscreen, 11th Gen Intel Core i5, and backlit keyboard.

    What customers like

    • Lightweight and slim design
    • Easy setup and user-friendly features
    • Long battery life and fast charging
    • Fast performance and quick boot-up
    • Great value for money
    4.3 (579 reviews)
    $679.00
    SAVE $260
    Your price for this item is $679
  8. 8
    HP 14" Laptop Intel Celeron N4020 4GB 64GB, Intel Uhd Graphics 600, Windows 10 Home In S Mode, Gs HDMI Cable (Blue) Best Choice

    About this product

    A blue laptop featuring Intel Celeron N4020, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and Windows 10 Home S Mode.

    A blue laptop featuring Intel Celeron N4020, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and Windows 10 Home S Mode.

    What customers like

    • Good battery life
    • Easy to set up and use
    • Affordable price
    • Clear and crisp screen
    • Lightweight and portable
    4.5 (511 reviews)
    $379.00
    SAVE $120
    Your price for this item is $379
  9. 9
    LENOVO Thinkpad L15 Gen 2 15.6" Laptop-Black (Intel Core I5-1135G7/256 GB SSD/8 GB Ram/windows 10)-English (20X300Hbus) The best!

    About this product

    A black laptop featuring Intel Core i5, 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM, and Windows 10 Pro.

    A black laptop featuring Intel Core i5, 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM, and Windows 10 Pro.

    What customers like

    • Comfortable and spacious keyboard with numeric keypad
    • Long battery life and quick startup
    • Lightweight and durable build quality
    • Fast and reliable performance
    • Good value for money with strong specs
    4.7 (231 reviews)
    $2,475.68
    SAVE $174
    Your price for this item is $2475.68
  10. 10
    HP - 15.6" Micro-Edge Ips Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Core I3 1215U- 8GB Memory - 128GB SSD - Natural - Windows 11 Home S Mode - Intel Uhd Graphics Love the size and the feel

    About this product

    A sleek silver laptop featuring a 15.6" touch display, Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, and 128GB SSD.

    A sleek silver laptop featuring a 15.6" touch display, Intel Core i3, 8GB RAM, and 128GB SSD.

    What customers like

    • Good value for the price
    • Sleek and professional design
    • Fast performance and quick startup
    • Lightweight and portable
    • Easy to use and set up
    4.7 (196 reviews)
    $509.99
    SAVE $290
    Your price for this item is $509.99

FAQ

What features should computer science students look for in a laptop? + -

Computer science students should prioritize laptops with a fast processor (such as Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7), at least 8GB of RAM (16GB is ideal), solid-state drive (SSD) storage for faster performance, and a comfortable keyboard for coding. A good display and long battery life are also important for extended study sessions.

Is it better to choose Windows, macOS, or Linux for computer science studies? + -

The choice depends on your course requirements and personal preference. Windows laptops offer broad compatibility with most software, macOS is popular for development related to Apple ecosystems, and many computer science students use Linux for programming. Some laptops allow you to dual-boot or run virtual machines to access multiple operating systems.

How much RAM is recommended for programming and running development tools? + -

For most programming tasks and running development tools smoothly, at least 8GB of RAM is recommended. If you plan to work with virtual machines, large datasets, or more demanding applications, opting for 16GB of RAM will provide a smoother experience.

Do computer science students need a dedicated graphics card in their laptop? + -

A dedicated graphics card is not essential for most programming tasks. However, if you plan to work on game development, machine learning, or graphics-intensive projects, a laptop with a dedicated GPU can be beneficial.

Are lightweight or ultrabook laptops suitable for computer science students? + -

Yes, lightweight or ultrabook laptops are suitable as long as they meet the recommended specifications for processing power and memory. Their portability makes them convenient for carrying between classes and working on the go.

Related Pages