What Is The Best Laptop For Computer Science? A Top 10 List

Computer science is a rapidly expanding field, and that should come as no surprise for technology as a whole is constantly getting more complex. The world of technology and everything it entails is only manageable for an individual when they have the best laptop money can buy. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best laptop for computer science. Although there are 10 great options here, we’ve chosen Apple’s MacBook Pro as being the best laptop for computer science. This particular option has all of the best technology, all the best features, and is compatible with nearly every program out there. We’ll get into the specifics below.

Although we’ve chosen the MacBook Pro as the best laptop for computer science, we’re not saying the other options aren’t worth pursuing. If anything you definitely should be looking into the other options. Everyone has different needs, and if the Apple MacBook Pro doesn’t fulfill your needs, check out one of the other options. In this article, we discuss all the various options that each option includes. This includes storage capacity, weight, aesthetics, ratings, costs, operating systems, media options, and more.

Below each of the below listings, we’ve included pros and constable. We’ve done this to summarize everything discussed in each section. Do keep in mind that although we may have titled the MacBook Pro as being the best laptop for computer science, you may have given the title to a different option. After all, everyone sees each pro and con in a different light! Perhaps you don’t need a lot of storage, or a lack of customization options really sucks for you! Regardless, you may find your own ‘Best Laptop For Computer Science’. Stay tuned.

Product Table

The Best Option - Apple’s MacBook Pro

As you may have guessed, the Apple MacBook Pro is definitely the best option for those that aren’t on a strict budget. In reality, the price tag for this option almost sunk the MacBook to 2nd or 3rd place, but the features and pure brilliance of the MacBook well made up for the price. Before reading any further, keep note that this option is upwards of 3 grande. If that’s way out of your price range, you may as well move on. Unless you’re interested in the features! Regardless, we’ve chosen this option as the best laptop for computer science because it’s the most flexible device on this list. Whether you’re coding in an incredibly complex language, or are simply surfing the web looking for advice, nothing does it better than this.

Apple’s MacBook Pro comes with a 16-inch screen, 16 GB of RAM, and over half a terabyte of storage. You can get it with either an Intel Core i7 or an Intel Core i9. The price doesn’t sway all that much with each option, meaning it’s really up to your personal preference. The price does get higher when you add a full terabyte of storage rather than half, but it’s still there for the high budget buyers out there. Both processor options are the ninth generation. 

The display is ultra high definition and comes standard with a built-in retina display. You also get the touch bar (of course) and a full fingerprint scanner. Instead of an outdated hard drive, you get one of the fast SSDs out there. Apple calls it their ultra fast option. This particular option boasts Intel’s super hardcore UHD Graphics 360 system, meaning you can do literally anything in high definition. To make things even better, you get a massive six-speaker sound system with built-in ‘force-cancelling’ woofers. Check out the pros and cons list below for more information.

The Runner Up - VivoBook 15 Thin/Light Laptop 15.6 Inch Screen

The VivoBook may not have been dubbed the best laptop for computer science, but it got pretty damn close. First of all, it has some fantastic features, and its price is less than a third of the MacBook. Regardless, the MacBook’s features were just superior. But that doesn’t mean this isn’t great. First of all, this is definitely the option for anyone who’s on a budget. 

You get a 15.6 high definition screen, with a screen-to-body ratio of 88%. This particular option comes with a processing speed of 4 GHz, Windows 10 Home, 8GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage on a solid-state drive (SSD). Your keyboard will be backlit, and your information will be protected by a state of the art fingerprint scanner. The VivoBook is also very light and very portable (although not as much as the MacBook). This means it’s perfect for carrying around with you. It’s perfect for students studying to get a good job in the field, but it’s also good for people actually in the field for it has plenty of power despite it’s very portable and mobile-like design. Check out the pros and cons list below for more information.

The Professional Option - Lenovo IdeaPad 3 

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 may not be the best laptop for computer science, but it’s definitely got 3rd place tight in its grip. This is the option for the more professional buyers out there. For people in the actual career rather than studying outside it. This is the laptop that people will see during meetings. It’s the laptop people will deem work appropriate, and it’s going to be your best friend throughout your career. It’s what you’ll lean on when times get tough. It has your back in ways no other laptop could ever maintain. First of all, it has a 14-inch screen, meaning it’s easily stored in a bag of virtually any size.

The Radeon graphics are brilliant and beautiful, and the audio system by Dolby Audio is certainly ‘Best Laptop For Computer Science’ worthy. One super interesting feature that the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 brings to the table is the webcam shutter. That’s right! No more taping up your webcam! Now you can have it automatically close. All of your stress relating to someone hacking into your device and watching you through your website can disappear now! Check out the pros and cons list below for more information.

The Larger Professional Option - Lenovo IdeaPad 15 Inch Display

This may not have been our number one option, but for those looking for a larger professional laptop, this may be the best laptop for computer science for you. This option is very similar to the previous listing. The only difference(s) being it’s been beefed up for better performance and is of course slightly larger. Like the previous option, this comes with plenty of storage, meaning it’s perfect for both university/college students.

It’s very professional, it’s sleek, and is basically a no-nonsense type of device. Because of this, it’s kind of lacking in the recreation department, as it’s not designed to handle video games or high definition movies. It does however have a decent sound system and Radeon graphics. To make all of this even better, it has the same web camera shutter that the 14-inch option does. Check out the pros and cons list below for more information.

The Tablet Option - Microsoft Surface Pro 6

The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is the tablet option you didn’t know you needed until now. A lot of people think that a laptop is the only device capable of doing what they need, but that couldn’t be more wrong. Microsoft’s Surface Pro 6 is as powerful as a laptop but is also a tablet. This means it is by far the most portable on this list.

It’s lightweight, easy to transport, and super easy to store. It comes with half a dozen different processing/storage options, along with about 8 different aesthetic customization options. You can customize the type of keyboard you use as much as you want. The battery life is rated for over 13hours of continuous use, and the device altogether is just 1.7 pounds. Can you believe that? Check out the pros and cons list below for more information.

The Super Reliable Option - Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop

If you want an incredibly reliable laptop, the Dell Inspiron 15 is for you. For the last decade, Dell has produced high-quality laptops that are sure to last you until the end of time. The only drawback is that they’re slightly slower than your average laptop. Frankly, this is the only reason why it hasn’t reached the top 3. Thankfully this model has a processing speed of about 3.4 GHz, which despite being slower than other models, is still more than enough.

Featuring half a terabyte of storage on an SSD, as well as over a full terabyte of storage on an HDD, this option is perfect for students. In more ways than one, this is the best laptop for computer science students. With 32 GB of virtual RAM, a 15.6” screen, and an Intel Core i3 (of the tenth generation), this is more than enough to satisfy even the most hardcore of computer science students. This Dell Inspiron 15 is definitely one of the best laptops for computer science out there. With plenty of ports and ultimate reliability, you can rest assured knowing this will survive whatever you throw at it. Check out the pros and cons list below for more information.

The Dual-Use Option - Lenovo Flex 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop

If you’ve ever used a tablet, you know just how convenient they can be. They’re super lightweight, easy to use, and often have some excellent features. Some of them give you the option to use Bluetooth pens, Bluetooth keyboards, and more. Well, what if we told you that you could get all of that and more? All the convenience a tablet brings combined with the power and functionality of a laptop? Lenovo is the best laptop for computer science for those with a knack for tablets. At first, this may just look like a thin laptop, but when you fold the keyboard all the way over, you’ll notice that this is so much more.

Powered by a strong AMD processor, Radeon Vega 8 graphics, and a massive battery (which will last you up to 11 hours), this is one hell of a tablet. With this option, you can use a Bluetooth pen, a Bluetooth mouse, and so much more. Oh and don’t fret. The device still has plenty of USB ports and even an HDMI port. This means you can set up a second monitor! Unlike other tablets out there, Lenovo is actually powered by Windows 10. And this includes windows defenders! Yes, the knight in shining armor that protects laptops all over the world is on this tablet! For those who love the versatility of a tablet, this is the best laptop for computer science for you.

The GeForce GTX Option - Dell XPS 15 7590 Laptop

The Dell XPS laptop may not be our best laptop for computer science, but it’s still pretty darn good. This particular laptop features a GeForce GTX graphics card, meaning everything you do will perform brilliantly. It will look great, run smoothly, and make all the work you do so much easier. This option comes with a 256 GB SSD, which is significantly less than other options but is still more than enough for some. 

You’ll also notice that the Dell XPS has a price tag upwards of 2 grande. Hence the reason why we didn’t choose the XPS as our best laptop for computer science. Our eight entry on this list has an SD card reader, plenty of USB ports, and a decent battery. It also comes with 16 GB of virtual RAM, along with an i7 processor. Check out the pros and cons list below for more information.

The Full Touchscreen Option - 2020 Newest HP ENVY x360 2-in-1 Laptop/Tablet

If you enjoy the versatility of a tablet, this may be the best laptop for computer science for you. One of the most prominent features here is that this option has a full touch screen. Not only does this let you use add ons like Bluetooth pens and different Bluetooth keyboards, but it also has all the components and functionality of a laptop.

It has plenty of USB ports and even an HDMI port. With 8 GB of RAM and a 15.6-inch screen (touch), you’ll be able to do whatever you want and more with absolutely no hassle. Unfortunately, this option will cost you about a grande, but considering that the price tag is much lower than other options, we don’t think it’s a big deal.

The Fingerprint Reader - Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop 15.6 Inch HD

Despite the fact that this is not the best laptop for computer science, it still holds its own with the rest. The Acer Aspire 5 isn’t necessarily the fastest on this list, nor is it the most reliable, but it’s perfect for students because it’s light and portable. It’s thin, has plenty of ports, and generally gets the job done. This is the option for people looking for nothing fancy. If you’re a practical person, this is definitely the right option for you.

Final Thoughts / Conclusion