When selecting the best laptops for computer science studentsI’m looking for laptops with powerful processorsplenty of RAMand screens that are easy on the eye for long days studying and long nights coding.
For most CSE studentsthe Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is the best pick - it’s a seriously powerful machine with all the specs you’ll need for studying compsci at any level. We loved how well this laptop performed during our tests. Not only thatit looks greatand also boasts a highly comfortable typing experience. For those on a budgetI also like the Acer Aspire 5 and the mid-range HP Victus 15which is built for gamingbut capable of a lot more.
I’ve also rounded up the best laptops for programmingwhere I’ve selected slightly higher-end machines for professional use - although you’ll spot a few of them on this right hereand the best laptops for engineering studentswith a focus on graphical prowess. But for CSE majorsthe laptops in this round-up will effortlessly see you through your whole course and beyond. Each model featured here has been comprehensively tested and benchmarked to make sure they measure up.
July 2025: In this latest updateI've included added three new laptop models suitable for CSE majors and students at all levelsincluding the best portable laptopthe best 18-inch machine as well as the best workstation.
The quick list
Thinlightweightand super-portablethis laptop looks stylish and delivers fantastic performance thanks to some great specs.
The combination of full-power Intel processors and a stunning OLED display mean the Swift 3 has the power and screen quality to scythe through coding and other computing tasksand the three-figure price is deeply impressive. It's not too refinedbut it does a good job and is great value.
One of the best Windows laptops you can getthis robust machine is an excellent all-rounder when it comes to performance.
Load the next products...
For workstation-level performance for a range of heavy workloadsthere’s no beating the MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro chip. Great for dual-booting macOS and Windows.
A fantastic mid-range gaming laptop that’s perfect for work and play while staying pretty affordable.
For absolute flexibility in how you workthis laptop is ideal - and those two OLED screens are simply stunning.
The Dell XPS 17 deploys boldimmersive display options and components that will motor through any computer science workload.
For computer science students who want to work on the gothe MacBook Air is the best-value laptop out there.
Although this gaming laptop might seem overkillit's got a fantastically immersive screen and is great for any visual work.
The Dell Precision 5690 offers some of the best components you can get and marries this with a great OLED panel.
The best laptops for computer science students and programmers in 2025
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we reviewso you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Best laptop for computer science students overall
✅ You want an excellent typing experience: In my experienceThinkPads offer the absolute best keyboards you can get on a laptopand make for a very comfortable typing experience.
✅ You want premium build quality with a sharp display: Like almost all ThinkPadsthis one boasts great build qualityand we love the sharp OLED display.
❌ You're on a budget: There’s no denying this looksfeelsand performs like a premium laptop - with a price-tag to match.
❌ You need a wide range of ports: One of the biggest downsides we found with the X1 Carbon is the limited port selection.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is a beautiful machinewith a sleekrobustand lightweight design. The carbon fiber chassis felt strong during our testsand with the 14in IPS display that offers sharp visuals and surprising depth in dark sceneswe found it the ideal size and sturdiness for slinging in a backpack and carrying around campus without issue.
Performance is fantastic. With the laptop coming equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors and up to 32GB of RAMit effortlessly handles multitasking and demanding workloads. There’s no discrete GPU herewhich shouldn’t be an issue for computer science classesbut will limit you if you need to work on 3D modeling (or want to game on the laptop). We also found battery life was very goodlasting up to twelve hours for all-day studying.
Having said thatthere are a couple of drawbacks. Notablyport selection is pretty basic - two USB-Ctwo USB-AHDMIand audio jack - but it’s more than enough for most people. And we also found the FHD webcam to be slightly underwhelming during review. But let’s face itthese are minor issues for an otherwise superb laptop that will readily tackle whatever you throw at it in computer science classes.
Read our full Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 review
Best laptop for computer science students on a budget
✅ You want a budget laptop that performs: Choose the right configurationand you’ll find an impressive performer with this laptop without breaking the bank.
✅ You want good battery life: While it’s never going to hit the 21+ hours of a MacBook Prowe were impressed with how long the battery lasts on this budget model.
❌ You have a larger budget: There are better options out there if your budget stretches to it - although a lot of them may be overkill for a compsci course.
❌ You need a Full HD webcam: If you’re taking a lot of online classesyou may prefer a webcam with a higher resolution - this one caps out at 720p.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: the Acer Aspire 5 has a ton of different configurations. ArguablyI’d saytoo manywith up to 13th gen Intel chipsa whole range of screen sizes (1415.6and 17.3in)RAM running between 4GB and 32GBand a host of integrated and dedicated GPUs. But even at its max configurationit still comes in at an affordable price.
Considering the costwe were impressed with the overall performance this machine delivers. The basic config is ideal for web browsing and running office softwareand with a few tweaks in the settingsyou could even squeeze some light gaming out of it. That performance is only going to improve once you upgrade the specs - and given the number Acer offers hereI’d strongly recommend checking with your school or university to see what minimum specs they advise for your course.
We even liked the typing experiencewith the keyboard featuring a 1.3mm key depth travel (only slightly shallower than the 1.5mm found on modern ThinkPads). Greatthenfor reports and essay writingas well as coursework.
While you can see where corners have been cut to keep costs down. The webcamfor instanceis only 720pand the battery lasted just 6.5 hours during general usage in our review. But it’s a relatively lightweight and robust laptop that goes beyond what you might expect for the price.
Read our full Acer Aspire 5 review
Best Dell laptop for computer science students
✅ You want a portable high-performer: We were seriously impressed with how well the XPS 14 performed during our tests - it’s a great all-rounder.
✅ You want a MacBook alternative: In our testswe found this Windows machine capably held its own against the MacBook Pro 14-inch.
❌ You want a larger screen: I’ve picked the 14in model as the best for compsci studentsbut the XPS line-up also includes 15in and 17in versions if you’d prefer a bigger display.
❌ You’re on a budget: I’d say this laptop is at the top end of the mid-rangebut with better configurationsit can get a lot more expensive and fast.
For computer science studentsany of the Dell XPS laptops will deliver the sort of performance you might need. I’ve selected the Dell XPS 14 because it’s the most portable of the bunch without compromising on performancebut the XPS 15 and XPS 17 are also good picks - with the 17in model even featuring a 4K display.
Dell has currently rebranded the XPS to the distinctly less catchy Dell Premium line-upbut these are fundamentally the same machines. The 14in model comes in a range of configurationsso you can increase memory and storageimprove screen resolutionor add a dedicated GPU if you’d prefer. Most importantlyall of them boast an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor that in our own tests delivered all-round great performance.
Saying thatit’s hard to miss just how expensive this laptop can get once you start upgrading to the better configurations - a cheap laptopthis is not. Soit’s really about balancing the needs of your course and your budget. But even the basic model will perform well for class. Battery life is fair for all-day useclocking in at around seven hours under heavier workloads. Howeverin the mainthis is easily one of the best Windows machines around.
Read our full Dell XPS 14 review
Best MacBook for computer science students
✅ You want world-class performance: Armed with the M4 Pro processorthe MacBook Pro proved a top performer for everything from running productivity software to computer-aided design and pro-grade video editing.
✅ You want a beautiful display for all-day use: The MacBook Pro has easily the best display on any laptopwith a vibrant Liquid Retina Display that’s easy on the eyes.
❌ You’re on a budget: MacBooks have never been cheapand while performance and design are exceptionalit costs a fair whack for a package like this. For cheaper alternativesI’d look at a model with the M2 or M3 Pro.
❌ Your class uses Windows software: A lot of courses mandate Windows laptopsand while you can dual-boot macOSmaking it great for codingI’d recommend checking with your school or university before committing to macOS.
Equipped with the latest M4 Pro processorthe Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch is an incredible machine that delivers exceptional performance pretty much across the board. Capable of handling 3D design and 4K video editingit’ll have no problems tackling coursework in a compsci course. Better stillfor codingyou can dual-boot macOS machines to run Windowswhich is a nice bonus you won’t get from Win-only laptops.
Beautifully designedwith a stunning 16in Liquid Retina Displayit’s easy on the eyeswhile showing off vibrancy and true-life colors. When we ran our benchmark testswe saw best-in-class performance across real-world and synthetic tests. It’s designedof courseto take on heavy workloadsand it does it incredibly well.
What really impresses me is the battery life on these machines - we got over 21 hours on a single charge herewhich makes it perfect for taking around campus without worrying about plugging it into the mains.
Stillif you already have an M3 Pro MacBook (or even an M2)then there’s no real reason to upgrade. Improvements are evidentbut hardly earth-shatteringand given minimum specs for computer science courses are relatively loweven the older models will run fine. You’ll even save a few pennies by doing sotoo. But there’s no denying the M4 Pro-powered model is an outstanding choice for just about any task.
Read our full Apple MacBook Pro 16in (M4 Pro) review
Best laptop for computer science students for gaming
✅ You want a budget laptop for gaming and coursework: Considering the pricethis laptop offers great performance for work and play.
✅ You want a cheap laptop with a discrete GPU: While a dedicated GPU isn’t strictly necessary for computer science studentsit does give it a bit of extra power in the graphics department.
❌ You need all-day battery life: One of the drawbacks we found with the Victus 15 is the batterywhich lasted around 4.5 hours before it needed a recharge.
❌ You prefer a stylish laptop: It looks and feels like your basic laptop - there’s none of the stylish design cues here that you’ll find on the likes of the ThinkPad or MacBook.
If you’re seriously into gamingI’d suggest a laptop like the Razer Blade 16 or the Asus ROG Strix Scarbut the HP Victus 15 is a nicely built and designed mid-range model that won’t break the bank - and has all the specs you’ll need for a computer science course.
The machine can be configured with up to an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processorand up to Nvidia GeForce GTX 3050 Ti or AMD Radeon 6500M GPU. Memory goes up to 16GBwhile storage reaches up to 1TB. And the 15.6in caps out at 1080pbut it’s bright and clear. Basicyesbut good for the priceand more than capable of tackling your coursework.
In our own testsit performed well - obviously not as good as higher priced gaming machinesbut respectable. It’s also nice to see the dual-fans and large air ventwhich helps keep the laptop cool during heavier workloads or gaming sessions.
Overallfor the pricethere’s not much to dislike about this laptop beyond the weak battery life (in our testsit lasted around 4.5 hours before we needed to recharge it) and the uninspired designand that’s hardly a deal-breaker in itself.
Read our full HP Victus 15 review
Best 2-in-1 laptop for computer science students
✅ You want a two-in-one display: The real benefit of the Yoga 9i is the dual-screengiving you some serious flexibility in classespecially if you’re using multiple apps at once.
✅ You want a crisp OLED display: Building on that dual-screen nature are those glorious OLED displays that are vibrantcrispand frankly gorgeous.
❌ You want the true ThinkPad keyboard: While the keyboard is good for essay-writingit’s not quite on par with the one found on the X-seriesT-seriesand P-series laptops.
❌ You need plenty of ports: The big letdown for us with this laptop is the lack of outletswhich are limited to three Thunderbolt ports. There’s not even an audio jack here.
There’s something rather stunning about the Lenovo Yoga Book 9iwith its dual 13in OLED touchscreens and the ability to seamlessly switch between laptop and tablet modes. Even when closedwe loved that robustmetallic chassiswhich neatly covers not just the laptopbut also the Bluetooth keyboardmouseand stylus that come with it. All the accessories you need are included right out of the box.
Versatility is the key here. You can effectively use the laptop however you like. Tablet mode disengages one of the screensflip the displays into a tent which is good for collaborationor prop the two screens on the keyboard cover that can be used as a standand use it as a laptop in either landscape (side-by-side) or portrait (one on top of the other) orientation. Even during reviewwe could see how if you’re programmingbeing able to see two windows side by side is going to be ideal.
Armed with Intel Core Ultra 7 155U and either 16 or 32GB RAM depending on configurationperformance is excellent for day-to-day tasks. Howeverwith its integrated GPUwe noted that it’s going to struggle for heavier workloads (it struggled to run even older gaming titlesfor instance). Stillthat’s not what this laptop is designed to doand we’re ok with that. We measured battery life when using both screens at around 6.5 hourswhich is acceptable.
Where this laptop does fall down is the virtual keyboard - it’s our only real gripe with this machineas naturally it doesn’t offer any tactile feedback. On the other handthe Bluetooth keyboard is a delight to useas are the other accessories here. Overallthenan impressive laptop for those that want real flexibility.
Read our full Lenovo Yoga Book 9i review
Best 17-inch laptop for computer science students
✅ You want a 4K display: The Dell XPS 17 display isn't just a broad 17 inchesit's also in 4K - which may not be necessary for computer science studiesbut it's a stunning nice-to-have.
✅ You want serious performance: As you'd expect from Dell's business linethe XPS 17 offers outstanding performance that left us impressed after tests.
❌ You're working to a budget: It's not exactly the cheapest laptop you can get for studyingwith a performance-level that reflects the steep price-tag.
❌ You want the best webcam for online classes: Where the Dell XPS 17 falters is the webcamwhich is only 720p. A shamegiven the premium quality of every other spec.
A big screen makes a big difference for computer science – it'll let you get immersed in coding or spread out multiple windows for easier multi-tasking. If that's what you're afterthe Dell XPS 17 is the ultimate option.
Both screen options are superb – immersive and accurate – and a stunning 4K touch option is available if you're willing to pay more.
Combine that with the 13th Gen Intel Core i7 and i9 processors and high-end Nvidia graphics cores and you've got the power for any computer science workloadno matter the number-crunching needed. After-hours gaming and graphically intensive creative work is no issueeither.
XPS laptops always look and feel greatand this is no exception – it's attractive and robust. The keyboard is one of the best around and one of the only typing units to match the MacBook Pro for comfort and qualityand Dell's battery will last a full day despite the side and power available here.
The specification is rounded off with loads of portsgreat internal connectivity and a 5.37-pound weight.
A big-screen option is favored by many computer science students who want immersion and spaceand there's nothing better than this right now.
Read our full Dell XPS 17 review
Find the best deals on Dell products with our Dell promo codes.
Best portable laptop for computer science students
✅ You want an affordable MacBook: With a starting price of $899the lowest-end MacBook Air represents excellent value for money and still performs well.
✅ You need to work on the move: With an exceptional buildsleek dimensions weighing just 2.7lbs/1.2kgyou'll be hard-pressed to find a better travel companion.
❌ You need a large screen: If you prefer working on a larger displayyou should consider upgrading to the 15-inch Airor the MacBook Pro.
❌ You want the most powerful machine: The M4 chip is more than enough for most tasksand is well suited to programming. But if you run more intensive applicationsyou should consider the M4 Pro at a minimum.
Thanks to its great performanceexceptional build qualitycrisp display and compact dimensionsthe MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) is one of our favourite machines.
This latest machine in the Air series is also really well suited to programming and professional computer science workloadsthanks to its fantastic M4 processorso students can definitely make the most out of a machine like this without worrying about reaching any bottlenecks. Indeedthe base MacBook Air can handle DevOps work pretty well and has plenty of power for writing web appsscriptsand light Docker use. That's especially the case if you're relying on remote servers to handle most of the compute.
This also has the added advantage of being much more portable than the MacBook Pro 14-inchmeaning it's perfect for computer science students who often need to work away from the desk. You can attribute that to its 2.7lbs/1.2kg weight and sleek dimensions (it's just 0.44in/1.1cm thick)meaning it can just about fit into any bag. With a starting price at under $1,000it represents excellent value for money.
With no fans to make a fuss (insteadthe MacBook Air relies on passive cooling)and an excellent battery lifethe MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) is a fantastic option for computer science students who need a portable powerhouse.
Read our full MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) review
Best 18-inch laptop for computer science students
✅ You want accurate visuals: Although you don't get an OLED screena stunning 240Hz refresh rate combined with 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy makes this a treat.
✅ You need to push a laptop to its limits: Even for the most intensive and graphics-heavy workloadsthis device performs incredibly well.
❌ You need something lightweight: Lightthis machine is not. We would advise checking out something much smaller and more compact.
❌ You won't make the most of the panel: If you already use one or two external monitorsthe chances are the screen size will be much bigger than even this machine – so there's little point in investing in something so gargantuan
Asus has been making its ROG Strix Scar 18 device for a number of years and it has carved out a reputation for being one of the best big-screen devices you can grabwith an exceptional build quality and high-end performance. In our review of the 2023 editionwe described this device as a "muscular machine" that simply blew us away on graphics-intensive tasks like premium gamingwhile handling pretty much everything we could throw at it.
Looking under the hood of the new 2025 modelit's safe to say we've got a repeat performer on our hands. Fitted into the most powerful (and expensive) configuration is the Intel Ultra 9 275HX processor and the new Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU. You can also pair this with up to 64GB RAM and a chunky SSD to run pretty much anything you can think of.
For computer science students hoping to perform any 3D modelingmachine learningor other tasks that require hefty amounts of local computethis machine offers a perfect combination of power and dazzling visuals. This is also thanksin partto the expansive 18-inch display that boasts a 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy alongside an impressive 240Hz refresh rate. If you need something for intensive workor want a machine that you can also game on in your spare timethis immersive 18-inch panel is the best big-screen laptop for computer science students available right now.
Read our full Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2023) review
Best workstation for computer science students
✅ You run graphics-heavy workloads: A dedicated GPU is highly recommended if you're working with machine learning algorithms or engaging in 3D modeling of any kind.
✅ You want a big and bright screen: While a color-accurate OLED panel isn't essential for computer scienceit offers an incredible quality-of-life improvement.
❌ You want a versatile machine: This is light for a workstation (weighing 4.5lbs/2kg)but we wouldn't recommend it if you're primarily working away from the desk.
❌ You want a MacBook: The MacBook Pro offers the perfect balance between power and pricenot to mention a seamless user experience. This is a fantastic machinebut it's considerably more expensive.
For advanced architectural needs and those looking to push the boundariesthe Dell Precision 5690 is the best workstation you could consider. While this is primarily a business machinecreative professionals will extract plenty of value from its attributes – from the dazzling OLED panel to the high-end components under the hood.
For a workstationthe Dell Precision 5690 is sleek and portable. While it won't be as light or compact as a MacBookyou're ultimately comparing it with similar machines – and it comes out on top. This is thanks to its 4.5lbs/2kg weightalongside its 0.87in/2.1cm thickness. So if you do need a larger machine to work with on the goyou could do much worse.
While its design and build quality are impressivewe were also more than pleased with its performance. The Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor is an incredibly fast chip and. Paired with the Nvidia RTX Ada 5000 graphics cardit's more than suited to handle any 3D modelingCAD or other heavy visual workloads. That saidthis configuration will set you back $6,500 – so it's only really worth opting for if you plan on pushing this machine to its limits and consistently put it under heavy workloads. It doesn't even flinch if you run intense photo and video editing software.
If you are happy to stomach its priceyou do also have access to an absolutely stunning OLED screen. This 16-inch 4K panel is 400 nits bright (above average) and hits the all-important 100% DCI-P3 color spectrum coverage – meaning it's suitable for professional needs. The only downside is thinking of why you'd really need a machine as powerful as thisbut if you can answer thatthere's little out there better for architectural workloads.
Read our full Dell Precision 9560 review
Best laptops for computer science students compared
Model | Screen size | CPU | GPU | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
14in | Up to Intel Core Ultra 7 165U vPro | Integrated graphics | Up to 32GB | Up to 2TB | |
14in / 15.6in / 17.3in | Up to Intel Core i7 13th Gen | Integrated graphics | Up to 32GB | Up to 1TB | |
14in | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 | Up to 64GB | Up to 4TB | |
16in | Apple M4 Pro - M4 Max | Integrated 40-core GPU | Up to 48GB | Up to 1TB | |
15.6in | Up to AMD Ryzen 7 5800H | Up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 3050 Ti / AMD Radeon 6500M | Up to 16GB | Up to 1TB | |
2 x 13.3in | Intel Core Ultra 7 155U | Intel Arc graphics | Up to 32GB | Up to 1TB | |
17.3in | Up to Intel Core i9 13th Gen | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 | Up to 64GB | Up to 8TB | |
13-inch 2560 x 1664 | Apple M4 (10 core) | Up-to 10-core GPU | Up to 36GB | Up to 2TB | |
18-inch 2.5K | Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 - 5090 | Up to 64GB | 1TB + 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD | |
16-inch3840 x 2400 OLED. | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H16 cores | NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada with 16GB GDDR6 | Up to 64GB LPDDR5x | Up to 8TB |
Best laptops for computer science students: FAQs
What are the minimum laptop requirements for computer science students?
Computer science studies don't typically need super high-end laptopsand the two most important factors you'll want to look at are the processor and RAM - this will keep your workflow smooth.
With that in mindI'd check for the minimum specs below. All laptops in this round-up meet these requirements. For more informationcheck to see what your school or college recommendsas courses may vary.
CPU: Intel i5AMD Ryzen 5or any M-series MacBook.
GPU: Integrated graphics will be suitable for most classesbut a discrete GPU isn't a bad thing.
RAM: 16GB or 32GB of memory will keep your experience responsive. As usual with RAMthe morethe merrier.
Storage: 512GB will be finebut 1TB or more is preferred.
Display: 14in screen size at 1080p resolution will be suitablebut you can always go larger in size and higher in resolution.
Are Apple laptops good for computer science students?
The best Apple MacBooks and the best MacBook Pro laptops are great options for students of all stripesincluding computer science students. Apple's M2 processors deliver huge powerthe keyboard and build quality are brilliantand the battery lasts so long that you might get through two working days without a charge.
As everthoughMacOS won't support every app you might needso check before you buy – and make sure your software will run on an Apple device.
What's best for computer science students – processing power or a graphics card?
Processing ability is far more important than GPU power for computer science laptopsbut it's worth getting a device that excels in both areas.
Today's best processors have exceptional single-threaded performance for strong performance in coding and software development workloadsso a Core i7 or Core i9 CPU is essential.
That saidthe parallel processing ability of the best GPUs mean that it's vital to have a discrete graphics core if you want to use your laptop for machine learningdata analysis and simulation – and even gaming.
Should I consider Linux for computer science?
It's always worth considering Linux for computer scienceand if you buy a Windows notebook you can always create a partition with a distro alongside your Windows installation.
There are plenty of reasons why computer science students like Linux. An open-source operating system allows for huge customization and flexibility alongside huge Terminal power and robust package management for running development tools. Stability and efficiency are great on Linuxand Linux also supports a wide range of programming languages.
Do you need a powerful laptop for computer science?
The answer depends on your specific workloads and type of programming or engineering that you're doing butbroadlyyes – it's better to have more power than you'll need than not enough. Either waythere are plenty of options in our list that vary in terms of size and power they offerdepending on what you need your new machine for.
For most computer science studentsyou should find there's enough power in the likes of the MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) thanks to the brilliant processoror even the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 – which we have recommended as the best overall.
But we have also included a series of more powerful laptops that push the limits of what those two machines can handle in case you need a machine that can take on workloads that requires plenty of local compute. We're thinking 3D modeling or CAD or even hefty machine learning taskswhich require plenty of graphics power output. The likes of the Dell Precision 5690 is typical of this kind of machine – but beware that such laptops come with heftier price tags.
How to choose the best computer science laptop for you
When choosing the best laptop for a computer science coursethere are a number of factors to consider.
How you prioritize your components will be determined by how you plan to workbut if you're handling conventional computer science workloads then you should make sure you great a great CPU – and ensure you match that with a discrete GPU for AImachine learning and gaming.
Regardless of thatmake sure you've got at least 16GB of memory – 32GB if possible – and an NVMe SSD to keep things running smoothly.
You'll be spending lots of time at your keyboardso ensure the typing kit is comfortable and robustand seek out a numberpad if that's important.
Elsewheremake sure that a laptop has enough battery for your likely workloads and working venuesand ensure it has Wi-Fi 6 and ports to support all of your peripherals.
Finallythere's the screen. Getting the most accurate display on the market isn't key for a computer science laptopbut it's worth getting the highest resolution you can so you've got more space to become immersed in tasks and spread multiple windows around.
How we test the best laptops for computer science students
Our team of reviewers have tested hundreds of the best laptops - so when it comes to going hands-on with the best laptops for computer science studentswe know exactly what you need to look for to make a decision.
Our review process is rigorous. From benchmarking the performance of the best laptops for MBA students to analyzing the specifications of all the best laptops for architecture studentswe undertake the same approach to each laptop we review.
When reviewing the best laptops for computer science studentswe want to see good performance when running core apps in class - you shouldn’t be concerned about the reliability of your laptop in class. As suchwe conduct simulated and real-world benchmark tests to fully assess each laptop’s power.
We take portability seriously - because a laptop with a bulk design or unnecessary weight is only going to slow you down while travelling across campus. As part of thiswe test the solidity of the construction and build qualityand conduct the TechRadar battery life test to test how well manufacturer claims hold up to reality. With student laptops for computer sciencewe also look at the ergonomic design. Is the keyboard comfortable to type on? Are the palm-rests good and fatigue-free after long hours of use?
We also check all connectivity and port selectionssize sizesbuilt-in eye-care technologyand any special features such as 2-in-1 flexibility and facial recognition. Finallywe look at the market and the competition to judge value for money on the best student computer science laptops.
Find out more in our detailed guide How we test laptops and desktops: our reviewing process explained.
Get in touch
- Want to find out about commercial or marketing opportunities? Click here
- Out of date infoerrorscomplaints or broken links? Give us a nudge
- Got a suggestion for a product or service provider? Message us directly
- You've reached the end of the page. Jump back up to the top ^






















































