We published a similar article last year, on the best laptops for computer students in 2023. However, between last year and now, a lot has happened in the laptop scene. The best laptops for computer science students in 2024 are dope, with Apple refusing to take the back seat of innovation. All of them improving in processing power, battery life, etc.
As usual, as computer science students there are key points to consider when making this choice. They include; processing power, memory, portability, and compatibility with various development environments.
Number 1 on our list is the Apple Macbook Pro. This laptop contains the M3 chips, which Apple released last year at it’s event called the “Scary Fast”. I guess we all should be scared at the speed of the M3 chip. They are packaged as M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max. According to Johny Srouji, Apple’s Senior vice president of hardware technology, “Apple silicon has completely redefined the Mac experience. Every aspect of its architecture is designed for performance and power efficiency. With 3-nanometer technology, a next-generation GPU architecture, a higher-performance CPU, faster Neural Engine, and support for even more unified memory, M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max are the most advanced chips ever built for a personal computer.” computer science students in programming are in for a great time of their life.
This year the Dell XPS 13 or XPS 15 series is still second on our list. Renowned for their excellent build quality and performance, these laptops are equipped with the latest Intel or AMD processors and ample RAM. The near-borderless InfinityEdge display not only enhances the visual experience but also accommodates more code on screen. The combination of power and portability makes the XPS series suitable for both coding assignments and collaborative projects. With 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1230U (12 MB cache, 10 cores, up to 4.40 GHz Turbo). The Dell XPS is surely game on!
Dell XPS
For a more versatile operating system, the Lenovo ThinkPad series remains a stalwart choice. ThinkPads are celebrated for their exceptional keyboards, which can make a significant difference during long coding sessions. The robust build quality, extensive connectivity options, and strong Linux compatibility of certain models further enhance their appeal to computer science students.
In the gaming laptop category, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 stands out as an unexpected yet valuable contender. Its AMD Ryzen processors offer commendable performance, while the NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card supports not only coding tasks but also some light gaming during leisure hours. The G14’s compact size and modern design make it a trendy choice among students.
Microsoft doesn’t want to be left behind in the hardware business, as Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 deserves to be taken seriously. With configurations featuring Intel or AMD processors, these laptops offer a smooth Windows experience, high-resolution PixelSense touchscreens, and a lightweight build. The Surface Laptop 4 is a practical companion for computer science students who prioritize a balance between performance and convenience.
The laptops picked here may not be your best choice, but we have considered students of computer science as the users. So depending on your stage in life, your choice may differ. Feel free to do your market research and go for the product that suits you.
