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Best Laptops for Engineering Students

Your laptop is your go-to tool for engineering tasks, so it should match your needs without burning a hole in your pocket. I’ve done some digging and found laptops that won’t let you down.

Considering factors like price, battery life, CPU, weight, and storage space, what makes a good engineering laptop depends on your focus. If you’re into 3D design, get one that can handle graphics and CAD software. Coders aim for a laptop with a powerful processor. Simulations more your thing? Look for one with enough RAM.

Whether it’s crunching numbers or bringing 3D models to life, your laptop should be as versatile as you are. Here are some great options, fit for engineering requirements.

The 10 Best Laptops for Engineering Students

You likely require very specific engineering software to get things done efficiently. And, if you’re living in dorms, you need a lightweight laptop with a decent battery life. Below are all my top laptops for any engineering student.

Best Overall: Dell XPS 15 – 15 Inch FHD

Dell XPS 15 - 15 Inch FHD

Price: $1,872.00

CPU: Intel Core i7 10th Gen

RAM: 16 GB

Dimensions: ‎20.5 x 19.8 x 14.8 inches

Weight: 4 lbs

Pros:

  • 16:10 FHD, edge-to-edge display with Dolby Vision
  • Touchpad is 62% larger than previous models with a 5% larger screen
  • 4-sided InfinityEdge display to enhance graphics as well as Eyesafe display
  • Quad speaker featuring Waves Nx audio
  • 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H
  • Energy efficient with an Energy Star certification
  • 16GB DDR4-2993MHz memory
  • NVMe solid state drive
  • NVIDIA Geforce GTX 1650 Ti graphics
  • Free of harmful materials such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. BFR/PVC-free
  • Several components are recyclable, including the white packaging trays and 90% of the laptop, itself
  • Comes equipped with several creative tools
  • 4K display
  • Advanced thermal cooling system
  • Made of tough Corning Gorilla glass for longevity

Cons:

  • Some users have bugs with the touchpad where the cursor can jump around a bit
  • Expensive

The Dell XPS 15 is my favorite for a reason. It has all the bells and whistles that any engineering student would need, while also being slim and compact. They even kept their cooling system as streamlined as possible so that the laptop would retain its slim portability. Perhaps my favorite aspect is how eco-friendly this Dell is. The black packaging trays are made of 25% recycled ocean plastics that were collected from the sea. The rest is made of other recycled materials. They even made sure that most of the laptop itself could be reused or recycled with ease, when the time comes.

Best Compact Apple Laptop: Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip

Apple 2022 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip

Price: $999.00

CPU: Unknown

RAM: 8GB

Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches

Weight: 2.7 lbs

Pros:

  • Only weighs 2.7 pounds!
  • 8-core CPU (4 efficiency and 4 performance)
  • 16-core Neural Engine
  • 100GB/s memory bandwidth
  • Apple M2 chip provides 18 hours of battery life
  • Compatible with Apple Intelligence AI, which is upcoming this fall
  • Liquid retina display that supports 1 billion colors
  • 1080p FaceTime HD camera
  • 3-mic array and 4-speaker audio system
  • Compatible with most iOS apps and seamless with Apple devices

Cons:

  • Not as much RAM as other laptops on the market
  • Some users find the keyboard lower quality

If you need a lot of power jammed into an incredibly compact option, this Apple MacBook is the perfect fit. A mere 2.7 pounds, it is a beast with features and tools, all responsive and lightning-fast. The only downside is if you need a lot of RAM, but at 8GB, it should still fit most people’s needs. This is one of the most highly-rated laptops on this list for a reason.

Best Budget Graphics: HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop

HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop

Price: $675.00

CPU: Ryzen 5

RAM: 16 GB

Dimensions: 14.09 x 10.04 x 0.93 inches

Weight: 5.1 lbs

Pros:

  • Can run multiple tabs and apps at once with 16GB of high bandwidth DDR5 RAM
  • AMD Ryzen processor
  • 16 MB cache, 6 cores, and 12 threads
  • High def display backed by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050
  • Solid state drive
  • Backlit keyboard
  • 144Hz anti-glare display

Cons:

  • Some users say it can overheat if you’re not careful
  • Battery doesn’t last as long as some laptops

While this is thought of as a gaming laptop, it can do far more. It’s snappy, powerful, and has a focus on stunning graphics. Depending on what kind of engineering you’re doing, this visual capability will only enhance your workflow, especially if you’re a graphics engineer. Plus, if you feel like using it to enjoy a game or two in your off time, you’re more than set!

Best Budget Overall: MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-068

MSI GF63 Thin 9SC-068

Price: $590.00

CPU: Core i5

RAM: 8 GB

Dimensions: ‎15 x 15.99 x 0.67 inches

Weight: 4.1 lbs

Pros:

  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX1650 graphics
  • Intel Core i5-9300h 2.4-4.1 GHz
  • 7+ hours of battery
  • Cooler Boost 5 system to keep from overheating
  • SSD tech boosted by NVMe SSD
  • MSI App player

Cons:

  • Some users report hinge stress creating damage to the screen

This laptop offers an excellent balance of advanced features and affordability. It features a respectable 8GB of RAM, impressive graphics, and a snappy, responsi performance. If your engineering needs don’t require a heavy-duty laptop and you don’t want to break the bank, this is a good fit.

Best for Multifunction: Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

Price: $1379.00

CPU: Core i7

RAM: 16 GB

Dimensions: ‎18.74 x 11.85 x 2.2 inches

Weight: 6.55 lbs

Pros:

  • Core i7 processor, 13th gen
  • 14-core
  • Can be used as a touchscreen laptop, angled display, or creative canvas
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX
  • Preinstalled with Studio Drivers and tools
  • Twice the power of most other laptops
  • Built-in storage and charging for pen
  • Lots of connectivity options
  • AI enhanced graphics
  • Can be modified to handle up to 64GB of memory
  • One of the most advanced cameras on the market

Cons:

  • Heavier and bulkier than many laptops on this list

At twice the computing power of other Surface products in the past, this laptop is ideal for multifunctional use. Not only can you change the physical way you utilize it, such as angling it for display or using it with a stylus like a pad, but it can handle simultaneous tasks with absolute ease. This is the most powerful product on this list. Whatever you need it for, it’s ready to please.

Best High-Powered Apple Laptop: 2021 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Max Chip

2021 Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Max Chip

Price: $1834.56 refurbished

CPU: Others

RAM: 32 GB

Dimensions: ‎9.77 x 14 x 0.66 inches

Weight: 4.84 lbs

Pros:

  • 16-core Neural Engine means it can perform up to 11x faster
  • 17 hour battery
  • 10-core CPU
  • Apple M1 Max chip
  • 1080p HD camera
  • Liquid Retina XDr display
  • ProMotion tech for fluid response
  • Refresh rates up to 120Hz
  • Feels like mechanical keys on the keyboard
  • 3-mic array
  • 6 speaker system with spatial audio
  • Optimized for over 10,000 apps and plugins
  • Made of recycled aluminum

Cons:

  • Can only buy this refurbished

There’s a reason that this MacBook is still so high in demand despite its age. They built this beast to last, and it’s powerful and relevant enough to do even better than its successors. It has great port options for connections, brilliant graphics, and can be modified to hold a whopping 64GB of RAM. Just be aware, the price for this model can vary drastically, depending on the seller. Shop around before you buy. The general consensus is that Amazon is the cheapest, but it’s always worth a second look to save some money.

Best Mid-Range: Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

Price: $1379.00

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7

RAM: 16 GB

Dimensions: 10.41 x 14.02 x 1.07 inches

Weight: 5.4 lbs

Pros: 

  • AMD RYZEN processors
  • 16GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200
  • Comes with a one year warranty
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX
  • 1TB SSD
  • 165Hz refresh
  • Coldfront 4.0 ventilation and heat sinks
  • Ray-traced graphics
  • AMD FreeSync
  • Low blue light to protect eyes

Cons:

  • Battery life could be better
  • Not quite as zippy as some models

The Lenovo Legion Pro is a great mid-tier laptop for anyone wanting quality features, gorgeous visuals, and reliable quality. The price is reasonable, considering how much it can do, but be warned that battery life is universally lambasted by users, so if you are going to be away from an outlet too much, you may want a different option.

Best Alternative Compact: ASUS – ROG Zephyrus G14

ASUS - ROG Zephyrus G14

Price: $1428.00

CPU: Ryzen 9

RAM: 16 GB

Dimensions: ‎12.8 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches

Weight: 3.53 lbs

Pros:

  • 1TB SSD
  • 120Hz refresh
  • AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS
  • 8 Core processor, up to 4.30GHz
  • Dolby Atmos Smart AMP speakers
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics
  • Only 3.64 lbs and .7” thin

Cons:

  • Can be prone to overheating

The second most compact on this list, the Zephyrus is perfect for students who need to make the most of their space. It’s also a great value, with graphics and responsiveness that would please most buyers. Battery life is also a win, but you will want to have a plan to deal with overheating, as high demands can be problematic.

Best for Overall Value: Acer Predator Helios 300

Acer Predator Helios 300

Price: $999

CPU: Core i7

RAM: 16GB

Dimensions: 15.35 x 10.47 x 1.05 inches

Weight: 5.95 lbs

Pros:

  • 7 hours battery life
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
  • Red backlit keyboard
  • 7th gen intel core
  • 2.8GHz Turbo boost tech
  • Extra slot for expandable hard drive
  • Back is easily removed for upgrading and cleaning
  • Responsive and fast
  • Great cooling features to prevent overheating

Cons:

  • Not quite as feature rich as more expensive laptops

The reason this wins for best value for the price is just that. At under a thousand dollars you still get great graphics, lightning response, a reliable battery, and good storage. The specs and capabilities are equal to many laptops that are $500+ more, yet it performs as well or better. It’s also ideal for anyone who wants to easily upgrade components, as the back is incredibly simple to remove, making changing parts a breeze.

Best Touchscreen Laptop: HP Spectre X360 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop

HP Spectre X360 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop

Price: $1249.99

CPU: Core i7

RAM: 16GB

Dimensions: 14.09 x 9.66 x 0.78 inches

Weight: 4.45 lbs

Pros:

  • NVME M.2 Solid State Drive
  • 12th gen Intel Evo platform
  • 8 efficient-cores, 6 performance, and 20 threads
  • Lots of ports and connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4 with USB4 Type-C
  • IPS edge-to-edge display
  • Low blue light for eye protection
  • Windows 11 operating system
  • Runs very quiet
  • Compatible with many engineering programs that even high-end laptops don’t always work with

Cons:

  • A little on the heavy side
  • Graphics are good, but not as advanced as some

This touchscreen laptop is a great fit for those who want something that will be able to handle their advanced tools and programs. It’s not as flashy and advanced as a gaming laptop, but it holds its own with solid graphics and good storage. The average battery life is a massive 17 hours, making it particularly well suited to students. 

How To Choose The Best Laptop For Engineering Students

Engineering students require an advanced laptop compared to the everyday user. When picking it out, the most important consideration is getting one compatible with the software you’ll be using in your specific engineering department, whether that be CATIA, Mathcad, AutoCAD, MATLAB, etc.

This means you should look for laptops that have a good processor, like an Intel Core i5 or i7, or an AMD Ryzen, and at least 8 GB of RAM. It’s equally important to have a dedicated graphics card, like NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon, especially if you’ll be doing 3D modeling. 

Also make sure your laptop has enough storage space, preferably a mix of a fast SSD for quick responses and a bigger HDD for storing things. Think about portability, since you might move around a lot. A lighter laptop with a good battery life is handy. Check for different types of ports (like USB and HDMI) to connect to other devices and screens.

Consider the laptop’s durability because you’ll be using it a lot. Think about the operating system too; some engineering software works only on Windows or macOS. Engineering students spend enough money on tuition, so stick to a budget-friendly laptop that fits your needs, without sacrificing performance.

FAQ

Do I need a powerful laptop as an engineering student?

Whether you need a powerful laptop depends on specific needs and the type of engineering you’re studying. A general rule of thumb is to have a laptop that can handle demanding tasks required by the specific engineering programs you’ll be using.

How much RAM do I need for engineering?

For basic engineering tasks, 8 GB of RAM is sufficient. Many engineering students might benefit from a bit more, though, like 16 GB. It depends on the engineering applications you’ll install on your computer.

Is a laptop or iPad better for engineering students?

Laptop features are generally better suited for engineering students than iPads. Laptops offer more powerful processors, larger screens, and the ability to run a wider range of software. These are good qualities to have for programming and 3D modeling. iPads are better suited for low-power needs like taking notes, watching videos, and reading books.

Also see these things you should consider when buying a computer.

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