Best laptop for grad school | Looking for the best laptop to excel in your grad school journey? Discover top-notch options that blend performance, portability, and reliability. Choosing the ideal laptop for grad school can significantly enhance your academic experience, ensuring seamless note-taking, research, and project management. Whether you’re a business student crunching numbers, a literature enthusiast crafting essays, or a researcher diving into complex data, this guide will navigate you through the key features to consider. Explore a range of laptops that strike the perfect balance between power and practicality, helping you make the most of your educational endeavors. You can also click here: Best laptop for graduate student
What are the best laptops for Grad School in 2023?
- Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip
- SAMSUNG 16″ Galaxy Book3 Pro Business Laptop
- ASUS TUF Gaming F17 (2023) Gaming Laptop
- HP 2023 Envy 16” WQXGA IPS Touchscreen Laptop
- Dell XPS 17 9720 Laptop
1. Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip
Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 8GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, 1080p FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID. Works with iPhone/iPad
| Screen Size | 15.3 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 512 GB |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
| Operating System | Mac OS |
| Special Feature | Apple M2 Chip, Liquid Retina display with True Tone, Solid-state drive storage, Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Unified MemoryApple M2 Chip, Liquid Retina display with True Tone, Solid-state drive storage, Backlit Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, Unified Memory |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
About MacBook Air Laptop
- IMPRESSIVELY BIG, IMPOSSIBLY THIN — The 15-inch MacBook Air makes room for more of what you love with a spacious Liquid Retina display. The durable 100 percent recycled aluminum enclosure is strikingly thin and light.
- SUPERCHARGED BY M2 — Get more done faster with a powerful 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and up to 24GB of unified memory.
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Go all day with the power-efficient performance of the Apple M2 chip. (Battery life varies by use and configuration. See apple.com/batteries for more information.)
- SPACIOUS, BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY — The high-resolution, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display features 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide color, and support for one billion colors for vibrant images and incredible detail. (The display on the 15-inch MacBook Air has rounded corners at the top. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 15.3 inches diagonally; actual viewable area is less.)
- SILENT DESIGN — MacBook Air features a fanless design that runs completely silent, no matter the task.
2. SAMSUNG 16″ Galaxy Book3 Pro Business Laptop
SAMSUNG 16″ Galaxy Book3 Pro Business Laptop Computer/Windows 11 PRO / 32GB / 1TB, 13th Gen Intel® Core i7-1360P Processor, Evo Certified, Lightweight, 2023 Model, NP964XFG-KC1US, Graphite
| Screen Size | 16 Inches |
| CPU Model | Intel Core i7 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 32 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
| CPU Speed | 2.2 GHz |
| Hard Disk Description | SSD |
About SAMSUNG Galaxy Book3
- Premium performance: Accomplish your ambitions with the latest Intel processor and see more on a super-crisp, large 16:10 AMOLED display.
- Productivity all day: Bustle through your busy day effortlessly with an ultrathin and light PC that won’t slow you down. Our longest-lasting battery and get a 40% charge in just 30 minutes
- Do more, and do it more securely: Connect your Galaxy devices and expand your work possibilities. And do it all simply, securely and worry-free.
- Career-accelerating speed: Newest 13th-gen Intel Core processor. Stream webinars and video conferences with ease
- A screen like you’ve never seen: Stunning AMOLED screen. Super-fast 120Hz refresh for smooth scrolling display. Eye Care Display reduces blue light
3. ASUS TUF Gaming F17 (2023) Gaming Laptop
ASUS TUF Gaming F17 (2023) Gaming Laptop, 17.3” FHD 144Hz Display, GeForce RTX 4050, AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS, 16GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11, FA707NU-DS74,Mecha Gray
| Screen Size | 17.3 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Ryzen 7 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon Pro 560 |
About ASUS TUF Gaming F17
- READY FOR ANYTHING – Jump straight into the action with Windows 11, AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU at 140W Max TGP.
- FAST MEMORY AND STORAGE – Multitask quickly with 16GB of DDR5-4800MHz memory and speed up loading times with 1TB of PCIe 4.0. Upgrading the storage is a breeze with the addition SSD slot.
- NEVER MISS A MOMENT – Keep up with the pros thanks to its FHD 144Hz display. With Adaptive-Sync the display synchronizes with the GPU’s output to reduce lag, minimize stuttering, and eliminate visual tearing for ultra-smooth gameplay.
- BLOW AWAY THE COMPETITION – High core count CPUs create more heat when at full load. The TUF Gaming A17 is equipped to handle its high-power CPU with an upgraded pair of 84-blade Arc Flow Fans.
- MUX SWITCH WITH ADVANCED OPTIMUS – A MUX Switch increases laptop gaming performance by routing frames directly to the display, while Advanced Optimus optimizes battery life by switching between GPU modes automatically depending on the task.
4. HP 2023 Envy 16” WQXGA IPS Touchscreen Laptop
HP 2023 Envy 16” WQXGA IPS Touchscreen Laptop PC 24-Core Intel Core i9-13900HX NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 32GB DDR5 4TB NVMe SSD 2xThunderbolt4 WiFi 6E BT HDMI Webcam Backlit KB Windows 11 Pro w/RE USB
| Screen Size | 16 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 4 TB |
| CPU Model | Intel Core i9 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Special Feature | HD Audio, Backlit Keyboard, Memory Card Slot |
| Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
About HP Envy laptop
- 【Powerful Performance with 13th Generation Intel Core i9-13900HX】Powerhouse Intel Core i9-13900HX 24-Core (Up to 5.4 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 36 MB Intel Smart cache, 24 cores, 32 threads)
- 【Customization】Seal is opened for Hardware/Software upgrade only to enhance performance. Upgraded to 32GB DDR5 SDRAM 4800 MHz, 4TB PCI-E NVMe Solid State Drive, No Optical Drive.
- 【Display and Graphics】Brilliant 16″ LED-backlit (2560 x 1600) IPS Touchscreen 400 nits, multitouch-enabled, Low Blue Light, 100% sRGB, 16:10, 120Hz, Thin Bezel LCD Display powered by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GDDR6, HP True Vision 5MP IR Camera with shutter with Privacy Shutter and integrated digital microphone
- 【Connectivity】Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.3, 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps ( and Power-off Charging), 1x USB 3.2 (Power-off Charging), 1x USB 3.2, 1 x HDMI v2.1, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, 1 x Memory Card, 1x Coaxial plug Power Jack
- 【Rock eDigital Feature】Windows 11 Pro; Backlit Keyboard; Quad speakers by Bang & Olufsen; 83Whr 6-cell lithium-ion battery; 9.94 x 14.07 x 0.78 inches, 5.91 lbs; Natural Silver; 200 AC Adapter, free Rock eDigital 32GB USB Drive
5. Dell XPS 17 9720 Laptop
Dell XPS 17 9720 Laptop17.0-inch UHD+ (3840 x 2400) Touchscreen Display, Intel Core i9-12900HK, 32GB Memory, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Pro – Silver
| Screen Size | 17 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Core i9 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 32 GB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Special Feature | 4k Resolution; Touchscreen |
| Graphics Card Description | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 |
About Dell XPS 17
- COLOSSAL POWER AND PERFORMANCE: Fuel the most intensive creative projects with a 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900HK processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6 Graphics, and 32GB of DDR5 memory..Processor wattage : 45 W. Bluetooth Version : Bluetooth 5.2
- BUILT TO PERFORM: Take your projects to a new level. Get AI acceleration in top creative apps backed by the NVIDIA Studio platform. The GeForce RTX 3060 laptops are built to perform in record time.
- 12th GEN INTEL: Intel Core i9-12900HK (24MB Cache, up to 5.0 GHz, 14 cores), and 20 threads give desktop-level performance to power intense creative programs in the convenience of a laptop.
- CREATED FOR CREATORS: With 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive, 32GB 4800MHz DDR5. Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 and Windows 11 Pro, this laptop computer is perfect for creating multimedia.
- INCREDIBLE SOUND: 3D soundscape with Waves Nx 3D Audio for Speakers. The first-ever laptop featuring Waves Nx 3D Audio tuned by multi-Grammy Award winning producer, Jack Joseph Puig.
- Dell XPS 17 Inch Touchscreen Laptop, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, Intel Core i9-12900HK, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, UHD plus (3840 x 2400) Touchscreen Display, 32GB Memory, Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6, 9720 – Silver
In conclusion, selecting the ideal laptop for grad school is a pivotal decision that amalgamates technological prowess with academic requirements. This paramount choice hinges on a laptop’s processing efficiency, memory capacity, portability, and battery life. By opting for a laptop that seamlessly aligns with the demands of research, assignments, and multitasking, graduate students can optimize their learning experience. Prioritizing a harmonious integration of performance and convenience empowers scholars to navigate the digital landscape effortlessly, enhancing their productivity and scholarly achievements throughout their academic journey. Embracing these considerations, grad students can confidently embark on their educational odyssey equipped with a powerful technological companion.
Are Macbooks good for grad school?
MacBooks are excellent choices for grad school due to their reliability, sleek design, and powerful performance. With their user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Apple devices, MacBooks enhance productivity and streamline tasks. The wide range of software available, from note-taking apps to research tools, supports academic needs. However, consider factors such as budget and compatibility with program-specific software. Overall, MacBooks offer a premium experience ideal for grad students seeking efficiency and style in their academic journey.
How to choose the best laptop for grad school?
Choosing the best laptop for grad school involves considering various factors that are tailored to your specific needs and requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. Identify Your Needs:
- Determine the specific tasks you’ll be performing on your laptop during grad school. Are you mainly writing papers, doing research, coding, running simulations, or using specific software?
- Consider the portability factor. Will you need to carry your laptop around campus or to different locations frequently?
2. Operating System:
- Choose between Windows, macOS, or Linux based on your preferences and the software you’ll be using. Certain programs might be more compatible with one operating system over another.
3. Performance:
- Processor: Look for a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor for general productivity tasks. If you need to run resource-intensive software, consider a higher-end processor.
- RAM: Aim for at least 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking. If you’ll be working with large datasets or running virtual machines, consider 16GB or more.
- Storage: An SSD (Solid State Drive) is recommended for faster performance. Aim for 256GB or larger to accommodate your files and applications.
4. Graphics:
- Integrated graphics are fine for most academic tasks. If you’ll be doing graphic-intensive work like video editing or 3D modeling, consider a laptop with a dedicated graphics card.
5. Display:
- A 13 to 15-inch display with a resolution of 1080p (Full HD) is a good balance between portability and screen real estate.
- If you’ll be doing design or research that requires accurate color representation, consider a laptop with an IPS or OLED display.
6. Battery Life:
- Look for a laptop with at least 8 hours of battery life to last through a day of classes or research sessions.
7. Portability and Build Quality:
- A lightweight laptop is convenient for carrying around campus. Consider the laptop’s weight and dimensions.
- Choose a laptop with a durable build that can withstand the rigors of daily use.
8. Connectivity:
- Ensure the laptop has sufficient USB ports, including USB-C if possible, for connecting peripherals and external devices.
9. Compatibility with Required Software:
- Check if the laptop is compatible with the software you’ll need for your grad school work. Some programs might be more compatible with certain operating systems.
10. Budget:
- Set a budget based on your financial situation. Consider looking for student discounts or deals offered by manufacturers.
11. Reviews and Recommendations:
- Read reviews from reputable sources and consider seeking recommendations from professors, classmates, or online communities related to your field of study.
12. Warranty and Support:
- Choose a laptop from a manufacturer with good customer support and warranty coverage.
Remember that the “best” laptop varies based on individual needs, preferences, and the specific requirements of your grad school program. Take your time to research and compare options to find the laptop that best suits your academic and personal needs.