You are starting university soon in computer science, and it’s now time for you to choose your computer. You will need an excellent computer since you will constantly work on it for school. However, you might have to take some other aspects into consideration, such as budget or even portability. In an everyday computer, you need to think about its performance (how fast the processor is), its storage, its battery life, its operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux), and its connectivity (USB, HDMI, Thunderbolt).
Contents
- Macbook Pro (or MacBook Air)
- Dell XPS 13 (or XPS15)
- Lenovo ThinkPad series
- Microsoft Surface Laptop
- Razer Blade
However, for your degree, you will need a computer that can handle programming tasks and software development efficiently. Here are 11 things you should look for on your next computer:
You first need to consider the processor. You’ll need a computer that can run complex software and compile code quickly. That is why you should have an Intel Core i5-i7 or higher.
Memory is crucial since you want your computer to be able to multitask and run multiple development tools simultaneously, so aim for at least 8GB. If your budget allows, go for 16GB or more for better performance.
You should have at the very least 256GB of SSD (Solid State Drive) storage, and it would even be better to have 512GB or more.
You should choose the operating system you are more comfortable with. Usually, students prefer macOS, Windows, or Linux. You will be working long hours on your computer, so make sure to choose the most pleasant to use.
You should not worry about graphics since the ones in modern processors should be fine. This could be useful if you want to also game on your computer.
You should have a computer with at least 6 or 8 hours of battery life. As students, you will need to move a lot on campus, and you will need a computer that can sustain hours without being charged. If you are running late at a seminar, the last thing you want is to run back to your dorm because you forgot your charger.
A clear and high-resolution display is essential for coding and reading text for extended periods. Full HD (1920×1080) resolution is generally sufficient, but higher resolutions can offer a better workspace.
Ensure the computer has sufficient ports for your needs. USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, and an audio jack are commonly used in computer science work.
If you carry your laptop to classes frequently, choose a durable build and a manageable weight. This is a small detail that makes all the difference. Trust me!
A comfortable and responsive keyboard is crucial for writing code for extended periods. And a precise touchpad makes navigating through code and documents very satisfying.
A computer can last longer if you can upgrade some of its components, like RAM and storage. While not always a priority, having the option to upgrade can be beneficial in the long term.
So, what are the best computers for a computer science student?
1. MacBook Pro (or MacBook Air)
MacBooks are an obvious go-to. You just can’t go wrong with them since it is insurance for reliability. It’s because of their reliable performance, sleek design, and Unix-based operating system (macOS). They work well for coding, web development, and various software development tasks. They also work well with many programming languages out of the box.
Best value – Apple MacBook Air (13 Inch, 2022): 8 hours of battery life, 4 USB-C ports, rapid charging, upgrades available.
Cheapest – Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020): cheaper, long battery life, 256 GB of storage minimum.
Best – Apple MacBook Air (15 Inch, 2023): 14-16 inch screen, heavier, upgrade available.
Better – Apple MacBook Pro (14 and 16 Inch, 2023): the ultimate computer, pricier, upgrades available.
2. Dell XPS 13 (or XPS 15)
The XPS series is perfect for students since they are lightweight and portable, which is very convenient when you carry them around campus. They offer powerful performance, excellent build quality, and a beautiful display. They have a touch screen, long battery life, and excellent performance. The ick is that they only have USB-C ports.
Dell XPS 13: Light, cheaper, poor battery life
Dell XPS 15: Great performance, good keyboard, poor battery life
3. Lenovo ThinkPad series
ThinkPads are very popular computers for corporations because of their strong-built quality and their good keyboards. Programmers often prefer them due to their solid Linux support and robust build quality.
Best – Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9): 512 GB of storage, lightweight, good display, excellent keyboard
Lightest – Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Nano: 512 GB of storage, 12-hour battery life, lightweight
Cheapest – Lenovo Thinkpad E14: Cheaper, 512 GB of storage, good value
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop
The Surface Laptop series offers a blend of performance and portability. They have a premium design and are suitable for coding and general computer science tasks.
Best – Surface Laptop 5: Light, great keyboard
Cheapest – Microsoft Laptop Go 2: Great performance, slow charging
Surface Laptop Studio: Great battery life, great keyboard, expensive
5. Razer Blade
If you’re also into gaming, the Razer Blade laptops offer powerful hardware and a sleek design. They can handle both gaming and computer science tasks with ease. However, they are more expensive than other brands.
Best Performance – Razer Blade 18: Good performance, upgrades available, very heavy
Best – Razer Blade 15: Powerful, expensive
Remember that computer technology evolves rapidly, so it’s essential to check for the latest models and configurations that fit your requirements and budget. It’s also a good idea to read reviews and compare specifications to find the best fit for your specific requirements and budget. When choosing a computer, consider the programming languages and development tools you’ll be using and make sure the system meets its minimum requirements.