Being an engineering student (or soon-to-be!) means that not all laptops are equal. A suitable laptop or tablet is necessary for every student. However, many can suffice with a less-expensive, low-powered Chromebook. Usable for word processing and internet browsing. Those in STEM fields, in contrast, may not find that satisfactory.
Engineering students have to consider many factors when trying to find the best laptop for them within a limited student budget. When thinking about value versus performance, one must consider factors such as a laptop’s battery life, portability, and display. They should try to find a durable laptop to last them through the entire day and not be too heavy to carry between classes. CAD and MATLAB programs, being resource-intensive, require a more powerful laptop; a budget notebook or Chromebook may not cut.
Top Picks: Best Laptops For Engineering Students
- Asus TUF FX505DT Gaming Laptop
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7
- Dell XPS 15 OLED
- Asus ZenBook 14
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- Lenovo ThinkPad E15
Asus TUF FX505DT Gaming Laptop
Specifications:
- Display: 15.6-inches(1920×1080) display
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 R7-3750H
- GPU: GeForce GTX 1650
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Color: Black
- Weight: 5.1 Pounds
If you are an Engineer or planning to become one and are hunting for an optimal laptop for your work, you have come to the right place. This Asus TUF505 laptop is an excellent choice for engineering students due to its powerful components and lightweight design. Its NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 6GB graphics card and 256GB hybrid SSD storage make it well-suited for gaming, while its reasonable cost makes it affordable for most students.
Further, the FX505 has been designed with the latest Intel Wave 2 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) technology, offering the fastest speeds of up to 1.7Gbps. It also includes a backlit gaming keyboard rated to withstand up to 20 million keystrokes and is perfect for engineering or any other heavy workload.SolidWorks and SolidEdge simulation software are compatible with these specs, which provide outstanding graphics rendering.
If you’re in the market for an engineering laptop that offers a good blend of affordability, display resolution, graphics quality, and gaming performance, the TUF505 is a perfect option. Thanks to Asus’ fast charging technology, it has a battery life of 4.5 hours, yet it can be rapidly recharged to up to 60% capacity in under an hour. Engineering students often opt for the Asus TUF FX505DT due to its robust construction, great performance, and potential to manage gaming and software applications.
Pros:
- Easy Serviceability
- Compact for a cost-effective Laptop
- Two storage bays are provided.
- 120Hz display option is available.
Cons:
- No G-Sync
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Specifications:
- Display: 12.3-inches(2736×1824) display
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1035G4
- GPU:
- Operating System: Windows
- Color: Black
- Weight: 4.77Pounds
For tech-minded people, Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is an ideal pick. This laptop offers an impressive leap forward in the realm of laptop-tablet integration. Numerous great features await you with this device. An Intel Core i5 processor powers this laptop. You can also purchase the same model with an Intel Core i3 or an Intel Core i7 processor – the choice is yours! The i5 version offers enough power to get you through your whole day. It is an excellent choice for engineering students as it has been rated one of the best laptops and works great with engineering software.
This tablet-laptop shares a design aesthetic with the iPad Pro variants. Its screen is sturdy and pairs well with a type cover for typing security. Nothing about this laptop’s appearance appears foreign – it blends in with the other designs you have seen. Despite its tablet-like nature, this laptop retains the same power and quality.
This device is equipped with 256GB SSD storage that provides ample space to store all your files in one location. I’m sure you’ll find it more than satisfactory. This large amount of memory is invaluable in ensuring all applications are adeptly handled. Even with 25 tabs in Google Chrome and various engineering software, I don’t experience any difficulty.
Pros:
- USB-C port
- Intel 10th Gen processor
- Solid build
- Great keyboard cover for a tablet
- The battery can provide power for up to 10.5 hours.
Cons:
- Still pay extra for a keyboard and Surface pen.
Dell XPS 15 OLED
Specifications:
- Display:15-inches(1920×1200) display
- RAM: 16GB DDR5
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Processor: Intel Core i7-12700H
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
- Operating System: Windows 11 pro
- Color: Gray
- Weight: 5 pounds
Engineering students searching for a lightweight and powerful ultraportable that they can take all day should look no further than the Dell XPS 15 OLED 2022. It is our number one choice. Dell XPS 15, the upgraded model, has the newest 12th generation Intel Core CPUs, including Windows 11. The more superior versions of this laptop possess an Nvidia 30-series GPU, providing immense power for CAD operations and gaming.
Further, this slim and stylish ultraportable has incredible power, making it an ideal laptop for engineering students. Plus, it has great speakers and a stunning, immersive InfinityEdge display. If you can spend the extra money, we highly suggest you get the 3.5K OLED touchscreen upgrade — it will make the visuals on your display much more stunning.
Regarding battery life, the OLED model only offers 8 hours or less of use, which is insufficient if you require your laptop to be functional for a full school day. We suggest the XPS 15 with an Nvidia GPU and an FHD (1,920 x 1,200) display for those who don’t prioritize OLED and don’t require a higher resolution for their work, as it is likely to hold its battery life for a bit longer with the lower-resolution display.
Pros:
- Sleek Chassis
- Impressive Performance
- The keyboard is spacious and cozy.
- The 3.5K OLED display is stunning.
Cons:
- A webcam with a resolution lower than the standard 720p.
Asus ZenBook 14
Specifications:
- Display:14-inches(1920×1080) display
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1165G7
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Color: Pine Gray
- Weight: 2.65 pounds
Our top choice for Engineering students is the cost-effective Asus ZenBook 14, which exceeds expectations for its weight. Equipped with a 10th-generation processor and a quad-core system, this Asus laptop is an outstanding option. The Asus ZenBook brings something new: a “ScreenPad” touchpad that can double as an extra display. It lets you easily switch between features such as quick links, numerical keys, and writing textures.
Moreover, This device has an attractive and sophisticated look that includes slim bezels allowing for a 92% screen-to-body ratio. You can take full advantage of the HD multimedia playback knowing you have the most display area available. Engineering students can rely on the Asus ZenBook 14 for reliable performance, featuring 512 GB SSD storage, 16GB RAM, and a dedicated intel Irsi Xe GPU to ensure smooth graphics handling. This system can handle editing photos, taking notes for projects, playing HD multimedia, and doing calculations without a problem.
This lightweight Asus ZenBook 14 laptop has an impressive array of features, along with its convenient 0.60-inch thickness and 2.65-pound mass. Those seeking durability can have peace of mind knowing that it is built with a military-grade construction. Nonetheless, one downside to this laptop is its touchpad design, which can be a bit of a hassle. The exterior is breathtaking but can attract fingerprints and smudges easily. This Zenbook 14 laptop is perfect for engineering students due to its user experience, value for money, and capability. With its all-encompassing performance and GPU power, you can rely on it for everyday tasks.
Pros:
- Stable and reliable performance standards.
- Great Portability
- The touchpad for increased ease of use.
- Stylish and Ultra-thin design
Cons:
- The touchpad can be annoying.
HP Specrtre x360
Specifications:
- Display:16-inches(3072×1920) display
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Processor: Intel Core i7-11390H
- GPU: Intel Iris Xe
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Color: Black
- Weight: 4.45 pounds
The HP Spectre is a sleek and chic laptop, far from the bulky and heavy laptops typically found. Not only is the HP Spectre aesthetically pleasing, but it can also provide you with an ergonomic experience. If you’re an engineer, this is the laptop for you! It features a sleek, modern, and attractive design – making it a real eye-catcher on any desk. This HP Spectre is as good as any other laptop in terms of build quality. On top of that, it can also fold back so that you can enjoy a more comfortable working position.
Isn’t it incredible that this laptop can be transformed into a tablet just by folding it? It truly is amazing! You will appreciate the quad-core processor of the HP Spectre, which always delivers reliable, swift performance. Additionally, it performs impressively even when using intensive software such as engineering programs. The HP Spectre will handle any complex or heavy software you use, so don’t worry. However, its cooling technology should be considered as it is not strong enough to deal with excessive heat. To prevent this, use a cooling pad if you use the laptop intensively. This device is great for using engineering software.
When you’re choosing RAM and storage, you have a ton of options. A solid choice is 8GB RAM and 512GB storage, although you could also opt for 16GB RAM and 2TB storage, as it offers great performance and no complaints. We advise you to acquire the most storage and RAM available for this engineering laptop. Doing so will guarantee that you have enough space for saving documents and data and ensure that the laptop’s specs are suitable for all scenarios.
Pros:
- Elegant and beautiful design
- Lightweight and Portable
- This laptop is excellent for all-around use.
Cons:
- Ventilation could b enhanced.
Asus Zephyrus G14
Specifications:
- Display:14-inches(2560×1440) display
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS
- GPU: GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Color: Gray
- Weight: 8 pounds
Before buying a laptop, an engineering student should think about the processor they will choose. Engineering necessitates powerful processing aptitude and speedier processing. The AMD Ryzen9 5900 HS processor is an ideal selection for engineering students, with its lightning-fast 2.30GHz and eight cores delivering enough energy to operate any engineering program. The Asus Zephyrus G14 is a great value as it has the Ryzen 9 CPU, making this laptop one of the top picks for engineering and students alike.
The Zephyrus G14 will stand out among students with its stylish and attractive design, featuring a white magnesium alloy construction and a diagonal division. The laptop has an impressively slim silhouette, with a thickness of just 0.70 inches and minimal surrounding bezels. The screen can also display clear images, made possible by its 120 Hz refresh rate. Mechanical and Chemical Engineering students will love this. 1440p would be unnecessary for a 14-inch monitor; the 1080p resolution is more than enough to offer vibrant colors and visuals.
The Asus Zephyrus has a hefty 1 TB PCIe SSD, allowing you to work effortlessly. The generous 16 GB RAM ensures multitasking and running complex programs are smooth. The Asus Zephyrus G14 is a great device for engineering students with its small, lightweight form factor and fast typing speed. Despite its lack of Thunderbolt 3 or a webcam, it has the power to run all engineering applications with ease. Weighing in at just 3.5 pounds, this 14-inch laptop is easy to transport, and its responsive keyboard and touchpad offer great functionality.
Pros:
- This battery is an excellent choice for gaming laptops.
- Lightweight and portable Design.
- A graphics card featuring a dedicated GPU offers enhanced graphical performance.
- Great Performance.
Cons:
- No Webcam.
- Thunderbolt 3 is not included.
Buyer’s Guide
When purchasing a laptop or ultrabook for engineering students, it is important to consult the system requirements of the engineering school or department. This buying guide provides the best laptops suited for this purpose, with the selection considering their performance, reliability, professional reviews, and consumer feedback. These laptops and computers must be from a trustworthy brand to provide the most potent combination of power, portability, and dependability, as well as reliable day-to-day application support. Therefore, be sure to choose the best of the best when selecting your laptop. Selecting a reliable brand that can endure for more than twelve months and effortlessly complete the laborious duties without becoming sluggish is essential.
Display
The display is an important feature to consider when shopping for a laptop. Two of the most widespread screen types available are TN and IPS displays.
Keyboard
If you are in the market for a laptop to be used regularly by engineering students or professionals who will require typing quickly and precisely. In that case, a keyboard is an essential component. For those purchasing laptops for general use, a touchpad or a keypad on the side would suffice. Consider this option as it is a good selection for laptop buyers.
Weight
The importance of weight is still a crucial element to consider when purchasing a laptop or computer. The lighter it is, the better, particularly if the bag is only necessary for carrying school supplies and not storing your clothing or other items.
Screen Size
The size of your screen is important if you’re planning on viewing photos, videos, or other visuals – a larger one is great for enjoying content, but if it’s too big, it will be heavier and harder to transport. On the other hand, a smaller screen may not be as enjoyable for watching videos. If you’re purchasing a laptop mainly for gaming, getting a touch-screen laptop might be a good idea for more options.
RAM
A laptop for engineering purposes should ideally have 8GB or more RAM so that no swapping of memory is necessary.
Processor
Figure out what kind of laptop you need to buy. If possible, purchase one with an Intel processor, as they are of the highest quality. Some guides may provide information about laptops with AMD processors; it depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for the best laptop under 300 dollars, it’s likely to have an Intel processor.
GPU
When buying a laptop, investing in a powerful GPU can significantly impact how quickly it responds or loads images and videos compared to purchasing a car with a better engine. If you’re not looking to play or view high-quality games, investing in an Intel HD graphics card instead of AMD, maybe a better option due to its ability to process complex and heavy software. AMD graphics cards have more processing power and memory, but Intel processors may be a more worthwhile investment for engineering students who will be using them for this purpose.
What distinctive features make a laptop ideal for engineering students?
Engineering students require laptops with powerful graphics cards, formidable processors, and plenty of RAM. They must simultaneously be able to run high-demand applications such as CAD, a sizeable mapping service, and a hefty Excel spreadsheet. As such, specs such as a lightweight frame and extended battery life, which are sought after by other users, are secondary to performing intensive tasks without a hitch.
What criteria did we use to select the top laptops for engineering students?
For engineering students, it is essential to find the most suitable laptop for their needs. The programs such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and SolidWorks that engineering students use require a laptop with sufficient power to run them fluently and efficiently. We suggest purchasing a laptop with the most up-to-date Intel Core i5 or i7 chips and at least 16GB of RAM, with 32GB being the even better choice. Additionally, To make the most of certain programs that engineering students need to use, such as 3D modeling and video rendering, it may be a good idea to get a laptop with a dedicated graphics card rather than one that depends solely on the processor.
Engineering students can benefit from having one of the best gaming laptops, as they provide a lot of graphical power that can be used for gaming and more demanding software. Plus, they possess the capability to run the latest popular titles, granting the user a great way to relax after a hard day of studying.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do engineering students require laptops with high-performance capabilities?
Powerful laptops are a must-have for engineering students, as they will utilize demanding engineering software throughout their university years. For instance, Autocad, Solidworks, Catia, and Ansys are all programs that necessitate significant computing prowess. Furthermore, these laptops can be used in their professional lives post-graduation.
What is the minimum amount of RAM required for engineering purposes?
If you need engineering capabilities, 8 GB of RAM is the minimum requirement, but 16 GB is suggested. For the best performance, 32 GB RAM would be your optimal option.
Are engineering students suited to using a MacBook?
If you are an engineering student, investing in a laptop with a Windows operating system is highly recommended, as most engineering software only supports this. However, if you are a big fan of the MacBook, you can still get one and make engineering software compatible by using converters.
Conclusion
As an engineering student, you’ll need a laptop that won’t hold you back. Sub-par hardware can harm your studies, so investing in a computer with more powerful components is essential. The term ‘gaming laptop’ is used by laptop companies to attract a large audience, but these systems are equipped with powerful hardware that you can benefit from. Whether you are a professional or a student, you can choose either higher or lower specifications. Good Luck!