Six best laptops for software engineering students featuring immense processing and computational power for smooth performance.
Software engineering is the most intricate branch of computer engineering and you cannot deal with the complex and power-taxing programs without the immense computational and processing power. You must look for a powerful laptop that allows you to perform all the beginner to advanced level tasks throughout your degree programs.
If you wonder what is the best laptop for software engineering students, give a read to this review. After testing and analyzing various options, we have enlisted the six best laptops that software engineering students can buy in 2022.
Table of Contents
6 Best Laptops For Software Engineering Students
Best Laptop
Specifications
Rating
Price
Razer Blade 15 Base
Display: 15.6" Full HD thin bezel display
CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H CPU
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
RAM: 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 256 GB SSD
Weight: 4.5 pounds
More Power. The 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H processor provides the ultimate level of performance with up to 5.0GHz Max Turbo and 6 cores
Supercharger: The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics is a blazing-fast supercharger for today’s most popular games
More Frames: Incredible performance paired with the fast 120Hz 15.6" Full HD thin bezel display helps edge out the win
Thin and Compact: The CNC aluminum unibody frame houses incredible performance in the most compact footprint possible, while remaining...
Ready To Connect: Fully loaded with ample connectivity including a webcam, wireless-AC, Bluetooth 5, 2X USB Type-A, 2X Type-C ports, and...
Razer Blade 15 is packed with monstrous processing power and Nvidia GeForce graphics making it the best laptop for software engineering students. The laptop comes packed with Intel Core i7-10750H 6-core processor and can handle all the software development and programming tools like a pro. What makes this laptop perfect for software engineering students is its competitive price point, and ability to run graphic-intense jobs and handle multitasking.
Moreover, its design is sleek and compact making it a great option for students. The 10th generation Core i7 processor combines 5.0 GHz and 16 GB DDR4 RAM delivering the monstrous power to handle all the demanding softwares that a software engineering student needs to run. The Max Turbo technology multiplies the 6 Core performance and gives you incredible power for video editing and other software development programs.
This laptop is an excellent option for graphic-taxing projects- thanks to the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti. These dedicated graphics make the Razer Blade 15 an excellent option for gaming and content creation. The display quality is also no less than impressive. Its 120 Hz FHD display with thin bezel configuration looks great with the Nvidia GeForce graphics and enhances your work and gaming experience.
For connectivity, this laptop comes with 2x USB Type-C ports and 2 USB Type-A ports which is somewhat limited. It lacks the Ethernet and LAN connectivity which is the biggest downside of this laptop. The laptop has a smaller footprint but it is slightly heavier than its counterparts. The one-piece CNC aluminum body makes it exceptionally rugged but adds a little extra weight to it.
REASONS TO BUY
10 generation Intel Core i7 processor
Nvidia GeForce GTX graphic
Stunning thin bezel display
Compact and sleek design
Ultimate performance level
REASONS TO AVOID
Hefty choice-4.6 lbs
No ethernet or LAN connectivity
Razer Blade 15 is powerful enough to handle all the basic and advanced level software development programs making it the best laptop for software engineering students. Along with that, it delivers a solid performance for gaming and video editing that is quite impressive for this price.
Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
Get more done with up to 20 hours of battery life, the longest ever in a Mac
8-core CPU delivers up to 2.8x faster performance to fly through workflows quicker than ever
8-core GPU with up to 5x faster graphics for graphics-intensive apps and games
16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning
Apple MacBook Pro is one of the most solid choices that a software engineering student can buy at the start of the degree program. This is an ultra-powerful machine that delivers the ultimate performance level for all types of advanced and beginner-level software. What sets this laptop apart from its counterparts is the latest generation MI chip by Apple. This processor chip is known for its machine learning performance and giant CPU and GPU leap.
It is an 8-core processor that offers seamless performance while running the most challenging software development program. Also, it offers 2.8x faster speed and handles multitasking smoothly. For most realistic vibrant colors, super-smooth graphics, and original color transformation, it uses the 8-core dedicated GPU. This feature combined with a powerful processor chip makes the laptop perfect for most demanding games and video editing tasks.
With super-fast SSD storage, it supports fast data transfer and program execution giving you the best experience even at the most advanced stages of your degree. The superfast SSD storage opens the app quickly, minimizes the input lag, and maintains the smooth performance of heavy-duty applications. Another standout feature of the Apple MacBook Pro is the Active Cooling. It minimizes the task interruption and lag giving you a flawless performance while working on the most demanding tasks and software development programs.
Additionally, you will get all the standard wired and wireless connectivity options to use the laptop in all working environments. The battery lasts for around 18 hours with a single charge which is more than impressive for a software engineering student who spends all the day-long working on the laptop. Coming to its downside, its SSD storage is only limited to 256 GB. Also, its screen size is 13-inch which may limit your experience in a few games or advanced levels of the software development programs.
REASONS TO BUY
8x superfast machine learning
Battery Life upto 18 hours
8 GB DDR4 RAM
Crystal clear Retina-Instilled Display
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited SSD storage
13-inch display
Apple MacBook Pro with Octa-Core CPU and Octa-Core GPU is the most powerful laptop that a software engineering student can buy. With super fast machine learning and a giant CPU, it is undoubtedly the best laptop for software engineering students.
15.6” 240Hz 3ms IPS-Type Full HD (1920x1080) PANTONE Validated display
16GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM | 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD | Backlit Precision Gaming Keyboard | Windows 10 Professional
0.8” thin, 4.85 lbs ultraportable form-factor
ROG Zephyrus G15 with a dedicated GPU and latest AMD Ryzen processor brings everything to the table that software students need to perform assignments and projects. This laptop comes with a 15.6-inch ultra-wide screen that allows you to do all your software development and programming-related tasks without any issue. What we loved most about this laptop is its precise-performance ratio. The laptop comes packed with an AMD Ryzen 7 488SH processor chip.
This is a latest-generation processor that takes its processing power to a whole new level when combined with a 16 GB super-fast SSD memory. From data processing to programming execution it delivers an impressive speed. We did not face any lag or delay even in the high-end programs and games. The dedicated graphics further enhance the laptops’ value for the software engineering students.
The laptop is powered by Nvidia GeForce GTX graphics allowing you to play high-end games, create content, and edit videos on the most demanding software. Its display quality is also good. The 240 Hz display combined with FHD resolution gives you the best color translation and crispy details. For smooth processing performance and multitasking, the laptop uses Unified 16GB DDR4 memory. Fast data transfer and program execution enhance your work speed and give you the best experience for software development.
Additionally, you will get 1 TB of ample storage space that ensures that you never run out of space. The laptop is equipped with a comprehensive intelligent cooling system that guarantees reliable performance for many years to come. The cooling system consisted of 83 fan blades, heat sink pipes, and an automatic dust cleaning system. The battery lasts only for 6-8 hours which is the biggest drawback of this impressively powerful laptop.
REASONS TO BUY
Highly portable form factor
Intelligent cooling system
Powerful performance
Crystal clear display
REASONS TO AVOID
Short battery life
Rog Zephyrus G15 with immense power can cut through the high-end games and power-intensive tasks with maximum ease. Its ultra-portable form factor and dedicated cooling system make it the best laptop for software engineering students.
Thin, light, and stylish – This 2-in-1 laptop weighs just 3.64 pounds and is only 0.82" thick. It's soft and comfortable to the touch,...
The 10-point, 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS touchscreen allows the Lenovo Flex 5 14" 2-in-1 laptop to be comfortable, fun, and easy to use....
The 360⁰ hinge lets you use your 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop in whatever mode works best for you; Use it in 'Laptop' mode for everyday...
Enjoy up to 10 hours of battery life, plus quick charge to 80% in just 1 hour
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U mobile processor with Radeon graphics, you have the performance to do more, from anywhere. With more cores,...
If you want a powerful laptop within a limited budget consider Lenovo Flex 5 14. This is a powerful laptop that uses the AMD Ryzen 4500U processor that offers equivalent power to an Intel Core i5. In addition to the powerful processor, this laptop comes with 16 GBB DDR4 RAM. We didn’t find any issues while running the beginner to advanced level software development programs.
Additionally, it is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop that is packed with many exciting specs and features. The laptop comes with a 14-inch touch screen. The touch screen panel is highly responsive and works in 4 different modes. Its display quality is also stunning. The laptop features FHD resolution for crystal clear results and vibrant color translation.
For high-end gaming and graphic-taxing jobs like video editing and animation, this laptop is a perfect option. This laptop comes powered with AMD Radeon graphics that help you perform all these tasks with maximum efficiency. That laptop weighs around 3.63 pounds and features exceptionally rugged one-piece build quality.
Although it is not the most lightweight option, its sleek design and compact profile give you an excellent experience in portable applications. The battery life is average and under a normal workload, the battery lasts for around 10 hours. However, under more demanding tasks like gaming or video playing, the battery life is limited to only 6 hours.
AMD Radeon graphics
REASONS TO BUY
Highly affordable
Powerful processor
Dedicated graphics
REASONS TO AVOID
Average battery life
Lenovo Flex 5 14 is an affordable yet powerful laptop that covers all the basics and advanced needs of software engineering students. It is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop and comes with a highly responsive touchscreen to enhance your experience in various working environments.
Get high performance, responsiveness and long battery life with the Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor - up to 4.7GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 12MB...
15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Widescreen LED-backlit Display | Intel Iris Xe Graphics
16GB DDR4 Memory (Expandable to 24GB) and 512GB NVMe SSD
1 - USB 3.2 (Type-C) Gen 1 port (up to 5 Gbps) | 2 - USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port (one with Power-off Charging) | 1 - USB 2.0 Port | 1 - HDMI Port...
Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 | Acer Fingerprint Reader | Backlit Keyboard | Up to 8.5 Hours Battery Life
Acer Aspire 5 offers the best-in-class price-performance ratio making it the best laptop for software engineering students. The biggest concern of software engineering students is the laptop’s ability to run high-end software development and programming software’s. Acer Aspire 5 uses an 11th-generation Intel core i5-1135G7 processor.
The laptop processing and computational power are more than enough to handle a wide range of software development applications and high-end gaming. With 16 GB DDR4 memory the laptop ensures lightning-fast data transfer and offers a buttery smooth experience while running the heavy-duty tasks simultaneously. The laptop features the best-in-class display quality and graphics.
Its 15.6-inch ultra-wide display with FHD resolution and fully backlit IPS display panel brings everything crisp and clear. For enhanced gaming and content development applications, the laptop comes packed with Intel Iris Xe Graphics. The dedicated GPU enhances your video editing and gaming experience. The memory is expandable upto 24 GB and also you will get an ample storage space of 512 GB in SSD configuration.
The other exciting features of the laptop include Acer Fingerprint, USB Type-C with thunderbolt support for power charging, and Wi-Fi 6. The battery life is around 6-8 hours which is probably the biggest snag of this laptop. It weighs around 3.63 lbs, but this weight is quite acceptable for an ultra-wide display size like 15.6 inches.
REASONS TO BUY
Muti-core and multi-thread CPU
Best price-performance ratio
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
16 GB DDR4 memory
REASONS TO AVOID
A little hefty
Average battery life
Acer Aspire 5 with a powerful multi-core CPU and 16 GB DDR4 RAM delivers enough power to handle all the tasks that software engineering students need to perform throughout their degree. The laptop offers hardware upgradation and with a dedicated GPU, it enhances your gaming experience.
HP Pavilion 15 is the best laptop under $1000 that a software engineering student can buy. Like all other newest HP models this laptop is a blend of high-performance features and stunning design. As a software engineering student, you need to look for a powerful latest processor and a big RAM to support your power-taxing tasks.
This laptop is powered by an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 1165G7. This is a multi-thread processor that can take its processing power to infinity when combined with 16 GB DDR4 memory. The laptop promises smooth multitasking and task efficiency even in the most stressful situations.
It’s a big-screen laptop that comes with a 15.6-inch display with an IPS panel. Additionally, its FHD resolution offers a crystal clear view of everything. You will get a dedicated Intel Iris Xe GPU allowing you to play games and run high-end program development applications.
The thin bezel design, fast battery charging, and stable battery performance are other exciting features of the laptop. The average battery life of the laptop is around 8-10 hours, which is okay but not very impressive. The laptop weighs around 4 lbs and is a little hefty for the students who have to carry a lot of other essentials with them on the campus.
11th Generation Processor
REASONS TO BUY
Powerful 11th generation processor
Ideal for gaming and video editing
Immersive Intel graphics
Fast charge technology
Thin bezel ultra-wide display
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited battery life
Weighs 3+ lbs
HP Pavilion 15 laptop is a great combo of affordable price and power performance making it the best laptop for software engineering students. Although its battery life is a little limited, the HP fast charging technology ensures that you regain your power in no time.
What To Look For While Buying A Laptop For Software Engineering Students?
Software engineering students should be very careful while buying a laptop, as not every laptop will work for them. A software engineering student needs a powerful setup that can handle all beginner to advanced level softwares and programs throughout the degree. To help you make a safe investment here’s a brief guide discussing all the features that you must look at while buying a new laptop.
The processor chip is the biggest concern of software engineering students as the laptop’s ability to run programs and software development applications largely depends on the processor. The minimum CPU requirement of software engineering students is the AMD 5 ryzen or Intel Core i5 10th generation processors.
Anything under this will completely limit your experience and you won’t be able to run the power-taxing programs. However, for flawless experience throughout your degree program, you should look for high-end multi-core processors like the 11th generation Intel Core i7.
RAM
To run the multiple applications simultaneously and at an acceptable work speed while running power-taxing applications you need a powerful RAM. As a software engineering student, you should look for a minimum of 8 GB DDR4 RAM. But the safest option is the 16 GB DDR4 as it allows you to do the video editing and supports the high-end gaming.
Graphics
Software engineering students need a dedicated GPU in the laptop and you must look for powerful Graphics when buying a new laptop. Nvidia GeForce Graphics and Intel Iris Xe graphics are the best options.
Battery
Stable battery performance and long battery life should be among your top concerns. For a smooth and uninterrupted experience throughout the day, you must look for a laptop offering at least 10 hours of battery life.
Size And Weight
As a student, you need to create a balance between the weight and size of the laptop. Big screen sizes tend to be heavier and offer limited portability. It is advised to buy a laptop between 14-16 inch screen sizes and weighing between 3 to 4 lbs.
FAQs
Which laptop is best for programming and coding?
Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip features 8 GB DDR4 RAM and superfast machine learning making it the best laptop for programming and coding.
How much RAM do I need for coding?
For program development and coding, you need RAM between 8 GB to 16 GB. An 8GB RAM is sufficient to handle all the software development applications but you may not enjoy the smooth experience and ultra-fast speed. Therefore you should prefer 16 GB RAM for coding.
Wrapping Up
So here we come to an end to the review of the best laptops for software engineering students. Software engineering is a dynamic field where new developments are being made every day. Therefore it is recommended to go with the latest technologies and also you should prefer the upgradable hardware. Our two favorites on the list are:
HP Pavilion 15 Laptop for its thin bezel ultra-wide display, fast charging technology, dedicated Intel graphics, and impressive price-performance ratio.
We are hopeful that this review and buying guide will help you choose the best laptop for your software engineering degree. While buying a new laptop you must focus on the weight-size and price-performance ratio of the laptop.
