PhD students in the 22st century have it pretty good when it comes to technology. With more powerful laptops, smartphones, and tablets than ever before, PhD students can easily combine study with entertainment on their devices without sacrificing productivity or performance. That being said, choosing the right laptop for you can be tricky.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the 12 best laptops for PhD students in 2023, so you can make an informed purchase and get your work done faster than ever before!
Table of Contents
Best Laptops For PhD Students
Here I have gathered some of the best laptops for PhD students in 2023 from the top laptop manufacturers such as Microsoft, Apple and Lenovo.
- Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop
- HP – Spectre x360
- New Alienware m17 R3
- Razer Blade 15 studio
- Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
- HP 14″ Touchscreen Home and Business Laptop
- Newest Lenovo Ideapad S145
- 2020 Apple MacBook Pro
- Windows 10 Jumper Laptop Device
- LG gram
- Lenovo 15.6″ ThinkPad E580
- Dell Inspiron 15
Read More: Which Is Better, Dell Or Acer?
Breakdown
1-Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop
- 14″ Full HD IPS
- AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core
- Radeon Graphics
- 8GB LPDDR4
- 512GB NVMe SSD
- Wi-Fi 6
- 10 Hour Long life battery
The Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop is a 2-in-1 laptop that can be used as both a tablet and as a traditional laptop computer. It’s perfect for those who want the versatility of two different modes but don’t want to sacrifice on performance.
AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core Porcessor, Windows 10 Home Operating System, 14 Full HD IPS display (1920 x 1080), 8GB DDR4 Memory, 512GB NVMe SSD storage drive + free 1TB OneDrive cloud storage for one year with Microsoft Office 365 Personal included!
2-HP – Spectre x360 (best laptop for computer science phd students)
- 15.6″ 4K Ultra HD Touch-Screen
- Intel Core i7
- 16GB Memory
- 512GB SSD
- HP Finish In Dark Ash Silver
- NVIDIA GeForce MX150 Graphics processor
- 16 Hours battery life
HP’s Spectre x360 laptop redefines everything you know about PC design. With its new ultra-thin, virtually borderless InfinityEdge display in eye-catching modern style, it is the perfect mix of beauty and performance.
This sleek 13 convertible laptop is available with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, Windows 10 Home 64 bit operating system and up to 8GB RAM for lightning fast multitasking capabilities so you can power through projects at work or school while having fun online.
3-New Alienware m17 R3 (best laptop for science phd students)
- 17.3 inch FHD Gaming Laptop
- Intel Core i7-10750H 10th Gen
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB SSD
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 2070
- 8GB GDDR6
- Windows 10 Home
With a faster 7th generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card, 1TB HDD and 16GB RAM, Alienware m17 R3 offers more storage space and faster processing. The screen is pretty impressive at 17.3 inch with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution. This laptop is definitely a best laptop for phd students and your PhD research needs if you want to enjoy your game or work on it for hours without any issues.
In fact, its battery life can last up to 5 hours. As its name suggests, as long as you are a professional gamer/computer expert then you might have not heard of it before but believe me; after using it once; there will be no turning back from getting one! Go check out its latest price here today!
4-Razer Blade 15 studio (best laptop for phd social science students)
- Intel Core i7-10875H 8-Core
- NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000
- 15.6” 4K OLED Touch
- 32GB RAM
- 1TB SSD
- Weight 9.03 pounds
This laptop is designed to be portable while giving you all of the performance that you need. It has a high-resolution touch screen that lets you design and edit with ease. You can even use it for VR development and gaming if you want! The sound quality is excellent, but it’s pricey compared to similar laptops. This laptop is definitely more for hardcore users. I
f your job doesn’t require advanced specs (like video editing), there are much less expensive options out there. We recommend taking a look at one of these before spending so much on something like Razer Blade 15 studio.
5-Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop (best laptops for stem phd graduate student)
- 15.6 inches Full HD IPS Display
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200U
- Vega 3 Graphics
- Vega 3 Graphics
- 128GB SSD
- Backlit Keyboard
- Windows 10
The Acer Aspire 5 Slim has a 14 Full HD screen, which is great for reducing eye strain. The laptop comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, along with a fast 6th-generation Intel Core i5 processor. To make it even more student-friendly, it’s designed to be used for up to 12 hours on a single charge and features an active stylus that makes taking notes on slides and documents easier than ever. Plus, its 15.2 x 10 x 0.8-inch chassis weighs only 2.9 pounds!
It’s a great way to keep your data secure while also enjoying access to apps such as Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Photoshop Elements without needing to carry around extra weight. Oh, and did we mention it starts at just $420? That price alone makes it worthy of being considered one of your best laptops for PhD students in 2023. It’s also available in white!
6-HP 14″ Touchscreen Laptop (best laptops engineering phd students)
- Ryzen 3-3200U
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB M.2 SSD
- Dual-Core up to 3.50 GHz
- Vega 3 Graphics
- Bluetooth, Webcam
- 1366×768 Resolution
This powerful HP laptop has a 14-inch display and is designed for both home and office use. It’s comfortable to hold, light enough to carry around on your commute, and comes with an extended two-year warranty. The screen rotates 360 degrees, which makes it easy to watch movies on. Affordable pricing means you can buy multiple laptops without breaking your budget. What’s more, it has automatic updates that keep it safe from online threats too!
If you’re looking for a touch of style, check out its sparkly blue finish. HP systems come with useful apps like Digital Pen (which lets you write directly onto photos), Fingerprint Login (for added security), and Support Assistant (which links you straight through to HP customer support). You also get 100GB of Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage included so you can back up important files when using Wi-Fi or mobile internet connection.
7-Newest Lenovo Ideapad S145 (best laptop for grad school)
- 15.6″ HD Laptop
- 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1
- 4GB RAM
- 128GB PCIe SSD
- Windows 10 Home
- Dark Orchid
The Ideapad S145 is one of Lenovo’s cheapest laptops, and still features a beautiful 15.6 screen that can compete with more expensive models. It comes with 4GB of RAM, which is plenty for doing homework and browsing social media. Plus, it only weighs around 2 pounds! The newest Ideapad also has lots of ports on it, making it perfect for plugging in all your accessories.
Since it’s a Windows laptop, you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues like you would if you were purchasing an Apple product. In general, we recommend getting whichever laptop you can afford—you won’t regret having extra memory (especially if you do lots of multitasking), but there are definitely some cheaper alternatives to consider if money is tight or if your school-loan office insists on specific brands.
8-2020 Apple MacBook Pro (best laptop for researchers)
- 13-inch Screen Display
- 16GB RAM
- 1TB SSD Storage
- 2.0 GHZ 10th Gen Intel Core i5
- Operating System Mac OS
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics
Apple’s previous update to its MacBook Pro line of laptops made quite a splash, adding a True Tone display and ditching MagSafe in favor of USB-C charging. All that while maintaining a unique design that’s been slightly tweaked over generations.
Plus, it’s one of Apple’s highest-end offerings, featuring an 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor (quad-core), 1TB SSD storage, and 16GB RAM. The $1,500 price tag is well worth it for such a machine, though you may want to add more memory yourse.
lf you plan on doing much more than just word processing. It also features two Thunderbolt 3 ports, four USB-C ports, a headphone jack and Touch Bar with Touch ID support. And yes—it still looks fantastic.
9- Windows 10 Jumper Laptop Device (best laptop for research students)
- 13.3″ Full HD 1920 x 1080
- 4GB RAM
- Dual Band 5GHz WiFi (2X WiFi Speeds)
- Intel Celeron Processor
- USB 3.0
- 512GB SSD
- Intel UHD Graphics
Jumper is a well-known laptop brand, it has never let you down and always make you satisfied. This time its Windows 10 2-in-1 laptop makes an appearance on our best laptops for Ph.D. list, and it’s not short of reasons why that is so. Let’s see what are these reasons then! The vibrant 2-in-1 device sports a lightweight aluminum body, with attractive gold stripes all around it which can add to your elegant look when used as notebook computer.
Powered by Intel Core i5 processor and up to 1TB SSD storage capacity, enough space could be arranged for all your data including dissertation chapters, presentations slides etc., allowing you to get things done quickly and efficiently with minimum effort while saving more time enjoying yourself after work instead of repeatedly setting up workstation at home or office again.
10-LG gram (best laptop for research and writing)
- 15.6″ Full HD IPS Display
- Intel Core i5 (8th Gen)
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
- Back-lit Keyboard
- 18 Hour battery life
The LG gram is a slim and lightweight ultrabook that packs enough power to take on many of today’s basic computing tasks. The latest Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and an SSD drive will have you flying through your work quickly and efficiently. You can store as much data as you need, thanks to its spacious 1TB hard drive. At less than 3 pounds, it’s also easy to carry around for those long days spent poring over research at libraries or coffee shops.
And with its 15-inch display and integrated graphics card, there isn’t anything it can’t handle from watching movies or playing games while having plenty of battery life left over (up to 12 hours).
One more perk? It comes equipped with four USB ports! That means no more fighting over who gets to charge their phone first. Its wide shape may not be ideal for every desk setup, but you can easily customize it to suit your needs and tastes by removing certain parts like its optical drive.
11-Lenovo 15.6″ ThinkPad E580 (best laptops for graduate school)
- Intel 8th Gen i7-8550U Quad-Core
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB Sata SSD
- 15.6″ FHD 1920×1080 Anti-Glare IPS Display
- Fingerprint
- Win 10 Pro
- Upto 9 Hours battery life
The 15.6 ThinkPad E580 from Lenovo comes with a classic look and feel while providing excellent value for money. The laptop is powered by a 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U processor and 16GB of RAM, allowing you to work quickly and efficiently on your computer studies.
For storage it has a 512GB Sata SSD, allowing you to store all your research and data safe in one place. There are also two USB 3.0 ports as well as HDMI output so that you can connect it to other monitors and projectors around the home or office if needed when presenting research findings.
The 14 display offers sharp 1920 x 1080 resolution too, making it easy to view documents clearly and read text accurately without any issues during presentations or meetings with supervisors. With a weight of 2.4Kg and sleek, lightweight design (less than 0.8 inches thick), it won’t weigh you down but still feels sturdy enough to last years of regular use. Finally, battery life is 10 hours long, which should be long enough to last all day at college or university!
12-Dell Inspiron 15 (best laptop for grad student)
- i7-1165G7 Processor
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
- 15.6-inch FHD
- Anti-Glare LED Backlight
- Non-Touch Display
If you’re looking for a lightweight laptop with great battery life, check out Dell’s Inspiron 15. This is a great choice for anyone who needs to be able to easily take their laptop around campus or home, and not have to worry about charging it too often. As an added bonus, you’ll get up to 12 hours of life on a single charge.
The screen isn’t as high-quality as some other laptops on our list, but at 15 inches, you should still be able to comfortably view whatever content you choose. The starting price for this device is $899.99 but may fluctuate based on sales. While PhD students definitely need top performance from their computers, they also have budgets to consider!
What to consider while buying PhD students laptops?
If you’re a PhD student, you’re going to need to use your laptop for everything from taking notes and writing papers to creating presentations and checking email. With so many options available in today’s tech-laden market, it can be hard to know where to start when shopping for your ideal laptop.
Luckily, there are some important features every good laptop should have, along with some helpful tips that will ensure you get the best product possible and can enjoy using it as much as possible!
1-Size
Smaller is better. You don’t need a 15-inch laptop with a quad-core processor when all you’re doing is writing papers, editing your thesis, and answering emails. You want something small, so it doesn’t take too much space on your desk.
And you want to be able to pick it up and take it with you when you head to meetings or need to use one of those cute cafe tables on campus. Bigger laptops might have more storage, but if you’re using yours to write at home, then storage isn’t that big of an issue.
2-Memory and speed
If you’re going to be working with a lot of data, your laptop must have enough memory and a fast processor. Try to get as much memory as possible—at least 8GB (or even 16GB)—and at least one solid-state drive. Since Ph.D. students spend a lot of time writing papers, using specialized software or watching movies during their downtime, having high-end processors and graphics cards can also be important considerations.
Consider what operating system will work best for you: Macs are generally better suited for design-based tasks like photo editing, while PCs typically offer more choice in terms of hardware options.
3-Battery life
It can be a drag when your laptop dies right in the middle of writing a paper. When selecting a laptop, consider battery life. PhD students often work on planes and trains as well as coffee shops and restaurants, so you’ll want to find one that has enough juice to get you through your travels.
Apple laptops are known for their battery power if you’re looking at laptops by brand. Look into models like MacBook Air or Pro if you need something that will last throughout your school day.
4-Weight
There are so many different factors to consider when picking out a laptop. Weight is a significant factor, especially if you plan on taking your laptop with you between classes or studying in an area away from your office. The smallest laptops weigh around 3-5 pounds, which makes them great options for students who want something light to take with them wherever they go.
At the same time, don’t underestimate the value of weight over other features like storage capacity or processor speed.
5-Price
Don’t buy anything that’s out of your price range. Sure, you might be able to find a product under $1,000, but if it doesn’t meet your needs—if it’s too slow or too small or won’t have enough storage—then you aren’t going to be very happy with your purchase.
6-Keyboard
Before purchasing your new laptop, you want to make sure that it has a decent keyboard layout. The first consideration should be how close are all of your keys to each other and to where your fingers normally sit while typing.
Some laptops, especially those aimed at education, have wider spacing between keys and other layouts that can make it more difficult to get used to, especially if you’re a touch-typist who needs lots of practice.
7-Screen Quality
When you’re sitting at your desk or reading on a plane, your eye will be inches from your screen. You don’t want to squint or strain to read what’s in front of you, so consider opting for a high-resolution panel with wide viewing angles (meaning you can see it even when viewing from different sides). The crispness of text and graphics is another thing to consider.
Generally speaking, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution is fine for the day—to—day tasks, used by most laptops less than $1,000. But if you do a lot of photo editing or enjoy watching movies on your laptop, then look for something that offers 2K resolution (2,560 x 1,440) instead.
8-Internet and USB connnectivity options
Ph.D. students need easy internet access, so make sure there’s an Ethernet port or a Wi-Fi card available. Also, consider that some universities block certain websites and limit data usage. So even if you’re looking at internet-ready devices, make sure they have advanced options to help you bypass these filters (such as proxy servers and virtual private networks).
USB ports are helpful because they allow you to plug in memory sticks to save documents on them while mobile. And don’t forget your phone charger: You probably use your phone frequently during class discussions; now, you can keep it charged up with your laptop.
Q1. Are Chromebooks good for research students?
Chromebooks are particularly well-suited to students because they’re lightweight and easy to carry around. They’re also inexpensive, perfect for young people with limited funds. The tradeoff is that Chromebooks aren’t full computers; they use Google Docs and Gmail rather than Microsoft Office or Apple Pages.
But if you’re not using professional-grade software regularly (for work or school), then a Chromebook might be just fine.
Q2. Is MacBook good for research?
In short, yes. The MacBook is a great choice for researchers because of its long battery life and seamless integration with Apple products. Ph.D. students are particularly well-suited to using Apple laptops—more than 90 percent of all academic institutions in North America use Macs, making it easy to find support on campus if you run into problems. Before buying your first laptop, talk to other students and professors in your program—both about how they use their laptops and which ones they recommend.
Q3. Is M1 or Intel better?
Intel is a company that has been around for about 50 years, but Intel is synonymous with the computer processor for most people. They are among the leaders in the market, but are they the best option? It isn’t a question of whether Intel is the best processor brand or not. The question is: is it the best option for you? When you’re choosing a processor, you need to consider a few things. For one, you want to make sure that the processor is compatible with your motherboard. Intel is most compatible with Intel motherboards.
AMD is most compatible with AMD motherboards. Other processors require a different type of motherboard. You also want to make sure that the processor you’re choosing is powerful enough for what you want to do. You don’t want to get a powerful processor, only to realize that it’s not powerful enough for what you want to do.
Q4. Why is Apple M1 cheaper than Intel?
Intel and Apple. Two titans of the computer world. Both have been around forever, both are the standard to which all others are compared. You’re probably familiar with both, but the only one you can afford is Apple right? That’s not entirely true. Intel chips are incredibly powerful, there’s no doubt about that. The only problem is that they’re incredibly expensive. It’s not uncommon for a single Intel processor to cost upwards of $200.00.
That’s a huge chunk of change, especially if you’re building a computer yourself. The M1 is a 32 bit RISC chip from Apple. It’s not going to be as powerful as an Intel processor, but it is plenty powerful for most applications. The M1 costs about $20.00, and that includes the processor itself and the CPU. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, M1 is your best bet.
Q5. What laptop would you recommend for a PhD student?
You are a PhD student, so you may have to have a laptop for educational purpose. However, you have to realize that you can’t do much with a laptop. You will be stuck with your laptop for several hours on end. So, you need a laptop that is ergonomic and a laptop that can be adjusted to your comfort. Try to find a laptop that has a screen that pivots and a screen that can be tilted back and forth. A laptop with these features can be turned into a hi-tech desk with a little imagination.
Q6. Does Apple use Ryzen?
Apple is the first major computer company to use AMD’s Ryzen processors in their iMac and MacBook lineups. This is quite a big deal in the tech and business worlds because it could mean a revolution in the computer-making business. Intel dominates the entire computer industry, and Intel has essentially set the pace in how PCs work. The other companies manufacturing PCs—Dell, HP, Lenovo—all use Intel processors and are at the mercy of Intel.
By switching to AMD, Apple essentially becomes independent from Intel and can do things it’s the way. And that is the way Apple likes it! The relationship between Intel and Apple has always been very competitive, and this could be the beginning of a true revolution in the computer industry.
Q7. Which laptop is best for phd students?
I think the Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop is great for students and work.
Light weight, but powerful enough to do some light programming and data analysis.
Also, the pen is a good feature if you need to take a lot of notes.
Summing it UP!
Finally, we decided to use the following year as a benchmark and compiled the list of the best laptops for PhD students in 2023. We hope this list will be handy for those who want to buy a new laptop with a certain budget.