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Many technical experts will tell you that you need the best specifications and maximum performance when it comes to laptops for technical students. Usually, however, these laptops are overloaded, not to say expensive.
As an engineering student at a school or university, you don’t need a powerful laptop that increases your debt on top of your student loans. Save all these options if you need to work intensively with CAE and CAD software. At the same time, it is best to buy a good, fast, portable computer that will last for several hours on a single battery charge.
To help you find the best laptop for engineering students, we will select the best laptop for 2020 engineers.
We also talk about all the important things you need to know to find the laptop that meets your needs, including the courses you’re going to take and the software you’ll find in your field. The specifications of your laptop must meet these software requirements.
Our favourite technical laptops
You will definitely find the best technical laptops you can buy in 2020:
Acer Predator Helios 300 Playbook
Our first choice is the Acer Predator Helios 300, a great gaming laptop with the ninth generation Intel Core u7 processor and Windows 10 Home operating system. It is also equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 graphics card with 6 gigabyte dedicated VRAM.
This 64-bit laptop has 16 gigabytes of memory and a 256 gigabyte SSD, as well as a hard drive available for everything you need. In fact, it comes with all the latest specifications to give you a 3ms overdrive response time for clear, high performance.
What’s more, the Full HD widescreen display with IPS LED backlighting is incredibly bright, crystal clear and has high resolution. Even the keyboard is backlit, so you can enjoy this elegant view while still getting outstanding performance.
- 15.6-inch Full HD display
- i7 9750H 6-core processor
- 16 GB DDR4 2666 MHz memory
- AeroBlade 3D full metal fan technology
- VR is ready with immersion sound
Microsoft surface 3 Laptop
Second place goes to Microsoft Surface Laptop 3, a powerful laptop that stands out for its lightness and slimness. Increased performance, speed, battery life and writing comfort will inspire you with ideas.
This laptop is equipped with the latest processors for better multitasking. It also features a 15-inch PixelSense touchscreen and enhanced omniscient speakers to bring your vision to life in colour and sound.
Thanks to its lightweight construction and high-quality surfaces, it is also easy to transport and move. Whether you want to relax, catch up, design or perform complex tasks, this Surface 3 offers a tremendous power that can do all that and more.
- AMD Ryzen 7 graphics processor for working with surfaces
- 512 GB SSD and 16 GB memory
- Different connection options
- 11.5 hours autonomy with a permanent power supply
- Light profile 3.4 pounds
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
We also like Microsoft Surface Pro 7, which is smaller but slightly more powerful than Surface 3. It may be small, but it can easily support all the technical software you need. It’s even easy to set up when you need more power.
On the one hand you can install it with 4 GB m3 processor base RAM or 16 GB of the latest generation i7 basic RAM with 1 TB SSD. Also here you could install in the middle with 8 GB RAM.
But what is really amazing is the elegance of the design. It’s even lightweight and has a long battery life, making it ideal for busy students who need a laptop on the go. It’s even turned into a notebook!
- Lightweight, convertible design
- Core processor m3/ i5/ i7
- 128GB- 1TB SSD, 4-16GB WIDER
- Iris/ Intel HD, with OneNote software
- More than 11 hours battery life
ASUS UX333FA-AB77 ZenBuch
In fourth place is the Asus ZenBook, the 8th generation of the Asus ZenBook with its Intel Core i7 processor. With a new generation and 16GB of memory plus a 512GB hard drive, it delivers fast and powerful performance on the go.
This laptop is robust and reliable, not to mention its military standard design. The high capacity of the battery is guaranteed to meet your need for durability and you can be sure it will never let you down.
What’s more, this laptop is a true technical tour de force with its exclusive ErgoLift design and an automatic swivel keyboard that provides a comfortable typing position while improving sound quality and cooling. Anyway, it’s an excellent professional laptop for technical students.
- 13.3-inch Full HD with Nano Edge display
- Security hardware for Windows 10 Pro and TPM
- Intel Core i7-8565U CPU
- Exclusive convertible touch/numeric keypad
ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra slim
Another version of the ZenBook is the Asus ZenBook 13, an affordable laptop that doesn’t compromise on performance by providing the right processor, power and clock speed for your technical software.
That’s because it uses a Core i5 processor and a Ryzen graphics card to give you high speed and excellent battery life that you don’t always get with some high-performance processors. This may be due to the fact that this drive is equipped with a new SSD which allows for immediate booting and fast program startup.
All this indicates that it is not equipped with a special GPU, so it may not be suitable for some aeronautical, mechanical and civil engineering courses. But it’s a powerful laptop with a Full HD display and a backlit keyboard on an aluminum chassis, as well as other top features.
- 13-inch full HD anti-glare
- Slim and lightweight profile (2.6 lbs)
- 3.9 GHz i5-8265U processor core
- Different connection options
- 11 hours battery life
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581
Of course there is also the Asus ZenBook Pro duo, which features a 15.6 Ultra-HD nano-edge screen with 4K resolution that allows you to do several things at once and optimize your experience, especially since it allows you to break windows and comes with a 14 ScreenPad Plus.
It also features the latest Intel Core i9 Octa-Core processor with 16 meters cache and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card, not to mention 1 terabyte SSD and 32GB RAM.
Many other features are also available, such as a removable wrist rest, integrated infrared camera, Windows Hello face recognition input, active stylus and ErgoLift design for optimum performance.
- i9-9980HK 9th Generation Octave Core Processor Generation
- 1 TB from PCIe NVMe SSD and DDR4 RAM.
- Windows 10 Professional operating system
- Design of ScreenPad Plus and ErgoLift
- Thunderbolt, WiFi 6 + Gig
Suction power 5
Also look for the Acer Aspire 5 – a great budget laptop for technical students who need to work with 3D models and need a high-end processor and ultra-fast SSD – all at an affordable price that won’t break the bank.
There are even different models, such as older models with entry-level graphics cards, ideal for 2D technicians and electrical engineers, and newer variants that are also perfect for playing different video games while you’re stationary.
Anyway, with a 512GB PCie-SSD and 8GB DDR4 RAM you get a decent amount of memory and operational performance. All this, combined with a 15-inch Full HD touch screen, makes it a reliable laptop that will accompany you throughout your student life.
- 15-inch full HD display
- 3.4 GHz Core i5-8250U processor
- NVIDIA Mx150 or Mx250 graphics card
- 11 hours battery life
2020 Lenovo ThinkPad E15
We also recommend the Lenovo ThinkPad E15, an easy-to-customise notebook that you can configure with the SSD format, RAM and clock speed you want based on your software and performance requirements.
For example, choose between 128 and 2 terabytes of SSD, 8 to 24 gigabytes of RAM, all available with the 10th generation Core i7 processor. If you’re a 2D designer, you don’t need much, so if price is a problem, you can agree on a simpler model without sacrificing performance.
What we really like is that it is very well designed and built, with a robust design, a first-class keyboard, long battery life and generally excellent durability, which are common features of Lenovo devices.
- A revolutionary 15-inch high-end screen
- New and old connection options
- Intel HD 620, 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM
- 10 hours battery life
Dell XPS 13 9360 Notebook Computer
Next on the list of best technical laptops is the Dell XPS 13 9360, which you can also customize to suit your specific needs and budget. You can get it with a simple i3 kernel that works for 2D programs or with a better i7 kernel for CAD, CAE and 3D programs.
It also offers 4 to 16 gigabytes of RAM and 128 gigabytes up to 1 terabyte of SSD, and no matter what configuration you are working with, you can be sure that you can run any program without any problems and without delay.
Moreover, even if no graphics card is assigned to it, this laptop is still suitable for working with most 3D CAD programs. However, if you want something more powerful, you might want to choose a laptop with a GPU, like some of the other options discussed above. Otherwise it’s a pretty good choice for 2D programmers.
- i5-8250-Kernprozessor
- 8GB DR3 FRAME, 128GB SSD
- 13-inch 1080p Full HD screen
- Lightweight profile for 2.7 lbs
Also check out the Dell XPS 9570 Notebook!
Spectrum HP x360 2019
Finally, the HP Spectrum x360 has a modern design and quad-core 1.8 GHz processor with up to 4 GHz turbocharger, 4 cores and 8 megabyte cache memory.
This high-performance notebook uses Intel Turbo Boost Technology and runs on the Windows 10 Home operating system for smooth and fast operation. It also offers fast data access, allowing you to network and achieve high speed with the 512 SSD.
It is also equipped with Quad Bang and Olufsen speakers that offer unrivalled and customisable sound quality. So you can be sure that your laptop will have a lot of fun when used for extracurricular activities.
- Intel Core i7-8565U Processor
- Home operating system Windows 10 64-bit
- 512 GB NVMe M.2 PCIe Semiconductor Drive
- Retractable HD panel with lightning and thunder support
Looking for other options? You’ll also find the powerful Acer Nitro 5 gaming notebook and the stylish Lenovo Y700 – 15.6 FHD.
The basic functions seem to be a good laptop for engineers and engineering students
It’s easy to find the right laptops and technical computers if you know what to look for and how to prioritize the specifications and features you need. To help you, we’ve put together a list of everything you need to consider to find the best laptop for you:
Weight
For students, the weight and portability of a laptop is very important because they can move comfortably and take the laptop from one classroom to another and beyond. This means that you should choose a lightweight laptop with a maximum weight of only four pounds.
However, a balance has to be found between weight and performance, because high-end laptops that can handle all software will weigh a lot more.
Display
With regard to laptops for technical programs, there are three main factors to be taken into account:
Resolution
It’s still ideal for a notebook computer with a Full HD resolution of 1920×1080, so your design, programming and other work will not be affected. Don’t forget that with higher resolution you can see more, have more space to work and even open multiple windows and create split screens so you can easily customize your reports, codes, etc.
Size
The same goes for the size of the screen itself. This is where it gets difficult. On the one hand, the larger one is better from a workflow point of view, which can be really useful for the work of the software, but the smaller one is certainly more portable, which is another priority. To maintain a good balance, try to keep it with laptops that are at least 13 inches in size, so that you feel comfortable on both sides.
Touch screen: Yes or no?
Touchscreens are fun to have, but not necessarily for technical students, unless it’s a convertible like Surface Book or Surface Pro, so it can be used for filming.
Processor
Let’s talk about the processor. What you need here depends largely on the kind of work you have to do. When it comes to 2D software and similar programs, you can really work well with any modern processor and you don’t need any high-end stuff. The I3 and i5 processors are somehow today’s leading processors, and the i5 processor allows you to work smoothly while maintaining battery life.
If you work in 3D or CAD, i5 is the minimum, and the i7 CPU is nice because it works better, although it can also discharge the battery quickly.
WORKING MEMORY
No matter what you do with your laptop, it makes sense to increase the RAM. Moreover, RAM is inexpensive and has no impact on the weight and battery life of the laptop. 8 GB of RAM is enough for your assignments and licensing projects, but there’s nothing wrong with 16 GB of RAM if you want it. You can also get less RAM and simply upgrade to external RAM in the future.
Storage
In addition to RAM, memory is also important. In fact, it is a big problem because you need to install many programs and also save your projects and output files on your laptop if you do not plan to use an external hard drive for something that can be very difficult.
In this case, most engineering students must have sufficient capacity of at least 256 gigabytes.
SOLID-STATE DRIVE
You should also try concentrating on SSDs instead of normal hard drives to enjoy ultra fast booting and soft booting. They also provide faster search results and even longer battery life.
Take a look at this: 8 GB unbuffered single essential memory Contact SODIMM 204
HD external
After all, it always makes sense to have a reliable backup plan with an external hard drive, so you don’t have to worry about losing your data forever. There are many interesting options on the Internet, such as the 1TB LaCie Rugged Mini external hard drive.
Graphics card
For those who need software to work with 3D, a laptop with a special graphics processor is required. But for most chemistry, electrical engineering and computer science students, who usually work with 2D programs, going without the GPU can save a few dollars. To give you a better idea, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Computer software such as ANSYS can take advantage of the GPU to reduce the workload, but it is not a strict requirement and it is better to focus on the CPU and RAM.
- CAD software for construction, mechanical engineering and aerospace works perfectly with any modern dedicated GPU with a 2 gigabyte VRAM.
- GPUs approved for 3D programs such as Quadro and FirePro are only important for CAD-intensive work, but are not needed in the majority of student projects.
Control system
Like most laptops, technical laptops are just a choice between Windows and Mac operating systems. The fact is that Windows is the best when it comes to engineering, because all engineering applications are compatible with this operating system. A Mac, no matter how great it is, doesn’t really support much software, not even as light as SPICE and LabView.
However, if you use Java, Autocad and MathLab, Mac OS works fine because they are already installed or fully compatible with the system. The same goes for many programs, with the exception of Visual Studio.
The Mac also provides easy access to a wide variety of Linux applications and software, which can be beneficial for software and electrical engineering students. However, if you choose to use a Mac OS, it’s best to run it on Windows to avoid compatibility issues.
You want a Mac laptop? We recommend the Apple MacBook Pro MF839LL 13 and the new Apple MacBook Pro 16.
Communication
Your laptop must also have several connection options. Nowadays there are basic connections, such as USB type C ports, but you can also connect to a CD or DVD drive to install software, with Bluetooth to work together without using USB sticks, with serial ports to use data acquisition systems in circuit design and with a projector port for presentations in the classroom.
You can also purchase an easier laptop and simply use a set of adapters according to your needs, for example B. AmazonBasics DisplayPort to HDMI Display Adapter Cable and StarTech.com USB to Serial Adapter.
Keyboard
There are also things that do some laptop keyboards better than others. The backlight function allows you to work and study in low light at night and in other conditions, for example. A full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad also facilitates the coding and entry of reports, which is very important when a large amount of analysis and data collection is required.
Do you need to update the standard keyboard? Try the AmazonBasics wired keyboard with the USB Jelly Comb numeric keyboard.
Technical Laptop Buying Guide
Finally, you really need to make a purchase decision based on your specific needs, which depend on your field, curriculum and technical service.
Even better, if you find a highly functional laptop that works in different areas, there are no limits to your possibilities. For example, a large and versatile laptop can also be used as a laptop or notebook for IT students. You can even hack your laptop! Just stay calm and legal.
Check with your technical service department
The first thing you need to do is check with your university’s engineering department to see if they have alternative solutions so you don’t have to worry about spending large amounts of money on a laptop. Among other things:
Computer rooms
The advantage of most universities and engineering programs is that they have computer labs that are open to students, so everyone can work on their projects and assignments. Computers are guaranteed to support all the software you come across during your university studies, so it’s the only thing you don’t have to worry about.
Remote access
With remote access, you can also use the department’s powerful computers and all the heavy software with any laptop (even cheap), provided you have a decent Internet connection.
However, if the connection is not stable, or if you are working on a highly accurate design, a significant delay can be a problem because you will have to deal with a long update time and your work will take much longer.
View your curriculum
Perhaps the most important step is to review your curriculum and determine what classes of software or software and, if so, what kind of software and laptop specifications it needs.
Let’s take a typical engineering program as an example. There is a wide range of software used in this area, including some of the most difficult software you will find. Here is a list of mechanical engineering courses that require some software:
- Introduction to Computer Graphics and Technical Graphics in the first academic year
- Calculation, creative solutions and design, circuit technology and electronics, and computers in the second year.
- Instrumental and Electronic Technology Laboratory and Junior Experimental Methods Laboratory
- A range of electives and your higher class design project
Here you will find the software you need for each of these courses:
- MatLab – Introduction to calculus, mathematical calculation III, calculation techniques, experimental laboratory methods
- Mobile studio and/or DAQ equipment and electronics laboratory
- CAD program – technical illustrations
- LabView circuits and electronics
- Laboratory of Excel and C++ experimental methods.
- *Possible options – creative solutions and design
The beauty of these programs is that they can run on almost any modern laptop, so there is no need for an expensive high-end laptop. Usually you don’t even need a laptop, because you can access this software through the school computers in the classroom.
For other technical areas, please find below a list of the most common and important software you will be dealing with. So you can also check which types of laptops you need to use successfully:
- Aerospace technology – ANSYS, Katia, MatLab, permanent works
- Civil Engineering – 3D Civil Engineering, Revit
- Process Engineering – ChemCad, Excel, MathCad, MatLab.
- Electrical and computer design – Electrical CAD, LabView, SPICE
- Mechanical Engineering – ANSYS, inventor, MatLab, Solid Works
The best way to do this is to review the university’s curriculum and software requirements. Here are some quick links you can use
California Institute of Technology Curriculum
Georgia Technical Engineering Program
Technical Education Program at Iowa State University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineering Program
University of Pennsylvania Engineering Studies Program
University of Washington Engineering Education Program
Basic software requirements
Talk about the software requirements: Here you will find a table with all current technical programs and what you need from your laptop:
SOFTWARE SOLUTION | VISIT | CAUTION |
3D CAD (CATIA, Civil 3D, Inventor, Revit, SolidWorks) | i5 or i7 processor 8 GB RAM Specific graphics processor | These specifications are sufficient for most technical requirements. |
ASPEN, ChemCAD and electric CAD. | i5 or i7 processor 8 GB RAM | No special graphics processor is required for 2D software, such as chemistry, computer science, electrical engineering and software engineering courses. |
C++ and all other programming languages | Any. | You can really do something with an old computer. |
CAE (ANSYS) | i5 or i7 processor 8 GB RAM | Intensive calculations require multiple physical cores and a lot of RAM. You don’t need a GPU. It is preferable to run ANSYS on a desktop computer, so as not to shorten the life of the laptop. |
Excel | 2 GB WORKING MEMORY | A small amount of RAM will be suitable for engineering courses, but special work in Excel with large amounts of data and modeling will require more RAM, at least 8 GB. |
MatLab and Matkad | 4 GB WORKING MEMORY | For the rare intensive simulations a special GPU is needed. |
Mobile Studio and LabView | 1 GB WORKING MEMORY | Data acquisition systems use a serial interface. |
As you can see, most modern laptops are sufficient for all your technical studies. And even when you’re done with school and going to work, you probably won’t need a more powerful laptop, just like you do most work on a Lenovo ThinkPad P50 Mobile Workstation or an industrial-quality desktop in your office.
Repeat
The best laptop for technical students is one that can run the programs and software needed to work in each of your courses without any problems.
To make it easier we have chosen laptops for 2D and 3D engineering software. People who work in the fields of computer science, chemistry, electricity and software engineering actually only use 2D software and can therefore work with any modern Windows-based laptop.
At the same time, structural, mechanical and space engineers working with 3D software need an additional graphics card.
Here is a list of specifications you should focus on:
- 8 GB of RAM to avoid delays, regardless of the software and the number of open tabs.
- Intel Core i3 for 2D engineers, Intel Core i5 for 3D engineers.
- AMD Ryzen chips (or other AMD processors if you have a budget)
- Solid State Drive (SSD) for higher speed and smoother operation
- Ay 2GB vRAM (GPU) graphics card for 3D engineers, none for 2D engineers.
- 13-15 inch Full HD 1080p resolution screen
- Light profile, maximum weight from 3 to 4 pounds
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