Are you looking for the best laptops for MBA students? Well, look no further!
This article highlights the top 13 best laptops that are perfect for MBA students. Further on, we’ll also go through the most important things to take into consideration when making your pick. Students often write a lot so they need a laptop that is good for writing. Many students also hire a writer for an essay.
After reading out the whole list, you will be able to determine the best laptops without any hassle.
Before you begin looking for your laptop, it is necessary to understand the requirements so that the selection becomes easier. There are so many different laptops on the market today, each with its own set of specifications and features. As such, it is helpful if you know in advance what type of laptop you are looking for and which features are important for you as an MBA student to have in a laptop.
The list contains the best laptops for MBA students as well as tips and advice on what you should think about when making your pick.
Here is the list of best laptops for management students, along with the specifications and features. It will help you to make the ultimate decision.
Best laptops for MBA students!
Now, let us start with the list of laptops that will be perfect for your business requirements.
The first laptop on our list is Dell XPS 15.
Dell XPS 15 – The portable laptop!
Dell XPS 15 9500 is a practical and portable laptop that is suitable for students on the go. As a student, you will be looking for a device that you can carry daily without hassle. As a student, you will require a centric display which this laptop gives without any issue. As such, this laptop is certainly a good choice for MBA students out there.
This laptop comes with a clock speed of 2.6 GHz with an Intel i7 core processor. It has a RAM of 16 GB and storage of 512 GB SSD. The screen resolution is 1920 x 1200. It also has a hex-core processor which is a processor that offers ultimate performance. It also comes with Geforce GTX 1650 Ti graphic card that can be a good choice for gamers. You can play games like PUBG etc.
The best thing about this device is the 16 GB RAM which gives good storage for the students. It also delivers an anti-glare display which makes it a good choice for protecting your eyes.
Its sleek and stylish body makes it easy to carry. It doesn’t occupy much space and has a 4K ultra HD display. It also has a touchpad to make its usage convenient. The corning gorilla glass gives it durability. It comes with advanced thermal technology that makes the processes free from lag. It also offers different connectivity ports.
The overall specifications of this laptop are perfect for business software and the overall experience of this laptop offers versatility, and it lies in an advanced price segment.
Now, let us have a look at the specification of this laptop.
Specifications
- 1 TB hard disk
- 16 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD
- Windows 10 pro
- 4K Ultra HD display
The overall laptop is a good choice for MBA students. It offers specifications that are perfect for business requirements. Now, let us have a look at the pros and cons of this laptop.
Pros
- Fast processor
- Excellent Display
- Long-lasting battery life
- Thermal cooling technology Efficient GPU
Cons
- Expensive
- Middling Keyboard
- Now, let us have a look at the next entry. It is Hp Envy 13.
Hp Envy 13 – with 4K resolution
HP Envy 13 comes with a 4K resolution and a touch screen. It also has an Intel i7 core processor that delivers optimal speed. With a bright and sharp display, you like to show your creativity by designing web pages.
It has 16 RAM and 512 GB SSD that will enable you to run business software without any lag. This device comes with a futuristic look and sleek design that makes it portable.
It comes with decent battery life and high-quality speakers. It also offers a fingerprint sensor. It gives a 13.3-inch display.
The overall specification of this laptop makes it a good choice for students and general office work. It does fall into the category of budget-friendly laptops which is also important for students. Here are some specifications of this laptop.
Specifications
- Intel i7 core processor
- 13.3-inch display
- 16 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD
The overall features and specifications of HP envy 13 make it a good choice for MBA students and it is portable too. You can pick this laptop due to its portability and performance.
Now, let us have a look at the pros and cons of this laptop.
Pros
- Decent Battery life
- Good processor Elegant
- Potable High-end speakers
Cons
- Fast battery drainage
- Now, let us look at the next entry on our list. It is Lenovo Flex 5.
Lenovo Flex 5- The flexible option!
The Lenovo Idea Pad Flex 5 is a flexible option as it is a convertible laptop that comes with a 14-inch display. It comes with 8 GB DDR4 and 128 GB SSD. It has an Intel i5 Core processor that delivers ultimate performance, and the laptop comes with 360-degree flex, which makes it easy to use. The laptop also has a privacy shutter for a webcam and a fingerprint reader.
It also offers Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and different connectivity ports. The laptop comes with a 10th-generation processor, which is excellent for faster performance. It is best for professional use and comes with a fingerprint sensor that offers better privacy.
It is a great convertible laptop for students. It comes with phenomenal hardware and a premium look and a smooth finish. The best feature is that it comes with a responsive touch screen, which is best for a smooth user experience. It also supports multiple touch gestures. It comes with a long-lasting battery for up to 10 hours.
Now, let us look at the specifications of this laptop.
Specifications
- 8 GB RAM
- Windows 10 Home
- 1920 x 1080 pixels
- 14-inch display
The overall specifications of this laptop make it a good choice for a 2-in-1 laptop. It comes with a crisp image and great audio quality. The laptop is ultimate for management students as it falls in a budget-friendly category.
Now, let us look at the pros and cons of this laptop.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Budget-friendly
- Good for professional and students
- Touch screen 2-in-1 laptop
Cons
- No USB 3 connectivity
- Now, let us look at the next entry, which is Apple Mac Book Pro.
Apple Mac Book Pro – The professional choice!
The Apple Mac Book Pro is a powerful option for a laptop for MBA students. But as you know, Macs are certainly not the most affordable option out there. It comes with exceptional features that are best for MBA students, and professionals. It has Mac OS and a display of 13.3-inch.
Apple Mac Book Pro uses an M2 chip that gives a powerful CPU and GPU experience. It comes with a battery life of up to 20 hours which is the best battery life that any Mac series offers.
The laptop comes with an 8-Core CPU that is best for higher speed and processing. The 8-Core GPU delivers a faster performance of up to 2.8 times. It also comes with a 16-Core neutral engine that is best for machine learning algorithms and a magic keyboard that gives the best typing experience.
It comes with a touch ID and a touchpad with a fingerprint sensor. In this way, you have safe and secure privacy for your data. The overall device offers the perfect user experience for live streaming. Now, let us look at the specifications of this laptop.
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Great speed
- Great processing
Cons
- Expensive
- Now, let us look at the next entry. It is Acer Aspire 5.
Acer Aspire 5
Aspire 5 laptops are known to have a 4.5 rating. The overall experience for Aspire 5 is way better than its price. As such, it definitely punches well above its own weight. It has fulfilled the value-for-money factor. Acer Aspire 5 is a family of Acer which has cheaper products than Apple.
The operating system on the Aspire 5 is Windows 10. The device consists of a microphone that can be the best feature for online classes.
It comes with Intel’s 10th Generation Core processor that gives the best performance for MBA students. The laptop offers a 15.6-inch display which is perfect for management students.
Acer Aspire 5 also offers a quad-core processor which will deliver great speed.
Now, let us have a look at the specifications of this laptop.
Specifications
- Brand: Acer
- Intel’s 10th Generation Core processor
- 1.6 Ghz clock speed
- Memory: DDR
The overall specifications of Acer Aspire 5 make it a good choice for students. One can select this laptop without any hassle.
Now, let us look at the pros and cons of this laptop.
Pros
- Great performance
- Portable Best for students
Cons
- Memory is DDR
- Now, let us look at the next entry on our list which is the ASUS Vivo Book K571.
Asus Vivo Book K571 – Premium laptop!
The Asus Vivo Book K571 falls in the category of a premium budget laptop. It offers an ultimate performance when it comes to MBA software and comes with extensive storage.
It has a clock speed of 2.6 GHz which is efficient for MBA software and MBA students. It enables the processing of large data sets which makes it the best laptop for business school students. It comes with a hex-core processor that enables fast-speed processing.
It has a Geforce graphic card that is useful in gaming and rendering high-quality images. The overall device comes with 16GB RAM and 4 GB RAM for graphics memory which gives the ultimate performance.
It comes with a 15.6-inch display which is optimal for management students having a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and also has an 80% body-to-screen ratio. It also comes with a backlit keyboard that makes working more easier for gamers. Moreover, it also has a number trackpad.
The design comes with a ventilation grill that helps the laptop to keep the device cool. The only disadvantage is that the battery would drain quickly due to fast processing. It also features various USB ports.
The overall performance and experience of this laptop are perfect for accounting requirements.
Let us have a look at the specification of this laptop.
Specifications
- Intel i7 core processor
- 15.6-inch display
- 16 GB RAM
- NVIDIA Geforce GTX 1650
- USB 3.1 connection
- Brand: ASUS
After looking at all the specifications, it’s evident that it is a good choice for business purpose and students. It can handle data and it offers fast processing, which will make the work easier and more efficient. If you are looking for a premium laptop on a budget, it will turn out to be the ultimate choice for management students.
Now, let us have a look at the pros and cons of this device.
Pros
- Hex-Core processor
- Excellent storage
- Great connectivity
- Back-lit keyboard Dedicated graphic card
- Light-weight Portable
- Great CPU & GPU
Cons
- Battery drains quickly
- Less graphic customization
- Now, let us look at the next entry. It is LG gram 14.
LG gram 14- Comes with 14-inch display!
This laptop is in the LG series. LG gram 14 comes in a lightweight design and is portable. LG gram 14 comes with a 14-inch display, and other variants are also available.
The laptop features an Intel Core processor that makes it efficient and easy to handle. You can enjoy a long-lasting battery life. It has a heavy-duty battery that does its job well.
It comes with a 10th Generation Intel processor that gives good performance and speed. The best quality of LG gram is its weight. It is less than any other laptop you can carry anywhere.
The laptop is perfect for the requirements of MBA student. LG gram laptops launch with an 11th Generation Core processor that is best for processing. It can do a fair job with web designing and MBA software. Its models have various screen sizes from 15-inch to 17-inch, and it is optimal for web development and web designing. It comes with a magnesium-alloy body that makes it durable. Its price range is slightly higher!
So, if you have a higher budget, you can go for the LG gram. It gets bonus points for its low weight and portability.
Specifications
- 10th generation Intel Core processor
- Long battery life
- Thunderbolt connectivity
- Good and durable material
The overall specifications make it a good choice for MBA students out there. This laptop will give the best experience for live streaming, and it is light in weight which makes it portable.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Handy 10th Generation processor
- High-memory capacity
Cons
- Expensive
Now, let us look at the next entry on our list. It is Microsoft Surface Pro 7.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – 2-in-1 laptop!
The Microsoft surface pro 7 is a 2-in-1 laptop. This laptop comes with a touch screen and a comfortable keyboard. It also comes with an Intel 10th Core processor that gives the ultimate speed and performance.
It has 8GB RAM and a 128 GB storage SSD that is sufficient for MBA students and graphic designing. It is available in a Matte Black color that gives it a stylish look. Overall, the laptop is thin and portable. It has an ultra-slim surface and the best thing is that it comes with a battery life of up to 10 hours.
The surface pro (7) can change into a tablet in no time thanks to its 2-in-1 design, allowing you to perform all your functionalities.
It offers Windows 10 which gives a comfortable user experience. The laptop delivers three modes: laptop mode, studio mode, and tablet mode. It is easy to carry and the management students can carry it anywhere, anytime.
It also comes with a USB C that offers ultimate usage similar to a PC. The best part is that it is durable, and it comes with a sturdy frame. It has a 12.3-inch display and a screen resolution of 2736 x 1824 which is high-end. The overall experience of the laptop is best for animations, MBA software, and graphic designing.
Now, let’s have a look at its specifications.
Specifications
- 8 GB RAM
- 128 GB SSD
- 12.3-inch display
- 1.7 lb
After looking at the features, we can say that this can be the best choice for MBA students. It is portable, which makes it easier to use. As it is detachable, you can use it as a tablet.
Pros
- Fast processor Wi-Fi 6 Support
- Supports USB 3
- Stylus Pen
Cons
- Minor updates from Pro 6
- Now, let us look at the next entry which is Acer Nitro 5.
Acer Nitro 5 – The best budget laptop!
Acer Nitro 5 offers an Intel Core i5 processor. It is a budget-friendly laptop with a variety of functionalities. It comes with 8 GB RAM and it also offers a 15-inch display. The laptop is perfect for management students and business software.
If you can’t afford an expensive laptop, this laptop will be the best choice. It comes with 8 GB memory that is up-gradable to 32 GB. The best thing is that it comes with a battery life of up to 11 hours.
It has a processing speed of 2.1 GHz and is powered by Windows 10 OS. It is therefore one of the best laptops in this price segment. It can render the layers faster and more efficiently.
It also has 256 GB DDR4 system memory which is up-gradable to 1 TB. In terms of design, it has a beautiful exterior and a sleek look. It gives a smooth performance and provides multitasking functionalities.
Due to its smooth and fast performance, it is best for MBA students and graphic designers. It qualifies the minimum requirements of rendering at a low cost.
Now let’s have a look at the specifications of Acer Nitro 5.
Specification
- 2.1 GHz processor AMD
- 1 TB hard drive & 256 GB SSD
- 15.6-inch display
- Up to 10 hours battery life
- 8 GB system memory (upgradable)
- Windows 10 Home
The overall outcome of Acer Nitro 5 shows that it is a good fit for business school and graphic designing because it is a budget-friendly laptop. It delivers a lot in this price segment. It is a cheap and better option for business software and productivity.
Pros
- Impressive CPU
- Extendible Storage
- Great Battery life
- Wi-Fi 6 Support
- Value for money
- Budget-friendly
- Backlit keyboard
Cons
- Hard-to-read keyboard/small
- No SD or Micro SD slot
The next product on list is Asus Zen Book 16.
Asus Zen Book 16 – Best option!
Asus Zen Book 16 comes with an Intel Core processor. Let us find out how this laptop works for MBA students. Do you know the Asus Zen book is best for all jobs and performances? It is a copy of the Macbook Air. It can handle many business software at once.
Now, let’s be more specific about the features the Asus Zen book follows. The battery life of this laptop is 9-10 hours which is better than many other laptops. It is as thin as the Macbook Air, and in some ways, you can say it is a replica of the Macbook Air.
There can be a conflict between the speed of the Macbook Air and Asus. Both claim to be faster than each other.
Now let us talk about the price of the Asus Zen book. The price is lower than the Macbook Air. It comes with a 13.3-inch display that is relatively smaller than other laptops supporting windows 10. However, performance should be the priority.
Asus Zen book is the best when it comes to performance, so you can consider this laptop if you require more functionalities in this price segment. It is as sleek as the Macbook Air. This laptop is powered by an 8th-generation Intel core which offers excellent performance.
If you are an MBA student, you can consider this laptop for your work. It works like wonders, and it is cheaper than a Macbook Air.
Specifications
- It is light in weight
- Easy to carry/portable
- 13.3-inch display
- Intel 8th Generation processor
The overall specification of this laptop makes it the ultimate choice for MBA students. It will allow you to deliver the best experience for business software.
Pros
- Sleek and stylish design
- Compact display
- Portable
- Thin
- Similar to Macbook Air
- Affordable
Cons
- DDR3 Ram
- Below Average trackpad
Now, let us look at the next entry. It is Microsoft Surface Book 2.
Microsoft Surface Book 2 – The sleek option!
If you are looking for a high-end laptop, then this laptop can be suitable for MBA students. By looking at its features, you can sense that this might be the ultimate choice. It comes with touch support and an Intel Core processor i5. It has RAM of 8 GB and a 13.5-inch display. The GPU is Intel HD.
Most primarily, it comes with a 3000 x 2000 resolution and offers a great user experience. The best feature is that it gives four consecutive cores. It comes with Intel HD 620 built-in graphics. This laptop offers 8 GB RAM and 256 GB flash storage. It is best for MBA students and professional software.
The best feature is that it has a detachable screen so it can be a tablet experience as well. It is not heavy and it is portable. It can turn out to be a good machine for web development and web design. It is available in dual-core processors and quad-core processors.
This laptop can also support gaming. It supports NVIDIA Geforce GTX graphics. It is versatile, and it is a good gaming surface.
The laptop seems to be a perfect choice for MBA students, and professionals out there.
Specifications
- 17 hours of battery life
- 13.5-15 inch display
- Up to 1 TB storage
- High-speed processor
- NVIDIA graphic card
After evaluating the specifications of this laptop it seems the best choice for MBA work and professional use. The laptop is easy to carry and portable, which is perfect for students. The sleek and stylish appearance is a plus.
Pros
- High resolution
- Touch screen
- Detachable Windows 10 Pro OS
- Premium look Long battery life
Cons
- Don’t support hardware updates.
- Now, let us look at the next entry. It is Hp Spectra X360.
Hp Spectra X360 – 2 –in-1 laptop!
The HP Spectra X360 is a 2-in-1 laptop. This laptop comes with a bunch of features that are suitable for MBA students. It is a touchscreen laptop that comes with a 13.3-inch display.
This laptop offers a stunning style from each angle. It comes with the Intel i7 Core processor that gives a fast processing speed and performance. The laptop is thin and portable, making it practical when on the go.
It is portable and easy to handle, and the device comes with a premium finish. It comes with a good storage combination of 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD.
It is full of design and performance and also offers thunderbolt connectivity. The laptop comes with an LED display and a backlit keyboard for better performance, and you can enjoy lightning performance with all-day battery life. It comes with Windows 10 Home that delivers a comfortable user experience.
The transition from a laptop to a touch screen is phenomenal. Now, let us look at the specifications of this laptop.
Specifications
- Brand: Hp
- Windows 10 Home
- Battery life up to 12 hours
- 8 GB RAM
- 256 GB SSD
The overall specifications of this laptop make it a good choice for MBA students. Students who are not tight on a budget can select this laptop without any doubt.
Now, let us look at the pros and cons of this laptop.
Pros
- Fast processing
- Fast speed
- Great performance
- Great battery life
Cons
- Expensive
- Now, let us look at the next entry on our list. It is Lenovo’s Think pad p51.
Lenovo’s Think pad P51 – Powerhouse of functionalities!
This laptop is the powerhouse of functionalities. It offers many features that can turn out to be very practical for MBA students. So let us have a look.
It has a 15.6-inch display with the latest Intel Core i7 processor. It also gives 16 GB RAM and 500 GB SSD that delivers a fast speed. Overall, it is an ultra-modern laptop with a sleek design.
This laptop gives a high-quality and high-end user experience. The device is powerful and it can do wonders for business software and MBA students. It offers a 4k display which is difficult to find in most laptops. The hardware is fantastic and the overall look of the laptop is exquisite. This laptop is best for faster performance.
Now let’s see the specifications of this laptop.
Specifications
- 16 GB RAM
- 500 GB SSD
- Intel HD graphics 530
With all of this in mind, this laptop can be an excellent choice for art MBA students. If you are a fan of Lenovo’s hardware, then this should be your ultimate choice.
So, this brings us to the end of the list of best laptops for MBA students. Now, you can easily select the best laptop without any hassle. But, before making a final decision you can refer to the buying guide. The buying guide will help you to make the perfect decision.
Pros
- High-performance
- Exquisite Design
- Ultimate speed
Cons
- Some font issues
Buying guide for the best laptops for MBA students!
If you are an MBA student, you will require a powerful device. Yes, most laptops will work, but you want to make sure to buy a laptop that is fast, convenient, and can handle any challenges you may need it for. Let’s take a look at some of the most important considerations to make when choosing your laptop.
High Screen Resolution
High screen resolution is one of the most necessary requirements for MBA students to achieve perfection. You will need a big screen to cater to the minute details and cater to your business requirements. The resolution and contrast are highly important. Try to select a crystal clear display to avoid any inconvenience.
A powerful graphic card!
A powerful graphic card helps you achieve the best balance of performance. It will help you to work on professional software without any hassle. Don’t compromise on the graphics as you will regret it later.
Performance
Performance is one of the core factors for MBA students and professionals. You should select a laptop that comes with a great CPU to obtain the fastest performance. The new generations of Intel Core processors tend to give a mind-blowing performance. The entire files are processed on time without any delay. The laptop should be multi-tasking to complete different tasks on time. You need to have a stable system that doesn’t crash.
Portability
Another aspect that you might consider is portability. MBA students and professionals require a laptop that is portable and easy to carry. It gives you the assurance to work anywhere without any hassle.
Try to understand your requirements that you require a 2-in-1 laptop or a centric laptop. A 2-in-1 laptop will become a tablet that will help show up your creativity.
Long battery life
When you are on the go, the most necessary feature to work and study is a long-lasting battery. This will help you to work without any issues. So, you need to select a device that offers all-day battery life. It will be best for professional and centric use.
RAM
RAM is not a necessary factor for MBA students. But, if you want to work on higher-level projects try to select a device with 8 GB RAM or 16 GB RAM. It will help you in storing larger files without any hassle.
For a professional scale, you can use 32 GB RAM laptops too as RAM doesn’t come with additional cost.
This brings us to the end of the buying guide for the top 13 best laptops for MBA students. The buying guide consists of all features and functionalities that are essential for MBA students. Now, you can make the ultimate choice without any hassle.
But, before we end this article, we will let you know our final pick that will help you make the best decision without any doubt.
Our Pick!
All the laptops discussed in this list are great in their own ways, Some are more affordable and therefore have lower performance but if you are on a budget, they will probably still be sufficient. If you have a higher budget, you may want to opt for a higher-performing laptop in a higher price range.
Of all the laptops discussed in this list, our pick is Acer Nitro 5 as it is a budget-friendly option. It offers many specifications that are perfect for professionals and MBA students.
If you are not looking for a budget-friendly option then, Apple Mac Book Pro will give the best user experience. It will give a professional experience on a high-end level. The laptop is perfect for light and heavy software that will give a multitasking experience.
Now, you can select a high-end option or a budget-friendly option the choice is yours.
Conclusion
Lastly, it is necessary to understand the specifications that are best for MBA students before choosing a laptop. The reason to evaluate these specifications is to make the best choice. Every laptop has similar specifications, so it is necessary to have a complete look at each aspect.
Making the right decision at the right time is what we call intelligence. So the buying guide shows all the aspects that are essential for business and MBA students. You have a wide range of options so you can go for any laptop you think would work well.
A good-performing CPU, GPU, and operating system are the essential factors of the best laptop for MBA students and the professional level. When you are making the final decision, you need to evaluate the factors critically to buy the best laptop for business. Apart from these factors, it is necessary to keep your budget in mind.
You can select a cheap laptop that will be able to complete the business requirements without any hassle. It is necessary to determine the requirements of the MBA course to deliver the best performance on academic grounds and on a professional level.
Lastly, you can switch to a high-end laptop for business requirements when you have a budget. This was all for the best laptops for MBA student. We hope that this article will help you out in your student and professional life. These decisions will add a new dimension to your business and productivity experience! So, what are you waiting for? Go, and grab your favorite product.
Lastly, have a look at the frequently asked questions to clear any doubts and further advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about laptops for MBA students
Is a laptop necessary for MBA students?
Yes, laptops are necessary for MBA students because it is often mandatory for MBA students. Or at the very least, it will make studying and performing the tasks much easier.
Is i3 enough for MBA students?
Yes, MBA students require simple software like Microsoft word, excel, etc. So, i3 will also do the job without any hassle.
Is Chromebook good for MBA students?
No, Chrome books are not the perfect choice for MBA students. A big chunk of MBA’s courses depends on financing and accounting software so it is not the ideal choice.
Is Macbook good for MBA students?
Most of the MBA software works on Windows operating system, however, one can also choose Mac books without any hassle.
Which laptop is best for MBA students?
Here is a list of laptops that are perfect for MBA students. They are as follows:
- Dell XPS 15
- ASUS Zen Book 16
- Apple Mac Book Pro
- Hp envy 13
- Lenovo Idea pad 3
- Acer Aspire 5
- Lenovo Idea pad 5
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Laptop review – What is important?
If you are considering what type of laptop is suitable for you, there are a few detailed questions that still need to be clarified.
Depending on the type of laptop, you have a wide range of choices, so how do you choose the right device? We give you a few tips on how to find the best laptop for you.
In addition to the price and the visual impression, the inner values are of course what count most with laptops. In the following, we will explain to you which specifications you should pay particular attention to and where you can possibly save money:
The display – A question of resolution
In addition to the size of the screen, the resolution of the laptop plays at least an as important a role. While the screen diagonal determines how large or compact the entire laptop is in the end, the resolution plays an important role in the user experience.
The resolution is completely independent of the size, which is why the Full HD resolution has mostly prevailed in laptops with a screen diagonal of between 13 and 15 inches. The simple reason for this is that many users use their laptops to watch films on various streaming services, and Full HD or 1920 x 1080 pixels correspond to the current television standard.
Pay attention to the surface of the screen of your laptop. Smooth, high-gloss displays are very reflective, especially in direct sunlight. The matte screens do better and are usually very easy to read outdoors because they are anti-glare and don’t reflect light back as much. Only the viewing angle, in which you can still see a bright image with natural colors on the display, differs in size between the devices.
Of course, how important the dimensions and weight of your new notebook are depended on how you want to use it later. Should the laptop fit well in your backpack, for example? Then a 13 or maximum 15-inch laptop is recommended. Or does it sit on the desk most of the time, replacing a desktop PC?
A 15 or 17-inch laptop makes more sense here. So that you have the best view and can also work well with graphic elements, you should ensure that the display has a good resolution. A QHD resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels is no longer rare, but it is hardly visible on very small displays of 11 to 13.3 inches. With display sizes below 14 inches, the difference to Full HD is hardly noticeable, which is why 1080p is the standard. We generally advise against a simple HD resolution of 720p.
With modern laptops, you should also pay attention to a display that has the narrowest possible screen edges. Cheaper laptops in particular tend to lag a bit behind in this regard. Thin bezels give you more of your display and a more modern look for your laptop.
The performance – the sum of its parts
The computing power is mainly determined by the processor used and the main memory (RAM) combined with it. Do you only use the laptop for surfing the web, for office work, and occasionally editing photos? Then it doesn’t have to be the most powerful CPU.
The situation is different if you frequently edit photos or videos, or work with a performance-consuming CAD program professionally or during your studies. Here your laptop should already have some computing power under the hood and should have at least 8 GB RAM. It is also worth having your own graphics unit in the laptop for more complex graphics or games.
The processor – the heart of a laptop
Intel has a monopoly on processors. Basically, quad-core processors are more powerful than dual-core processors in many situations. Four cores are an absolute must, especially for gaming or video editing.
How strong it should be depend on the planned use. If you want to run several computing-intensive applications at the same time, a real quad-core is recommended. If you value a long-lasting battery and don’t use so many applications at the same time, a dual-core or weak quad-core processor will suffice. Intel’s designations Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 offer a good orientation, but above all the small letters behind them. U is synonymous with a dual-core or low-clocked quad-core processor, HQ stands for the variant with four powerful (more GHz) cores.
Memory – How much RAM do I need?
Between 4 and 16 GB of working memory or RAM (Random Access Memory) are common. We recommend at least 8 GB for standard use, as a power user or gamer you can’t avoid 16 GB. The rule is: With 8 GB you will not go wrong. In the best case, the RAM can still be upgraded, which makes your laptop even more future-proof.
Graphics performance – not only important for games
This factor is particularly important for certain users. Graphics performance is a criterion that should not be underestimated for image and video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming.
Graphics card companies such as Nvidia and AMD produce extra-small versions of their GPUs to fit into the narrow notebook cases. Since the new manufacturing process is from 32 to 16 nm, it is even possible to install fully-fledged, dedicated graphics cards in the smaller notebooks. This means that the mobile versions are in no way inferior to their desktop counterparts.
The storage space – big, small, fast, slow
Sufficient storage space in the notebook is still important, especially if pictures, music, and especially videos are to be stored on the laptop. In the meantime, fast SSD memories are also mostly installed in laptops. However, capacity is still a question of price.
So you have to make do with a capacity of 128 GB in the lower price segment around 500 dollars. Windows already takes up around 20 GB of this, and depending on the additionally installed applications, an additional 50 GB quickly adds up. So if you expect to need more memory, you should make sure that at least 256 GB is installed. Or you rely on an economical Chromebook. The ChromeOS hardly takes up any space, but you are dependent on cloud storage.
You don’t necessarily notice the difference in speed between SSD and HDD when storing data. For this reason, it makes sense to store films, photos, music, etc. on a cheap magnetic hard drive. Among other things, they are also more durable. In combination with an SSD on which you save your programs, you get a fast and flexible system.
For even more memory in the laptop, many brands often rely on hybrid memory. A smaller part is then taken over by an SSD module, which ensures a fast operating system and fast applications. The larger part, often even up to a terabyte, is provided by conventional HDD mass storage.
If you want to replace or upgrade mass storage, you can find out everything you need to know in our hard drive purchase guide.
If part of your data is stored in a cloud, you can get by with less local storage, but it should never be less than 128 GB.
The battery life – mobile office or desktop laptop?
The longest possible runtime is an advantage, especially if the laptop is to be used on the go far away from the socket. In the Windows settings, you can choose to focus on high performance or endurance. However, that is only half the battle. First and foremost, the capacity of the integrated battery is decisive, and how economical or efficient the hardware is with it.
With most laptops, you have to search the specifications for a long time to find information about the battery capacity used. In general, the larger the laptop, the larger the battery and its capacity. The companies may give an indication of the actual battery life in the datasheet or in various tests.
The operating system – Windows, Linux or MacOS?
In addition to the “hard” facts, i.e. choosing the right hardware for your purposes, you should also think about your preferred operating system (OS). The question about this is often a matter of habit. Anyone who has already worked with one does not want to get used to it.
Almost all laptops have a pre-installed OS, most companies rely on Microsoft Windows.
Windows – The classic all-rounder
The latest version is Windows 11, which, like a smartphone or tablet, also works with a store for applications (apps) – the so-called Windows Store. Of course, you can still install programs that you know normally. Windows laptops are great for working on the go.
Linux – Unlimited possibilities for PC professionals
Computers with pre-installed Linux are rare. If you would like to work with Linux, you should use a laptop without an operating system and install it afterward. But even a device with pre-installed Windows can be converted to Linux easily and, above all, free of charge. All you need is a bootable USB stick with at least 16 GB of memory.
MacOS – For the Apple ecosystem
Apple’s MacOS polarizes users. If you love it, you won’t want to miss it again. But not everyone can find their way around the Apple interface. MacOS is hardware dependent and only found on Apple Laptops (Macbooks).
The ports – always well connected
Since your new laptop should enrich your everyday life as a multifunctional piece of technology, the right connections are an important prerequisite for this. Your laptop should offer the following connection options:
Image output – The most common are HDMI interfaces, with which you can easily connect your notebook to your television and to almost all monitors. Note the space-saving mini-HDMI and micro-HDMI variants, for which you need special adapters. The situation is similar with Displayport connections. Due to its size, the mini display port is almost exclusively used here. You have to be careful with MacBooks. Although the Thunderbolt connection is based on Displayport technology, it does not work with it.
Sound output or headphone connection – Even with notebooks, the good old 3.5 mm jack plug is still used, with which you can connect your headphones or PC speakers, for example. The wireless alternative Bluetooth is built into all laptops. Attention: Not all notebooks have a separate 3.5 mm input for an external microphone. This is either integrated into the entrance or omitted entirely. However, you can help with a cheap USB adapter or jack Y-cable.
USB ports – Whether it’s a mouse, keyboard, external hard drive, printer, scanner, SD card reader, headset, etc. – they all rely on a USB connection. Your laptop should therefore have at least two USB Type-B sockets. A particularly elegant solution is a USB Type-C connection, which is smaller, has a higher transmission rate and, if necessary, also transmits a high-resolution image signal. Depending on the configuration, it even provides enough power to charge the notebook.
The new MacBooks in particular are increasingly using the latest USB generation, which is why you may need various additional adapters.
