A computer is a fundamental tool for engineers and engineering students as they rely on a computer for most parts of their works. Before computers, most engineering tasks were laborious and took lots of human resources but today engineers utilize the power of computers and software to design, test, and make changes to products in real-time.
Engineers use CAD or computer-aided design software such as SolidWorks to design 2D/3D models of their new products and take their ideas from a state of concept to a virtual prototype in a 3-D environment.
Moreover, engineers use computational fluid dynamics or CFD analysis to ensure that drag is minimized for their CAD products such as an airplane or automobiles. Engineers also use computers to make blueprints, house-plans, automate tasks, run simulations, and perform complex mathematical analysis.
For an engineer to accomplish those tasks efficiently, rapidly, and easily; a computer with high specifications is necessary. There are a number of laptops available for engineers, therefore choosing the best one is not an easy task.
As stated earlier, engineers are usually intended to run 3D modeling and simulation software which require powerful laptops with high specifications. Also, most of the time, engineers are expected to do multitasking which is not feasible on medium-level laptops.
Keeping in mind the flexibility, efficiency, and reliability, some of the most important aspects to consider before buying a laptop for engineers are processor (CPU), graphical processing unit (GPU), RAM, display size, storage capacity, and battery life.
If you're looking to buy a suitable laptop for your engineering career, look no further! We've researched and picked the ' Top 10 Best Laptops for Engineers and Engineering Students' which are suitable for their projects not only during their college but perfect for their professional career afterward too.
Let's check out these amazing laptops!
#1 ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim Laptop
Specifications: Available on Amazon!ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim Laptop is one of the most innovative and modern laptops available in the market. It is the latest model of the Asus ZenBook series. It has the most powerful processor. ScreenPad technology is introduced in this laptop series for instant access to your work. The laptop works efficiently for nearly all engineering software applications.
The intelligent touchpad technology offers you six important features such as mode access, app navigator, quick key, handwriting, Slide Xpert, and a number key. This new feature allows you to be more productive as compared to traditional laptops.
The powerful GPU NVIDIA Geforce MX450 (upgraded from the MX250) allows any engineer to do rendering and 3D modelling tasks in the most reliable and efficient way. The laptop is ultra-thin and weighs just 3.3 pounds. ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim Laptop supports WIF6, a USB-C port, a USB 3.1 Type-A port, an HDMI port, and a MicroSD card reader, thus allows an engineer to work easily while traveling.
ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim Laptop has been tested for the drop, low/high temperature, and high altitudes. Therefore, it meets the standards of durability and reliability.
Available on Amazon!#2 HP Spectre x360
Specifications: Available on Amazon!HP Spectre x360 is one of the best laptops designed by the company so far. Having a slim design, it also weighs less than 3 pounds. The laptop has a long-lasting battery life (which is a specialty of HP) with up to 13 hours. So, you can work endlessly with high performance for a longer time. Its recharging time is also less than most of the other laptops.
HP Spectre x360 is also known to have fast speed with high efficiency in completing complex tasks. HP Spectre x360 also comes in 15.6 inches display, however, we recommend a 13.3" display as it weighs less and suits best for students.
This laptop can help engineering students to solve complex problems or run simulations in the most reliable way. HP SPectre x360 also supports IR webcam and fingerprint sensor, so you can make your information and data more secure.
#3 Lenovo ThinkPad P53s
Specifications: Available on Amazon!Lenovo ThinkPad P53s is the latest model of the ThinkPad series and is one of the most top-notch laptops for engineers and professionals. It is one of the most powerful and high-performance laptops you can buy to do your professional engineering tasks in an efficient way. Equipped with NVIDIA Quadro P520 GPU, this laptop can run high-end graphical software and applications smoothly, as many engineers use similar CAD tools that require a powerful GPU.
The performance never renders or freezes while using high-quality tools. This laptop also comes with the UHD 3840×2160 resolution if you want to have a 4K experience. However, the battery life of this laptop (almost 3 hours) may not be satisfactory.
#4 Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Specifications: Available on Amazon!Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is the latest slimmest laptop designed by Microsoft. It just weighs around 1.7 pounds. Moreover, it is one of the most powerful laptops with great graphics and improved battery life.
Engineers can do multi-tasking with Microsoft Surface Pro 7 in the most reliable and efficient way. It can run engineering software without affecting its performance. Although it comes with a variety of processors i3, i5, i7, but Core i7-1065G7 (quad-core) is recommended for a very smooth experience.
Similarly, you can choose the storage capacity, RAM according to your needs. An engineer can work while traveling with this portable laptop as they can carry it easily, anywhere. The laptop is also suitable for taking notes while in class.
#5 Acer Predator Helios 300
Specifications: Available on Amazon!Acer Predator Helios 300 may be designed for the gaming experience, but the laptop can be used to solve extensive engineering tasks. This laptop supports nearly all of the CAD/3D modeling software. With a 144Hz IPS panel and 3ms override response, you can experience the clear, sharp, and high-octane display.
The laptop gives you the fastest and most realistic experience while using various software applications. The laptop is equipped with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti and 16GB RAM that can run software without any delayed rendering or freezing. This laptop is suitable mostly for electrical and mechanical engineers.
#6 Apple MacBook Pro
Specifications: Available on Amazon!If you're a fan of Apple products, then here is one for you! Apple MacBook Pro is a great laptop, however, it's expensive. The laptop is equipped with a touch bar and touch ID. You can work on tasks like editing videos, photography, architecture in the most reliable and efficient way. The powerful i5, 8th Gen processor allows you to do tasks like 3D modeling, coding, designing without delayed rendering or freezing of your laptop.
The screen resolution is clearer and crisp to see the detailed image. The MacBook Pro also comes with long-lasting battery life (up to 11 hours) which allows you to work for a long time without recharging.
#7 HP ENVY 13.3″ Thin Laptop
Specifications: Available on Amazon!HP ENVY is also one of the top-notch laptops for engineers and students. Its super-fast 8th Gen processor allows engineers to do heavy tasks reliably in the fastest way possible. The 16GB DDR4 RAM along with the NVIDIA GeForce MX250 Graphic card allows you to run heavy software applications smoothly.
In terms of security, this laptop has an edge to many of the top laptops available. It includes a webcam kill switch with an integrated fingerprint reader. The laptop weighs only 2.78 pounds as it is one of the thinnest laptops available out there. Its 4K display allows you to see the images in detail. It has a battery life of about 12 hours (which is great).
#8 Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook
Specifications: Available on Amazon!Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook comes with ultra-thin portability and long-lasting battery life. Engineers would be able to complete any extensive task with Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook in the most efficient way. The strength of this laptop has been increased with the CNC-machining of high-grade aluminum. Thus, the laptop has also maximum durability.
Its quad-core processor with 1.3GHz/3. 9GHz (base/max turbo) feature allows you to accommodate heavy work-load on a laptop with maximum efficiency. Ultra-fast, ultra-power, and ultra-thin features have set the bars high for other laptops at the same price.
#9 HP Zbook Studio G5
Specifications: Available on Amazon!HP Zbook Studio G5 is a brand new laptop by the company in 2020. It is also one of the most powerful laptops designed by HP. It also comes with core i7 and 1.5TB of storage capacity.
This laptop is a great choice for architectures, engineers, and as well as gamers. The powerful NVIDIA Quadro P1000 graphic card allows any engineering student or professional technician to work on heavy projects without any lags. The 32 GB of Main Memory (RAM) is also enough to give you an idea of the power of this laptop.
The battery life is very good as compared to the other powerful laptops, up to 10 hours of up-time.
#10 Dell XPS 13 7390 Laptop
Specifications: Available on Amazon!Specifications for the Dell XPS 13 7390 laptop can be changed according to your budget. The specs mentioned here are suitable for engineering students. Although the performance of this laptop is limited because of no dedicated graphics card, the laptop works perfectly for many engineering tasks such as running simulations, drawing 2D/3D plans, and doing programming projects. It also comes with a full HD display and long battery life.
Note: As an Amazon Associate we earn a small amount of commission from each sale on Amazon.Summary:
Most of the laptops in this list are affordable for engineers and students. You can find laptops with better specifications than these laptops in the market but they would be very expensive.
A good laptop can boost your productivity and help you get more work done in less time. We have researched and selected the most budget laptops with the best specifications that can run GPU intensive engineering software such as, AutoCAD, Google SketchUp, Revit, ANSYS, Inventor, Fusion, Blender, SolidWorks, MATLAB, AutoCAD Electrical, PVSyst, SPICE, and other software more smoothly.
If you think we've missed a great product, feel free to share it in the comment section below and we will add it to the list in upcoming updates.
