Why is it important for you to choose the best tablet and best laptop for med school that can last throughout the long years you’re going to spend in there?
The age of technology has dawned upon the field of medical study. Usage of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are largely incorporated in the health curricula in almost any medical school not only in the U.S. but also worldwide!
Stepping into med school without the right electronic learning tools will get in your way from an optimal learning experience. That’s why you need to make a wise decision in choosing a laptop. So, let me help you with this list of the best laptops for med school!
In this post, I’m going to provide you with my recommendations that will blend in well with your academic needs as a med student!
Bonus: Want a full library of free medical school eBooks, video courses, and training? Click here to get access to your free med school advice library!
Why Do Medical Students Need Laptops?
Why do you need to go over this list of best laptops for med school? Let’s first understand the academic setting in medical school!
When educational practitioners have discovered the positive effects of utilizing laptops in students, they slowly initiated the transition from a traditional model of teaching to a digital classroom.
We’ve been introduced to this modern academe in which you will find technology integrated into the curriculum across schools and universities worldwide.
You can now present in front of the class through PowerPoint. Files can be made with Word or Excel. Your professors even distribute workload through chatrooms.
Instead of purchasing hardbound books and carrying them to school every day, you now have access to a digital library that can be downloaded right into your functional and convenient tablet. (Check out some of my favorite!)
The ever-changing health care environment, modified societal expectations, remodeling of physician roles, and the changes medical science faces all contribute to an alteration in the medical education scene. Thus, pushing the limits of using technology in this academic setting.
By utilizing electronic learning devices, goals in medical education are now comprised of improving decision making, improve skill coordination, improving psychomotor skills, practicing critical events through simulations, and incorporate technology in the basic learning process.
Technological tools like podcasts, videos, mobile devices installed with software, applications, and simulations are used to adapt to the technology-integrated medical education across academic institutions.
As a med student, doing research, presentations and most of your study will most likely require you to pull out your tablet or turn on your laptop.
Studies On The Usage Of E-Learning Tools In The Medical Academic Setting
In fact, a recent study shows that students from the Faculty of Health at Witten/Herdecke University have at least 2 electronic devices – smartphones and laptops. 97.4% of students have their own smartphones. Meanwhile, 94.8% of them own at least 1 functional laptop.
Statistics indicate electronic device ownership was the highest among medical students, compared to dental, psychology, and nursing science students. They shared the opinion that electronic devices enabled them to internalize an effective learning process.
A paper on the impact of laptop use on student achievement supports this opinion and suggests that students who own laptops spend more time in collaborative work, produce writing of high quality accompanied with greater length, improve research analysis skills, have increased access to information on the Internet, and participate in more projects.
Moreover, further research shows students who own laptops direct their own learning process, have a greater reliance on active learning strategies and engage more in problem-solving and critical thinking compared to non-laptop users.
The need for laptops for med school has been proven essential as shown by the studies mentioned above. Med schools in the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), University of Kentucky (UK), and University of Virginia (UV) among others even post certain requirements that the student’s laptops must meet.
That’s why I can’t emphasize enough why you need to choose the most optimal and best laptop for med school.
Bonus: Want a full library of free medical school eBooks, video courses, and training? Click here to get access to your free med school advice library!
Laptop Or Tablet For Medical School?
While it’s true that owning mobile devices could definitely be utilized in your academic pursuits – does this mean you have to own these all at the same time?
As much as possible, yes. Investing in practical tablets and in the best laptops for med school will go a long way, for sure.
But considering the amount of money you will spend on expensive tuition fees, you’re probably going to be on a tight budget. I mean, not everyone’s financial situation is the same.
Don’t worry, I already did the work for you and made you a list of the best tablets you could choose from and you can decide which one to purchase depending on your financial and functionality needs.
If you want a hybrid of a laptop and a tablet, then you might as well get a 2-in-1 laptop. Here are the top 10 best 2-in-1 laptops for medical students.
Before we completely immerse ourselves in the list of best laptops for med school, you must first understand the different factors you must consider when buying a laptop for med school.
Here are a few things that are important when considering buying a laptop for medical school.
| Specs | Recommended option |
| Display | You want to be able to split screens for a comfortable experience since you’ll be doing a lot of multi-tasking. Go for 1080p or 900p resolution, with 12 inches and above. |
| Weight | Nobody wants to carry around a heavy laptop on top of the textbooks placed in their bag already. An optimal choice would be 3 lbs. and something that doesn’t go over 5 lbs. |
| Storage | Something over 128 GB is recommended to keep all your e-books and files compact in one place. |
| Keyboard | Anything as long as it’s responsive and comfortable for you to use. |
| RAM | 4 GB RAM will work alright for you since most of the work you’ll be doing would include Microsoft Office and browsing the Internet. However, if you’re a heavy multi-tasker, I’d recommend you go for 8 GB RAM. |
| CPU | Considering that you will most likely be running some software as you step into your higher years, the ideal processor for you would be Intel Core i5 of the 7th or 8th generation or Intel Core i7. |
| GPU | As for the graphics card, it’s not that crucial unless you want to be gaming in your spare time. You can settle for Intel HD or UHD. |
| Battery | We’re talking about long hours of studying and doing homework. Especially if you reside in a dorm, chances are you want to save up on electricity bills, too. You need something that will last for 8 to 15 hours or more. |
12 Best Laptops For Med School
Bonus: Want a full library of free medical school eBooks, video courses, and training? Click here to get access to your free med school advice library!
MacBook Air (2020)
Technical Specifications:
| Display | 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560-by-1600 native resolution at 227 pixels per inch with support for millions of colors |
| Weight | 2.8 pounds (1.25kg) |
| Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB SSD |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Processor | System on Chip (SoC) Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores; 16-core Neural Engine |
| GPU | Up to Apple 8-core GPU |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours Apple TV app movie playback (varies by use) |
| Operating System | MacOS |
Other Specifications:
| Charing and Expansion | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports with support for: Charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40 Gbps), USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) |
| Connectivity | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking; IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatible. Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology |
| Camera | 720p Facetime HD webcam |
| Touch ID | Yes |
| In the box | 13-inch MacBook Air, 30W USB-C Power Adapter, USB-C Charge Cable (2 m) |
MacBook Air is one of the best laptops for med school and has always been the perfect choice for med students. With one of the fastest SSD Apple has produced, you wouldn’t have any time to waste waiting for your laptop to boot. In literally just seconds, your laptop is already up and running.
It is also one of the lightest MacBooks that Apple has manufactured. It’s thin and light, enabling you to fit in more stuff into your bag. You wouldn’t even know that you’re carrying a laptop!
Since you’re doing long hours of work, the battery life of Macbook Air can last up to 18 hours. This is remarkable considering that it’s an Apple product, which usually had issues regarding battery life.
Though the display is only 13 inches in dimensions, it will still work enough for you to split screens and multi-task. Plus, the Retina True Tone display enables you to view histology images as precisely and accurately as the real image seen on the microscope.
All these features enable you to start studying and working immediately whenever and wherever you are. But of course, there are downsides you have to consider, as well.
First off, it’s not Windows. It’s Mac OS. Some med schools do not recommend this operating system because some of the software you are required to install may not be compatible with it.
Moreover, you have to consider whether this laptop will fit your budget because honestly, Apple products are expensive as hell. It comes with the brand image, of course.
It would do you great if you can manage to afford it on top of your tuition fees, but if you’re one of the unlucky ones – don’t worry! Later on, I have a list of the best laptops if you’re on a shoestring budget.
Pros:
- Professional and stylish design
- Long battery life
- Quick start-up
- Lightweight, thin, and compact
- 256/512 GB SSD for maximum storage of files without the need for external storage
Cons:
- Only three ports
- Pricing of $1,199.00 at the time of writing
To know more about the features of the Macbook Air and why it’s one of the best laptops for med school, check it out on Amazon now.
- All-Day Battery Life – Go longer than ever with up to 18 hours of battery life.
- Powerful Performance – Take on everything from professional-quality editing to action-packed gaming with ease. The Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance than the previous generation while using way less power.
- Superfast Memory – 8GB of unified memory makes your entire system speedy and responsive. That way it can support tasks like memory-hogging multitab browsing and opening a huge graphic file quickly and easily.
- Stunning Display – With a 13.3” Retina display, images come alive with new levels of realism. Text is sharp and clear, and colors are more vibrant.
- Why Mac – Easy to learn. Easy to set up. Astoundingly powerful. Intuitive. Packed with apps to use right out of the box. Mac is designed to let you work, play, and create like never before.
- Simply Compatible – All your existing apps work, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive. Plus you can use your favorite iPhone and iPad apps directly on macOS. Altogether you’ll have access to the biggest collection of apps ever for Mac. All available on the App Store.
- Easy to Learn – If you already have an iPhone, MacBook Air feels familiar from the moment you turn it on. And it works perfectly with all your Apple devices. Use your iPad to extend the workspace of your Mac, answer texts and phone calls directly on your Mac, and more.
- Fanless Design – Your MacBook Air stays cool and runs quietly even while tackling intense workloads.
- AppleCare – Every Mac comes with a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. Get AppleCare+ to extend your coverage and reduce the stress and cost of unexpected repairs.
- Environmentally Friendly – MacBook Air is made with a 100% recycled aluminum enclosure and uses less energy for a smaller carbon footprint.
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HP Spectre X360
Technical Specifications:
| Display | 13.3-inch, FHD IPS Radiance Infinity LED-backlit touch screen (1920 x 1080) |
| Weight | 3.33 pounds |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Processor | 2.5 GHz core_i7 |
| GPU | Intel HD Graphics 520 |
| Battery | 12 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 8 |
This is actually a version of my current daily laptop for medical school and residency – and I love it!
This one is a convertible, meaning you can also use it as a tablet by folding the lid all the way back. This is especially convenient for instances you want to directly write on your tablet with the stylus HP offers in this bundle.
Its build quality is top-grade with its unibody aluminum design similar to the MacBook. What’s remarkable here is even though it’s all-metal, it’s still lightweight for you to carry it to the classroom, library, and cafes.
However, the downside to this aluminum design is its affinity for fingerprints. In other words – it’s a fingerprint magnet.
If you are running on 3 hours of sleep and a lot of caffeine, then accidentally drop your things due to some bizarre reason, the HP Spectre x360 will still live to tell the tale. Its Corning Gorilla Glass display makes it resistant to scratches and bumps.
The Intel i7 processor together with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD makes this convertible extremely powerful, enabling you to make the most out of your laptop and do as much work as possible for up to 12 hours on a single charge.
Pros:
- Comfortable keyboard
- High-quality speakers
- Comes with a stylus for writing your notes
- Top-grade unibody aluminum design
- Lightweight despite its aluminum body
Cons:
- Premium pricing of $1,058.00 at the time of writing
- Quite difficult to grasp as a tablet due to its all-metal design
Check out why this powerful HP Spectre is one of the best laptops for med school on Amazon!
- 13.3 multitouch screen BrightView glossy screen maintains the vivid colors in your photos and videos. 3840 x 2160 native resolution. AMOLED technology. AMOLED backlight.
- 8GB system memory for advanced multitasking Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.
- 256GB Solid State Drive (PCI-e)
- 360° flip-and-fold design
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MacBook Pro (2020)
Technical Specifications:
| Display | 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560-by-1600 native resolution at 227 pixels per inch with support for millions of colors; 16:10 aspect ratio |
| Weight | 3.1 pounds (1.4 kg) |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| CPU | 2.0GHz quad-core 10th-generation Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz, with 6MB shared L3 cache |
| GPU | Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 |
| Battery | Up to 10 hours |
| Operating System | Mac OS |
Other Specifications:
| Ports | Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports with support for: Charging, DisplayPort Thunderbolt (up to 40 Gbps), USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB |
| Camera | 720p Facetime HD webcam |
| Touch ID | Yes |
| Touch Bar | Yes |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers with wider stereo sound |
Here we are again with another MacBook. Well, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the line of MacBooks would make it in this list of best laptops for med school.
The Apple MacBook Pro’s built is of a unibody aluminum design which means that it has better build quality among the average laptops. Having a better build quality will make the device last until your graduation or until your residency years! Now, that’s what I call a good investment.
Its 10th gen Intel Core i5 processor, 16 GB RAM, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics will allow you to do your work faster. However, you may want to purchase a cooling pad for your MacBook Pro due to its accumulation of extreme heat if there are lots of apps and software running in the background. After all, you have to multi-task.
The retina display and resolution of 2560 x 1600 will provide you with clear and vibrant viewing of your histology images.
But of course, just like the MacBook Air, it’s going to cost you a lot. I can understand the price for the specifications of the laptop, but there’s no denying it also comes with the brand name. It’s a good investment though, especially if you’re going to use it for the long term.
Another one of the MacBook Pro’s downsides is its lack of USB ports. You only get USB Type-C ports that are Thunderbolt 3, not so pretty if you want to utilize USB-A ports. Fortunately (or not), you can purchase an external dock.
Pros:
- Highly color-accurate and bright display
- Unbody aluminum build
Cons:
- Premium pricing of $1,510.99 at the time of writing
- Heats up easily
- Absence of USB-A ports
Learn why people take MacBook Pro as one of the best laptops for med school here!
- Tenth-generation quad-core Intel Core i5 processor
- Brilliant Retina display with True Tone technology
- Backlit Magic Keyboard
- Touch Bar and Touch ID
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- Ultrafast SSD
- Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi
- Force Touch track
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Acer Aspire 5
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED backlit IPS Display | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Weight | 5.20 lbs |
| Storage | 256GB NVMe SSD |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 Memory |
| CPU | 10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 Processor (Up to 3.6GHz) |
| GPU | Integrated |
| Battery | Up to 8 Hours |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best budget laptops out there with its 8-hour battery life and 256 GB storage.
Its 15.6-inch full HD widescreen display and narrow bezel design provides an immersive viewing experience for watching procedure videos and studying PowerPoint presentations. It includes Acer Color Intelligence and Acer BlueLightShield technologies to protect your eyes.
Its keyboard comes with a backlit feature making it practical to type on during the late hours of cramming. It’s fine, I won’t judge. We’ve all been there at some point.
When it comes to the overall look, we can it has a stunning premium look with its aluminum cover and slim design.
Pros:
- Thin and lightweight design
- budget-friendly
Cons:
- Relatively short battery life
- 10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 Processor (Up to 3.6GHz)| 8GB DDR4 Memory | 256GB NVMe SSD
- 15.6 Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED backlit IPS Display | Intel UHD Graphics
- Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax | Backlit Keyboard | Fingerprint Reader | HD Webcam | Up to 8 Hours Battery Life
- 1 - USB 3.1 (Type-C) Gen 1 port (up to 5 Gbps), 2 - USB 3.1 Gen 1 Port (one with Power-off Charging), 1 - USB 2.0 Port & 1 - HDMI Port with HDCP Support
- Windows 10 H
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Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Technical Specifications:
| Display | 12.3 inches, 2736×1824 pixels |
| Weight | 1.7 pounds |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR3 |
| CPU | core_i5 |
| GPU | Intel Iris Plus Graphics (i7, i5) Intel UHD Graphics (i3) |
| Battery | Up to 10.5 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a convertible. You can either use it as a laptop or as a tablet. People on the go, like med students, stand by this convertible to help them do work wherever they may be.
If you’re still not familiar with this concept, you can learn more about tablets and convertibles here!
Without a doubt, Microsoft Surface Pro 7 proves to be another contender in our list of best laptops for med school. Despite its compact form factor, it comes with the latest Intel Core i5 (10th gen) – making it powerful and allowing you to multitask quickly and smoothly.
Its display has massively improved from the Microsoft Surface Pro 4. Thus, providing you with a better contrast ratio and high-color accuracy. Your chart readings and histology images will appear a lot better on the Surface Pro 7’s display.
It gives you a day-long usage with a battery life that can last for up to 10.5 hours – enabling you to study and work for hours on end.
Learn why people take Microsoft Surface Pro 7 as one of the best tablets for medical students here!
Pros:
- Powerful despite its compact form factor
- Vibrant and color-accurate screen display
- All-day long battery life
- Laptop or tablet? You decide!
- Portability-wise
Cons:
- Lacks USB-C port
- Premium pricing of $799 at the time of writing
- Next-gen, best-in-class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can type, touch, draw, write, work, and play more naturally
- Faster than Surface Pro 6, with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor – redefining what’s possible in a thin and light computer.Bluetooth Wireless 5.0 technology
- More ways to connect, with both USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting to displays, docking stations and more, as well as accessory charging
- Standout design that won’t weigh you down — ultra-slim and light Surface Pro 7 starts at just 1.70 pounds
- All-day battery life upto 10.5 hours, plus the ability to go from empty to full faster — about 80% in just over an hour
- Free Upgrade to Windows 11 when available (see below).
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ASUS Zenbook 14
Technical Specifications:
| Display | 14-Inch wide-view full HD 4-way Nano-edge bezel Display Matte |
| Weight | 2.6 pounds |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR3 |
| CPU | Latest 8th generation Intel Core i7-8565u Quad-Core Processor (8M Cache up to 4 6 GHz) |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Battery | Up to 14 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Other Specifications:
| Camera | Built-in IR Camera for facial recognition sign-in with Windows Hello |
| Ports | Extensive connectivity with HDMI/USB Type C gigabit-class Wi-Fi 802 11AC Bluetooth 5 0 and Micro SD card reader |
| Touchpad | Exclusive dual-function touchpad – a touchpad with switchable numeric keypad for immediate data entry |
It comes with a very competitive battery life of up to 14 hours. Perfect for extremely long hours of studying and doing homework without the need to constantly find the nearest power supply. This feature is one of the top sworn reasons why it’s considered as one of the best laptops for med school.
You wouldn’t have to worry about your laptop engaging in a thermal throttle due to its very powerful fan system, while also keeping fan noise at a minimum.
For the price point of this Zenbook, you’re getting a good deal for its immense storage of 512 GB. There are no excuses now saying that you’re unable to download more e-books, files, and software!
Its speakers are loud and crystal clear enabling you to listen to medical podcasts without the need for headphones. The touch screen feature is sensitive enough for you to lightly navigate the system. The keyboard is comfortable and easy to type on.
A remarkable feature the Zenbook has is its exclusive dual-function touchpad. You can immediately switch from a regular touchpad to a numeric keypad. This will prove itself neat and handy once you get into Biostatistics.
Pros:
- A handy feature of the exclusive dual-function touchpad
- Long battery life to last you the whole day
- Durable build
- Powerful yet quiet cooling system
- Superb sound quality
Cons:
- Premium pricing of $1,190 at the time of writing
- Innovative ScreenPad: 5.65-inch Full HD+ interactive touchscreen trackpad that adapts to your needs for smarter control and multitasking
- App Switcher on ScreenPad: easily move docked windows between your main display and ScreenPad display
- Handwriting on ScreenPad: Take note or jot down your ideas by writing on the ScreenPad
- NumberKey on ScreenPad: Turn ScreenPad into a numeric keypad for easy numeric data entry
- 14 inch 400nits Full HD (1920x1080), Anti-Glare IPS level NanoEdge bezel display
- Comes with Windows 10 and a FREE upgrade to Windows 11 (when availabl
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MSI PS42
Technical Specifications:
| Display | 14″ thin Bezel Full HD IPS-Level 72% NTSC, Anti-glare screen |
| Weight | Ultra-Light 2.62 lbs |
| Storage | 256 GB |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-8265U 1.60 GHz |
| GPU | UMA |
| Battery | Up to 8 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Other Specifications:
| Ports | 4x USB 3.0 |
The sleek and minimalistic design of this laptop gives it a professional look despite its affordable price. Its exterior is composed of aluminum with a sophisticated brush steel finish to it.
Who says that the more expensive, the better? He obviously hasn’t seen this laptop model!
Its configuration of Intel Core i5 (8th gen), 8 GB of RAM, and a storage of 256 GB will provide a smooth performance while you’re studying and cramming that research paper for tomorrow. You don’t want to waste time and energy getting angry over a laggy laptop, do you?
The keyboard is comfortable to use and comes with a backlit feature giving it a beautiful look while also enabling you to type into the wee late hours of the night.
You will find it quite amazing that for its price, it features a fingerprint sensor on the touchpad itself. Not bad!
However, this affordable price means you would have to sacrifice audio quality. If you’re the type who likes to blast music while you’re studying, I think it would be better for you to just plug in your earphones instead of listening to incoherent lyrics and unpleasant beats which would just distract you.
On top of that, battery life may not be the best. It could only last for up to 8 hours. Well, considering that this laptop is created for everyday use, this is actually a good deal as it is.
Pros:
- Leans towards the cheaper spectrum with the price of $599.00
- Lightweight and sleek design
- Backlit keyboard
- Features a fingerprint sensor on the touchpad
- Comes with a lot of ports
Cons:
- Poor audio quality
- Relatively shorter battery life
- UPC: 824142181393
- Weight: 5.500
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ASUS VivoBook S
Technical Specifications:
| Display | 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) Wide View color-rich display |
| Weight | 3.7 pounds |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 RAM |
| CPU | 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U Processor 1.8 GHz (Turbo up to 4.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Intel Integrated Graphics |
| Battery | Up to 6 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
Other Specifications:
| Ports | USB 3.1 Type-C (Gen 1), USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and HDMI; Dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi |
| Connectivity | Wireless Data Network 802.11AC Bluetooth 4.1 |
I considered buying this laptop myself. It has the closest feeling to that Macbook alternative for medical school.
Its configuration of Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, and 256 SSD storage can sustain you through multiple tabs and simultaneously opened apps and software when working and studying.
This powerful laptop provides you with a smooth and easy experience, which is the number one thing you should be looking for in this list of best laptops for med school!
You can continue studying wherever you want, whether it be in the library or café due to its slim and lightweight build.
It has a backlit keyboard which is especially great for nights when you just want to turn off the lights and save on electricity.
The VivoBook still stands by their ports, just as every laptop should be. It includes an HDMI port, USB Type-C port, power connector, 3.5 mm headphone jack, SD card reader, and three USB 3.0 ports.
However, because of its very powerful configuration, you’re going to need a constant supply of power. It can only last for up to 6 hours.
Pros:
- Relatively cheaper price of $719.99
- Lightweight and slim build
- Tilted and backlit keyboard
- Comes with a fingerprint sensor
- Powerful and smooth performance
Cons:
- Short battery life
- Poor rear webcam quality
- Powerful and efficient 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U Processor 1.8 GHz (Turbo up to 4.0 GHz)
- 15.6 FHD (1920 x 1080) Wide View color-rich display.Wireless Data Network 802.11AC Bluetooth 4.1 Battery:3 Cells 42 Whrs Battery
- High performance 256GB SSD and 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Slim 14.2 wide, 0.7 thin; 0.3 ASUS Nano Edge bezel with 80% screen-to-body ratio
- Comprehensive connections including USB 3.1 Type-C (Gen 1), USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and HDMI; Dual band 802.11ac Wi
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Bonus: Want a full library of free medical school eBooks, video courses, and training? Click here to get access to your free med school advice library!
LG Gram
Technical Specifications:
| Display | 15. 6 inch Full HD IPS touchscreen display w/ultra-slim bezel |
| Weight | Ultra-lightweight laptop weighing just under 2. 5 pounds |
| Storage | 1TB SSD (512GB x 2) |
| RAM | 16GB RAM |
| CPU | Intel Core i7 (8th Generation – 8565U) |
| GPU | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
| Battery | Up to 18.5 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Other Specifications:
| Ports | Thunderbolt 3 connectivity |
Among all the laptops in this list, LG Gram is one with the longest battery life ever. You’ll be shocked and will want to know how something so lightweight can bear so much battery power.
It comes with the latest Intel Core i7, dual-channel DDR4 memory, 16 GB RAM which is perfect for multi-tasking. You wouldn’t have to worry whether your laptop can handle all the apps, tabs, and software running at the same time.
You’re never going to run out of space with the 512 GB Solid State Drive this laptop provides, and there are 2 of those – giving you almost 1 TB of space!
The LG Gram proves to be incredibly durable with its nano carbon magnesium full metal build, while also giving it a sophisticated and professional look. Aesthetic and functionality, now we’re talking.
You’re going to fall in love with its backlit keyboard, enabling you to type your way throughout the late hours of the night.
This laptop is lightweight, powerful, and versatile. You can bring it anywhere you want and still work smoothly and quickly.
Pros:
- Competitive battery life
- Fingerprint sensor
- Powerful and fast
- Large storage
- Durable with its nano carbon magnesium build
- High-quality speakers
- Touchscreen display
Cons:
- Most expensive on this list with a price of $1,729.99
- Speakers are located on the bottom
- Ultra light weight laptop weighing just under 2. 5 pounds
- Long lasting 72Wh battery for up to 18. 5 hours Battery Life (Mobile mark 2014 standard)
- 15. 6 inch Full HD IPS touchscreen display w/ultra slim bezel
- Intel Core i7 (8th Generation - 8565U)
- 16GB RAM & 1TB SSD (512GB x 2)
- Windows home 10
- Thunderbolt 3 connectivity
- Fingerprint reader : Backlit keybo
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Dell XPS 13
Technical Specifications:
| Display | 13.3″ FHD (1920×1080) Non-Touch InfinityEdge Display |
| Weight | 4.5 pounds |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| RAM | 8GB RAM |
| CPU | 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8565U Processor (8MB Cache, up to 4.6 GHz, 4 cores) |
| GPU | Intel UHD 620 Graphics |
| Battery | 8 to 9 hours of consistent use |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
You want to study, do readings, and pass requirements right on the dot. So, you need a fast and efficient laptop for this. Dell XPS 13 does the trick.
This Dell XPS 13 has a hardware configuration that enables it to run powerfully and quickly. It’s the electronic learning device you never knew you needed. Good thing this list of best laptops for med school is here to save the day for you!
It is manufactured with great performance that enables you to handle a lot of work all at the same time. I mean, who am I kidding? It runs on Intel Core i7 (8th gen), has 256 GB storage, and 8 GB of RAM! Such a solid combination, if you ask me.
The laptop has a great battery life of up to 8 to 9 hours and is ultra-thin and light. You can bring it to class or almost anywhere you prefer and work for hours on end. It can fit in your bag and you wouldn’t even notice it’s there.
4k displays are one of its competitive strengths. Colors are accurate and viewing angles won’t become a problem.
However, if you’re the type who still swears by ports, you may find their Type-C USB ports and Thunderbolt 3 ports a disadvantage. Of course, you can always buy a dock – but then again, it’s another dreadful trip to the bank.
Pros:
- Ultra-thin and light for maximum portability
- Above-average battery life
- Fast and efficient
- 4k display for high color accuracy
Cons:
- You have to buy a dock if you still swear by ports
- 13.3 FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch InfinityEdge Display
- 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8565U Processor (8MB Cache, up to 4.6 GHz, 4 cores)
- 8GB RAM, 256GB PCIe SSD
- English Backlit Keyboard with Fingerprint Reader
- Windows 10 Home 64-Bit, 52WHr 4C Battery
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Huawei MateBook X Pro
Technical Specifications:
| Display | FullView Display: Immersive 13.9-inch 3K touchscreen with 91% screen-to-body ratio |
| Weight | 0.57-inch thin and weighs only 2.93 lbs. |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR3 |
| CPU | 8th Gen Intel Core i7 8550U processor |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce MX150 |
| Battery | 9 to 10 hours of consistent use |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Other Specifications:
| Ports | USB-A port, USB-C port, HDMI port, and VGA port |
The first thing you’re going to notice is its 91% screen-to-body. The screen is maximized to the fullest, so you could get an immersive viewing experience of your lessons in the form of files or videos and work on papers without any space to waste.
You will notice this list is filled with ultra-thin and light laptops – perfect for carrying to med school every day. The MateBook X Pro, on the other hand, is the slimmest of the slim. I mean, it’s only half an inch thick!
Its build is that of a smooth aluminum finish giving it a minimalistic and sleek look. The display has thin bezels, along with great viewing angles and high color accuracy.
As for the performance of the MateBook X Pro, it runs on the latest Intel Core i7 – an 8th gen for that matter, and with 16 GB RAM. Plus, you’ll never run out of storage as it boasts of 512 GB.
You’d also love to know that you can consistently use it for up to 9 – 10 hours. It’s amazing how Huawei didn’t sacrifice the performance of the laptop for the sake of its slim form factor.
However, the device easily accumulates heat. Well, it’s not surprising considering that it’s half an inch thick.
Moreover, the webcam has been placed as a key in which you have to press for it to appear. Since it’s on the keyboard, your nose would be the first thing your caller would see.
Pros:
- 91% screen-to-body ratio
- One of the thinnest laptops out there
- Solid performance
- Sleek look
- Above-average battery life
Cons:
- Costs $1,179 on Amazon
- Accumulates heat easily
- Poor webcam placement
- Worlds First FullView Display: Immersive 13.9-inch 3K touchscreen with 91% screen-to-body ratio, only 0.57-inch thin and weighs only 2.93 lbs., perfect for at-home or on-the-go computing
- Powerful Inside: Windows 10 Home Signature Edition with no bloatware. 8th Gen Intel Core i7 8550U processor + NVIDIA GeForce MX150 - boosts performance up to 40% over its predecessor
- Home Theater: 3K touchscreen with 3, 000 x 2, 000 resolution, 1500:1 contrast ratio and 260 PPI allow you to see vivid details when viewing HD content. 2nd Gen Dolby ATMOS for immersive audio
- One Touch Power Button: Enabling users to power on the notebook, finish identity authentication through Windows Hello and access the desktop in less than 8 seconds. Bluetooth - Bluetooth 4.1
- Includes compact Mate Dock 2.0: USB-A port, USB-C port, HDMI port and VGA port. Includes 1 year Office 365 Personal and 1 year manufacturer warranty.60Hz refresh r
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Lenovo IdeaPad 710S
Technical Specifications:
| Display | 13.3″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Infinity Edge Display |
| Weight | 2.6 pounds |
| Storage | 256 GB Solid State Drive |
| RAM | 8GB RAM |
| CPU | Intel Core i7 (6th Gen) 6560U, 2.2GHz |
| GPU | Intel Iris Graphics 540 |
| Battery | 7 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
This laptop works wonders for studying in med school due to its portability and convenience enabling you to bring it almost anywhere.
You’d be surprised to find out that Lenovo IdeaPad leans toward the cheaper spectrum of laptops because of its premium build of aluminum making it look twice its price. Plus, the bezels are really thin which maximizes the screen as much as possible.
The audio quality of the IdeaPad is pristine and loud. You’ll also enjoy typing on its keyboard with its backlit feature.
You might expect thin laptops to be at a disadvantage when it comes to ports. However, this one comes with two USB 3.0 ports, mini HDMI port, SD card reader, and a headphone jack. This is not bad considering its thin design.
However, the IdeaPad can work for only almost 7 hours of use. You may find this as a weakness if you’re looking for something that lasts for a day on a single charge.
Pros:
- Relatively cheaper for a price of $799
- Premium aluminum build
- Beautiful backlit keyboard
- Pristine audio quality
Cons:
- Only up to 7 hours of usage
- Absence of USB Type-C port
- CPU: Intel Core i7 (6th Gen) 6560U, 2.2GHz
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
- 8 GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
- WIN 10 H
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Lenovo Flex 14
Technical Specifications:
| Display | 14-inch 1920 x 1080 Full HD touchscreen display |
| Weight | 3.52 pounds |
| Storage | 256 GB |
| RAM | 12 GB |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 3500U mobile Processor |
| GPU | AMD Radeon Vega 8 |
| Battery | 10 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
You will love this laptop’s performance and efficiency with its AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 256 GB storage, and 12 GB RAM.
It is has a thin bezel and is relatively lightweight. The 300-degree hinges of this convertible laptop allow you to use it in clamshell, tablet, or tent mode. With its touchscreen display and pen, you can make handwritten notes during your lectures.
In terms of connectivity, it has an HDMI port, a USB 3.1 (Gen 1) Type-C port, a headset jack, an SD card reader, and two USB 3.1 (Gen 1) Type-A ports.
Its battery life of 10 hours will last well during a long day. Overall, this laptop performs well for its price.
Pros:
- Relatively thin and light
- Convertible
- Fast system performance
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- The trackpad is not very responsive
Read more about Lenovo Flex 14 and its features on Amazon!
- With a 1920 x 1080 full HD touch screen display and the powerful and efficient AMD Ryzen 5 3500U mobile Processor, you can work, stream, and game for hours, along with Radeon Vega 8 for fast video and photo editing. Includes HDMI, USB-C, and USB 3.1 inputs
- Comprehensive, built-in, ongoing protection with Windows 10 helps protect you against viruses, malware, and ransomware
- Convenient true block privacy shutter allows you to physically close your PCs webcam whenever youre not using it
- With the included active pen, you can draw or take notes directly on the screen, anywhere you go
- Up to 10 hours of battery life with recharge technology to power your laptop computer up to 80% in just one hour
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Acer Swift 3
Technical Specifications:
| Display | 14″ Full HD Widescreen IPS LED-backlit display (1920 x 1080 resolution; 16:9 aspect ratio) |
| Weight | 2.65 pounds |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4 Memory |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core Mobile Processor (Up to 4.1 GHz) |
| GPU | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| Battery | 11.5 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
When it comes to speed and multitasking abilities, you can rely on Acer Swift 3. Thanks to its AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Processor, 8 GB RAM, and 512 GB storage.
It has a sleek and sturdy design with its all-aluminum look. You’ll get a good experience when watching videos because of its AMD Radeon Graphics.
This laptop has a fingerprint reader for easy access. Furthermore, the Acer Swift 3 boasts an 11.5-hour battery life! If you are looking for a reliable laptop on a budget, then this could be the one for you.
Pros:
- Outstanding battery life
- Budget-friendly
- Amazing CPU and GPU performance
- relatively lightweight
Cons:
- Not very good webcam quality
Want to know more about this excellent-performing yet affordable laptop? Read more about it here.
- AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core Mobile Processor (Up to 4.1 GHz) with Radeon Graphics; 8GB LPDDR4 Memory; 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- 14 Full HD Widescreen IPS LED-backlit display (1920 x 1080 resolution; 16:9 aspect ratio)
- Intel wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11ax; HD webcam (1280 x 720); Backlit keyboard; Fingerprint reader
- 1 - USB Type-C port USB 3. 2 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) DisplayPort over USB Type-C and USB Charging, 1- USB 3. 2 Gen 1 port (featuring power-off charging), 1 - USB 2. 0 port and 1 - HDMI port
- Just 0.63 thin and 2.65 pounds and up to 11.5 hours of battery l
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Dell Inspiron 13
Technical Specifications:
| Display | 13.3 inch Quad High definition; 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| Weight | 2.78 lbs |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| CPU | 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11370H Processor |
| GPU | GeForce MX450 |
| Battery | 12 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
You can rely on Dell Inspiron’s 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11370H Processor and 16 GB RAM for your rigorous med school tasks. Add to that the 512 GB SSD storage for your files.
You can carry this around effortlessly with its thin and lightweight design. It is compact, modern, and stylish with its narrow screen bezels and aluminum case.
This laptop has 12-hour battery life to get you through the day. It even comes with an ExpressCharge which recharges the battery up to 80% in 60 minutes.
Pros:
- Fast processor
- Responsive and roomy keyboard
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- Not as vibrant and bright display as the others
Check out this good buy on Amazon!
- WINDOW 11: Free Upgrade to Windows 11 when available (see below)
- STUNNING VISUALS: Vivid color with less blue light on the 16:10 QHD display panel offers clearer, sharper images and accommodate more content
- FAST CHARGE: ExpressCharge recharges your battery in a flash (up to 80% in 60 minutes*)
- FASTER CONNECTIONS: Experience lightning-fast WiFi 6 and thermal design optimization with dual fans that cool the system for increased productivity
- PORTABLE COMFORT: The long battery life and ultra-portable 13” form factor made of lighter materials make it easy to slip into your bag and go.
- Including 2 Year On-Site and 6 months Dell Migrate easily move your files and settings from your old PC to your new D
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Bonus: Want a full library of free medical school eBooks, video courses, and training? Click here to get access to your free med school advice library!
Best Laptops For Med Students On A Budget
The laptops listed above are some of the best laptops for med school – but you don’t have to buy the most expensive one just to say that you have the best laptop out there. There is no need for you to compromise your savings to purchase a rock-solid performing laptop.
I have picked the most affordable laptops from the list above for you. Don’t be fooled, they may be cheap but these still have everything you need to survive med school.
Best Laptops For Residency
From the list of top 12 best laptops for med school, I have picked out the best 5 laptops that will work wonders for you once you step into residency.
These laptops have premium and durable builds that will do just fine even if you’ve been carrying them since med school up until your residency years.
All of them have state-of-the-art processors and a large RAM enabling you to work fast and efficiently. The cut down of minutes to seconds all eventually adds up to a significant amount of time. This means you get a lot more work done in the long run.
You will find the amount of storage enormous at first, but once you become a resident – you’ll be thankful for having the chance to look back at some of the textbooks, files, and videos you used back in med school.
Plus, we all know that being a resident stresses the crap out of anyone, so nobody wants to carry around a bulky and heavy laptop on their backs and shoulders. It’s a good thing these laptops are incredibly thin and light.
The battery life of these devices will keep you up and running all day enabling you to save up on your electricity bills and go anywhere without needing to carry the charger all the time.
What’s The Best Laptop For Med School?
The best laptop candidate is without a doubt, ASUS Zenbook 14. It’s a perfect balance of everything you need to conquer medical school, and it could even last until your residency years.
The battery life is incredibly competitive and it could keep you up and working for 14 hours. Performance is rock solid and extremely powerful as it runs on the latest 8th gen of Intel Core i7 and with 16 GB RAM. It leaves me in awe how this powerhouse only comes in 2.6 pounds.
You have a lot of space to store all your files and e-books with its immense storage capacity of 512 GB. Its cooling system also enables you to work simultaneously through apps and software without overheating. Audio output quality works wonders, as well.
Plus, the touch screen feature and exclusive dual-function touchpad allow you to easily navigate the system and input numerical data as conveniently as possible.
You may be wondering why MacBook Pro isn’t the best choice of laptop for med school. It could actually be the top candidate if it weren’t for the incompatibilities of some software you are required to install with Mac OS.
You want everything to be compatible with your choice of laptop – and Windows always does the trick right.
It’s not the cheapest on this list, nor is it the most expensive. For the price of the Zenbook, it provides the greatest value. All elements add up perfectly and serve its purpose in helping you study and work efficiently in med school.
Purchase your own ASUS Zenbook 14 on Amazon now to be medical school ready!
- 14 inch 400nits Full HD (1920x1080), Anti-Glare IPS level NanoEdge bezel display
- Latest 11th generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor (12M Cache, up to 4.7 GHz, with IPU)
- Fast storage and memory featuring 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD with 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
- Built-in IR camera for facial recognition sign in with Windows Hello
- ErgoLift hinge, NumberPad, and backlit keyboard
- Extensive connectivity with HDMI 2.0b, USB 3.2 Type-A, Thunderbolt 4 via USB Type-C, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, and Micro SD card reader (*USB Transfer speed may vary. Learn more at ASUS website)
- Sleek and lightweight 2.58 lbs for comfortable portability
- Carry sleeve, USB-A to RJ45 gigabit ethernet adapter, and USB-C to Audio Jack dongle are included
- MIL-STD 810G military standard for reliability and durability
- ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology employs machine learning to isolate unwanted noise from human speech, which ensures the best communications experience
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Thank you for reading this post on the best laptops for med students. I hope you found it enjoyable and helpful.
You might also like to check out the best tablets for medical school and other useful gadgets that can help you as a medical student.
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