Best Laptops For Engineering Students In India
Engineering students face many situations during their training where they are required to carry out tasks on a computing system. At the same time, students are expected to do tasks like submitting assignments, applying for exams, and communicating with their teachers remotely. Therefore, engineering students require a good laptop.
Following is a list of some of the best laptops for engineering students in India. We will look into their pros and cons, read a brief overview and later check some of the factors that must be considered when buying a laptop.
Best Laptops For Engineering Students
1. ACER Predator Helios 300
Acer is one of the most recognizable names in the PC industry. Their PC systems, laptops, and peripherals are some of the best in the market. The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a gaming laptop with great features that will meet any engineering student’s needs today.
The laptop comes with one of the smartest brains in the market, an Intel Quad-Core I7 processor integrated with turbo boost technology, which can provide a clock speed of 3.8Ghz. To improve its speed, the processor is paired with a mighty 16GB DDR4 RAM. While this is the core RAM that the laptop comes with, it can be extended to 32GB by adding an additional 16GB RAM chip.
All gaming laptops come with a powerful Graphics Processing Unit. This one comes with an Nvidia Geforce GTX 1060 with a memory of 6GB. It is one of the strongest GPUs that you can find gaming laptops today.
One attractive feature of the laptop is the large 15.6-inch HD IPS display which provides accurate and high-resolution images. Running designing programs like CAD will run smoothly and be visually very appealing.
While there is no integrated HDD hard disk in the laptop, the laptop comes with a 256GB SSD drive, which will help you save time when starting your laptop. The laptop comes with a 2.5-inch HDD slot to provide a range of options where users can add an additional hard disk if the need arrives.
This is a powerful machine making it one of the best laptops for engineering students. Every complicated software you can think of will run lag-free on this laptop, and it is also great for students planning to multi-task.
PROS –
- 16GB processing speed
- Sturdy built quality
- Multiple connectivity ports
- Nvidia GTX1060 for higher graphics processing
CONS –
- Average battery life
- Heavy and thick design
2. Lenovo Ideapad S340
Lenovo is a go-to brand that Indians prefer due to its high performance at affordable prices. The Lenovo Ideapad S340 is the best laptop that an engineering student can own. The specifications of this model include all the necessary tools that a student may require in college.
To begin with, the Ideapad S340 has a 10th Gen Core i5 processor with a base clock speed of 1Ghz and a boost speed of 3.6Ghz. While this is not the best processor Intel has out right now, it is the smartest in the i5 family. Paired with this is the 8GB RAM made of 2 x 4GB DDR4 chips. It has enough processing power to run every demanding software there is.
The laptop comes with Windows 10 Home edition installed with lifetime validity and Microsoft Office Home and Student v2019 preinstalled. So you can start working on your projects and assignments the moment you get the laptop.
Ideapad S340 has a massive 1TB HDD hard disk, which means you will never run out of storage space. Additionally, the laptop comes with a 256GB SSD drive, which accommodates in starting and running software faster and smoother.
Lenovo characterizes its laptops based on the functions that they can carry out. In the case of S340, it is characterized as a Multifunctioning laptop. This means it can be used for entertainment, office work, and running basic coding software. It has a resolution of 1080p, providing vibrant and clear images. It is very lightweight and easy to carry around campus.
PROS –
- Lightweight. Perfect for carrying around
- HDD and SSD drive
- 720p HD Camera
CONS –
- Integrated graphic card only
3. Apple MacBook Pro
Apple is one of the most recognized brands when it comes to electronics. Though their product lineup for smartphones and laptops has not been diversified, each new version that comes out is corvette by all. The Apple Macbook Pro is a great multifunction laptop that is coveted by all, but it is not just for looks.
The latest version in the MacBook Pro line is the Macbook Pro 13. It has enough high-end hardware install to run every feasible program possible. The Macbook Pro comes with the latest 8th generation Intel Quad – Core i5 processor. This processor is known for having a boost clock speed of 4.7Ghz and being very energy efficient. Additionally, it uses a massive 8Gb RAM which can run any software without a hitch.
When it comes to storage, Apple generally provides its users access to their iCloud services to store most multimedia files. However, to give better performance, you get an SSD drive installed in the Macbook, which varies in storage space. You can opt for 256Gb SSD, which can be increased up to 1TB. MacBook offers PCIe-based SSDs, which are responsible for providing a dual boost to the system.
MacBook Pros are revered for having a beautiful and eye-catching design. The beauty is not just on the outside, as the 13.3-inch LED IPS display can provide a screen resolution of 2560×1600 pixels. You can enjoy every image on it in HD.
However, there are a few drawbacks to a Macbook Pro. Unfortunately, some software that engineers require for their courses and advanced studies is not compatible with macOS. You will have to look for alternate software or wait for a macOS version to be released.
Another backdrop is that there is no third-party graphics processing unit in the laptop. You will have to make do with the Iris Plus 655 Intel graphics card. However, this will not be an issue unless you run 3D graphics designing software.
With a slim and lightweight body that can provide a battery backup of 10 hours, this is a laptop made to be carried around without worry.
PROS –
- Great video quality
- Long battery life
- Sensitive and precise touchpad and keyboard
CONS –
- Expensive
- Some applications are not compatible with macOS.
4. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Microsoft did not get into the laptop market for a very long time, preferring only to build operating systems and desktops. However, their laptops became an instant hit when they did, becoming a style symbol almost overnight. While it is pretty on the outside, it packs a punch when it comes to its internal system.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a laptop/tablet hybrid and can be used based on your need. It is configured based on the requirement of the user. You can opt for the standard Core m processor with 4GB RAM and 128 SSD drive. As an alternate, you can take it one step higher and go for a powerful Intel i7 processor with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage.
The laptop screen is 12.3-inch LED IPS panel with a very responsive touch. The screen provides 2736×1824 pixel resolution, which is vibrant and portrays colors like none other. It attaches and detaches from the keyboard with ease and, once detached, can be used as a tablet.
As a detachable laptop, it can be used for sketching and designing, making it a perfect fit for engineers in mechanics. Software like CAD can run on it without any issue. However, it must be added that there is no dedicated graphics card in the Microsoft Surface, and you will have to make do with the one it comes with.
Though a very attractive laptop, it is just too expensive when considering it for a student. There are laptops out there that can perform almost as well for half the price. Regardless, if you get a good deal on the Surface Pro 7 grab it as soon as you can.
PROS –
- Portable body
- Whole days battery life
- Touch-enabled IPS display.
CONS –
- expensive
- No dedicated GPU
5. Acer Nitro 5
Acer Nitro is a series of laptops created by Acer targeting the gaming community. However, the high-end hardware that goes into creating these laptops makes them perfect for people who are into coding and engineering students looking to up their game.
The Acer Nitro 5 has a powerful 10th gen i5 Processor, which provides a turbo boost clock speed of 4.5Ghz. With such speeds, you won’t have to wait even a second for your programs to run. It is paired with an 8Gb RAM which can be upgraded to 32Gb. If you choose to upgrade the RAM, it is advised to keep internal cooling in mind as this hardware can run hot at top speeds.
It has massive internal storage. Nitro 5 comes with an HDD drive with storage of 1TB with an additional 256Gb SSD. You will run out of data to store, but the storage won’t run out. The additional SSD will help in running apps faster and reduced start-up time significantly.
The laptop is integrated with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card with a VRAM of 4 Gb to improve matters further. For students in the field of designing and architecture can run any high-end software like CAD with ease.
The 15.6-inch screen uses LED IPS technology and can provide a resolution of up to 1920×1080 pixels. You can watch yourself create designs in Full HD. it is also a perfect fit for gaming enthusiasts.
While the laptop has a conventional weight, its design makes it bulky to carry around. If you plan on carrying it to school, make sure you have a carry bag with good inner foam coating to provide proper protection.
PROS –
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
- 256Gb PCIe SSD
CONS –
- Too bulky
6. Lenovo Ideapad Slim 3i
This is yet another Lenovo entry on this list. That should go to show you how much reliable Lenovo is as a laptop for students. The Ideapad Slim is not only powerful enough to handle everything that you throw at it, but it is also perfectly build to be carried around along with your books.
The Lenovo Ideapad Slim 3i was designed for people on the go, perfectly fitting a student’s lifestyle. It comes with an impressive mind; the 10th gen Intel Core i3 processor. Though it is one of the early versions and cant match with i5 or i7 versions, as a 10th Gen processor, it can hold its own against any adversity.
Along with a strong processor, the developers have also provided you with an 8Gb RAM DDR4, which is achieved by putting two 4Gb RAMs put together. Though 4Gb gives a good performance, you can upgrade it to 12Gb if need be.
The 14-inch display provides beautiful images and a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. Anyone who is into designing and using CAD-like software will enjoy it a lot. It is also incorporated with anti-glare tech so that you can sit out in the sunlight and still work on your laptop.
The laptop’s exterior design is one of the most beautiful things about the laptop. It is an ultra-thin design where the laptop is only 2 cms thick when closed. This also makes it light. It will fit perfectly in your college bag, and no additional carry case is necessary. Even in your hand, you can barely feel its weight when you are walking around with it.
While the battery reaches a charge limit of 80% within an hour, it can only provide a battery backup of 5 hours.
PROS –
- Thin and lightweight
- Rapid Charge
CONS –
- No HDD hard drive
7. HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop
When HP first developed gaming laptops, they ensured that every part of the system catered towards gaming. They created a powerful machine that could be used for more complicated functions and could run powerful software for designing, coding, and software development.
The HP Pavilion Gaming laptop is an oddball amongst its counterparts on this list. The main reason for this is that its brain is a little different. Unlike other Intel users on this list, the HP Pavillion Gaming uses 4th Gen AMD Ryzen 5 as its processor. This processor is aimed towards gaming and can provide a clock speed of 3.0Ghz.
This laptop does not come with an HDD hard disk. Instead, it has a 512Gb SSD drive. While the storage is less, SDD drives have the advantage of reducing loading times significantly. Having said this, you can add an HDD drive up to 1TB to the system and upgrade your SSD by the same amount. To improve performance and speed, it also has a strong 8Gb DDR4 RAM.
The 15.6-inch display screen provides clean and clear images in 1080 pixel resolution with a refresh rate of 144Hz. If you are into mechanical engineering or tool design, you would love to run CAD on this laptop. The superior cooling system makes sure that your laptop runs at manageable temperatures to avoid any internal damage.
For a laptop that is carrying so much power, it surprisingly only weighs about 2 Kgs. While it still has a bulk build, you can carry it to your college or study sessions with ease. Purchasing a specific bag for it would be a good idea.
Though it is essentially characterized as a gaming laptop, it also has the necessary tools to help a budding student. It comes preinstalled with Windows 10 Home version and Microsoft Office Home and Student version 2019.
PROS –
- AMD Ryzen 5 Processor
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
CONS –
- No HDD drive
8. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5
The Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 is an excellent masterpiece by Lenovo. It was created as a versatile device that could function as a laptop and a tablet, based on the user’s requirement. In the process of creating an all-purpose device, Lenovo ended up making one of the best laptops for engineering students.
The Flex 5 comes with a 4th Gen AMD Ryzen 5 processor, achieving a base clock speed of 2.3 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.0 GHz. This processor is paired with an 8GB DDR4 RAM which can be upgraded up to 16Gb. It is a very powerful setup, giving you flash speed response time. Every application or game, no matter how big it is, will run smoothly on this system.
The 14-inch LED IPS display can provide a screen resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, and you can enjoy videos and images in Full HD. Unfortunately, there is no additional graphic card to improve the picture quality, but you won’t find a need for one. The screen has a 360-degree hinge, which means you can fold the laptop in the opposite direction and use it as a tablet. This setting is perfect for students who are pursuing some form of designing art.
It is lightweight, weighing barely 1.5 Kgs, and has a very slim and slick design. You can easily place it in your standard college bag along with your books. There is no need to purchase any extra carry case. It is portable and can be carried to your school with a battery backup of 9 hours; you need not worry about it running out of juice anytime soon.
PROS –
- Solid and Durable build
- Large screen perfect for designing
- Fingerprint security
CONS –
- Heavy for a 14-inch laptop
9. DELL Inspiron 3501
Dell has been creating reliable laptops and desktops for a very long time now. They have developed laptops that diverse needs like business, gaming, multifunction, and higher performance in this period. The Inspiron line of laptops are created as multifunctioning laptops, but even then, some do specific tasks better.
The Dell Inspiron 3501 comes across as a student’s laptop due to its sheer design. But let’s focus on the internals first. The Inspiron 3501 comes with the powerful 8th Gen i7 processor, which works hand-in-hand with 8Gb DDR4 RAM together; they can achieve a processing clock speed of 3.4Ghz. The RAM can be extended up to 32Gb based on your requirement.
It comes with a 15.6-inch LED display which is projects images and videos in Full HD. You will be able to view every video and design clearly with high accuracy and vibrant colors. The screen is adept with anti-glare tech, ensuring that the pesky light does not block your screen. Though there isn’t a third-party GPU, one can be added with a VRAM of up to 4Gb.
To store all the massive data you will procure overtime in college, the developers at Dell have provided you with a 1TB HDD drive. When purchasing, the laptop comes preinstalled with Windows 10 Home editions and Microsoft Office Home and Student. You can begin your work without losing any traction.
The laptop weighs about 2 kgs. Not very heavy, but not exactly easy to carry daily. However, it has a slim and sleek design, which means it can perfectly fit your college bag.
PROS –
- 15.6-inch Full HD screen with anti-glare
- 8Gb RAM with boost speed up to 3.4 GHz
CONS –
- No dedicated GPU
10. ASUS VivoBook 14
The final entry on this list is the ASUS Vivobook 14, which can be considered as one of the best laptops for engineering students in India. It is a conventional laptop created by ASUS, targeting users who want a powerful laptop to do everyday tasks and a little more.
The Vivobook 14 comes with a 10th gen Intel i5 processor, which can reach a significantly impressive clock speed of 3.6 GHz in its boost speed. To make the laptop process information faster, it also has 8Gb DDR4 RAM, which is quite powerful on its own. However, for gaming enthusiasts, the laptop comes with an option to improve its RAM up to 12Gb.
ASUS provides you with a massive storage space of 1 TB. You can keep storing data till your heart contends and still have leftover space. You can easily store and run powerful software like AutoCAD and not run into any lagging issues.
The 14-inch LED screen comes in a resolution of 1080p, which means you can enjoy images and videos in full HD. Unfortunately, there is no dedicated GPU on board, but you can achieve clear pictures with just the integrated card.
When purchasing the laptop, it will come with Windows 10 Home preinstalled with lifetime validity.
PROS –
- 10th Gen Intel l Core i5
- 8Gb DDR4 RAM
CONS –
- 60Hz Refresh rate only
How To Choose A Laptop For Engineers
We have looked at the best laptops for engineering students that you can find in the market today. However, our choices may not match yours. Therefore, if you are looking for something else, please follow the guide below, which may help you choose a good laptop for your studies.
1. CPU
The Central Processing Unit is the brain and spinal cord of the system. All the information is stored and processed here. Before considering anything else, you need to make sure that you have a good brain. The part of the system that we will be focussing on here is the processor.
The most famous and reliable processor that you can find today comes from Intel; however, companies like AMD are also known for their processor performance. You need to make sure that the processor you get fits your price.
In case you are buying a laptop with a price of 50000 or higher, aim for a processor equal to or higher than i5 10th Gen or AMD Ryzen 5 3500U. Below this price does not settle for anything under i3 10th Gen.
Paying extra for a higher processor is a good investment in the long run. Try to upgrade to a 10th or 9th gen processor and never settle for anything under 7th gen, especially in 2022.
2. Graphics Card
Graphics cards or Graphics Processing Units are responsible for how controlling the frame rate of your display. If you have a good and strong GPU, your images, videos, and games will be projected more clearly and without any errors.
In the case of laptops in India, you will find that they have inbuilt graphic cards and dedicated graphics cards. Always make sure that you have a dedicated GPU from Nvidia or AMD to back up your inbuilt card. This will help in creating clear and crisp images. The higher the VRAM, the better, but your performance will improve significantly if you get anything above 2Gb.
You could also add graphics card in your laptop later, look at our articles of the best graphics cards under 15000 and under 10000 to understand the quality of graphics cards in that range.
3. Storage
There are two storage options available on a laptop. You can have an HDD drive or an SSD drive. If feeling special, you always go for a hybrid setup with both HDD and SSD. in today’s time, do not aim for anything lesser than 1TB of HDD. This will be your primary storage, and as videos, games, and software keep becoming more complex, there will be a requirement for more large storage space.
SSD drives can be used for storage, but they have a better purpose. In a hybrid system, an SSD drive would generally store the Operating System. This significantly improves the boot time of yours. If given a choice, go for both HDD and SSD on your laptop.
4. RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. This part is responsible for storing temporary files in it. As a rule of thumb, aim for a higher RAM. In the early days, 2GB used to considered tremendous RAM strength. However, in 2022 try to get a laptop with RAM higher than 4GB.
When buying a laptop, make sure to ask if the RAM is extendable. You can add more DDR4 RAM chips and turn 4GB to 8Gb up to 32GB.
However, make sure the laptop can support such power before heating up like the sun and whether you require so much from your laptop.
5. Display
Laptop display screens come in various sizes. The best range to look out for is 13 inches to 15.6 inches. The bigger the display, the more you could see, and the pixels will be depicted better. But you need not always aim for 15.6 inches. 14.4 inches is good enough.
The next thing to keep in mind is the resolution. Do not go for anything below 1080p, also known as Full HD. However, do not aim for 4K resolution either unless you are a cinephile or looking to get into graphic designing.
6. Battery
Your battery will decide how far you can travel from your cable without needing to plug it back in. On average, laptops can provide a battery backup of 3-5 hours. There are lithium-ion batteries which can provide back up of 10 hours also. If you pay heavily, make sure that your battery backup is about 5 hours or higher.
7. Cooling Technology
Laptop cooling technology hasn’t changed much over the years. The number of fans and vents may have increased, but it is pretty much still the same. However, when buying a laptop, make sure there are ample outflow vents to let all the heat out without obstruction. If possible, try to purchase laptops that come with thermal vents which help dissipate the heat better.
8. Keyboard
Keyboards may look different for desktops and laptops, but they are still divided into mechanical and membrane. Mechanical keyboards are the ones that make the satisfying click sounds, and each key has a dedicated mechanism to register a keystroke. In the case of membrane keyboards, the key presses are silent, and there is a silicone membrane underneath the keys that record the keystrokes. While both are perfect for ordinary use, gamers like to prefer mechanical keys. Another thing to make sure is that the keys are adequately spaced to avoid cluttering and significantly dust and spill-proof.
9. Weight
The weight of your laptop will decide how portable it could be. If you are looking to move around with your laptop, like take it to work or your college campus, aim for a laptop that weighs about 2 Kgs or lower. Another thing that would make portability easier is if the laptop has a thickness of 3-2cms.
10. Connectivity
Most laptops today come with USB ports, HDMI ports, and ethernet connections. While purchasing a laptop, make sure there is at least 2 x USB 3.0 ports on it. When it comes to HDMI, anything higher than version 1.4 is good enough.
