Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
- A nearly perfect portable PC
- Remarkably light
- Gorgeous 2.8K OLED display
- Fine keyboard
- Generous array of ports for its size and profile
- No SD or microSD card slot
- WWAN option not available yet
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition is perfect for anyone headed to the office after graduation. The 2.17-pound business machine might be the best AI PC we’ve seen yet, with a blend of killer features and leading performance, updated with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, AI features, and smart operating modes that keep the laptop at its best, no matter what you need to do. This laptop is an ultraportable dream, from its carbon-fiber, magnesium, and aluminum construction to its 2.8K OLED display, generous port selection, and nearly 20 hours of battery life. We gave it five stars; any recent grad would be lucky to get one.
This top-tier ThinkPad generally appeals to demanding pros and executive budgets, but it’s worth every penny for a fresh business graduate. It delivers a super-light design without sacrificing power. Office IT departments will love it for its reliability and work-ready features, while business travelers will cherish the lightweight and robust design. Die-hard Lenovo fans will be relieved that it still has a red TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard.
Class
Business, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics 140V
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.56 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches
Weight
2.17 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
19:49
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition Review
- Light, compact build
- Customizable before and after ordering
- Repairable, upgradable, sustainable design
- Aggressively priced DIY Edition
- Support for AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors
- 14-hour battery life
- Price premium for prebuilt Windows system
- Some fine print for setup and compatibility
- Display is workable, but not a standout for the price
The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the latest in a string of modular, repairable, and upgradable ultraportable laptops from Framework, and it’s a killer option for anyone who writes for a living. The latest model gets a powerful AMD Ryzen AI 300 processor, and more than 14 hours of battery life, but it stays lighter than 3 pounds. Thanks to its upgradable design, the Framework can be bumped up to new internal hardware regularly, saving you hundreds of dollars each time. Given how much it will save someone after an upgrade or two, it’s a superb gift for the grad who needs an excellent laptop for writing and saving a buck or two.
Framework’s 2025 Laptop 13 is an excellent ultraportable all on its own, but we love it for communications and writing grads, fields that can be financially challenging. The comfortable keyboard and customizable ports are sublime, and the long-term benefits of the upgradable design mean this laptop can adapt to changing needs over time for far less than entirely replacing your system.
Class
Ultraportable
Processor
AMD Ryzen AI 7 350
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
13.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
2,880 by 1,920
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
AMD Radeon 860M Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.62 by 11.7 by 9 inches
Weight
2.86 lbs
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
14:02
Learn More
Framework Laptop 13 (2025) Review
- Sleek, slim aesthetic and inputs
- Brilliant 4K OLED touch screen
- High performance from Intel Core Ultra 7 and GeForce RTX 4070
- Impressive battery life
- Expensive
- Not all design changes are improvements
- USB-C ports only (though USB-A and HDMI adapter provided)
Dell’s XPS 16 (9640) is a choice desktop replacement for video work, provided you’re OK with paying a little extra for premium design and features. The XPS 16 has a slick, futuristic look, with a seamless touchpad integrated into the palm rest, an LED-lit strip of touch controls, and a 4K OLED touch screen that wowed us with an eye-popping edge-to-edge panel, a 90Hz refresh rate, a vibrant color profile, and exceptional clarity. Equipped with Intel Core Ultra 7 and GeForce RTX 4070 silicon, the laptop drives high performance suitable for demanding tasks, and pairs it with more than 18 hours of battery life.
From luxury seekers to power users, this is the Rolls-Royce of PC content creation laptops, providing high performance and a stunning display. If you need a powerful machine for editing a rough cut or mastering an audio track, and want something portable without sacrificing screen size or performance, the Dell XPS 16 (9640) is the system to get.
Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
90 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.74 by 14.1 by 9.4 inches
Weight
4.7 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
18:40
Learn More
Dell XPS 16 (9640) Review
- Dominant content creation performance
- More than 24 hours of battery life
- Game-changing nano-texture display option
- Thunderbolt 5 support
- Helpful Center Stage webcam upgrade
- Only a minor performance boost over M3 MacBooks
- Strangely priced configuration
- Nano-texture display is an optional extra
As the best of Apple’s superb MacBook line, the 2024 MacBook Pro 16-Inch is the undeniable choice for content creation and video editing, thanks to its dominant M4 Pro chip, making it competitive with top-tier laptops housing AMD, Intel, and Nvidia parts. In addition to stellar performance, it has more than 24 hours of battery life, optional nano-textured glass on the display for a better viewing experience, and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity for a whole edit bay worth of gear. If your recent grad wants the best premium laptop for video editing, know that this is what most professionals actually use.
Movie makers and Mac fans will appreciate the MacBook Pro 16’s outstanding performance and long battery life. It’s perfect for content creators and digital professionals seeking a high-performance laptop for video editing and other demanding tasks. If you’re willing to invest in a premium laptop that excels in content editing, it’s hard to find anything better.
Class
Workstation, Desktop Replacement
Processor
Apple M4 Pro (14-core)
RAM (as Tested)
48 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Screen Size
16.2 inches
Native Display Resolution
3456 by 2234
Panel Technology
Mini LED
Variable Refresh Support
ProMotion
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M4 Pro (20-core)
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.66 by 14 by 9.8 inches
Weight
4.7 lbs
Operating System
Apple macOS Sequoia
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
25:52
Learn More
Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2024, M4 Pro) Review
- Classy, compact build
- Excellent keyboard
- Full array of connections, including HDMI and microSD
- Slightly dim display
- Half a pound overweight
- Wi-Fi 6, not 6E or 7
Lenovo’s ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4 has a touch screen and classy build that will please professional users, especially those who want the convenience of a laptop that doubles as a tablet between doing data analysis and sharing presentations. The keyboard is quite comfortable and packed with ports despite its 14-inch frame. Its compact size is, in one sense, our only caveat, as this 14-incher isn’t quite as powerful as larger business laptops, but its Core Ultra 5 125U processor keeps things moving well enough for spreadsheet work. And its battery life is first-rate.
Finance graduates and professionals seeking a budget-friendly convertible laptop will love the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4. The laptop’s compact size and light weight make it easy to carry around professional campuses, while its 2-in-1 design provides loads of flexibility. It’s hard not to find this compact small-office system a delightful and versatile choice for everyday work.
Class
Business, Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 5 125U
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Graphics
Wireless Networking
802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.66 by 12.3 by 8.8 inches
Weight
3.61 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
20:37
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 Gen 4 Review
- Lower starting price and cheaper configurations than M3 version
- 16GB is now the baseline memory capacity
- Improved Center Stage camera
- Quiet, fanless design
- M4 processor, while faster than M3, loses ground to some PC chips
- Battery life tops M3 model’s, but trails rival Windows ultraportables
- Display is due for an upgrade
- Too few ports for its size
Finance graduates need a laptop that’s powerful enough to handle complex financial modeling software and data analysis tools but sufficiently portable and versatile to take on the go. The 2025 Apple MacBook Air 15-Inch ticks all the boxes as a larger version of the iconic thin-and-light MacBook. With the latest update bringing a more powerful M4 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a lower starting price of $1,199, the ultraportable Mac gains useful features without any extra bulk or weight. If you want the best system for finance grads who don’t need a full-blown workstation for number crunching, this is the MacBook to grab.
The 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (2025, M4) is the top Mac laptop for accounting, business, and finance grads working from home, taking their laptops to the office, or traveling for work. With its stunning design, excellent performance, and complete feature set, the MacBook Air is the best choice for anyone comfortable with macOS and looking for a reliable ultraportable. Whether you’re working from home, in the office, or on planes and trains, it’s an excellent laptop for anybody, but Mac-loyal finance pros will find it a perfect match.
Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
Apple M4
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
256 GB
Screen Size
15.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1864
Panel Technology
LED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M4 (10-core)
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.45 by 13.4 by 9.4 inches
Weight
3.3 lbs
Operating System
Apple macOS Sequoia
Learn More
Apple MacBook Air 15-Inch (2025, M4) Review
- Surprisingly affordable and surprisingly light
- Handsome 4K OLED display
- Epic battery life
- Ethernet port and SD card slot
- Only one USB-A port
- Stiff keyboard
- Perfectly fine rather than professional workstation or gaming performance
The MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo is our favorite Windows machine for coding and development, and it’s easy to see why. With a stunning 4K OLED screen and a potent Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, this powerful big-screen laptop is prepared for the incoming AI wave without killing your bank account. Its display is easy to read, its keyboard is comfortable for extended use, and its battery life is impressive. Top it off with a built-in Ethernet jack and an SD card slot, and the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo is currently the best laptop for most programmers.
We recommend the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo for most comp-sci grads thanks to its comfortable big-screen design, peppy performance, and NPU-equipped processor. As a daily driver that can handle programming, software development, and occasional creative work, it’s a superb value.
Class
Desktop Replacement, Business
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.75 by 14.1 by 10 inches
Weight
3.31 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
18:55
Learn More
MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo Review
- Blazing M4 performance outclasses high-end Intel laptops
- Unmatched 28-hour-plus battery life
- Stunning Retina XDR display with HDR and 120Hz refresh rate
- Upgraded 12MP camera
- Versatile port selection
- Camera still limited to 1080p video
- Keyboard/trackpad design unchanged from previous models
- Graphics lag behind last year’s top-end M3 Pro and M3 Max
Apple’s 2024 14-inch MacBook Pro is a wise choice for developers and computer science graduates, thanks to the M4 processor. From its peppy performance to its stunning Retina XDR display with HDR and a 120Hz refresh rate, this Mac laptop enhances performance and visual clarity for coding and software design work. And with 28 hours of uninterrupted battery life on our video rundown test, it can handle extended use without frequent recharging, perfect for long coding sessions.
Computer science graduates who require a powerful and reliable Mac laptop for coding and software development will be well served by this MacBook Pro. It’s an ideal choice for those who need a Mac with superb performance, enhanced graphics, and excellent battery life—all while supporting a range of development needs. (Those who won’t travel often with their machine, though, may want to consider its larger-screen 16-inch sibling.)
Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
Apple M4 (10-core)
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14.2 inches
Native Display Resolution
3024 by 1964
Panel Technology
Mini LED
Variable Refresh Support
ProMotion
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Apple M4 (10-core)
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.61 by 12.3 by 8.7 inches
Weight
3.4 lbs
Operating System
Apple macOS Sequoia
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
28:33
Learn More
Apple MacBook Pro 14-Inch (2024, M4) Review
- Stunning 4K OLED touch screen
- Blazing performance for its size
- Elegant build with snappy keyboard
- Not quite as fast or expandable as heavier rivals
- No USB-A ports or webcam shutter
- Mega expensive, as most mobile workstations are
For engineers and scientists who need the horsepower for complex simulations, modeling, and data analysis, the 16-inch Dell Precision 5690 provides all the number-crunching muscle you’ll need. With Nvidia RTX Ada graphics and one of the most powerful Intel Core Ultra processors currently available, this Dell can handle demanding tasks and stand up to the rigors of work on the go. The laptop has an aluminum and reinforced polycarbonate exterior, and it weighs less than five pounds, making it a portable-enough option for professionals who need the power. The superb display delivers 4K resolution and 400-nit brightness, along with color-calibration tools to keep the OLED panel looking perfect. Professionals need the best, and Dell’s quality build and potent performance justify the premium cost, earning this mobile workstation our Editors’ Choice award.
This laptop workstation powerhouse will be overkill for most recent grads. However, if you need top-tier speeds for high-end applications, the Dell Precision 5690 is perfect for the most demanding and specialized tasks.
Class
Workstation
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Type
SSD
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada
Graphics Memory
16 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.87 by 13.9 by 9.5 inches
Weight
4.46 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:11
Learn More
Dell Precision 5690 Review
- Striking OLED touch screen
- Snappy performance
- Lengthy battery life
- Svelte design with remarkable soundbar hinge
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- Slightly pricey
- No HDMI port or SD/microSD card slot
- No mobile broadband option
- Can’t cap the stylus pen
Thanks to its superb 14-inch OLED touch screen with pen support and its fresh Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU with Intel Arc Graphics, this Yoga is an excellent PC laptop for grab-and-go design work. With its all-metal chassis, Lenovo’s Yoga 9i exudes elegance while maintaining a slim profile, weighing a mere 2.98 pounds. It even comes with a stylus pen for handwritten digital note-taking and on-screen sketching.
For a lightweight laptop that doubles as a slick, pen-capable tablet, Lenovo’s Yoga 9i Gen 9 is the best option. The dazzling OLED display and symphonic sound pair well with this model, the most refined version of Lenovo’s famous flip-and-fold design yet. This laptop is ideal for anyone needing touch input, handwriting, and drawing features.
Class
Convertible 2-in-1
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.64 by 12.4 by 8.6 inches
Weight
2.98 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:52
Learn More
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9 (2024) Review
- Gorgeous OLED touch screen
- Kickstand cover and above-average keyboard included
- Dual high-quality cameras
- SD card slot
- Affordable price
- Pen not included
- Scanty port selection and no headphone jack
- Arm software compatibility concerns
- No WWAN option
Are handwritten art and pixel-perfect editing your (or your grad’s) thing? If so, look at the Asus ProArt PZ13, which features a gorgeous OLED touch screen that enhances the Windows experience with hands-on touch input and fantastic clarity. It includes a kickstand cover and an above-average keyboard, providing versatility and comfort for typing. And with more than 17 hours of best-case battery life in our tests, it should carry you through hours of sketching and drawing with juice to spare. Our only problem with this detachable 2-in-1? Its stylus pen is sold separately. But it’s worth the splurge.
Consider this model for designers who need to sketch concepts or simply type up meeting notes for their creative briefings. This ProArt can also serve as a fully functional and portable tablet drafting system. It’s our favorite detachable Windows 2-in-1 for these jobs. Its performance profile and feature set make the ProArt a natural match for design graduates and professionals.
Class
Detachable 2-in-1
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100)
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Screen Size
13.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Dimensions (HWD)
0.35 by 11.7 by 8 inches
Weight
1.87 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:47
Learn More
Asus ProArt PZ13 Review
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Grad Gift Guide: Best Laptops for Each Type of Graduate
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Buying Guide: Grad Gift Guide: Best Laptops for Each Type of Graduate
A laptop can make a stellar gift for a university senior about to enter the workforce—but simply asking, “What’s the best laptop for a college graduate?” doesn’t narrow things down much. According to the college advising website MyMajors.com, the list of common college majors comprises more than 1,800 areas of study, from agriculture to visual and performing arts.
So, we turned to data to see the most popular majors and professions, to help define the best laptops for their specific type of work. According to graduation statistics and search volume, the most sought-after recommendations come from media creators (working with video and music), photographers, graphic designers, programmers, engineers, stock traders, and writers, all representing office and home workers.
While some often-recommended laptops can be good picks for several different professions, each field has a distinct set of requirements, industry-specific software, and a unique mix of hardware needs and performance demands.
The specific needs of a given job will bring some features to the forefront, but the laptop-buying basics are pretty consistent across the board: You want something comfortable to use, durable enough to last, and powerful enough for your most demanding projects. Here’s the condensed version of our laptop-buying advice.
Processor
If a laptop is like a car, the central processing unit (CPU) is the engine that makes it go, handling all the actual computing tasks. From the operating system to the individual programs you use, the CPU makes it work.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
For an in-depth look at CPU selection, our guide How to Choose the Best Laptop Processor provides plenty of detailed advice. But for our purposes here, it’s pretty simple. Generally, you’ll want to stick to Intel, AMD, and Apple options for professional use, since they deliver not only the most variety, but they also have the widest compatibility with industry-standard programs. The specific processor name will tell you the series (such as Intel Core i5, Core Ultra 5, or AMD Ryzen 7), as well as the generation of the chip, or how recent the design is. A higher series number will generally denote better performance, while the latest chips will have the most up-to-date capabilities.
Memory
We don’t need to discuss the specifics of memory functionality and format here. Random access memory (RAM) is your computer’s short-term working memory, holding the data for the apps and files currently running. It’s fast and immediate, but if you don’t have enough RAM, it can become a bottleneck that slows your laptop’s overall performance as apps wait in line for RAM space to be freed up to run.
While we could provide plenty of specific advice on choosing the right RAM, the simple guideline is that more is better. We suggest a bare minimum of 8GB of RAM for any Windows machine, but more demanding systems should be equipped with 16GB or 32GB. Mobile workstations are the only models that generally employ anything more than that.
Integrated vs. Discrete Graphics
Most laptops rely on the CPU to handle the graphical demands, using what’s called an integrated graphics processor or IGP. More demanding visuals, such as those delivered by gaming laptops and workstations, will instead use a discrete graphics processor or GPU—a secondary chip that’s devoted entirely to graphics acceleration.
Laptop manufacturers don’t give shoppers the same range of choices for mobile GPUs, but if you expect to do photo and video editing, 3D rendering, or anything else that’s similarly demanding, look into laptops that have a discrete GPU from AMD (Radeon RX) or Nvidia (GeForce RTX or RTX A Series), instead of integrated graphics.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Mobile workstations, meanwhile, are practically defined by the GPU (which, these days, is mostly Nvidia RTX A chips). In addition to delivering high-powered graphics processing, workstation systems are designed for rock-solid reliability for the most demanding programs. Look for Independent Software Vendor (ISV) certification and make sure your professional program is properly supported.
Storage
When it comes to storage, you have two main concerns: capacity and speed. Capacity refers to storage space, whether it’s a small 128GB drive or a massive two-terabyte (2TB) drive. Larger drives are more expensive, but they are invaluable if you routinely work with large project files. Writers may not need much storage for documents, but media and complex renderings will take up much more space.
Speed is the other concern. The biggest difference is between hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). Traditionally, a platter-based HDD provided more storage space at a better price per dollar, but SSDs deliver much faster performance. SSD boot drives are now the rule (you’ll seldom see hard drives in laptops, except rarely as secondary data drives), and dropping prices have made SSDs affordable for all users.
Battery Life
When in doubt, you always want a longer-lasting battery. Longer battery life lets you use your laptop longer between charges and allows you to leave the power adapter at home, making an ultraportable model that much easier to carry. Whenever possible, we recommend checking out the relative battery test results in our reviews and, if all else is equal, opting for systems capable of longer battery life.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
But battery life has an inverse relationship with processing and graphics prowess, which demand more power to handle more complex tasks. Media machines and mobile workstations may not provide battery life as long as a thin ultraportable might, but when you need horsepower, you accept the lower gas mileage.
Design
The standard laptop design will be fine for most users in most situations. But keep two major considerations in mind when selecting your next PC. The first is portability, with thin-and-light ultraportables making it much easier to tote around your work machine. They’re a bit more expensive, but if you expect to take your laptop on the go, you want one of these featherweights.
Touch capability is the other consideration. While you can get touch screens in a standard laptop design, you may want something more hands on, especially for digital art and graphic design. In these instances, we recommend 2-in-1 laptop designs, which combine the usual notebook form factor with tablet functionality. Whether the machine flips, folds, or splits into two pieces, having a tablet option for drawing and note-taking on the screen can be a game-changer.
Different Careers, Different Needs: Here’s What to Consider
With such a wide variety of professions and majors open to college students, it’s worth remembering one core concept: The best laptop for you starts with knowing what you need to do with it. For digital artists, that means running Photoshop or drawing on the screen. If you’re an engineer or a day trader, though, you need something much different, like high-end 3D rendering graphics or super-fast number crunching.
To find the best laptops for our seven professional categories, we examined each profession’s actual demands and the hardware and performance needed to support them.
The Best Laptops for Film School and Audio Production Grads
“Media” can be a broad category, but video editing and music production dominate the field for grads. Multimedia production all requires similar equipment because it involves scrubbing through hours of footage or finessing layer upon layer to create the perfect track.
If you work in film or audio production, you need a laptop that can handle speedy edits and deftly manage multiple large files simultaneously. Ideal laptops have a fast CPU, at least 16GB of RAM (more is recommended for working with 4K video), an SSD of at least 1TB capacity, a dedicated graphics chip (GPU), a high-quality display, excellent audio output, and a wealth of physical connectivity.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Display quality is also a top concern, so we recommend looking for laptops with OLED displays or similar image-enhancing technologies, like mini LED or (more broadly) HDR support. Color accuracy is also a must-have for video work, so look for laptops with factory calibration or similar professional-grade color.
When choosing a laptop, it is also recommended to consider an external HDD or cloud storage for additional storage space. Even on a laptop with plenty of storage space, you’ll want to back up footage and edits to a suitable external drive.
Portable designs and features, like a touch screen and a premium keyboard, are less important for media production. Also, longer battery life isn’t critical if most work is done in a stationary location, like a studio or editing bay. If you’re frequently working on location, however, you will want something with all of the power for your editing software, and necessary color accuracy, audio quality, and connectivity, but also portability and adequate battery life. (Check out the best laptops for video editing to see additional recommendations.)
The Best Laptops for Graphic Design Grads
Next, we have visual and graphic design. From high-powered machines that can run Photoshop with speed to 2-in-1 laptop models that let an artist draw directly on screen, the visual arts depend more than ever on the proper hardware.
For graphic design graduates, a laptop with a fast CPU, at least 16GB of RAM, an SSD with at least 1TB of storage room, a dedicated graphics card, and a high-quality display with precise color representation is recommended. Battery life, comfortable input devices, and support for a stylus or an external drawing tablet are also important considerations.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Regarding processors, look for an Intel Core Ultra 5, Core Ultra 7, Core i5, or Core i7 chip. If it’s an AMD laptop, focus on the Ryzen 5 or 7 CPU options. For graphics, a midrange Nvidia GeForce (RTX 4060/4070 class, or RTX 5070 class) or AMD Radeon RX GPU is recommended. An IPS or OLED panel display is also important for better color accuracy and wider viewing angles. Ideally, the display should be able to produce 100% of the sRGB or Adobe RGB color spaces.
While many creative pros start and finish their laptop search with Apple, touch and pen capability won’t be available on a Mac. For that, we recommend a Windows-based 2-in-1, either a convertible laptop or a detachable tablet. With so many touch-capable Windows laptops available, we suggest looking for a convertible system that has proper on-screen pen support. This will give you all the functionality of a dedicated digital drawing pad, but without needing an extra peripheral on the side.
The Best Laptops for Business Grads
Though it’s not as exciting as shooting movies or crafting a visual masterpiece, most college grads are headed to the office. White-collar jobs and slipper-wearing work-from-home situations have made the day job more diverse than ever, but everyone needs a reliable machine that lets them get their work done.
For business grads looking to buy a laptop, you have several key features to consider. First, a powerful processor is essential for running business applications such as spreadsheet software and data analysis tools, so look for Intel Core i5 or i7 (or Core Ultra 5 or 7 tier) or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 CPUs. At least 8GB of RAM is recommended for running multiple applications simultaneously and handling large datasets, though 16GB of RAM is much better for complex multitasking.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
An SSD should come standard for storage. (Aim for at least 512GB of capacity.) A 14- or 15-inch display with full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) resolution is ideal for business tasks, delivering balanced portability and screen real estate.
Battery life is also essential, so look for a laptop with at least eight hours of battery life to avoid interruptions during meetings or while working remotely. Portability is key if you plan to take the computer to conferences or on business trips, so look at ultraportable laptops with durable construction. Multiple physical ports for connectivity, including USB, HDMI, and Ethernet, are also important.
Less essential features for business graduates include dedicated graphics cards or gaming features, touch screens, and audio performance beyond basic capabilities. For most business tasks, a laptop with a fast CPU, at least the minimums for RAM and storage, a decent display, and a long-lasting battery should suffice. While more-affordable options may be available, investing in a high-quality business laptop can be a career move that pays off in the long run.
The Best Laptops for Computer Science Grads
With so much of our lives now spent online and in digital worlds, programming is more vital than ever. From straight coding to full-stack web development, programmers and coders need a machine that can keep up.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Specifically, that means a laptop with both processing muscle for compiling code and enough RAM that you’re never bogged down. We recommend something with at least an Intel Core i5 (or Core Ultra 5) CPU, and 16GB of RAM or more. Dedicated graphics are optional—unless you’re also doing game development, or something else with a visual component that needs graphics horsepower to simulate playback. If you’re adding design to the mix, you’ll want a GPU that can handle it.
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Long battery life is helpful if you’re on the go, but screen resolution is more important. A high-quality display with a minimum resolution of 1080p and an IPS panel for better color accuracy and wider viewing angles will make it easier to view and edit code and multimedia content. When you spend hours looking at raw code in an IDE or emulating whatever app or website you’re developing, you want it to be clear and accurate. But you also want to give your eyes a break.
Decent connectivity options, including multiple ports like USB, HDMI, and Thunderbolt, are also important to connect to peripherals. Less crucial features for the programming include portability (unless you do a lot of off-site meetings or conferences), touch-screen capability, and audio performance.
You can also find more recommendations in our favorite laptops for programmers.
The Best Laptops for Engineering and Science Grads
Engineers find work in diverse fields: chip design, refining engine parts, planning city-wide infrastructure. But the core tools all demand one thing above all: power.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Look at both processing and graphics. You need more power than the average laptop can provide. That’s why we’ve chosen from our list of the best mobile workstations to find one that goes above and beyond, providing rock-solid performance and graphics horsepower for tools like AutoCAD and Solidworks.
A high-quality display with a resolution of at least 1080p (ideally, 1440p or 4K) and an IPS panel is essential for analyzing complex data and models. Battery life of at least eight hours and multiple ports—including USB, HDMI, and Thunderbolt—are important for connecting to the latest peripherals.
Durability is another factor to consider. You’ll want a laptop that can withstand the rigors of travel and daily use, especially if you’re working at a remote job site.
The Best Laptops for Finance Grads
Money movers and stock traders have their own needs, in a business where downtime and sluggish performance can cost big. You may not need massive processing power for accounting or day-trading work, but a well-blended mix of decent performance, go-anywhere portability, and professional-looking design is necessary.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
For finance majors, a laptop with a fast CPU, sufficient RAM and storage, a high-quality display, a comfortable keyboard, a long-lasting battery, and decent portability is recommended. Look for an Intel Core Ultra processor or Core i5 or i7 (or an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7) CPU, 8GB of RAM at the minimum, and at least 256GB of SSD storage. A 14-inch, 1080p-or-better display is the minimum, and a responsive, well-spaced keyboard is non-negotiable.
Less important features for finance majors include graphics performance, a touch screen, audio performance, and gaming features. When choosing a laptop for financial tasks, keep in mind the specific needs of your job. Steady performance, portability, and professional-looking design are a must. Whether you’re living the nomad lifestyle or working shoulder-to-shoulder with an office full of traders, our favorite business laptops provide plenty of ideal options for trading and finance.
The Best Laptops for Communications and Writing Grads
Finally, a topic near to our hearts: the best laptops for writers and editors (as well as communications and marketing pros). While the work may not be demanding in terms of processing or graphics requirements, certain special considerations make some laptops stand out above the rest. Basic office software will get the job done, and internet access will let you research and share your work. But these basics are standard on every laptop.
A high-quality display with decent color representation and at least a 13-inch screen is important, as is a comfortable and responsive keyboard with backlit keys for typing in low-light conditions. A fast CPU, at least 8GB of RAM, and an SSD with at least 256GB of storage are also recommended for multitasking and running demanding applications.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Battery life is another important consideration, especially if you plan to take your laptop on the go. Look for a tested running time of at least eight hours, and consider the weight and size of the laptop for portability.
While decent audio capabilities are important for video conferencing and multimedia content, most laptops have sufficient audio performance for basic tasks. Graphics performance, GPU acceleration, and gaming features are also less critical for writing and communication tasks.
What isn’t so standard are the niceties, like a backlit keyboard with a comfortable layout and a wide selection of ports. Look for a full-size keyboard that allows for a sufficient depth of key travel and a comfortable typing feel—we recommend trying one out in person before you commit to buying it. (Of course, if you’ll often be at your desk, you could always invest in one of the best mechanical keyboards—your fingers will thank you.)
Thankfully, you can get all these features at wallet-friendly prices by shopping for the best budget laptops, if you know what you’re looking for (which our guide will certainly help with). In a pinch, you might even get by with a Chromebook in the writing and media fields.
