Best Laptops For Data Science in 2023

If you’re on a mission to hunt for the best data science and analysis laptop, you must go through our editor’s picks in 2023. If you’re a professional, you must know what data science is and its processes.

It is becoming increasingly popular as businesses look for ways to improve their models.

It would be best if you had a laptop with the right specs and software to do data science. There are many different types of laptops, so it can be hard to know which is best for your needs.

The first thing you should do when looking at laptops is figure out what type of machine you need: desktop or laptop. If you need a desktop, you will want a lot of power (i.e., high-end specs) because they have more space for processors and memory than laptops do.

If you are only doing data science on the go, then a laptop will be better for your needs because it’s portable and easier to travel with than a desktop machine would be.

Moreover, for novices, Data science is a field of IT that uses scientific methods, algorithms, processes, and systems to gather knowledge and insights from unstructured and structured data.

You must have heard of Data mining and Big data while surfing the Internet. These are the most popular and celebrated branches of Data Science.

Things you need to know before making a purchase decision!

It’s challenging for professionals to choose the right laptop for data science and machine learning, so here we’re helping by making an extensive list of the top 10 best laptops for data science students and professionals in 2023. But before you go through the list and make a final purchase decision on it, you should know these things before --

Processor clock speed

Data science demands complex calculations and intensive data operations; also, it needs to run some significant software that needs power-packed performance from your processor.

You must focus on the processor clock speed and not the core because the python coding and significant data operations is a single core workload; a high clock-speed aid you in getting your things done faster and better.

RAM

If you’re a beginner data scientist or studying data science at your school, then 8 GB of RAM size serves your needs for the time being. Still, we always suggest higher RAM as it allows you to store large datasets on the RAM and perform multiple operations on them.

Storage

As you already know, data science deals with tons of data; you require fast, lightweight, and ample data storage. We usually recommend ultra-fast SSDs to data science professionals, but it ultimately depends upon your budget.

You are ready to go with SATA II or SATA III HDD, as it also gives you speed and performance in a budget laptop package.

Display Card

The display card is not necessary for a laptop that will be used for data science learning and professional work. Still, we suggest it accordingly to your budget. 4 GB Display card performs the best, along with a higher clock-speed processor and larger RAM.

10 Best Laptops For Data Science Students And Professionals

1) Lenovo Ideapad L340

Lenovo has given the best hardware within budget with their Ideapad series. Lenovo L340 is power-packed hardware capable of quality performance for professionals in the chassis of a traditional Ideapad with an FHD IPS Display, supercool keyboard with blue backlight, and privacy shutter for the webcam.

It comes with a 9th-generation Intel Core i5-9300H coffee lake architecture processor. You get a clock speed of 2.4GHz, and turbo boosts up to 4 GHz. 8GB SODIMM DDR4 RAM suffices all your needs.

Data Science Professional demands ultrafast storage for faster data operations; Lenovo L340 has the 512GB NVMe SSD to check this last box.

Lenovo Ideapad L340 is always true to its on-paper configurations and will give you the best performance whether you’re gaming on it for hours or analyzing big data buckets.

Also, it won’t affect your pocket much to get it on your lap; hence we have kept it in the first place on our list.

Pros:

• Powerful Processor
• Maximized visuals with up to 72% colour gamut
• Amazing island-style chiclet backlit keyboard
• Cooling technology

Cons:

• No Touchscreen

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2) Acer Aspire 5

Acer has started initially making Aspire series laptops for household and small business users. Recently, they are making significant changes in their Aspire flagship laptops, making them more performance-centric and targeting a large audience pool.

If you’re aspiring to the data science course, then this aspire’nt will help you achieve your goals. Acer Aspire 5 comes with an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor with a clock speed of 1.8 GHz and turbo boost up to 4.60 GHz.

It is coupled with 8GB DDR4 RAM and NVIDIA GeForce MX250 2 GB display card to ensure the smooth running of all your data operations. Ultrafast PCIe NVMe 512GB SSD won’t let you lag in data operations.

You won’t need to search and purchase any ports adapter if you choose to go with this slim laptop; you will have plenty of ports, including 1 USB 3.1 Type C Gen 1 port, 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (One with Power-off Charging), 1 USB 2.0 Port & 1 HDMI Port with HDCP support. Overall, You will be betting on the worthy successor in the Lenovo Ideapad series.

Pros:

• Adequate Graphics Performance
• Ultrafast SSD with a fast Data Transfer Rate
• Backlit Keyboard
• All-day battery life

Cons:

• Speakers can be improved
• The cooling system can be improved

3) Acer Predator Helios 300

Acer laptops used to be known for their regular day-to-day and common business usage, but not anymore. Acer created much noise about their new predator series in the International market. The Acer predator helios 300 is designed for heavy use.

It comes with powerful hardware inside and overhauled design outside, which is a preferred choice for most data scientist professionals. We will quickly run through its configuration -- 9th Generation Intel Core i7 processor with a clock speed up to 4.5 GHz, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti 6GB DDR6 Display card, PCIe NVMe 256GB Ultrafast SSD with two slots open for an upgrade, 15.6 Inches FHD Widescreen IPS Display, Backlit keyboard.

One extra HDD, and you’re all set to achieve your dreams. You will get plenty of choices when it comes to ports.

Also, It has a 4th Gen All Metal AeroBlade 3D Fan for faster cooling. This will be the best package if you’re a Data scientist student with a hardcore passion for gaming.

Pros:

• Fast processing speed
• Adequate graphics performance
• FHD LED Backlit IPS Display with 300 nits brightness
• Comfortable Backlit Keyboard

Cons:

• Shorter battery life
• No SD card reader

4) ASUS VivoBook Pro 17

ASUS notebooks are known for their multipurpose usage. Recently, ASUS has created much buzz by entering the gaming and high-performance laptops segment. ASUS VivoBook Pro 17 is for data science professionals with much to demand from the personal notebook.

It comes with an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor with a clock speed of 1.8 GHz and turbo boost up to 4.6 GHz. This powerful processor, coupled with the 16 GB DDR4 SODIMM RAM and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 4GB Dedicated graphics card, takes care of your visual graphics needs and faster, smoother data analysis.

17.3 inches FHD Wideview display will provide you with bright colours (72% NTSC colour gamut). You will never run out of storage while processing large datasets as ASUS VivoBook Pro 17 comes with 256GB M.2 SSD to load your OS faster and a 1 TB HDD for ample data storage.

You will surely love the fast charging that is up to 60% in just 49 minutes. ASUS has taken care of your wireless Internet needs by adding dual-band 2X2 Wi-Fi 5 to this machine. You can pleasantly invest in this machine if you need one of the best laptops for data science.

Pros:

• Fast processing
• Better Graphics Performance
• Immersive SonicMaster Sound
• Ergonomic backlit keyboard

Cons:

• Comparatively low battery life than the rivals
• Touchpad position

5) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

The Lenovo ThinkPad series is my personal favourite as I’m not into gaming. Still, I’m more into multitasking and always expect speed, performance, and quality from my computer. You will surely love this extraordinary machine if you have the same thought process as me.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon comes with the most popular sturdy chassis on the outside and powerful hardware on the inside. It comes with an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor with a turbo clock speed of up to 4.6 GHz, 16 GB LPDDR3 RAM, PCIe NVMe 512 GB SSD, and a 14” Full HD LED Touchscreen Display with a native resolution of 1920X1080.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is endeared to most IT professionals; as a data scientist, you will also resist your love for its beautiful island-style backlit keyboard with utmost comfort and key travel distance.

Everything you receive in the 0.6 inches slim body is ultra-portable. Hence, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is one of the most celebrated devices out there in the market.

Some laptops come with an Identity and pro statement just like this one, and if you’re working on keeping it on your lap while travelling, you will be regarded as a respectful IT professional.

Pros:

• Efficient and fast processing
• Thin and powerful machine
• Great portability
• Decent display

Cons:

• Speakers can be improved
• Short battery life on the high-res model

6) Dell XPS 15 9570

What will you do if your trustworthy brand assembles the best hardware in the amazing body and provides you with the overall package at a fair price in the International market? You will go for it, Right? Dell XPS 15 is quite a similar story here.

Dell has come up with the best hardware configuration at a fair price for those who cannot bear the price burden of apple and other superior laptops in the segment.

XPS series had created much noise when it was launched. Today, it is one of the popular devices from Dell. XPS 15 comes with an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor with a clock speed range from 2.2 GHz up to 4.1 GHz, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, 512 GB Ultrafast SSD, Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB Display card to provide you with clean visuals, on 15.6” display with 100% Adobe RGB colour with a native resolution of 3840X2160 pixels.

While working on this beautiful notebook, you will feel the performance quality, dazzling visuals, speed, and comfort. You will also get plenty of choices regarding ports, as Dell has considered and managed to provide multiple ports to avoid needing any external ports adapter.

Dell XPS 15 is a decent package for students and IT professionals who demand performance, quality, and speed from their personal computers.

Pros:

• Incredible performance
• Near-perfect display
• Worth the price paid
• Attractive design

Cons:

• Limited battery life
• Awkward camera placement

7) HP Zbook 15V G5

HP has garnered a different fan base and brand loyalty by producing highly durable, performance-centric devices. HP Zbook 15V is an ambitious product that aligns the different use-case altogether.

If you’re an IT professional working day-in-day-out on your computer and your work incurs almost all the CPU-intensive tasks, this must be the decent pick for you.

HP Zbook comes with an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor with a clock speed of up to 4.1 GHz with 9MB Cache and 32 GB DDR4 RAM for faster data operations.

You will get all the essentials required for high-performance data analysis, and it will run all the software smoothly. HP Zbook has a 2 TB PCIe NVMe SSD for faster data transfer which will ease your job and gives you a premium feel.

Zbook has a 15.6” FHD Touchscreen display and NVIDIA Quadro P600 4GB DDR5 Video RAM to handle HQ graphics. You are getting plenty of port choices with HP Zbook, and Windows 10 Professional is coming out of the box. Overall, HP Zbook 15V G5 is a premium workstation laptop included in our editor’s pick.

Using AI tools on the laptop becomes possible due to the latest hardware. This laptop should not be avoided if you are part of offshore AI developers.

Pros:

• Hexacore horsepower
• Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Stylish design & Sturdy built
• Snappy keyboard

Cons:

• Big and heavy
• The privacy screen is too dark

8) New Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch)

Apple MacBook Pro can always find the soft spot in all techie’s hearts. Apple always strives to provide the best machinery without harming the environment and global ecosystem.

If you’re an aspirant pursuing a course in Data science and analysis or doing an entry-level job, this machine must be on your wishlist. Apple hardware never leaves any flaws while designing, and they also managed to provide the best hardware configuration by assembling it in the tiny chassis of the MacBook Pro.

Apple MacBook Pro comes with an 8th generation quad-core Intel Core i5 processor with a clock speed of 2.4 GHz and Turbo boost up to 4.1 GHz and 128 GB of eDRAM. Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 won’t let you lag in the display performance.

Retina Display and ToucBar with fingerprint are the most popular features of Apple MBP. Most scholars will ignore the port options and go for them because of their hefty features and performance compared to all other competitor devices.

You will receive an identical opinion from an expert on the MacBook Pro 13 inches. If you can spend almost double the amount, you can go for MacBook Pro 15 inches, but this is also no match for any windows based competitor.

You can bet on it, and it will suffice all your needs, provided you need to spend some extra bucks to purchase an external ports adapter for the connectivity.

Pros:

• TrueTone Display
• T2 Security Chip and Always on Siri
• Ambient Speakers
• Stylish Aluminium finish body

Cons:

• Mediocre Battery Life
• No legacy ports
• High price tag

9) Asus ROG Strix Scar II

Asus has recently created a buzz by bestowing the best laptops upon the techie world. ASUS ROG Strix Scar II is no exception to this. It comes with powerful gaming hardware and an elegant design and can create a different fan base of our own.

Powerful 8th generation Intel Core i7 hexacore processor gives you a clock speed of 2.2 GHz and Turbo Boost up to 4.1 GHz. 16 GB DDR4 RAM and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 8 GB DDR6 Display card help you with ultimate graphics performance, and 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD won’t ask you to wait during data transfer and processing. The 15.6” FHD Display is suitable for day-to-day work and gaming as well.

You won’t have difficulty playing games and working on the big colossal data. Everything mentioned above is compressed to fit in 1-inch chassis.

Although it is a gaming laptop, the powerful hardware inside and the comfortable chassis, and the gaming-optimized keyboard with RGB backlight will give you a premium feel working in dark mode. Overall, ASUS Strix Scar II is the ultimate device for passionate data science professionals keen on playing HQ graphics games.

Pros:

• Powerful Processor
• Sharp and Clean Visuals
• Cooling system
• Gaming optimized RGB Backlit keyboard

Cons:

• Audio can be improved
• Wrongly placed webcam
• Battery life

10) Microsoft Surface Laptop 2

Some of our skilled Data science professionals are not interested in multi-media use. Still, they vigorously demand faster, better quality performance while working and great portability while travelling worldwide.

Microsoft considered this use case and developed the best laptop to solve this problem: Microsoft Surface Laptop 2. You can rely on this device for all your needs if you also belong to the same category.

Surface Laptop 2 has an elegant, catchy design and powerful hardware to satisfy all your needs.

16 GB RAM with Intel UHD Graphics 620 to support ultimate graphics on the 13.5” PixelSense Display with a native resolution of up to 2256X1504 pixels. This display supports SurfacePen and 10-finger multitouch which will ease your job if you cannot use the keyboard.

The laptop has got all-day battery life which is quite good for professionals and in power cutoff situations. It also comes with 1 USB 3.0 port, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, Mini Displayport, and 1 Surface Connect port.

Surface Laptop 2 has a 720p HD Camera, Stereo microphones, and Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio. Surface Laptop 2 is undoubtedly one of the promising players on our list.

Pros:

• Sleek laptop design
• Quieter & Comfortable Keyboard
• Competitive power level

Cons:

• No Thunderbolt 3 port
• Less choice of ports for connectivity

FAQs

Conclusion

Although we have advanced this much in computer science, we are still far from developing a single machine that will be sufficient for everyone’s requirements. Yet, we can say that this is the exhaustive list of best laptops for data science students and professionals as we have considered ten different use cases based on the student’s and professionals’ surveys.

Data science requires powerful hardware, and while some top professionals may want a mobile solution, heavy notepads are usually enough for those who wish to indulge in gaming.