Best Laptop for Computer Science Students (2025)

Portable, durable laptops with enough RAM/SSD and Linux-friendly hardware for CS coursework.

Avery Clarke
Sep 26, 2025

Best Laptop for Computer Science Students (2025)

Prioritize 16GB RAM (or upgradeability), fast SSDs, and a comfortable keyboard. Good Linux compatibility and multiple USB‑C ports make life easier for tooling and peripherals. (Check dual‑boot and virtualization support in manufacturer docs)

Quick recommendations

  • Most upgradeable: Framework Laptop 13 (2025)
  • Classic business pick: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 (Aura)
  • Premium ultrabook: Dell XPS 13 (9350)
  • Great value: Acer Swift Go 14 (2025)
  • Mac option for developers: MacBook Air 13‑inch (M4)
  • Bright OLED option: Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14

Top picks

Framework Laptop 13 (2025) Demo
In Stock

Framework Laptop 13 (2025)

Framework

$1,499

User‑serviceable RAM/SSD and modular ports ideal for CS students.

User-upgradeable
csupgradeable +1
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 (Aura) Demo
In Stock

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 (Aura)

Lenovo

$2,099

Excellent keyboard and durability for long coding sessions.

14-inch
csbusiness +1
Dell XPS 13 (9350, Core Ultra 2nd Gen) Demo
In Stock

Dell XPS 13 (9350, Core Ultra 2nd Gen)

Dell

$1,599

Premium build, great display, and strong battery life.

13-inch
csultrabook +1
Acer Swift Go 14 (2025) Demo
In Stock

Acer Swift Go 14 (2025)

Acer

$1,099

Affordable and light with modern USB‑C for docks and monitors.

14-inch
csvalue +1
MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) Demo
In Stock

MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)

Apple

$1,399

Silent thermals and great battery for lectures and labs.

Apple Silicon
csmacos +1
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 Demo
In Stock

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14

Samsung

$1,499

Bright OLED option with excellent portability.

14-inch
csoled +1