Being a biology major is not easy. Not only is there a lot to learn, but there’s a lot to memorize and study as well.
Students need a strong, reliable laptop to get them through classes. However, with so many out there, picking one is not easy. That’s where this article comes in.
In the following sections, we will analyze a series of laptops that are perfect for college classes.
They each come with specific traits (long battery life, strong shell, etc.) that will help you in school and push your learning to the next level. We’ll take a deeper look at why below.
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Who Should Get This
These laptops are obviously geared towards students. They are great for biology majors, but their strong internal power, ample programs, and quick speed make them good for all students at all levels. If you’re in school and want something to help you study or take notes, the models will deliver.
Every model outlined below also stands on its own. They are great for studying purposes, but what makes them so great for students is that they are also an excellent way to relax. If you want a fun machine to help you watch shows or play games, they will serve that purpose.
Best Laptop for Biology Majors: Our Picks
The following section breaks down the best biology major laptops and covers their different niches.
1. OEM Lenovo ThinkPad T490
- Best for: Overall
- Key Features: Bright screen with stunning resolution. Fully upgradeable. Powerful processor. Realtek speakers.
- Screen Size: 14 inches
- Memory: 16 GB
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
Biology students put their laptops under a lot of stress, which is why they need a powerful device that can handle a lot of programs. In that regard, the T490 delivers. The all-purpose computer has a beautiful screen, sharp resolution, strong processor, and excellent graphics.
In addition, the computer is well-made. The shell is tough and you can lug it all over campus without it becoming damaged from any extra jostling. It’s also fully upgradable and the Realtek speakers are perfect when you want to listen to music as you work.
There’s no doubt that the ThinkPad is a complete machine. Even so, it is on the heavy side. That won’t matter for students who don’t go far, but if you have to make a lot of trips across campus it’s something to think about.
2. Dell Inspiron 7000
- Best for: Versatility
- Key Features: 2-in-1 functionality. 13.3-inch full HD with a LED-backlit display. Smooth and responsive interface.
- Screen Size: 13.3 inches
- Memory: 8 GB
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
Dell makes great computers for college, and the Inspiron 7000 is one of their best. There is a wide range of features packed into the machine, including a strong 8th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, LED-backlit display, Waves MaxxAudio, and a range of ports.
The stand-out aspect, however, is the 2-in-1 functionality. That brings an extra dimension to the usability and allows you to both use it on the go and when you’re at your dorm. It also has a great look, is quite affordable, and comes with premium resolution.
That being said, this isn’t a machine to get if you need a lot of battery life. You won’t be constantly searching for an outlet, but you’ll need to recharge a bit more than you would with other laptops on this list.
3. Macbook Air
- Best for: Lightweight
- Key Features: Slick outer appearance. Portable. Full touch ID and backlit magic keyboard. Fast SSD storage.
- Screen Size: 13.3 inches
- Memory: 8 GB
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
As the name suggests, the Macbook Air is an incredibly sleek computer packed with premium features. As with any Apple product, you get a stunning outer design, fast SSD storage, and a bright, vivid screen. Students will love the speed and strong processor too.
They will also enjoy the versatility, lighter weight, and lower price point. While still on the expensive side, the computer enables you to get the Apple experience without paying too much. It’s easy to bring around, and can be used for relaxation.
The Airbook’s lighter design is great when going to class or the coffee shop, but it does make the entire device a bit more fragile. Be careful and don’t expect the same durability in other computers.
4. HP Spectre x360
- Best for: Performance
- Key Features: Intel Core i7 processor. HD panel and Active Stylus pen. Turbo Boost technology. Incredible audio performance.
- Screen Size: 13.3 inches
- Memory: 16 GB
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
The x360 is a strong biology laptop due to its strong internal specs. This is a premium machine for students willing to shell out a bit more. You get a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, amazing audio performance, as well as a top-of-the-line SSD.
There’s plenty of storage, the screen is vivid and sharp, and everything is backlit. On top of that, HP includes a handy pen that increases the functionality and allows you to take notes in a more intuitive way. Add on the multitude of ports, and there’s nothing the laptop can’t do.
As great as this model is, the touchscreen is a bit finicky. You should be fine for the most part, but don’t be surprised if you need to play with it a bit to get a proper feel for the controls.
5. Dell XPS 13
- Best for: Touchscreen
- Key Features: 13.4-inch Full HD display. Strong processor and fast processor. Alexa compatible. Sleek look.
- Screen Size: 13.4 inches
- Memory: 16 GB
- Weight: 2.8 pounds
The XPS 13 is another great Dell pick that’s perfect for school thanks to the excellent usability and responsive touchscreen. Biology majors will greatly enjoy its wide screen and powerful 11 generation Intel core processor as much as the sharp audio and advanced graphics.
Additionally, the computer has Bluetooth capability, shared graphics memory, and comes with Dell migrate in case you’re upgrading from an old computer. The Alexa compatibility is another excellent bonus that will go a long way when trying to create an easy-to-use machine.
Just note that this computer does tend to run on the hotter side when under a lot of stress. You won’t see that with normal use, but it can get loud if you’re doing a lot at once.
6. Acer Swift 3
- Best for: Budget
- Key Features: Backlit keyboard. Strong processor and long-lasting battery. Good security. Portable. Affordable.
- Screen Size: 14 inches
- Memory: 8 GB
- Weight: 2.65 pounds
If you want a slim, portable laptop that manages to be feature-heavy and affordable, the Swift 3 is a great pick. College students tend to be on a budget, and this is a much cheaper option that doesn’t skimp on any important aspects biology majors need to succeed.
It comes with extremely long battery life, WiFi-6, Bluetooth 5, a durable shell, and various ports. The backlit keyboard is great for late nights, while the processor does a good job of running the most relevant programs.
As this is a budget laptop, you have to sacrifice something to get the lower price. Here, it’s the resolution. The display is more than serviceable, but don’t expect the sharp images or vibrant colors of more expensive models. Even so, that’s worth the trade-off.
Best Laptop for Biology Majors: What to Consider
Portability
Whether it’s class, home, the library, or a local cafe, students need to take their laptops all over the place. That is why biology majors need to get something they can easily carry around. When looking for a new model, always pay attention to its weight and size.
Though you don’t need an incredibly small machine, you want something you can carry around for extended periods of time. Get something you can easily use or type on in class as well.
Battery Life
Every student knows that classes can last a long time. While a lot of them have plugs, that’s not always a guarantee. Even if they do, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to sit near it or you’ll want to break out your cord.
To avoid that, get a long-lasting machine with a good battery life. The goal is to find a laptop that can be used for eight or more hours without worry. That will enable you to take notes and then go work after class without having to be tied to an outlet.
Budget
College students know the importance of saving cash. Though you can go out and drop a couple of grand on a premium laptop, there are more than a few excellent affordable options out there. When picking up a laptop for your biology class, you want to try to get the best deal you can.
Figure out what you want, understand your budget, and purchase a model that gets close to your needed specs without costing more than what you’re willing to pay.
Useful Tips and Information
Being a biology major takes a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re willing to put in the time. The trick is not getting overwhelmed. To do that, you should follow the tips listed here so you’re ready to take on the long journey towards getting your degree.
A big part of getting through college is studying. Or rather, good study habits. You always have the chance to go it on your own, but it’s often better to be prepared. The different tricks covered in this video are a good way to build a strong study foundation.
Final Words
Being a biology major is a large undertaking, but a good laptop makes it much easier. If you want to study to the best of your abilities, you can’t do better than the models outlined here. Just pick the one that’s in your budget and has the speed you need.
What computer do you use in your biology classes? What specs does it have that enable you to study? Let us know below!
