The field of medical research has entered the technological age. Mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are widely used in health courses in practically all medical schools globally, not only in the United States! If you enter medical school without the appropriate technological learning tools, you will be limited from having the best learning experience possible. As a result, you must choose your laptop carefully. So, here’s a list of the best laptops for medical school to get you started!
In this post, I’ll present you with a list of the best laptops for medical school, as well as my recommendation for one that will meet your academic needs as a medical student!
Why should you read our list of the best laptops for medical school? Let’s start with an overview of medical school’s academic environment. When educators saw the benefits of allowing pupils to use computers in class, they gradually began to shift from a traditional teaching style to a digital one. We’ve been introduced to this new academic world, where technology is interwoven into the curriculum in schools and colleges all around the world.
You can now use PowerPoint to give a presentation in front of the class. Word or Excel can be used to create files. Your instructors even use chatrooms to split homework. Rather than buying and carrying hardbound books to school every day, you now have access to a digital library that can be downloaded directly on your practical and convenient tablet. (Here are a few of my favorites!)
The ever-changing healthcare environment, altered societal expectations, physician role remodeling, and advances in medical knowledge all contribute to a shift in medical education. As a result, the use of technology in this academic setting is being pushed to its limits.
Goals in medical education now include enhancing decision making, improving skill coordination, improving psychomotor abilities, rehearsing crucial events through simulations, and incorporating technology into the basic learning process, thanks to the use of electronic learning equipment.
To adapt to technology-integrated medical education across academic institutions, technological resources such as podcasts, videos, mobile devices installed with the software, applications, and simulations are used.
As a medical student, you’ll most likely need to use your tablet or laptop to complete research, presentations, and the majority of your coursework.
According to recent research, students at Witten/Herdecke University’s Faculty of Health have at least two electronic devices — cellphones and laptops. A whopping 97.4 percent of kids own a smartphone. In the meantime, 94.8 percent of them have at least one working laptop.
Electronic device ownership was highest among medical students, compared to dental, psychology, and nursing science students, according to statistics. They all agreed that electronic devices helped them assimilate a successful learning experience.
Students who own laptops spend more time in collaborative work, produce writing of high quality with greater length, improve research analysis skills, have increased access to information on the Internet, and participate in more projects, according to a paper on the impact of laptops use on student achievement.
Furthermore, compared to non-laptop users, students who possess laptops to guide their own learning process, rely more on active learning practices and participate more in problem-solving and critical thinking.
As evidenced by the studies stated above, laptops are required for medical school. Medical colleges such as the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), the University of Kentucky (UK), and the University of Virginia (UV), among others, have specific laptop requirements.
That is why I can’t stress enough how important it is for you to select the best laptops for medical school.
While it’s true that having mobile devices can help you with your studies, does that mean you have to have all of them at the same time? Yes, as much as feasible. Investing in useful tablets and the best laptops for medical school will undoubtedly pay you. However, given the amount of money you’ll spend on high tuition fees, you’ll most likely be on a tight budget. I mean, not everyone has the same financial circumstances.
Don’t worry, I’ve already done the legwork for you and compiled a list of the top tablets from which to choose, and you can choose which one to buy based on your budget and functionality requirements.
Before we get into the list of best laptops for med school, it’s important to understand the various criteria to consider when purchasing a laptop for med school.
When it comes to purchasing a laptop for medical school, there are a few things to consider.
The MacBook Air is one of the best laptops for medical school and has long been a popular option among medical students. You wouldn’t have any time to waste waiting for your laptop to boot thanks to one of Apple’s quickest SSDs. Your laptop is already turned on and functioning in a matter of seconds.
It’s also one of Apple’s smallest MacBooks. Because it’s tiny and light, you can pack more inside your backpack. You’d have no idea you’re carrying a laptop on your person!
Because you’ll be working for long periods of time, the Macbook Air’s battery life may last up to 13 hours. This is remarkable given that it’s an Apple product, which has a history of battery life concerns.
Despite the fact that the display is only 13 inches in size, it is large enough to allow you to split displays and multitask. Furthermore, the Retina True Tone display allows you to examine histological images that are as precise and accurate as of the genuine image on the microscope.
All of these features allow you to begin studying and working right away, no matter where you are. However, there are some disadvantages to consider as well.
To begin with, it isn’t Windows. It’s the Mac OS X operating system. Some medical schools advise against using this operating system since some of the software you’ll need to install may be incompatible.
Furthermore, you must examine whether this laptop will fit into your budget, as Apple items are notoriously pricey. It, of course, comes with the brand image.
If you can afford it on top of your tuition expenses, that’s great, but if you’re one of the unlucky ones, don’t panic! Later on, I’ll provide a list of the finest laptops for those on a tight budget.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Display | 13.3-inch, 2560 x 1600 Retina True Tone display (backlit LED, IPS) |
Weight | 2.75 pounds (1.25kg) |
Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB PCle SSD |
RAM | 8 GB (2,133MHz LPDDR3) |
CPU | 1.6 GHz dual-core 8th generation Intel Core i5-8210Y (dual-core, 4 threads, 4 MB cache, up to 3.6 GHz) |
GPU | Intel UHD Graphics 617 |
Battery | +13 hours |
Operating System | Mac OS X |
Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 3.5 mm headphone jack |
Connectivity | 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 |
Camera | 720p Facetime HD webcam |
Touch ID | Yes |
Speakers | Stereo speakers with wider stereo sound |
This is a version of my current daily laptop, which I use for medical school and residency, and I adore it!
This one is a convertible, which means you can fold the cover all the way back and use it as a tablet. This is especially useful if you wish to write directly on your tablet with the stylus HP includes in this set.
With a unibody aluminum design similar to the MacBook, it has excellent build quality. What’s interesting about this is that, although being all metal, it’s still light enough to tote to the classroom, library, and cafes.
The disadvantage of this metal design is that it attracts fingerprints. To put it another way, it’s a fingerprint magnet.
The HP Spectre x360 will survive if you are operating on three hours of sleep and a lot of caffeine and then drop your belongings for some strange reason. Its Corning Gorilla Glass display makes it scratch and bump resistant.
This convertible’s Intel i7 processor, along with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD, makes it highly powerful, allowing you to get the most out of your laptop and work for up to 12 hours on a single charge.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Display | 13.3-inch, FHD IPS Radiance Infinity LED-backlit touch screen (1920 x 1080) |
Weight | 2.9 pounds |
Storage | 256 GB SSD |
RAM | 8 GB RAM |
CPU | 1.8 GHz Intel Core i7-7500U |
GPU | Intel HD Graphics 520 (2.7 GHz, up to 3.1 GHz, 4 MB cache, 2 cores) with Intel Turbo Boost Technology |
Battery | Up to 12 hours |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Ports | 2x USB 3.1 Type C and 1x USB 3.1 |
Stylus | Yes |
We’re back with another MacBook this time. It should come as no surprise that the MacBook line would make this list of best laptops for medical school.
The Apple MacBook Pro is made of a unibody aluminum design, which implies it has a higher build quality than most laptops. Higher build quality will ensure that the device lasts until your graduation or residency years! That, my friends, is what I call a wise investment.
Its 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics will help you complete your tasks more quickly. However, if you have a lot of apps and software running in the background, you might want to invest in a cooling pad for your MacBook Pro to prevent it from overheating. You must, after all, multitask.
Your histology photos will be vivid and vibrant thanks to the retina display and resolution of 2560 x 1600.
However, just like the MacBook Air, it will come at a high price. I understand the price in relation to the laptop’s specifications, but there’s no denying the brand name. It is, however, a good investment, especially if you plan to use it for a long time.
Another disadvantage of the MacBook Pro is the lack of USB ports. Only Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C ports are available, which isn’t ideal if you want to use USB-A ports. Fortunately (or unfortunately), an external dock is available for purchase.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Display | 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560-by-1600 native resolution at 227 pixels per inch with support for millions of colors; True Tone technology |
Weight | 3.02 pounds (1.37 kg) |
Storage | 128MB of eDRAM |
RAM | 8 GB RAM |
CPU | 1.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz |
GPU | Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 |
Battery | Up to 10 hours |
Operating System | Mac OS X |
Ports | Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports with support for charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt (up to 40 Gbps), and USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) |
Connectivity | 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 |
Camera | 720p Facetime HD webcam |
Touch ID | Yes |
Touch Bar | Yes |
Speakers | Stereo speakers with wider stereo sound |
This laptop has a hybrid design, which means you may use it as a laptop or as a mobile tablet. This feature comes in handy when you want to read or write your notes while driving to class.
When watching process videos or analyzing PowerPoint presentations, the 360-degree hinge gives an immersive viewing experience.
It has a lighted keyboard, which makes it convenient to type on late at night when cramming. It’s alright; I’m not going to pass judgment. At some point in our lives, we’ve all been there.
This hybrid laptop, unlike the Apple MacBook Pro, has many ports including HDMI, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, USB Type-C, SD card reader, and a headphone jack. This could be the laptop for you if you still believe in the functioning of these ports.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Display | 13.3-Inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Truelife LED-backlit touch Display with wide viewing angles-IR Camera |
Weight | 3.44 pounds |
Storage | 256GB SSD storage; No Optical Drive included |
RAM | 8GB DDR4 2400Mhz included; 16GB maximum |
CPU | 7th generation Intel Core i7-7500u, up to 3.5 GHz Processor |
GPU | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
Battery | Up to 8 hours |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is a tablet that can be converted into a laptop. It may be used as either a laptop or a tablet. People on the run, such as medical students, rely on this convertible to get their job done no matter where they are.
You may learn more about tablets and convertibles here if you’re still unfamiliar with the notion.
Without a doubt, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is a worthy addition to our list of the best laptops for medical school. Despite its small size, it has the latest Intel Core i5 (8th gen) processor, which makes it powerful and allows you to multitask swiftly and seamlessly.
From the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, the display has vastly improved. As a result, you’ll have a higher contrast ratio and color fidelity. The Surface Pro 6’s display will make your chart readings and histology photos look much better.
It has a battery life of 8 to 13 hours, allowing you to study and work for lengthy periods of time.
Here’s why the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is regarded as one of the best tablets for medical students.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Display | 12.3 inches, 2736×1824 pixels |
Weight | 3.5 pounds |
Storage | SSD 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB |
RAM | 8 GB LPDDR3 1866 MHz |
CPU | 1.3 GHz Core i5 8400T |
GPU | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
Battery | Up to 13.5 hours of video playback |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
It has a battery life of up to 14 hours, which is quite competitive. Perfect for studying and doing homework for lengthy periods of time without having to constantly look for a power outlet. One of the top five reasons why it’s considered one of the finest laptops for med school is because of its functionality.
Due to its strong fan system, you won’t have to worry about your laptop thermally throttling, and fan noise will be kept to a minimal.
For the price, you’re getting a wonderful value on this Zenbook’s massive capacity of 512 GB. There are no longer any excuses for not downloading more e-books, files, or applications!
Its speakers are powerful and clear, so you may listen to medical podcasts without using headphones. The touch screen is responsive enough that you can navigate the device with ease. The keyboard is easy to use and comfortable to type on.
The Zenbook’s innovative dual-function touchpad is a standout feature. You can go from a standard touchpad to a numeric keypad in a matter of seconds. Once you go into Biostatistics, you’ll find this to be really useful.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Display | 14-Inch wide-view full HD 4-way Nano-edge bezel Display Matte |
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Weight | 2.6 pounds |
Storage | Fast storage and memory featuring 512GB Pie NV Me SSD |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR3 RAM |
CPU | Latest 8th generation Intel Core i7-8565u Quad-Core Processor (8M Cache up to 4 6 GHz) |
GPU | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
Battery | Up to 14 hours |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Camera | Built-in IR Camera for facial recognition sign-in with Windows Hello |
Ports | Extensive connectivity with HDMI/USB Type C gigabit-class Wi-Fi 802 11AC Bluetooth 5 0 and Micro SD card reader |
Touchpad | Exclusive dual-function touchpad – a touchpad with switchable numeric keypad for immediate data entry |
Despite its low price, this laptop’s elegant and minimalistic design gives it a professional appearance. It has a beautiful brush steel finish on the outside, which is made of aluminum.
Who says the higher the price, the better? Clearly, he hasn’t seen this laptop model!
Its Intel Core i5 (8th gen) processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage will give you a smooth performance while you study and cram for that research paper due tomorrow. Do you want to waste time and energy becoming irritated over a sluggish laptop?
The keyboard is easy to use and has a lighted feature that gives it a nice appearance while also allowing you to type into the small hours of the night.
You’ll be surprised to learn that it has a fingerprint sensor built into the touchpad for such a low price. That’s not awful!
However, because of the low price, you’ll have to compromise on audio quality. If you like to listen to music while studying, I believe it is preferable to just plug in your earbuds rather than listening to incomprehensible lyrics and awful beats that will only distract you.
Furthermore, battery life may not be optimal. It may only last up to six hours. Well, given that this laptop is designed for everyday use, this is already a great price.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Display | 14″ THIN BEZEL Full HD IPS-Level 72% NTSC |
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Weight | Ultra-Light 2.62 lbs |
Storage | 256GB M.2 SATA |
RAM | 8GB DDR4 2400MHz |
CPU | Core i5-8250U 1.6 – 3.4GHz |
GPU | UMA |
Battery | Up to 8 hours |
Operating System | Windows 10 Pro |
Ports | 4x USB 3.0 |
I contemplated purchasing this laptop on my own. It resembles the Macbook alternative for medical school the most.
When working or studying, its configuration of Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, and 256 SSD storage can keep you going through several tabs and open apps and software at the same time.
This powerful laptop offers a smooth and simple experience, which is the most important feature to search for in this list of best laptops for med school!
Because of its small and lightweight design, you may study wherever you choose, whether it’s in a library or a café.
Its keyboard is slanted at 3.5 degrees, making typing at quicker rates easier and more comfortable. It’s also backlit, which is ideal for times when you just want to save energy by turning out the lights.
The ports on the VivoBook are still there, as they should be on any laptop. It has three USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, a USB Type-C port, a power connector, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and an SD card reader.
You will, however, require a steady supply of power due to its extremely strong setup. It has a maximum duration of 6 hours.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Display | 15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080) Wide View color-rich display |
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Weight | 3.7 pounds |
Storage | 256GB SSD |
RAM | 8GB DDR4 RAM |
CPU | 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U Processor 1.8 GHz (Turbo up to 4.0 GHz) |
GPU | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
Battery | Up to 6 hours |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Ports | USB 3.1 Type-C (Gen 1), USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and HDMI; Dual band 802.11ac Wi-Fi |
Connectivity | Wireless Data Network 802.11AC Bluetooth 4.1 |
The LG Gram has the longest battery life of any of the laptops on this list. You’ll be surprised and curious as to how something so small can hold so much battery power.
It has the latest Intel Core i7 processor, dual-channel DDR4 memory, and 16 GB RAM, making it ideal for multitasking. You wouldn’t have to be concerned about your laptop’s ability to manage all of the apps, tabs, and software that are open at the same time.
With the 512 GB Solid State Drive on this laptop, you’ll never run out of space, plus there are two of them, giving you nearly 1 TB of storage!
The LG Gram’s nano carbon magnesium complete metal structure makes it extremely robust while also giving it a smart and professional appearance. Now we’re talking about aesthetics and utility.
You’ll fall in love with its illuminated keyboard, which allows you to type till the wee hours of the morning.
This laptop is portable, powerful, and adaptable. You may take it with you everywhere you go and it will still perform easily and quickly.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Display | 15. 6 inch Full HD IPS touchscreen display w/ultra-slim bezel |
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Weight | Ultra-lightweight laptop weighing just under 2. 5 pounds |
Storage | 1TB SSD (512GB x 2) |
RAM | 16GB RAM |
CPU | Intel Core i7 (8th Generation – 8565U) |
GPU | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
Battery | Up to 18.5 hours |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
Ports | Thunderbolt 3 connectivity |
You want to study, read, and complete all tasks on time. As a result, you’ll need a powerful laptop for this. The Dell XPS 13 performs admirably.
The hardware configuration of this Dell XPS 13 allows it to run powerfully and quickly. It’s the electronic learning tool you didn’t even realize you needed. Thankfully, this list of the best laptops for medical school is here to save the day!
It is built to function well, allowing you to handle a large amount of work at the same time. Who am I kidding, right? It’s powered by an Intel Core i7 (8th generation) processor, with 256 GB of storage, and 8 GB of RAM! If you ask me, this is a fantastic mix.
The laptop is ultra-thin and light, with a battery life of up to 8 to 9 hours. You can take it to class or almost anywhere else and work on it for hours. It’s small enough to fit in your bag and go unnoticed.
One of its competitive advantages is its 4K monitors. Colors are true to life, and viewing angles aren’t an issue.
If you’re the kind who still relies on ports, their Type-C USB ports and Thunderbolt 3 connectors may be a drawback. Of course, you could always buy a dock – but that would mean yet another trip to the bank.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Display | 13.3″ FHD (1920×1080) Non-Touch InfinityEdge Display |
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Weight | 2.66 pounds |
Storage | 256GB PCIe SSD |
RAM | 8GB RAM |
CPU | 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8565U Processor (8MB Cache, up to 4.6 GHz, 4 cores) |
GPU | Intel UHD 620 Graphics |
Battery | 8 to 9 hours of consistent use |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
The 91 percent screen-to-body ratio is the first thing you’ll notice. The screen has been maximized to the maximum extent possible, allowing you to get an immersive viewing experience of your lessons in the form of files or videos, as well as work on papers, with no wasted space.
You’ll notice that this list is dominated by ultra-thin and light laptops, which are ideal for bringing to medical school every day. On the other hand, the MateBook X Pro is the slimmest of the slim. It’s only half an inch thick, after all!
It has a smooth aluminum finish that gives it a minimalistic and sleek appearance. The display features thin bezels, as well as excellent viewing angles and color accuracy.
The MateBook X Pro is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, which is an 8th generation model and has 16 GB of RAM. Plus, with 512 GB of storage, you’ll never run out of space.
You’ll also appreciate the fact that you can use it for up to 9 – 10 hours on a regular basis. It’s incredible that Huawei didn’t compromise the laptop’s performance for the sake of its small form factor.
The equipment, on the other hand, quickly heats up. Given its thickness of half an inch, it’s hardly unexpected.
Furthermore, the camera has been put as a key that must be pressed in order for it to appear. Your nose would be the first thing your caller would see because it’s on the keyboard.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Display | FullView Display: Immersive 13.9-inch 3K touchscreen with 91% screen-to-body ratio |
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Weight | 0.57-inch thin and weighs only 2.93 lbs. |
Storage | 512 GB |
RAM | 16 GB LPDDR3 |
CPU | 8th Gen Intel Core i7 8550U processor |
GPU | NVIDIA GeForce MX150 |
Battery | 9 to 10 hours of consistent use |
Operating System | Windows 10 Home Signature Edition |
Ports | USB-A port, USB-C port, HDMI port, and VGA port |
This laptop is ideal for medical school study because of its portability and convenience, allowing you to take it nearly anywhere.
You’d be shocked to learn that the Lenovo IdeaPad belongs to the lower end of the laptop market due to its luxury metal build, which makes it appear twice its price. Furthermore, the bezels are extremely narrow, allowing the screen to be utilized to its full potential.
The IdeaPad’s audio quality is excellent and loud. With its lighted keyboard, you’ll have a lot of fun typing on it.
Thin laptops are also expected to be at a disadvantage when it comes to ports. This one, on the other hand, has two USB 3.0 connections, as well as a tiny HDMI port, SD card reader, and a headphone jack. Given its tiny design, this isn’t awful.
However, the IdeaPad’s battery life is only about 7 hours. If you’re hoping for something that can last a day on a single charge, this could be a flaw.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Display | 13.3″ Full HD (1920×1080) IPS Infinity Edge Display |
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Weight | 2.6 pounds |
Storage | 256GB Solid State Drive |
RAM | 8GB RAM |
CPU | Intel Core i7-6560U Processor (3.2GHz Turbo, 2.2GHz Base) |
GPU | Intel Iris Graphics 540 |
Battery | 7 hours |
Operating System | Windows 10 |
Working on a tablet may not be able to meet your display and resolution needs. You may need to look at the screen for lengthy periods of time, and a small screen may cause eye strain. As a result, we strongly suggest the laptop for better vision and graphics. Also, if the consumer wants to buy a tablet, he or she should choose a 2-in-1 laptop. This will allow the consumer to convert whenever it is convenient for them. You could want to think about the convertible laptop we listed in the above-said list of specifications.
A medical student should consider a laptop with a backlit keyboard and a high-resolution monitor before purchasing one. This must be considered because, while working continuously, you must have a comfortable typing experience with minimal eye strain. In addition, if you want to have a portable device, you’ll need a laptop with ample storage, a faster processor for multitasking, a lighter weight, and a better battery.
As a medical student, you will not be expected to perform heavy-duty engineering activities. Instead, they must create, read, and revise medical reports, evaluate data reports, and watch tutorials, among other things. As a result, a medical student should use a Core i5 CPU from the 7th or 8th generation. In addition, laptops with higher-generation processors, such as the i7 or i8, are more expensive and use more battery power.
While practicing medicine, medical students must bring their laptops to school/college, clinics, and hospitals. The student will be burdened by the big laptop, which is tough to transport on a daily basis. As a result, the buyer should look for a lightweight portable laptop with up-to-date specifications.
DDR is for Double Data Rate, and SSD stands for Solid State Drive. DDR is a form of RAM that allows for fast data transfer. When purchasing a laptop, greater SSD should be preferred over DDR. SSDs are faster, more dependable, less volatile, and utilize less battery power.