As an architecture student, you will likely be using your laptop for a variety of tasks, such as creating 3D models and drawings, rendering graphics, and writing reports. For all that, you need a laptop that is powerful enough to handle large files and complex software. In this review guide, we will be reviewing 3 of the best laptops for architecture students that you can buy online. But before we begin, here are a few things to consider when looking for a laptop for architecture school:
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Laptop for Architecture Students
- Processor:
Always look for a laptop with a powerful processor, such as an Intel Core i5 or i7, or an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7. These processors will be able to handle the demands of your architecture software and allow smooth multitasking.
- Graphics:
A dedicated graphics card is not strictly necessary for an architecture student, but it can be helpful for rendering graphics and 3D models. If you are planning to buy a new laptop, prefer one with a dedicated graphics card for graphics-intensive tasks.
- RAM:
Make sure that the laptop you are considering to buy has at least 8GB of RAM. But 16GB or more is recommended for running multiple programs at once and handling large files.
- Storage:
Look for a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster boot and load times. A 256GB or 512GB SSD should provide enough storage for your files, but you can also opt for a larger capacity if you have lots of data to store.
- Display:
A high-resolution display is important for viewing detailed drawings and models. Look for a laptop with a 1080p or higher resolution display.
- Portability:
As an architecture student, you may need to take your laptop to class or work. Therefore, consider a laptop with a lightweight design and long battery life for easy portability.
Best Laptop for Architecture Students Review
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Dell Inspiron i5-6300HQ 15.6-Inch Gaming Laptop
The Dell Inspiron i5-6300HQ is a 15.6-inch gaming laptop that was released in 2015. It is powered by a 6th generation Intel Core i5-6300HQ quad-core processor. Moreover, it has 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M graphics card with 4GB of GDDR5 memory. As far as storage is concerned, this laptop also has a 256GB SSD hard drive for storage and a full HD anti-glare IPS wide angle (1920×1080) display.
One of the standout features of the Dell Inspiron i5-6300HQ is its slim design, which makes it easier to carry around and use on the go. What really makes Dell Inspiron i5-6300HQ one of the best laptops for architecture students apart from performance is that it features a 6-cell 74Whr battery. So you will get up to 10 hours of battery life to power your work without interruption.
Even in terms of performance, the Dell Inspiron i5-6300HQ is capable of running most modern graphics software, although you may need to lower the settings for more demanding software. It also performs everyday tasks quite well, such as web browsing and video streaming.
Pros:
- Killer matte finish display
- Powerful performance
- Super quick and consumes less power
- Offers good value for money
Cons:
- No VGA port
- The trackpad is not that great
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Microsoft Surface Book
For the second spot on our best laptop for architecture students list, we have the Microsoft surface book. What’s amazing about this laptop is its detachable screen that you can use as a tablet. The laptop has a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a resolution of 3000×2000 pixels, which is perfect for both work and entertainment.
Talking about the performance, the surface book is powered by an Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB SSD, which makes it extra fast and efficient.
The design of the Surface Book is very sleek and modern, with a hinge that allows the screen to be detached and used as a tablet. The keyboard is comfortable to type on and the trackpad is also quite responsive. There is also a surface pen that comes along for precise drawing and writing on the screen.
Even the battery life of this best-rated laptop is impressive that will last around 8-12 hours on a single charge. Another thing you will like about this laptop is its fast charging which will make the battery reach 80% in just an hour.
The graphics performance of the laptop is also something that is very impressive. It has a dedicated NVIDIA graphics card, which makes it perfect for running architecture software.
Pros:
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Nice responsive touchscreen
- Good battery life
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Can easily get dented
- Decent performance, not very powerful
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Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop
If you are looking for a high-specs laptop for architecture work and that too on a budget then Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 is a good buy for you. It is a mid-range gaming laptop that is designed to offer good performance at a reasonable price. The laptop features a 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H processor and is additionally powered by 8GB of DDR4 RAM along with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card.
One of the outstanding features of the Nitro 5 is its 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with 144Hz refresh rate, which offers good color accuracy and wide viewing angles. The laptop also comes with a backlit keyboard, which is convenient for doing work in low-light conditions.
As far as storage is concerned, the Nitro 5 comes with a 256GB NVMe SSD, which provides fast boot and load times. Moreover, the laptop has a fairly slim design with a durable build as it comes with a solid plastic casing and reinforced hinges.
Pros:
- Nice screen size
- No performance lag
- Excellent graphics
- Backlit keyboard with adjustable brightness
Cons:
- May get warm if you are running heavy graphics software
- Battery life is just ok
