best laptop for IB

get a $1,200 wfh stipend for a laptop (alr have my monitors). at my other banks they would just give me an HP or Thinkpad, but since i now have the discretion, thought I’d ask around for which laptops you all recommend. Number one priority is speed

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some top recommendations for laptops suitable for investment banking, especially with a $1,200 budget and speed as your priority:

  1. Lenovo ThinkPad:

    • Highly recommended across WSO threads for its reliability, excellent keyboard, and performance.
    • Models like the ThinkPad X1 Carbon or ThinkPad T-series are great options within your budget.
    • Known for handling multiple tabs, Excel, and PowerPoint without lag.
  2. Dell XPS 13:

    • Praised for its sleek design, lightweight build, and strong performance.
    • Ideal for on-the-go analysts and offers a premium feel while staying within budget.
  3. HP EliteBook:

    • A solid choice for professionals, offering durability and speed.
    • Often used by banks, so it’s a familiar and reliable option.
  4. MacBook Pro (if you prefer macOS):

    • While not as common in banking due to compatibility issues with Excel shortcuts, it’s still a powerful machine if you’re comfortable with macOS.

For your $1,200 stipend, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon or Dell XPS 13 would be top picks, balancing speed, durability, and professional functionality.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/new-laptop-recommendations?customgpt=1, Best Personal Labtop for Banking, Best laptops for an MBA program, I Need Laptop Recommendations

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Ea earum provident facere veniam nisi quis ullam laboriosam. Cumque excepturi qui illo provident. Molestias voluptas ea optio reprehenderit sint. Fugiat quos sint omnis id molestias. Eligendi odio necessitatibus architecto. Laudantium nam ab explicabo ducimus cupiditate laboriosam a nesciunt.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 04 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (17) $409
  • Associates (58) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”