What is the best laptop for school and work?

I am a finance major and going to do a summer analyst role in a rotational program next summer. My current laptop (Microsoft Surface Pro 8) isn't working so well anymore, and I have some issues with it. I need a new laptop under $2K that has a touchscreen, is fully reversible, ~14-16 in, has a good battery life that could last a full day at school/work without extra charging, and fast enough to handle multiple Excel files at once, even when sharing my screen on a Teams call.

I've been looking at some Dells that look pretty good, but I know very little about computers. I don't need anything crazy. Thanks for the help!

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some recommendations tailored to your needs:

  1. Lenovo ThinkPad Series:

    • Known for reliability and excellent keyboards, ThinkPads are highly recommended for finance professionals. Models like the ThinkPad X1 Yoga or ThinkPad X1 Carbon (with touchscreen) fit your requirements. They are lightweight, durable, and offer great battery life, making them ideal for school and work.
  2. Dell XPS 13 or 15 (2-in-1):

    • Dell's XPS series is a solid choice, especially the 2-in-1 models that are fully reversible and come with touchscreen functionality. They are sleek, powerful, and have excellent displays. The XPS 13 2-in-1 is compact, while the XPS 15 offers a larger screen if you prefer more workspace.
  3. HP Spectre x360:

    • This is another great option for a convertible laptop with a touchscreen. The Spectre x360 is stylish, has a long battery life, and is powerful enough to handle multiple Excel files and Teams calls simultaneously.
  4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio:

    • If you like the Surface brand but want an upgrade, the Surface Laptop Studio could be a good fit. It has a touchscreen, is reversible, and offers strong performance for multitasking.

Key Features to Look For:

  • Processor: Aim for at least an Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 for smooth multitasking.
  • RAM: 16GB is ideal for handling multiple Excel files and Teams calls.
  • Storage: A 512GB SSD or higher ensures fast performance and ample storage.
  • Battery Life: Look for laptops with at least 10-12 hours of battery life to last a full day.

Budget Consideration:

All the above options can be configured under $2,000, especially with student discounts or seasonal sales. Lenovo and Dell often offer significant discounts for students, so be sure to check those out.

If you're leaning towards Dell, the XPS 13 2-in-1 or XPS 15 2-in-1 would be excellent choices for your needs.

Sources: Best Laptop for Undergraduate Finance Major, Best laptops for an MBA program, What finance jobs can be done from a laptop at home or anywhere?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/new-laptop-recommendations?customgpt=1, I Need Laptop Recommendations

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

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