Choosing the best laptop for a nursing student is crucial, as it plays a significant role in managing your studies effectively. From attending virtual classes to storing digital textbooks, your laptop should offer the right balance of functionality, reliability, and affordability.
The market is flooded with countless laptops, making the choice confusing. That’s why we’ve taken the time to test various models in our lab and handpicked the 7 best laptops for nursing students.
These include affordable options that offer fantastic value for money, ensuring you don’t have to compromise on quality even if you’re on a budget. Read on as we explore these options, each capable of handling the demands of nursing school and more.
High-Performance Laptops for Nursing Students: Top Picks
1.HP Envy x360 13.3 inch
2.Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – 12.3″ (ok)
3.ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim Laptop 14”
4.Acer Swift 3
5.ASUS TUF Dash 15 (2021) (ok)
6.Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Laptop
7.Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1
Details for Best Laptop for Nursing Students
1.HP Envy x360: Best Laptop for Nursing Students

Brand: HP | Model: Envy x360 | Screen Size: 13.3 Inches | Color: Pale Gold | Hard Disk Size: 512 GB | CPU Model: Intel Core i7-1165G7 | RAM Memory Installed Size: 8 GB | Operating System: Windows 10 | Graphics Card Description: Integrated
The HP 2020 Envy x360 is among the best laptops for nursing students tested in our lab. With its 2-in-1 feature, this laptop is versatile and can switch to a tablet, making it very convenient for nursing school tasks, from researching to taking notes. The 13.3″ FHD IPS Touchscreen, backed by Corning Gorilla Glass, protects your screen and presents your digital textbooks and notes with crystal clear quality.
This laptop is powered by an 11th Gen Core i7-1165G7, with 8GB memory and 512GB SSD storage, providing a smooth and speedy operation. We loved the backlit keyboard, which facilitates typing even in low-light conditions, and the fingerprint reader offers an extra layer of security. One downside is the slightly problematic Bluetooth connectivity, but this issue is minor compared to the numerous advantages the laptop offers.
The HP Envy x360 stands out among the best affordable laptops for nursing students, not only for its premium features but also for its exceptional battery life of up to 11 hours and 45 minutes, which will keep you powered throughout your long school hours. The speakers might be quiet but deliver decent audio for casual listening.
Pros:
- 2-in-1 versatility, allowing you to switch between laptop and tablet modes.
- Backlit keyboard for comfortable typing in low-light conditions.
- Long battery life, perfect for long school hours.
- Fast and responsive performance, thanks to the Core i7 processor and 8GB RAM.
- High-resolution touchscreen for a vibrant and clear display.
Cons:
- Bluetooth connectivity could be improved.
- The speakers could be louder for a more immersive audio experience.
2.Microsoft Surface Pro 7: Best Laptop for Nursing Students

Brand: Microsoft | Model: Surface Pro 7 | Screen Size: 12.3 Inches | Colour: Matte Black | Hard Disk Size: 256 GB | CPU Model: Intel Core i5 | Operating System: Windows 10 (Upgrade to Windows 11 when available) | Graphics Card Description: Integrated
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 stands out in our lab-tested list of the best laptops for nursing students. Its ultra-slim, lightweight design, weighing just 1.70 pounds, is perfect for those who are always on the go. Powered by a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, this laptop offers swift performance to handle your nursing school workload efficiently. Its standout feature is its versatility as a laptop, studio, and tablet, offering various ways to accomplish tasks.
The Surface Pro 7 features USB-C and USB-A ports, offering flexibility when connecting peripherals. However, its battery life might be slightly disappointing, especially for heavy users, as it lasts up to 10.5 hours but can drain quickly during continuous use. The magnetic charging port, although innovative, can be annoying as it tends to disconnect with slight movements.
Pros:
- Versatile design – can function as a laptop, studio, and tablet.
- Lightweight and ultra-slim, ideal for mobility.
- Swift performance thanks to the 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor.
- Equipped with both USB-C and USB-A ports for versatility in connections.
- A high-resolution touchscreen offers a vibrant and clear display.
Cons:
- Battery life could be longer for continuous heavy usage.
- The magnetic charging port can disconnect easily with movements.
3.ASUS ZenBook 14: Best Laptop for Nursing Students

Brand: ASUS | Model: ZenBook 14 | Screen Size: 14 Inches | Color: Royal Blue | Hard Disk Size: 512 GB | CPU Model: Intel Core i7 | RAM: 16 GB | Operating System: Windows 10 Home
The ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim Laptop is an excellent companion for nursing students seeking the best laptops for nursing school. This royal blue gem features a 14″ FHD Nano-Edge Bezel Display that presents vibrant colours and clear visuals, making studying a more enjoyable experience. Powered by an 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8565U processor, 16GB LPDDR3 RAM, and a 512GB PCIe SSD, this laptop ensures a seamless multitasking experience, whether completing assignments or browsing online resources.
Its unique Ergo Lift design offers an improved typing position and optimized cooling, ensuring comfort during long study hours. The built-in IR Camera offers a hassle-free sign-in through facial recognition, thanks to Windows Hello. It also boasts an exclusive dual-function touchpad with a switchable numeric keypad for quick data entries.
Pros:
- Sleek and lightweight design, perfect for on-the-go students.
- Impressive performance with 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM.
- Bright and colourful FHD Nano-Edge Bezel Display.
- Built-in IR Camera for easy sign-in.
- Ergo Lift design for comfort and optimized cooling.
Cons:
- The touchpad may lag occasionally.
- The speakers, located on the bottom, could provide better audio performance.
4.Acer Swift 3: Best Laptop for Nursing Students

Brand: Acer | Model: Swift 3 | Screen Size: 14 Inches | Color: Silver | Hard Disk Size: 512 GB | CPU Model: Ryzen 7 4700U | RAM: 8 GB | Operating System: Windows 10 Home
The Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop undoubtedly ranks among the best laptops for nursing students. Offering high-speed performance with an AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core processor, 8GB LPDDR4 Memory, and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, it smoothly handles multitasking. It ensures quick access to study materials and software. The 14″ Full HD IPS display provides a clear, sharp viewing experience for long study hours, while the integrated Radeon Graphics enrich visual content.
One standout feature is the built-in fingerprint reader, allowing secure and rapid login. Its backlit keyboard assists in dim environments, making it convenient for late-night studies. The Acer Swift 3 is also integrated with Alexa, adding to its user-friendly attributes.
Pros:
- Lightweight and thin design, perfect for carrying around.
- Speedy performance with an AMD Ryzen 7 Octa-Core processor and 8GB RAM.
- Clear and sharp Full HD IPS display.
- Integrated fingerprint reader for secure and swift login.
- Alexa is built-in for hands-free access and control.
Cons:
- The speakers could offer better sound quality.
- The body may not be as robust as some other models.
5.ASUS TUF Dash 15: Best Laptop for Nursing Students

Brand: ASUS | Model: TUF Dash 15 (2021) | Screen Size: 15.6 Inches | Color: Eclipse Grey | Hard Disk Size: 512 GB | CPU Model: Core i7 | RAM: 8 GB | Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Graphics Card: RTX 3050 Ti
The ASUS TUF Dash 15 is a gaming laptop that surprisingly doubles as one of the best laptops for nursing students. Under the hood, it boasts an Intel Core i7-11370H processor, providing high-speed performance essential for multitasking and resource-intensive applications. Its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics deliver clear, detailed visuals, a boon when studying intricate medical diagrams.
The 15.6″ 144Hz IPS-Type Full HD display ensures seamless video playback, perfect for online lectures and video presentations. Its robust build adds a layer of durability, a feature nursing students will appreciate given their often hectic and on-the-move lifestyles. The backlit precision gaming keyboard is an additional plus, allowing for comfortable late-night study sessions.
Pros:
- Powerful performance with an Intel Core i7 processor.
- Durability suited for on-the-go students.
- Affordable considering its high-end specs.
- Impressive graphics with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti.
- Backlit precision keyboard for late-night use.
Cons:
- Lower battery life, typical for gaming laptops.
- Slightly heavier, impacting portability.
6.Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Laptop: Best Laptop for Nursing Students

Brand: Lenovo | Model: IdeaPad 5 | Screen Size: 15.6 Inches | Colour: Graphite Gray | Hard Disk Size: 512 GB | CPU Model: Intel Core i5-1035G1 | RAM: 16 GB | Operating System: Windows 10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is a strong contender among the best laptops for nursing students, providing a robust balance of function and design. It comes powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, delivering a performance that easily handles tasks such as note-taking, research, and online lectures. Its 15.6″ Full HD IPS touchscreen facilitates an interactive user experience.
The laptop’s matte grey finish, or ‘Lenovo Gray’ as we call it, imparts a professional, sophisticated aesthetic, ensuring that it doesn’t divert attention when studying. The backlit keyboard is particularly advantageous for late-night assignments. The laptop’s physical webcam shutter is a nifty privacy feature, providing peace of mind during online classes or conferences.
Pros:
- Powerful Intel Core i5 processor for speedy performance.
- Professional aesthetic design with a matte finish.
- Backlit keyboard for ease of use in low-light conditions.
- Physical webcam shutter for added privacy.
- Fast application load times with its SSD storage.
Cons:
- Warranty only valid in the USA, posing potential issues for international students.
- Unwanted pre-installed software can be distracting.
7.Apple MacBook Air Laptop: Best Laptop for Nursing Students

Brand: Apple | Model: MacBook Air | Screen Size: 13.3 Inches | Color: Silver | Hard Disk Size: 256 GB | CPU: M1 Chip | RAM: 8 GB | Operating System: Mac OS
The Apple MacBook Air, one of the best laptops for nursing students, offers the perfect blend of power and portability. It’s fueled by the M1 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU, and displays an impressive 3.5x speed enhancement compared to its predecessors. The laptop boasts an incredible 18-hour battery life, supporting intensive study sessions without recharging.
The 13.3-inch Retina display ensures sharp text, vibrant colors, and heightened realism, creating immersive learning experiences. Furthermore, the 8GB unified memory ensures smooth multitasking, which is vital for nursing students juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life of up to 18 hours supports all-day usage.
- Powerful M1 chip delivers high-speed performance.
- 13.3-inch Retina display for vivid, clear visuals.
- Compatibility with iPhone and iPad apps offers a versatile ecosystem.
- 8GB unified memory supports multitasking and quick loading times.
Cons:
- Limited storage capacity could be a potential issue for students with large file volumes.
- The MacBook Air’s premium price might only suit some student budgets.
Buying Guide: The best laptops for Nursing student
When finding the best laptops for nursing students, several factors must be considered. Your chosen laptop should be able to handle a variety of tasks, from researching and taking notes to running nursing software and applications. Here’s a guide to help you find the best laptop for nursing school:
Portability:
As a nursing student, you’ll be on the move a lot. Whether moving between classes, studying in the library, or traveling for practical placements, you’ll need a lightweight and easy-to-carry laptop. Ultrabooks and slimline models, like the MacBook Air, are ideal for on-the-go studying.
Battery Life:
Long battery life is essential for nursing students. You will only sometimes have access to power outlets during lectures or while studying on the move. Look for laptops offering around 10 hours of battery life – a feature in many of the best affordable laptops for nursing students.
Performance:
Nursing software can be quite resource-intensive. Ensure your laptop has a powerful processor, sufficient RAM (around 8GB at least), and a decent graphics card to run these programs smoothly. Both Intel and AMD offer processors that can handle these tasks efficiently.
Storage:
While cloud storage is readily available, having ample storage on your laptop is still crucial. Consider a laptop with at least 256GB of storage space, and remember SSDs offer faster performance than traditional HDDs.
Durability:
Student life can be tough on technology. Opt for a laptop known for its durability. Many laptops, such as those in the ASUS TUF series, have robust construction to withstand daily wear and tear.
Price:
As a student, budget is always a consideration. Thankfully, there are many great cheap laptops for nursing students available. Brands like Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS offer lower prices for high-performance laptops.
Considering these points, you can ensure you’re getting a laptop that fits your educational needs and budget. Remember, the best laptop for nursing school is one that makes your studying efficient, manageable, and even more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Best Laptops for Nursing Students.
What are the key features of the best laptops for nursing students?
When looking for the best laptop for nursing school, consider portability, battery life, performance, storage, durability, and price. The laptop should be lightweight, offer long battery life for those long lecture hours, have a powerful processor and sufficient RAM to run nursing software, and have ample storage for your coursework and research.
Are there any affordable yet high-performance laptops suitable for nursing students?
Yes, there are plenty of affordable laptops suitable for nursing students. Brands like Lenovo, Acer, and ASUS offer laptops that balance price and performance. The best affordable laptops for nursing students come equipped with all the essential features, like a good processor, sufficient memory, and durable construction.
Do nursing students need a laptop with high processing power?
Yes, nursing students often use resource-intensive software for their coursework, and having a laptop with a robust processor can be beneficial. However, most modern mid-range laptops should be capable of handling the needs of a nursing student.
How much storage should the best laptops for nursing students have?
Ideally, look for a laptop with at least 256GB of storage space. This should provide ample room for coursework, research materials, and nursing software. In addition, opting for an SSD (Solid State Drive) over an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) can offer faster data access times.
Are there any particular laptop brands that stand out for nursing students?
There’s no one-size-fits-all regarding the best laptop for nursing school, as it depends on individual needs and preferences. However, Apple, Dell, ASUS, Lenovo, and HP are reputable brands known for their durable and high-performance laptops. These brands offer a range of models at different price points, allowing nursing students to choose the best fit for their needs and budget.
Conclusion:
Choosing the best laptop for a nursing student involves carefully evaluating several features, including portability, battery life, performance, and storage. Each laptop offers unique advantages, whether a budget-friendly Acer or a high-end Apple.
You can find the best laptop for nursing school that balances price and performance by considering your specific needs, usage patterns, and budget.
Ultimately, the ideal laptop should aid your academic journey and be a reliable companion for your research, assignments, and multimedia needs.