During your study at a nursing school, you have to go through many hours of stressful lectures, taking many notes, and complete many projects. All these things are not easy without a high-end machine that is powerful enough to handle all your needs. Soon after your entry into a nursing school, you realize that you need a portable computer.
You can use your laptops to complete your assignments, read e-books, and give online exams. But to use it on campus as well as the clinic, it must be light and adjustable. You need to buy a durable device that would last for many years because you cannot spend money again and again to buy a new laptop and backup all your data.
Basic Feature of Laptop for Nursing School
Before checking out some of the best laptops for nursing school, you must know that there are some specifications you need in your device for the best study experience. These features are:
Weight
while you study, you have to move a lot. So, your laptop must be lightweight and highly portable. A lightweight, portable computer is easy to carry with you every day and provides you with the best notes taking experience. A heavyweight laptop will surely break your back. Approximately 2 to 4 pounds weight is enough for your gadget.
Battery
On-campus or during travelling, you cannot look for a power supply everywhere. So, your laptop must have enough battery life to last for at least a whole day. Charging your laptop during online exams and long lectures would be trouble. You need approximately 8 hours of battery life.
Display
The display of your laptop must be wide and has enough resolution to view your data, including e-books, notes and videos etc. clearly, and easily. For a nursing student, a laptop with 13 inches or slightly less screen size is good enough. Screen size of more than 13 inches is good if you have to use many windows and perform multiple tasks simultaneously; otherwise, a large screen size will be a burden for you.
CPU
You don’t need to buy a powerful CPU for your work. Most of the software used in nursing schools runs perfectly on less power processor founds in our mobile phones too. A powerful processor drains much of your device’s battery and reduce battery efficiency. The processors released within the past 3 to 4 years are good for your study.
Memory
The nursing students do not need to perform higher quality work. So, a laptop with at least 4 GB RAM is good enough for study and notes taking purposes.
Storage
Nowadays, almost every laptop has SSD storage. You should buy it instead of HDD storage. At least 128 GB SSD storage is required to save your data, including pdf files, PowerPoint slides, books and other study stuff.
Keyboard
Keyboards of laptops are of two types. One is the mechanical keyboard with hard keys that make typing difficult and is good for gamers. The other one is the membrane keyboard with responsive keys to provide you with the best and reliable typing experience.
Top Six Best Laptops for Nursing School
In the following list, we have reviewed five different laptops with all the necessary software and features you need for your study at a nursing school.
1. MacBook Air
Specifications
Screen size: 13 inches
Screen resolution: 1440×900 TN
Memory: 8GB RAM LPDDR3
Storage: 256GB SSD
Processor: Intel Core i5
Processor speed: 2.9GHz
Processor manufacturer: Intel
Weight: 3.1lb
Battery life: 13 plus hours
Review
MacBook is slightly expensive, but if budget is not an issue for you, then it is the best laptop you can buy for nursing school. Although the latest models of MacBook Air are highly powerful to complete all your tasks in less than no time and have a stylish display, with older models released after 2014, you can meet all your requirements too. They would not create any fuss while performing multiple tasks.
Buy the laptop with a moderately powerful processor, adequate screen resolution and best battery life. Your needs will not demand higher configurations so, do not waste your money on this feature if you have a limited budget for your laptop. The model present in this list is with the Intel Core i5 processor, which is less powerful than other models but has longer battery life than them.
The 8GB RAM LPDDR3 is enough for processing all your data and programs. As the memory is SSD, you would never be disappointed by the performance of this gadget. Because of SSD memory, up to 4 GB too would not be bad on your MacBook Air. The 128 GB storage is adequate for downloading different books and documents and save all your data on a single device.
These laptops are sleek and lightweight (2lb to 3lb depending on the model of device), making them adjustable to fit easily in your backpack and require small space. It makes them easy to carry for a whole day with you. The body is made of aluminum, so you can place it between your books without fearing breakage.
It weighs only 2.75 pounds making it lightweight and easy to carry. The battery lasts up to 12 hours which is amazing. The battery of this MacBook lasts up to 13 hours which you can use it for a whole day without the trouble of charging for your study and a few entertainment purposes.
The keyboard of this device is extremely responsive that is a remarkable feature. As a student, you need to type a lot for making assignments and taking notes. So, this keyboard provides you with the most reliable and comfortable typing experience.
The display of older MacBook is not usually liked by users. If you compare it with the display of the latest model, you too would not like it as they are of low quality. The screen resolution quality of those laptops was not good too, but it was the reason for their insane battery life.
There are enough ports available to provide you with wired connections with other devices. You can extend the storage of your laptop externally with different storage devices.
Pros
This laptop comes with the best retina display, better quality of audios and videos, satisfactory processor performance, and long battery life.
Cons
This laptop is slightly out of budget.
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 12.3 inches
Processor Brand: Intel
Processor Type: Core i5
Processor Speed: 1.1 GHz
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Storage: 128 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Wireless Type: Bluetooth
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Average Battery Standby Life (in hours): 10.5
Weight: 499 g
Review
This is a high quality 2 in 1 laptop for nursing students. As compared to MacBook, it is much lighter in weight and less expensive. With its touch screen, typing becomes much easier, and you can draw different diagrams on this device easily. So, it is preferred by many nursing school students.
The Core i5 will enable you to use all software and programs smoothly and complete all your tasks. If your budget is less, this model is good for your work. The screen size is 12.3 inches that are near the ideal one, and the high-quality resolution of 2736×1824 is incredible to provide you with vivid and clear visuals.
The resolution of this device allows you to use many windows side by side and enables you to complete multiple tasks. The 8 GB RAM ensures the running of all software efficiently and using different files without hanging of device. 128 GB SSD storage helps to save all your study material for quick access at any place at any time.
This portable weight only 1.7lb making it one of the lightest laptops. Easy to carry body is all a student wants for study without any problem. The graphics are good enough to play some games, watch videos and audios. You can also use it for drawing purposes.
The battery of this laptop lasts up to 10.5lb, long enough to use for a whole day. So, you can take long lectures, make notes and complete different projects on it easily. It takes only 2 to 3 hours to charge fully, so you don’t need to wait for a longer time to use it.
Pros
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 has a powerful processor and amazing battery life. The sleek and stylish design is remarkable. It provides you with reliable performance.
Cons
Thunderbolt ports are not available on this device. So, data transferability is not fast.
3. ASUS ZenBook 13
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 13.3 Inches
Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Processor Brand: Intel
Processor Count: 4
Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
RAM Size: 8 GB
Memory Technology: LPDDR4
Computer Memory Type: DDR4 SDRAM
Memory Clock Speed: 3.6 GHz
Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics
Graphics Chipset Brand: Intel
Graphics Card Description: Integrated
Graphics Card Ram Size: 8 GB
Connectivity Type: Bluetooth
Wireless Type: Bluetooth, 802.11ax
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Item Weight: 2.5lb
Battery life: 8 hours
Review
ASUA ZenBook is one of the most affordable laptops for the students and has almost all the specification of the previously discussed two laptops. Its costs no more than 800 dollars and provide you with all the amazing features you need on your laptop. The newest models of ASUS ZenBook have a 10th or even an 11th generation processor. For nursing school students, the power of a processor is never a problem. The low configuration will do the job for them.
The 8 GB RAM with 3.6 GHz speed is efficient to handle all the applications and software and use them without any fuss. The 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage is enough to store heavy volume study material. You can access your data easily on this device, prepare for your exams and complete all your tasks. The preinstalled Window 10 supports all your software, making them easy to use.
The keyboard of these laptops is one the best found on other window laptops. The typing area is enough and comfortable. The FHD resolution of this portable computer is best to use many windows simultaneously and perform multiple tasks. The body of this laptop is not entirely made of aluminum.
It is lightweight but not thin. This laptop has a numerical pad that can be activated or deactivated as per the need of the user. This laptop weighs 2.5lb which increases its portability and making it easy to move. The battery lasting up to 8 hours is enough for students for whole day use.
Pros
This laptop has better battery life, nicer display, and best performance.
Cons
Thunderbolt 3 ports are not available on this device.
4. Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Specifications
Operating System: Windows 10 in S Mode
Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i3-1005G1
Processor Type: Dual Core
Display: 15.6″ HD LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display
Memory: 4GB DDR4
Memory speed: 2666 MHz
Internal Storage: 128GB 2242 NVMe TLC SSD Storage
Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
Battery Life: Up to 7.5 Hours
Audio: 2 x 1.5W Speakers with Dolby Audio
Wireless: 2 x 2 802.11AC Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Combo
Webcam: 0.3MP Camera with Privacy Shutter
Microphone: Dual Array Microphones
Product Weight: 4.07lbs
Review
If you want a laptop with responsive technology to fit your tight budget, then the weight and design of the laptop should not be a problem for you. This laptop is best for you in this regard as it comes at an affordable price and provides the best performance to a nursing school student.
The 3rd generation Ryzen chip with SSD storage helps all the basic software to work perfectly to make your work experience smooth. The performance speed is this portable computer is good enough too. The HD resolution of this device is of lower quality than FHD resolution, but for nursing school students, it is good enough. The 15.6 inches wide screen provides you with enough space to use multiple windows sides by side and complete many different tasks simultaneously.
Getting all these features at a lower and affordable price have increased its weight and size. It is not easier to carry it for a whole day with you. Battery life lasting for only 8 hours is good for students but not ideal. You can use different software to make presentations, finish assignments and study from your e-books.
The 4GB DDR4 RAM with 2666 MHz speed is fast enough to access and use all your data. The 128GB 2242 NVMe TLC SSD Storage gives enough space for your heavy data. It is the cheapest laptop with Windows that has a full version of Window 10, making it better than many other laptops. This feature at such a low price cannot be ignored by the user.
Pros
The keyboard quality of the Lenovo IdeaPad is good. Storage capacity can be increased externally and provides you with adequate performance without spending much.
Cons
It is bulky.
5. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 15.6 Inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Product Dimensions: 25.1 x 36.3 x 1.8 cm; 1.8 Kilograms
Item model number: A515-54
Processor Brand: Intel
Processor Type: Core i3
RAM Size: 4 GB
Memory Technology: DDR4
Hard Drive Size: 1 TB
Hard Disk Rotational Speed: 5400 RPM
Speaker Description: 2 built-in speakers
Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Graphics Chipset Brand: Intel
Connectivity Type: Wi-Fi, Infrared, Bluetooth-V4
Wireless Type: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Number of USB 2.0 Ports: 1
Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 1
Number of HDMI Ports: 1
Number of Audio-out Ports: 1
Number of Ethernet Ports: 1
Front Webcam Resolution: 1280
Power Source: Battery Powered
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Average Battery Standby Life (in hours): 9.5 Hours
Included Components: Laptop, Battery, AC Adapter, User Guide, Manuals
Item Weight: 1 kg 800 g
Review
This laptop comes with 15.6 Inches widescreen and 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) resolution that helps to perform various tasks simultaneously. The Intel Core i3 processor helps to perform all your tasks at enough speed.
The 4 GB RAM and 1TB storage are too much to accommodate and access all your data with efficient processing. You can take notes and complete all your assessments easily on this device. There are many ports available to provide you with the wired connectivity with other devices to transfer and share data.
This portable is bulky and weighs 5.3 pounds that make it harder to use and carry it with you daily. The battery life of up to approximately 10 hours is remarkable for full-day use. You would use this device easily as it is easy to handle.
Pros
This durable device is affordable and has reliable performance. Battery life is ideal for students.
Cons
The graphics and resolution of this laptop are of moderate quality, but it does not matter much for nursing school students.
6. Dell XPS 13 7390
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 13.3 Inches
Max Screen Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Processor: 4.6 GHz core_i7_family
RAM: 16 GB LPDDR3
Memory Speed: 2133 MHz
Hard Drive: 1 TB 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Item Weight: 2.93 pounds
Graphics Coprocessor: Integrated
Chipset Brand: Intel
Card Description: Integrated
Graphics Card Ram Size: 16 GB
Wireless Type: Bluetooth
Number of USB 2.0 Ports: 1
Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 2
Review
Dell XPS 13 7390 is one of the best laptops for nursing school because of its massive storage and bright display. The Intel Core i7-10710U chipset with 4.7 GHz speed is much powerful to finish your work quickly. Any nursing software can run smoothly on this laptop.
1 GB RAM and 1TB storage accommodate all your data efficiently for future use. Anti-glare screen helps you to use it in bright sunlight with ease. Back-lit keyboard helps you to type in dark too. The integrated webcam, microphone, and speaker gives you best audio and video quality.
With 2.93 pounds weight and battery life, up to 12 hours it is the most reliable laptop for all your study requirements.
Pros
The powerful processor, 16 GB RAM and 1TB storage gives you an incredible working experience.
Cons
It is costly.
How to Buy A Laptop for Nursing School?
Before buying a laptop for nursing school, keep one thing in mind, you don’t require a powerful and high-speed device. If budget is not a problem for you, you can definitely buy the latest variations of laptops. But on a tight budget, buy a moderate quality device. Following are some requirements.
Laptop Requirement and Other Devices
Some students may need some other device along with a laptop to deal with study stuff easily. Buy a laptop with enough built-in required features.
Operating System
The operating system of your device can be Window or Mac. Some software may have compatibility issues with any software. Check out which operating system is compatible with your device before spending your money, as it would cause a problem for you. For example, the most common software used, Exam Soft, is compatible with almost every operating system except ChromeOS (the Operating System of Chromebooks).
Some things will cause problems for you during exams. These are:
· Showing up with a tablet
· No Windows operating systems
· Using a laptop of much older version
Software Requirements
The software that is mostly used by nursing school students are:
· Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
· Adobe Reader (for taking notes, homework assignments, etc.)
· Flash, Shockwave, Java, QuickTime (To run videos, quick animations, instructional videos, podcasts, etc.)
Some other applications used in some schools:
· Typhon clinical logs (to track patient’s data during Clinicals)
· Lexicomp (a library of medication information)
· Epocrates (all-encompassing reference)
We can say that every modern laptop with Windows or Mac OSX on it will run all of the above software with no fuss. Mobiles and tablets can run this software too, but not all.
Classes
In nursing schools, classes are usually driven through PowerPoint presentations which is an older method. Laptops make it easier to take notes for the future because you cannot cram a 1000 pages book in a single night before exams. Touch screen technology makes it further easy.
Textbooks
Nowadays, textbooks are not easily available, heavy or much expensive for a student. Digital copies are available on the internet for free or at affordable prices. A laptop with an ideal screen size makes it easy to read these books and prepare for finals.
Tablet vs Laptop
A tablet can be a nice complement to use for clinical and quick references for information, but you still need a laptop to use all the required software. You can buy a 2 in 1 laptop and use it according to your convenience.
