Best Laptop For Data Analyst

While most data scientists find data analysis and data science to be a complicated process of tasks combined together – it’s something that is necessary for any business that deals with a large quantity of data. Therefore, having a reliable and powerful laptop is a must and in this post, you’ll exactly find the best laptops for data science.

Of course, even though data scientists might have special skills that help them understand the data and analyze it further – not everyone is very good when it comes to technology. Therefore, finding a perfect laptop can be a bit tricky for data science for data scientists – and that’s okay!

Recommendations for December 2024

Dell XPS 9570 – 4K Touchscreen
Apple MacBook Pro – High Functioning OS
Acer Predator Helios 300 – Ideal For Data Analysis
Dell Inspiron 15 5593 – Affordable Mid-end Laptop
Razer Blade Pro 17 – Incredible Processing Power
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Powerful 2-in-1
Asus ROG Strix Scar III – N-Key Rollover
Alienware M15 – Advanced Cooling
Apple MacBook Air – Light But Powerful
Dell 15 – HDD + SSD Storage

Table Of Contents shows

Best Laptops for Data Science & Data Analysis 2024

Dell XPS 9570 – 4K Touchscreen

Dell XPS 9570

This beast is good for both professional and personal use – there is no better choice than Dell XPS 9570. It’s a very solid laptop which is pretty lightweight for a powerful configuration it hides inside its sleek design. It also has a 4K touchscreen which makes things easier to look at.

Dell XPS 9570 is equipped with the latest 8th generation of Intel Core i7 processor that can push some incredible processing power.

It works together in combination with 32 GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage, and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce graphics card.

To have the ultimate focus throughout their workdays, data scientists will enjoy the Infinity Edge IPS display.

It doesn’t only provide a comfortable view from different angles, but this laptop also offers narrow bezel that improves the overall aspect ratio.

Wherever you go, you will love taking XPS 9570 with you. It is a very sleek and slim laptop for data science which hides all the computing power inside its lightweight body.

Narrow bezel display truly adds up to the overall sleek design along with the carbon matte finish.

Recommended Configuration For Dell XPS 9570

Apple MacBook Pro – High Functioning OS

Apple MacBook Pro

When data scientists want the reliability – there is no better laptop than a MacBook Pro that runs Apple’s Mac OS. Apple Macbook Pro offers a very decent configuration and a very sleek and durable design. This laptop won’t only perform well but will look attractive anywhere data scientists take it.

Apple’s well-known Retina display is always improved and the Apple Macbook Pro model includes True Tone technology that optimizes the display according to the user’s eyes for the most comfortable viewing experience.

Apple Macbook Pro provides stunning visuals with great viewing angles.

To make the work smooth and multiple-tasking easier, Apple’s innovative Touch Bar lets data scientists work more productively.

Instead of grabbing the mouse every time, data scientists can switch easily between tabs or software with a touch – and much more than that.

Apple will never let them down, especially with the Apple Macbook Pro which features ultra-fast 512 GB SSD storage, an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640.

Apple Macbook Pro reduces waiting time on the start-up and it helps speed up the time of file transferring.

Recommended Configuration For Apple MacBook Pro

Acer Predator Helios 300 – Ideal For Data Analysis

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Acer Predator Helios 300

A gaming laptop isn’t only made for games. Acer Predator Helios 300 is one of our top choice which offers incredible configuration for a really decent price which makes it one of the most valuable laptops you can purchase. If you aren’t planning to spend quite a lot – this might be your ideal choice.

Since the Acer Predator Helios 300 packs some very serious configuration, it needs a proper cooling to maintain it processing power and overall high specs.

Acer came up with a surprising innovation that introduces 3D cooling fan blades. They reduce the noise and improve the cooling no matter how heavy the processes are.

With the 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor, GeForce GTX 1660 graphics card, and plenty of storage space with 16 GB of RAM.

The dedicated graphics card itself has 16 GB of dedicated RAM for graphics processing and is even overclockable for much better performance.

We were surprised to see a very decent battery life since we expected it to be below average due to the high processing power and components that consume a lot of computing power.

However, the battery can last up to 3 hours, which isn’t a lot when you think of it at first by today’s standards – but is amazing for a portable laptop for data science of this configuration.

Recommended Configuration For Acer Predator Helios 300

Dell Inspiron 15 5593 – Affordable Mid-end Laptop

Dell Inspiron 15 5593

If you have to stick to a budget and you think you might not have a lot of options – Dell Inspiron 155593 is one of the best laptops for data science this occasion since it features a very decent configuration that is upgradeable and yet provides a great value.

There is no better way to be on the safe side than relying on two storage drives which work together to bring the optimum speed and plenty of space.

Therefore, Inspiron 15 5593 features usable specs for data science, It has a Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, 1.8 GHz, 8GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD storage that provides quick and snappy performance.

Unlike other Inspiron models, the Dell Inspiron 15 5593 doesn’t have a touchscreen feature so keep this in mind when buying this laptop. But even without a touchscreen it’s very functional and usable just from the specs mentioned above.

You will never have to worry about connectivity with this laptop since you’ll be equipped with plenty of ports.

This includes 3 USB ports, headphones/microphone jack, HDMI port, and even a dedicated battery storage space.

Recommended configuration for Dell Inspiron 15 5593

Razer Blade Pro 17 – Incredible Processing Power

Razer Blade Pro 17

For laptops for data scientists who work on a go, make sure that you require a very compact laptop that will still provide as much power and reliability – and in this case, that laptop is exactly Razer Blade Pro 17. It provides incredible processing power and yet everything is packed in a compact design, even featuring an edge-to-edge display.

Razer managed to do an incredible job by making a powerful yet compact laptop and even feature a large display by introducing edge-to-edge technology.

This laptop features a narrow bezel design that improves aspect ratio, reduces distractions, and improves the viewing angles.

Even though Razer Blade 17 is a compact laptop, it’s very thoroughly built. It is very thin, but is rugged with a CNC aluminum material that forms the unibody.

No matter where you take this laptop, you will be protected and worry-free.

It’s also one of the most powerful laptops on this list as it features a powerful 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10875H processor that can go up to 5.1 GHz. It puts the other laptops on this list to shame simply by its processor alone.

It even has a top of the line NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super which helps in rendering and loading of graphic files.

We aren’t sure how Razer managed to add so many ports and still make this laptop quite thin and compact but it’s brilliant work.

You will never lack ports since you’ll have 3 USB ports, one Thunderbolt 3 port, and even a mini HDMI display port.

Recommended configuration for Razer Blade Pro 17

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Powerful 2-in-1

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Having a laptop adjusts to your needs instead of you adjusting to the laptop means a lot – and that’s what Microsoft Surface Pro 7 offers. It’s a very slim and lightweight laptop which still packs some serious power

Wherever you go and wherever you work – you will enjoy using this slim and lightweight laptop because of its 3 modes of use.

You can use it in a standard model which is a laptop mode, in a studio mode which is ideal for data science presentations or as a tablet where you detach the keyboard cover for better access.

Data scientists often mistake this laptop for a tablet due to its very thin and slim design. If you’re someone who works on a go – you will enjoy the lightness Surface Pro 6 offers.

However, the design is still sturdy and very durable to shock and drops and it features an Intel Core i7-10510U CPU,16 GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD storage and an Intel Iris Plus graphics card.

Additional accessories have to be purchased additionally, but Microsoft offers customized accessories you can choose from.

They include the keyboard/cover, pen, or a mouse – and yes, they’re totally worth the additional investment.

Recommended configuration for Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Asus ROG Strix Scar III – N-Key Rollover

Asus ROG Strix Scar III

When money is no object, ASUS ROG Strix Scar III is a laptop you should be looking into. It takes things to another level with its Hexa-core processor and a powerful dedicated graphics card. For sure, this is every data scientist’s dream laptop. It also features the N-Key Rollover which allows for multi-key inputs which is perfect for multitasking as well.

ASUS ROG Strix Scar II| is one of the most powerful laptops on the market right now. Even though the price might be a lot higher than other laptops – it features a configuration that won’t slow you down and will provide excellent experience.

ASUS introduced a narrow bezel display which increases the aspect ratio, gives a better viewing angle, and is easier on the eyes – no matter how long you stare at the screen.

It even introduces a very high refresh rate of 1240 Hz so you never notice a lag.

If you mostly rely on the Wi-Fi connection, you will love the multi-antenna RangeBoost feature introduced by ASUS to improve the connection.

Asides from wonderful and powerful specs it has convenient features like its N-Key Rollover which allows for multi-key inputs allowing you to take on multiple tasks at once and handle them a lot faster than usual.

Uploading and downloading files has never been simpler thanks to this technology that improves the Wi-Fi speeds and improves the reliability of the connection.

Recommended configuration for Asus ROG Strix Scar III

Alienware M15 – Advanced Cooling

Alienware M15

Doing data analysis on a powerful laptop with extreme specs is bound to create some cooling problems. That’s just the problem with powerful laptops; their specs simply generate too much heat making the fans noisy and sometimes making the keyboard too hot to type on. The Alienware M15 solves this problem with its advanced cooling design allowing you to work uninterrupted.

Thanks to its reliable display, you will never have to look for another laptop to fulfil your screen desires.This laptop features a decent resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels along with the vivid, bright, and crystally clear image.

If you don’t want to be slowed down and you’re looking for efficiency as well as reliability – there is no better way than going with a 6-core processor.

It’s true that this laptop is on the slimmer , and of course, very portable – but it’s built like a tank. It’s built to last which is amazing in its own right.

This laptop is very shockproof and won’t break down even if it experiences an accident throughout the years of use.

But its biggest contribution to data science is probably its advanced cooling system. It has the trademark ALIENWARE CRYO-TECH V3.0 which improves airflow and ensures that each and every one of its cores is cooled preventing overheating as well as loud and annoying fans that simply distracts you from working properly.

Recommended Configuration For Alienware M15

Apple MacBook Air – Light But Powerful

Apple MacBook Air

Working on the go is brilliant and gives a great feeling of freedom, and there is no better laptops for data science than Apple’s MacBook Air. It’s an incredible combination of power and lightness that gives satisfaction to users who stay active out of the office yet still get the work done.

Air is one of the lightest laptops on the market and it’s very pleasant feeling to know that data scientists can rely on it and use it as their main laptop.

With this thinness and lightness, you get to work anywhere you like without any limitations.

No matter where you take this laptop – you will always have an amazing view when you open the screen.

It features the Apple’s upgraded Retina display which now comes with True Tone technology that adjusts the screen brightness and color to the environment – so the user gets the best possible viewing experience.

To keep your all files and data secure – you will love avoiding the use of passwords and replacing them with a Touch ID.

Touch ID allows you to enter the laptop, purchase, save, download, and more with a press of a finger on the sensor. This takes the security to another level.

Recommended configuration for Apple MacBook Air

Dell 15 – HDD + SSD Storage

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If you’re a data scientist who works in more of a visual software – you will love the power NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti puts out for this laptop. In addition, this laptop is also equipped with Intel Core i5-8300H, quad-core, 2.3GHz up to 4.00 GHz, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD + 1 TB HDD Storage.

What’s also worth mentioning is that this is a Ti version which is overclockable to even further level of performance.

For the most secure file transfers, storage space, and reliability in data science field- Dell features two storage drives.

One of them is the SSD storage which is ideal for the operating system and a couple of software, and then you have an HDD which is suitable for storing all data science.

Who said that power needs to be bulky, heavy, and hard to take with you everywhere you go?

Dell features a very decent and powerful configuration inside a sleek and slim design that is made out of robust plastic.

This way, both visuals and durability are taken into consideration. Also, believe us, you will love the touch of this laptop – it just feels very premium.

Recommended configuration for Dell 15

Picking The Best Laptops For Data Science In 2024

Performance

It’s very hard to find a suitable choice (at least the budget would have to be increased slightly than when looking for a usual laptop), and they can be a pricey investment but very well worth the price they cost.

While 8GB of RAM is decent, 16 GB RAM is always better for data science analysis and that’s what we recommend. If you find a laptop with 32GB RAM, that’s even better.

Quad-core processors are a requirement. The dedicated graphics card is desired, depending on the type of algorithms and software you’ll be relying upon.

Screen Size & Resolution

The next step is to pay attention to screen size and resolution.

Why screen size and resolution? You’ll want your laptop to be very thin and lightweight.

The screen is going to be your point of view where you will have the sight on the whole process.

We highly recommend going for the IPS backlit display for the best viewing experience and most comfort.

O.S

We highly recommend sticking with the most official and most commonly used operating systems which are either Mac OS X or Windows.

These operating systems will 99.8% have every software or plugin you need in order to do your work, while you might struggle to find it on other operating systems such as Linux.

If you decide to opt-in with Mac OS X, you won’t have to worry about the version of the OS, yet we only recommend you to stay up to date with the OS updates (which aren’t very often).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the system requirements for data science?

We would recommend at least 8 GB of RAM, dual-core processor, and a dedicated graphics card (or a very good integrated graphics card chip – ideally i5 or i7).
Plenty of storage space, ideally SSD storage type or a combination of both SSD & HDD, or even SSHD version.

Is 8 GB of RAM enough for data analysis?

The minimum recommended RAM is 8 GB for data science and analysis, but just to be on the safe side – we recommend sticking to 16 GB.

Are gaming laptops good for data science?

Yes, definitely. Gaming laptops aren’t only made for games. In fact, they feature powerful configurations that are ideal for data analysis. However, make sure you keep in mind that they’re most of the time on the heavier side and might sacrifice the battery life a bit.

Do data scientists use Mac or PC?

Being two of the most used OS out there (asides from Linux), Mac OS and Windows are able to run almost all of the major data science programs out there. With this being said, rither OS should be able to handle data science programs well and perform in an efficient manner.

However most data scientists prefer to use a Mac OS instead of a windows. This is because the Mac OS is simply more efficient and effective than its Windows counterpart. Ever heard of a Mac getting a virus? If they do, it’s very rare. A PC on the other hand requires multiple anti-virus programs to keep itself from getting infected.

Another thing that the Windows OS has a lot of is bloatware. Programs that take up space and important resources from the computer. Although the resource they use varies from small to large, its still a big detriment when running resource intensive data science programs.

With this being said, data scientists simply prefer a Mac over a PC because its more stable and reliable.

Resources

Data Science Hardware Requirements – DataScienceDegree.Wisconsin.Edu
A Data Scientist’s Workstation – Medium.com, by Erik Jan de Vries

Dario Lemut

Dario is a writer at NetbookNews.com. He is at the same time an avid technology addict that loves reviewing gadgets & devices, and then writing useful reviews.

Best Laptops for Data Science & Data Analysis