What is the Best Business School Laptop for You?
While preparing for business school means connecting with future classmates, figuring out coursework, and brushing up on your writing and quant skills, other necessities—like what kind of computer you’ll need—can be overlooked. That’s why we’ve rounded up recommendations from leading MBA programs and highlighted which laptops you should consider.
For the desktop faithful, a powerful computer may be well-suited to take on the MBA curriculum. However, considering the majority of students’ traveling demands, in addition to the ease and comfort of bringing a laptop to class, a portable device is likely a better alternative.
Laptop Features that Business Schools Recommend
The question of having the right kind of business school laptop often comes down to simple prioritization, with cost usually at the top of most consumers’ concerns. But before you start roaming for discount deals, making sure your laptop has the right specifications is key.
Business schools, such UCLA Anderson School of Management, offer prospective MBAs a guide to what kind of computer they’ll need for the program, detailed below:
UCLA Anderson’s computer recommendations for its MBA students.
The majority of business schools, including the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and the MIT Sloan School of Management, suggest the same technical standards.
Most of the technical specifications listed above are fairly standard for laptops produced within the past several years, so finding a product that hits the minimum requirements is fairly simple. For example, Intel, the primary manufacturer of computer processing units, released its 6th generation Core processors in 2015, succeeding its 5th generation models. The only concern prospective MBA students may have are with computers that have an Intel Core M processor, which are below the suggested standards. Laptops with these processors, however, are often the most base-level on the market, and are typically only found in very inexpensive models. Intel has not released a new M processor since 2018.
Major companies like Dell, Lenovo, and Apple have all or most of the suggested specifications, such as webcam interface, integrated graphics cards, and 802.11 wireless connectivity, included standard in newer models. However, even when looking for a brand new laptop, one major element to take note of is the power of the hard drive. Even devices that would be considered in the mid-to-upper price tier, such as the Apple Macbook Pro and Dell XPS, do not come standard with a 256 GB SSD (solid state drive). Rather, the base-level models are usually paired with a 128 GB SSD, and there is a distinct price difference in comparison to 256 GB SSD models. Of course, for the handy few, installing your own SSD card into the computer is possible, and can mitigate much of the cost differential. But for most students, opting for a model with 256 SSD standard will be the most reasonable route.
Be wary: even costly base level models, like the Microsoft Surface, do not come standard with a suggested 256 GB SSD.
Software Requirements (Windows Wins at CBS)
While many prospective students won’t belabor the technical differences between certain laptops, the necessary software can often be more important. Columbia Business School‘s own “Choosing a Laptop” guidelines informs prospective MBA students that the software needed for the curriculum is based around the Windows operating system. Which means Apple users may be at a disadvantage, even if their laptops are fitted with Windows OS. In fact, the school recommends avoiding Apple altogether:
“If you intend to purchase a new laptop for your studies at CBS, the School highly recommends that you purchase a computer that already runs Windows natively (not a Mac). Many students who have chosen to purchase a Mac prior to CBS have later regretted the choice because they ended up using Windows more than anticipated, and Windows virtualized in a Mac never performs as well as if it were ran natively (e.g., the OS is slower and more prone to glitches, and there is a learning curve for the keyboard, etc.). For these reasons, we recommend that anyone who has to purchase a new laptop to meet the School’s minimum computing requirements selects a native Windows machine.”
For those hoping to attend CBS that already have an Apple laptop, the business school will provide students Windows OS free of charge. The only requirement, however, is at least 50 GB of free memory (Windows OS requires 35 GB).
Even if all the hardware specifications are met, Macbook users may be at disadvantage in MBA programs. Many institutions, such as Columbia Business School, require software tools only found in the Windows Operating System.
Affordable Options
MBA prospects that are in the market for a new laptop may be wise to focus attention on affordability. After all, with the cost of education, saving money anywhere you can is a plus. However, this decision comes with an obvious degree of consideration. Laptops under the $500 USD threshold often do not have the necessary hardware to handle an MBA curriculum. But for those who only need a device to get by, several models can do the trick with minimal cost, such as the Lenovo IdeaPad 330.
MBAs with affordability in mind should consider the Lenovo Ideapad 330.
The 14″ Lenovo Ideapad 330 base model starts at a modest $536.79 and comes with an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8550U processor, Windows 10 OS, and 8 GB of memory, to start. The model can be upgraded with a 256 GB SSD, but cost-savvy buyers would do well to check out Newegg.com, which offers several 330 Ideapad models with 256 GB SSD for under $500.
For those wary about performance but still with cost in mind, the Acer Aspire E 15 might be a better alternative. Laptop Mag rates the Aspire E 15 among the best affordable laptops available, with a direct, succinct review:
“Every once in a while, a laptop comes along that defies its low price. Yet again, the Acer Aspire E 15 is one of those laptops. Punching well above its weight class, the 15-inch machine has a sharp 1080p display, good performance and a wide variety of ports. The laptop’s keyboard is comfortable, its battery life is decent and it stays cool under a heavy workload. Despite a few notable shortcomings—a poor webcam, bulky design and unwelcome bloatware—the Aspire E 15 offers excellent bang for your buck, which is why it’s our best overall sub-$500 laptop and a very good choice for students.”
PC World also highly-recommends the Aspire E 15, rating it as the “Best Laptop Under $500.” And like the Ideapad 330, several Aspire E 15 models can be found over at Newegg for under $500.
Considering the Long Term and an Upgrade
MBA aspirants with major career aspirations likely aren’t going to dwell too much on the price of a laptop alone. After all, for those thinking long term, a modestly expensive model will likely be a better investment. For those looking for a bit higher performance, it’s hard to go wrong with the Dell XPS 13.
For the best blend of hardware, design, accessibility, and price, the Dell XPS 13 has stood out for years.
Tech-savvy readers have likely heard this before. Outlets such as PC Mag, Laptop Mag, CNet, and Engadget have been showering Dell with praise since the introduction of the XPS line in 2012, which was the first official Dell “ultrabook.” In fact, it is currently the only model rated by PC Mag with a perfect score.
The company’s flagship 13.3″ laptop comes standard with an 8th generation Intel-i3 core processor, 4 GB of memory, and a UHD Graphics 620 card. However, for the 256 GB SSD and 8-16 GB of memory models, the price increases from a modest $899 to, at least, $1,079.99. Upgraded versions with touch-screen capability and a larger screen are available, but all of the requirements needed for a typical MBA program are met by the $1,079.99 model, which features 8 GB of memory, 256 GB SSD, and an 8th generation Intel-i5 processor.
Sparing No Expense
Your laptop likely isn’t going to just be for school. From major projects, to personal entertainment, and even gaming, your laptop will likely be your personal hub for many years to come. Virtually every laptop in the upper-cost echelon, ranging from $1,300 and up, fits the hardware requirements needed for an MBA program and then some.
For those already possessing a degree of business experience, the sight of a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon may be a bit familiar. A typical favorite of business professionals, Laptop Mag refers to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon as the “Maserati of business laptops” in its most recent review, with the 6th generation model boasting a beautiful Intel Kaby Lake-R CPU, and even an optional 2K HDR display. And unlike many of the aforementioned models, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is built with an extremely sturdy frame, despite only weighing 2.49 lbs. For $1,367.10, it includes a standard 256 GB SSD, an 8th generation Intel-i7 processor, and 8 GB of memory—all of which can be upgraded.
The Lenovo ThinkPad Carbon X1 (6th gen), dubbed the “Maserati of business laptops,” is built perfectly for any MBA candidate.
Finding the Best Business School Laptop Deals
Major online distribution outlet Newegg is a favorite among the tech-savvy and often sports some of the best PC deals you’ll ever find. However, like Amazon, most of the laptop models you’ll find at steep discounts are often among lower-end models (unless, of course, you’re comfortable buying a refurbished computer). In addition, sales are often frustratingly temporary. However, there are certain times of the year when laptops may be had at a modest discount, with the best deals usually happening in the summer.
According to The Nest, “the months of August and September present opportunities for laptop buyers to save money. The traditional back-to-school sale applies to laptops just like it does to other school supplies. A shopper will see advertised sales during the last month of summer vacation and the first month of the new school year. Some laptop sellers even run specials in July as a way of getting ahead of the back-to-school sales.”
This article has been republished and edited with permissions from its original source, Clear Admit.
Finding the Best Laptop for Business School
Brand. Affordability. Technical specifications.
In no certain order, these principle factors are the three pillars to consider when purchasing a laptop. For prospective business school students, despite having very different priorities than your average consumer, these three factors tend to weigh above everything else. However, before starting any MBA program, there are a few more things that they may need to consider.
Finding The Right Laptop for Business School
The UCLA Anderson School of Management, one of the world’s most familiar business school institutions, gives incoming students a comprehensive guide of what kind of laptop they’ll need before starting the MBA program.
Like many business schools, most of the software required by the UCLA Anderson MBA program run on the Windows operating system. As we previously mentioned, this is primarily because business school students are expecting to utilize familiar programs like Microsoft Excel. Windows is the standard operating system for most computers, however, it can be installed on Macs for optimal use.
Technical specifications recommended for UCLA Anderson MBA students.
Many of the specifications UCLA Anderson details in their recommendations for students, such as the 4 GB of memory, come standard with most mid-level to premium-level laptops. For the unfamiliar, 6th and 7th generation processing units are also standard for any recently-purchased PC. The last 4th generation Intel processor was shipped in early 2015.
Using UCLA Anderson’s guideline as an informal rule of thumb, we’ve broken down what optimal devices you should be looking for if you’re enrolling in an MBA program, or need an immediate upgrade while you continue your studies.
Looking for Something Affordable
For those in the market for a more affordable machine or are concerned their recently purchased Chromebook isn’t up to par, there are more options than ever in the affordable laptop market. The Acer Aspire E 15, the world’s best-selling laptop, is among the most affordable bets available. Lauded by Laptop Mag, which called it the best sub-$500 laptop on the market, the Acer Aspire E 15 starts at a surprising $350, or, $429 coupled with Windows Office. The standard $350 model comes with an Intel i-3 7th generation processor and 4 GB of standard memory with numerous upgrade options available.
For a slightly larger investment, however, MBA students may be hard-pressed to look at the Lenovo ThinkPad 13.
Lenovo ThinkPad 13/Photo via CNet
The ultra-durable (military-tested, in fact) ThinkPad has become a staple model for the business community. Starting at just under $500, the ThinkPad 13 has numerous available upgrades with an astounding 12-hour battery life. For those enrolled in or joining an MBA program, the model comes with a standard 4 GB of memory, but requires an upgrade to an Intel 7th generation processor.
The Optimal Mid-Tier Option
For those looking to invest a bit more in your purchase, Dell’s mid-tier XPS and Inspiron models might be the best machine upgrades without going the bank-breaking route.
The award-winning XPS models have become the crown jewel of the laptop market for the past few years, rewarded by outlets like Laptop Mag, PC Magazine, and TechRadar as one of the best computers on the planet. The XPS 13, starting at $799, comes packed with the latest 7th generation Kaby Lake Intel processor, providing a visual performance that cannot be matched by even the best affordable options. With some welcoming but not totally necessary upgrades, the not-yet-released 2018 model will sport a slightly reduced price even with the fully-packed new specs, including the 8th generation Intel i-7 processor, 8 GB of memory and 256 GB of SSD storage. Still, for MBA students, the standard XPS 13 or slightly larger-sized XPS 15 are more than enough to start.
Dell XPS13/Photo via TechRadar.
High Rollers
No one will argue going for the affordable route, but, let’s be honest for a moment. If you’re seriously considering enrollment in an MBA program, or are already enrolled in business school, dishing out a couple hundred more bucks for a top-tier laptop model doesn’t even come close to tuition rates. Plus, if you’re looking at the new laptop as an investment, then providing some more resources might be the best choice you can make.
Beyond the $1,000 benchmark, the aforementioned Mac becomes obvious. The visually-stunning new MacBook Pro may be the most hip offering out there, even with the $1,499 starting price tag (which jumps to $1,799 with the giddy TouchBar). The 13″ MacBook Pro boasts some of the sleekest industrial design of any available model, although without any available USB ports. To make the machine slimmer than the competition, Apple, to a sea of complaints and curious convictions, eliminated much of the standard ports included in most laptops in favor of adaptable Thunderbolt C ports. For the business student, the model may not seem to be precisely necessary. But for entrepreneurs looking to expand a brand with world-class designs and presentation, there may be no better accompanying device.
The new MacBook Pro/Photo via Verge.
Still, foregoing a machine that comes complete with Windows OS isn’t recommended for MBA students. For those that prioritize sleek exterior design and slim portability, then why not go right to the source? Microsoft’s endearing Surface Pro is among the world’s most beloved models, called the “Best Laptop Right Now” earlier this year by Verge.
“Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop is the best laptop for most people because it blends power, portability, and battery life better than any other computer. It has a great keyboard and trackpad; a beautiful, high-resolution touchscreen; and comes in four different colors. It uses Intel’s latest processors and can be specced out with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.”
Like the aforementioned Dell XPS 13, the Surface starts at $799, but fully modifying the machine is probably the way to go. Unlike the other models mentioned, however, Surface Pro owners have the option to immediately upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for free. This offers easily usable features welcome to any business school climate, along with the standard Intel 7th generation processing unit.
Microsoft Surface Pro/Photo via Microsoft
When Should You Buy a New Laptop?
According to Cnet, the right time to buy a laptop might not be so obvious, like Black Friday. Rick Broida writes, “Sure, you’ll see some low-end laptops priced to move, but high-end models—gaming laptops, ultraportables and the like—don’t usually see big Black Friday price cuts. Rather, history suggests that these machines sell for less in the summertime, during back-to-school sales.
For those looking to invest in a higher-end model, do not expect sales any time soon—if at all. Optimally, whichever laptop you have must be ready before the start of the MBA program. Some schools, like the aforementioned UCLA Anderson School of Management, require a laptop review months before the program begins, so a purchase is better made sooner than later.
