Best Laptop for Nursing School: Top Picks & Guide for 2023‍

The best laptops for nursing school are:

1. Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1 Chip
2. HP 2022 Premium 14-inch Laptop
3. 2022 ASUS 14" Thin Light Business Student Laptop
4. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
5. HP Latest Stream 14" HD Laptop
6. Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 Laptop
7. HP 17.3'' Laptop with 20GB RAM and 1TB SSD
8. Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop
9. HP Stream 14" HD SVA Laptop
10. Apple MacBook Air with Intel Core i5, 1.6GHz, (13-inch, 4GB,128GB SSD) - (Renewed) 4GB RAM - 128GB
11. HP Stream 11 Laptop

As a nursing student, having a reliable laptop is essential for managing the rigorous demands of coursework, research, and communication with fellow students and professors.

The right laptop can make the difference between smooth sailing through your assignments and struggling with incompatible software or lackluster performance. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to determine the best laptop for nursing school.

Laptops come in various sizes, specifications, and price points, making it crucial to evaluate your unique needs and preferences.

As a nursing student, portability and great battery life should be high on your list, as you may need to carry your laptop from class to clinical placements.

Additionally, consider factors such as processing power, storage capacity, and durability to ensure your device can handle the requirements of your course load.

When selecting the best laptop for nursing school, it's essential to keep in mind the software requirements of your program. Some schools may require specific operating systems or applications that may not be compatible with all laptops.

Consulting your institution's guidelines and recommendations will help you make an informed decision and prevent any surprises down the road.

After considering these important factors, I set out to research and test various laptops to identify the ones that stand out as the best match for nursing students' unique needs.

Best Laptops for Nursing School

In this roundup, I've gathered the top laptops suitable for nursing students to enhance their educational experience. Browse through the list of nursing student laptops below to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1 Chip

I highly recommend the Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop for nursing students due to its powerful performance and long-lasting battery life.

Pros

• All-day battery life, up to 18 hours

• Powerful performance with the Apple M1 chip

• Stunning 13.3-inch Retina display

Cons

• Limited to 8GB RAM

• 256GB storage capacity may be insufficient for some users

• No touch screen feature

Buy Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1 Chip on Amazon

As a nursing student, I need a reliable and powerful laptop, and the Apple 2020 MacBook Air has not disappointed me.

The all-day battery life is particularly helpful for long hours spent in classes, study sessions, and clinical rotations. Even during intense multitasking, the laptop's performance remains fast and efficient, thanks to the Apple M1 chip.

The 13.3-inch Retina display is another standout feature, providing sharp text and vibrant colors for an optimal viewing experience. This is especially helpful when analyzing charts, diagrams, and other visual materials in my nursing courses.

Although the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage capacity may be sufficient for my needs as a nursing student, some users who require extensive multitasking capabilities or store large files may find these specifications limiting.

Also, the absence of a touch screen feature might be a drawback for those who prefer more interactive and hands-on learning experiences.

In conclusion, the Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1 Chip is an excellent choice for nursing students due to its long-lasting battery life, powerful performance, and impressive display.

However, users who require additional storage space or touch screen functionality should carefully consider these features when making their purchasing decision.

HP 2022 Premium 14-inch Laptop

This laptop is a solid choice for nursing students due to its lightweight design and long battery life, and is one of the best Windows laptop for nursing students.

Pros

• Thin and lightweight

• Good battery life with fast charging

• 1-year Microsoft 365 subscription included

Cons

• Limited storage capacity

• No Ethernet port

• Not suitable for heavy multitasking

Buy HP 2022 Premium 14-inch Laptop on Amazon

The HP 2022 Premium 14-inch laptop caught my eye due to its sleek rose gold finish and thin design. Being a nursing student, I appreciate a laptop that's easy to carry around campus and doesn't weigh me down on long days. With this laptop, I've found it easy to stay organized and on top of my assignments.

One feature I've particularly enjoyed is the long battery life—up to 11 hours and 30 minutes—which keeps me going during marathon study sessions.

The fast HP charge technology is great, too, as it juices up my computer from 0 to 50% in approximately 45 minutes. This has been a lifesaver when I've forgotten to charge my laptop overnight.

The Intel UHD Graphics 600 allows me to smoothly stream 4K content and play casual games when I need a study break.

Moreover, the Wi-Fi 5 (1x1) and Bluetooth 4.2 combo keeps me connected, so I can easily sync Bluetooth-enabled devices and enjoy stable internet throughout the day.

However, there are a few drawbacks to this laptop. The 64GB of storage fills up quite quickly, meaning I've had to rely on external storage or cloud services for my files.

Additionally, the absence of an Ethernet port can be inconvenient, especially when Wi-Fi connectivity is spotty. Lastly, I've noticed occasional slowdowns when running multiple applications or heavy multitasking.

Overall, the HP 2022 Premium 14-inch laptop has been a reliable companion during my nursing school journey.

While it may not be the perfect laptop for all situations, its attractive design, long battery life, and portable nature make it an excellent choice for students on the go, and also one of the coolest Windows laptops available.

2022 ASUS 14" Thin Light Business Student Laptop

The ASUS 14" Thin Light Business Student Laptop is an ideal choice for a lightweight laptop for nursing students who seek a lightweight device with basic features for their studies.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable design

• Long-lasting 12-hour battery life

• Bundled with a 1-year Office 365 subscription

Cons

• Limited performance with Intel Celeron N4020 processor

• Only 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage

• Initial setup may require switching out of S mode to Windows 11

Buy 2022 ASUS 14" Thin Light Business Student Laptop on Amazon

I recently had the chance to use this ASUS laptop for a few days, and I can confidently say that it is perfect for nursing students who are always on the move.

Its lightweight and thin design make it easy to carry around, so I never felt weighed down while commuting between classes or clinicals.

One significant feature I appreciated as a busy nursing student was the 12-hour battery life. I could rely on this laptop to get me through an entire day without needing a charge.

However, I noticed that the performance might be limited for those who need more power for multitasking. The Intel Celeron N4020 processor is suitable for basic tasks, but you might experience occasional slowdowns with multiple applications running simultaneously.

Another aspect I valued about this Windows laptop was the included 1-year Office 365 subscription, suitable for creating and editing documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

However, one challenge I faced while setting up the laptop was switching it out of S mode to use the full version of Windows 11. This step might be a hassle for some users, but it's a crucial step to unlock all the laptop's capabilities.

In conclusion, the 2022 ASUS 14" Thin Light Business Student Laptop is a reliable device for nursing students who need a lightweight, portable, and long-lasting laptop for their day-to-day studies.

Although the performance might not be ideal for more demanding tasks, the included Office 365 subscription and the convenience it offers make it a compelling choice for most nursing students even on a budget.

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

The Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is an excellent choice for nursing students due to its portability, performance, and affordability.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable

• Good performance for daily tasks

• Full HD IPS display

Cons

• Limited storage capacity

• 4GB RAM may not be sufficient for multitasking

• Windows 10 in S Mode may restrict app choices

Buy Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop on Amazon

I recently got my hands on the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop, and it has been a pleasure to use. The laptop's lightweight design makes it easy for me to carry around campus, while the AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor is powerful enough to handle my day-to-day tasks without any issues.

The 15.6-inch HD display has been great for working on assignments and watching videos alike. The colors are vibrant, and the screen offers wide viewing angles.

However, one downside is that the 128GB SSD fills up quickly, which means I've had to rely on external storage options to store all of my files.

On the subject of multitasking, the 4GB DDR4 RAM feels a bit lacking at times. When I have multiple browser tabs open or try to work on multiple applications, I do notice a slowdown in performance. Some users might not be bothered by this, but upgrading the RAM could be beneficial.

Lastly, Windows 10 in S Mode, which comes pre-installed, might not be everyone's cup of tea. It limits the applications I can download to those available on the Microsoft Store.

While many essential apps can be found there, some users may prefer the freedom of installing software from other sources.

Overall, despite a few drawbacks, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is a reliable, affordable choice for nursing students who need a portable and reasonably capable device for their studies. Acer also has a great collection of laptops for hacking. Check them out at the given link.

HP Latest Stream 14" HD Laptop

This HP Stream laptop is a reliable and affordable choice for nursing school students who need a device for basic tasks and long battery life.

Pros

• Efficient Intel Celeron processor

• Up to 11 hours of battery life

• Windows 11 with Office 365 for one year

Cons

• Limited storage (64GB eMMC)

• No Ethernet port

• Not suitable for heavy multitasking

Buy HP Latest Stream 14" HD Laptop on Amazon

I recently had the opportunity to use the HP Latest Stream 14" HD Laptop, and I found it to be a solid choice for nursing school students. Its Intel Celeron N4120 processor provides adequate performance for basic tasks, making it perfect for taking notes, researching, and creating documents.

The laptop's battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 hours on a single charge. This means you won't have to worry about constantly searching for a power outlet during long study sessions or classes.

The Windows 11 operating system also comes with a one-year Office 365 subscription, giving you access to essential productivity tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

However, there are a few limitations to consider. The 64GB eMMC storage may not be enough for storing large files or numerous applications.

Additionally, the lack of an Ethernet port means you'll have to rely on Wi-Fi for internet access. Lastly, its 8GB of RAM might not be sufficient for heavy multitasking or running resource-intensive programs.

Overall, the HP Latest Stream 14" HD Laptop is a great option for nursing school students who need a reliable device for basic tasks and extended battery life.

Its affordable price and attractive pink gold finish make it an appealing choice. But if your academic or personal needs involve more demanding applications or require more storage, you might want to consider a more powerful laptop.

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 Laptop

As a nursing student, I highly recommend the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 Laptop due to its affordability, reliability, and lightweight design.

Pros

• Affordable and reliable for daily use

• Lightweight, easy to carry around

• Decent battery life for a full day of classes

Cons

• Limited storage capacity

• Not ideal for heavy multitasking

• Intel Celeron processor is not the fastest

Buy Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 Laptop on Amazon

In my experience, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 Laptop has been an excellent companion through my nursing school journey. Being an affordable and reliable option, it allowed me to stay on top of my assignments, research, and projects without breaking the bank.

I found the laptop to be incredibly lightweight, making it easy to slip it into my backpack when I'm heading to class, the library, or a study group.

It's important for me as a student who's always on the go. The battery life, lasting up to 8 hours, has been sufficient to get me through a full day of classes without needing to scramble for a power outlet.

However, the laptop's storage capacity of 64 GB M.2 PCIe SSD has been slightly limiting, and I occasionally found myself needing to use external storage or cloud services to keep all my files organized.

Additionally, the laptop's Intel Celeron processor is not the fastest on the market, and it can struggle when handling multiple tasks at once or running heavy software. Lenovo also makes some of the best laptops for Cricut under $500, you can check them out at the provided link.

Despite its limitations, I've enjoyed using the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14 Laptop for my nursing school needs. Its reliability, portability, and affordability have made it a valuable tool during my academic journey.

HP 17.3'' Laptop with 20GB RAM and 1TB SSD

I highly recommend this HP 17.3'' Laptop for nursing students, as it offers ample processing power, storage, and user-friendly features.

Pros

• Powerful Intel Quad Core i3-1125G4 Processor

• 20GB RAM for seamless multitasking

• 1TB SSD for fast bootup and data transfer

Cons

• Anti-glare display may take time to adjust

• Bulkier due to 17.3" screen size

• Windows 11S may require switching to Home Mode

Buy HP 17.3'' Laptop with 20GB RAM and 1TB SSD on Amazon

I recently had the opportunity to test the HP 17.3'' Laptop, and I must say it exceeded my expectations, especially for nursing school tasks.

The laptop's Intel Quad Core i3-1125G4 Processor allowed me to effortlessly run multiple applications and browse web pages without running into lag or performance issues, which is essential for productivity in a fast-paced learning environment.

The 20GB RAM and 1TB SSD made multitasking a breeze, keeping up with my workflow while taking notes, researching, and video conferencing with peers and instructors.

The ample storage also made quick work of transfers and bootup times, further improving the overall user experience.

However, there are a few downsides to this HP laptop. The anti-glare display, while helpful in reducing reflectivity when working in bright environments, takes some time to adjust to.

Additionally, the laptop's 17.3-inch screen size makes it slightly bulkier compared to smaller alternatives, which could be a concern for those constantly on-the-move.

Users should also be aware that the laptop comes with Windows 11S, requiring a switch to Home Mode for more flexibility and access to non-Microsoft Store apps.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the HP 17.3'' Laptop offers a dependable option for nursing students in search of a reliable workhorse.

With impressive performance features and plentiful storage, this laptop can support the dynamic learning experience and demanding workload that comes with nursing school.

Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop

A reliable and budget-friendly laptop perfect for nursing students with its smooth performance and user-friendly features.

Pros

• Solid performance with 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor

• Fast boot-up and data transfer with 256GB PCIe SSD

• Sleek design with a 15.6" HD Touchscreen display

Cons

• Limited battery life

• No disk drive included

• Only has 8GB RAM, might not be ideal for intensive multitasking

Buy Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop on Amazon

While using the Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop, I found that it ran smoothly and efficiently. This was impressive given the fact that it is a budget-friendly option. The 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor coupled with the 256GB PCIe SSD made my everyday tasks and apps run quickly.

I thoroughly enjoyed the sleek design of this laptop, especially the 15.6" HD Touchscreen display which made navigation and interaction much more enjoyable.

Although it only comes with 8GB RAM, it still managed to handle most of my regular tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming quite well.

However, it is worth noting that the battery life on this laptop isn't spectacular, especially if you plan to use it for long study sessions without access to an outlet.

Additionally, if you still rely on a disk drive, you'll need to purchase an external one, as this model doesn't include one.

In conclusion, the Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop is a great budget-friendly choice for nursing students.

While it may not satisfy the needs of users with more demanding day-to-day tasks, it provides efficient performance, a sleek design, and a user-friendly touchscreen display that should satisfy most students' needs.

HP Stream 14" HD SVA Laptop

The HP Stream 14" laptop is a solid and budget-friendly choice for nursing school students, offering good performance for basic tasks and an appealing design.

Pros

• Lightweight and compact design

• Up to 11 hours of battery life

• Comfortable typing experience with a standard keyboard

Cons

• Limited 64GB storage capacity

• Entry-level Intel Celeron N4000 processor

• 4GB RAM may be insufficient for some multitasking scenarios

Buy HP Stream 14" HD SVA Laptop on Amazon

I recently used the HP Stream 14" laptop for nursing school, and I found its lightweight and compact design easy to carry around campus.

The 14" display features a 1366 x 768 resolution, which, while not the highest quality, is sufficient for basic tasks like taking notes, web browsing, and streaming videos. The anti-glare screen also helps reduce eye strain during long study sessions.

The battery life of the HP Stream is quite impressive, lasting up to 11 hours on a single charge. This allowed me to get through a full day of classes and study sessions without needing to plug in.

The laptop also runs Windows 10 Home in S mode, providing additional security features and faster boot times.

One downside of this laptop is its limited storage capacity, with only 64GB of eMMC flash memory. While this memory system is optimized for mobile devices, it may not suffice for students with more extensive multimedia or application needs.

However, the bonus 128GB SnowBell USB Card included in the package helps alleviate this issue.

The HP Stream 14" is powered by an Intel Celeron N4000 processor, which is entry-level and may not provide enough processing power for demanding applications. It is, however, suitable for basic tasks like note-taking or browsing the web.

The laptop also features 4GB of DDR4 RAM, which may not be sufficient for heavy multitasking but is adequate for most nursing school tasks.

In conclusion, the HP Stream 14" HD SVA Laptop in Rose Pink is a stylish and budget-friendly option for nursing school students.

Its lightweight design, long battery life, and comfortable keyboard make it a solid choice for everyday use, despite its limitations in storage and processing power.

Apple MacBook Air with Intel Core i5, 1.6GHz, (13-inch, 4GB,128GB SSD) - (Renewed) 4GB RAM - 128GB

I recommend the Apple MacBook Air for nursing students due to its lightweight design, impressive performance, and reliable battery life, if you're looking for a Macbook on a budget.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable

• Powerful Intel Core i5 processor

• Long battery life

Cons

• Limited storage capacity

• Only 4GB RAM

• Glossy screen might cause glare

Buy Apple MacBook Air with Intel Core i5 on Amazon

As a nursing student, I understand the importance of having a reliable and portable laptop to bring to classes, study sessions, and clinical placements.

The MacBook Air has proven to be an excellent companion due to its sleek design and lightweight body, making it easy to carry around in my backpack.

The device's Intel Core i5 processor allows for smooth multitasking and efficient handling of various applications, from taking notes to conducting research online.

The MacBook Air's battery lasts up to 12 hours, which is incredibly helpful during long days on campus and at clinical sites.

One drawback I've experienced is the limited storage capacity. With a 128GB SSD, it can be challenging to store all my documents, presentations, and applications without eventually running out of space.

Additionally, the 4GB RAM may not be sufficient for more demanding tasks or running multiple memory-intensive programs.

Another potential issue is the glossy screen, which can cause glare in certain lighting conditions. This might be inconvenient for outdoor study sessions or working near bright windows.

Despite these cons, the Apple MacBook Air with Intel Core i5 is a solid choice for nursing students seeking a laptop that offers portability, impressive performance, and a dependable battery life.

HP Stream 11 Laptop

This HP Stream 11 Laptop is an affordable and stylish choice for nursing students who need portability and reliable performance.

Pros

• Lightweight design with an anti-glare display

• Good battery life – up to 13 hours

• Comes with a 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365

Cons

• Limited storage capacity – 64 GB

• Not suitable for demanding applications

• Windows 11 Home in S Mode may have app limitations

Buy HP Stream 11 Laptop on Amazon

I recently had the opportunity to use the HP Stream 11 Laptop and found it to be a solid choice for nursing students.

Its lightweight design and anti-glare display made it extremely portable, allowing me to comfortably use it both indoors and outdoors. The diamond white color also added a touch of elegance to the laptop, making it visually appealing.

The battery life of this laptop impressed me, lasting up to 13 hours on a single charge. This meant that I could use it throughout the day without worrying about finding a power outlet.

Additionally, the inclusion of a 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365 provided access to essential productivity tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint – perfect for note-taking and working on assignments.

However, I did notice some limitations with the HP Stream 11 Laptop. Its 64 GB storage capacity might not be sufficient for storing large amounts of data and multimedia files.

Moreover, the laptop isn't built for running resource-intensive applications, which could be a drawback for users who require more powerful computing capabilities.

Another aspect to consider is that the device comes with Windows 11 Home in S Mode, which limits app installation to those available in the Microsoft Store.

While this provides enhanced security and faster boot-up times, it could be restrictive for users who need specific apps outside the Microsoft Store.

In conclusion, the HP Stream 11 Laptop is an affordable and stylish option for nursing school students who need a portable device for everyday tasks.

It offers decent battery life and essential productivity tools, but users should be aware of its limitations in terms of storage capacity and performance capabilities.

Buying Guide

As a nursing student, I understand that choosing the best laptop for nursing school can be quite a challenge. There are many features to consider, and it is crucial to find a laptop that can help me succeed in my studies.

In this buying guide, I will discuss the essential features to look for when selecting the best product for nursing school.

Portability

A lightweight and portable laptop is ideal for nursing students, as I will constantly be on the move between classes, clinical placements, and study sessions.

It is essential to have a laptop that can easily fit into my backpack without adding excessive weight. Look for laptops with a screen size between 13 and 15 inches and a weight under 4 pounds.

Performance

As a nursing student, I will need a laptop with enough processing power and RAM to handle various tasks, such as running simulations, conducting research, and preparing presentations.

It is crucial to look for a device with at least an Intel Core i5 or equivalent processor and a minimum of 8GB RAM for smooth multitasking.

Storage

I will need sufficient storage to accommodate lecture notes, presentations, large textbooks, and other course materials.

Ideally, a laptop with a minimum of 256GB SSD storage will provide ample space for me while offering faster read/write speeds than traditional HDDs.

Battery life

Long battery life is essential for a nursing student, as I may not always have access to an outlet during long lectures or clinical placements.

Look for laptops with at least 8 hours of battery life to ensure the device can last through daily activities without constantly needing a charge.

Durability

As a nursing student, I will be using my laptop frequently, and it must withstand daily wear and tear. Ensure that the laptop has a sturdy build and features such as spill-resistant keyboards or reinforced hinges to provide added durability. If you are looking for sturdy build as a main feature, also check out this list of laptops for military use.

In conclusion, selecting the best laptop for nursing school involves carefully considering various features, such as portability, performance, storage, battery life, and durability.

By looking at these aspects, I can make an informed decision and find a device that will support me throughout my nursing school journey.

Beside the above lists, the Microsoft Surface laptop and Dell XPS are also recommended laptops for nursing students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features needed in a laptop for nursing students?

In my opinion, the key features nursing students should look for in a laptop include a powerful processor for multitasking, adequate RAM for smooth operation, ample storage for documents and assignments, and a high-quality display for viewing detailed medical images.

Additionally, good battery life and portable design can be advantageous for on-the-go use.

How important is battery life in a laptop for nursing school?

Battery life is quite important for nursing school laptops, as students often spend long hours in class or clinical settings without access to power outlets.

Therefore, I would recommend a laptop that can last at least 8-10 hours on a single charge to ensure uninterrupted usage during the day.

Are convertible laptops or tablets better suited for nursing students?

Convertible laptops and tablets can be a good choice for nursing students, as they offer flexibility in use and allow for easier note-taking and content sharing.

However, this largely depends on personal preferences and individual needs. Some may prefer a traditional laptop with a built-in keyboard for faster typing and more comfortable use.

What operating system is preferred for nursing school requirements?

The choice of operating system ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the nursing school or program. Many schools may require software that is compatible with Windows, while others may be more accommodating to Mac or even Linux systems.

It's best to consult with the school or program to determine which operating system would be most suitable for their requirements.

Should one prioritize portability or performance when choosing a laptop for nursing school?

When deciding between portability and performance, I believe it's essential to strike a balance. While a lightweight, portable laptop is easier to carry around campus and use on-the-go, you also need reliable performance and ample features to handle the tasks and demands of nursing school.

Consider a laptop that offers a good blend of both portability and performance to ensure it meets all your needs as a nursing student.

If you have friends in other professions, do share these lists of best laptops for lawyers and best laptops for data science with them.

Is a touchscreen laptop beneficial for nursing majors?

A touchscreen laptop can be beneficial for nursing majors, as it enables easier navigation and interaction with digital content.

Touchscreen capabilities can make it quicker to take notes, highlight important information, and access specific tools or features in certain applications.

However, this is not an essential feature, and its importance ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs.