Laptop for Chemistry Bsc and Msc

Hi, I need a bit of help in picking a laptop for uni.
I am going to study an intergrated chemistry MSc for 4 years and I want a laptop to last all the years and hopefully more.

I was thinking the HP envy x360 or HP pavilion as most science students recommend windows laptops but the reviews say the hinge breaks and the battery doesn’t last very long.

I was also thinking the m1 MacBook Air 2020 as they are also the same price but I know people say MacBooks are hard to use for more sciency degrees.

I have an iPad already so I don’t really mind if it’s 2 in 1 or not.

Reply 1

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post by Queencrab77

Hi,

I'm a second-year chemistry student. I don't have specialised knowledge about computers but I did have to decide what laptop to buy before uni and went through a similar dilemma. I ended up buying the Macbook Pro, however I don't use it to its' full potential and the Air would have been more than enough.

The pros with buying the HP laptop:
-that windows laptops can have better compatibility with some scientific software. I haven't found it to hinder me yet but it's a point that came up when I was looking.
-If you are familiar with windows already it may make the transition smoother. It took me a few weeks to get used to the switch.
-Often more budget friendly

The cons from what you have written would be concerns about the build quality, particularly the hinges and the battery not lasting long. If you are in uni all day, you might not have a chance to charge it, which might become an issue.

The pros with buying the Macbook:
- Excellent battery life. I find I don't have to charge my laptop for days. For my friends with the Airs, this seems to hold true as well.
- Good design and build quality. Not had any issues with the durability.
- You can run Windows on Mac. I have downloaded the apps and they work perfectly or you can use them online.
- Easily connect your iPad and computer to transfer data

The cons are that some scientific software might not be optimised for mac. It has happened very rarely so I use a virtual machine showed to us in class when this happens. There was a learning curve whilst I got used to the new operating system. There is also a potentially higher cost compared to windows.

Here are some ideas as to what helped me to decide:

Check Software Compatibility: Research the specific software you'll be using for your chemistry program and make sure they are compatible with macOS. Many essential chemistry software tools are developed for Windows, so ensure they have macOS versions or workarounds.
Battery Life: Both the MacBook Air and some HP laptops offer good battery life. However, the M1 MacBook Air is particularly praised for its impressive energy efficiency.
Longevity: In terms of longevity, both options have potential. MacBooks tend to have longer update support from Apple, but high-quality Windows laptops can also last for several years with proper care.
Personal Preference: Consider your personal preferences for the operating system and interface. If you're comfortable with macOS or willing to learn, it might not be as big of a hurdle as it seems.
Try Before You Buy: If possible, try out both macOS and Windows laptops in-store to see which operating system and hardware feel more intuitive and comfortable to you.
Warranty and Support: Check the warranty and customer support options for both options. This is especially important considering you want the laptop to last throughout your MSc program.

This is just based on my experience and people studying chemistry with me have a wide variety of brands of laptop that all work. It's just about preference, budget and comfort level with the operating system. Both of your options are viable, ensuring the chemistry software for your program can be run.

-Beth (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Reply 2

Queencrab77

Thank you so much Beth for your advice on the laptop. I will do as you have said and really consider my options by trying in store, looking at what my course suggests and weighing up the pros and cons of both. Thanks again for your help :h:

(edited 8 months ago)

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