Unlike chemical engineering students, pharmacy students don’t need a much powerful laptop. Many readers have requested; therefore, I am going to recommend some of the best laptops for pharmacy students in 2024. However, I think it’s worth writing because no one is precisely talking about it.
Top Rated Budget Laptops
Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re in a hurry, check out our top choiceACER SWITCH 7Check price at Amazon.
For pharmacy students, Microsoft Office is an essential application, whether it’s about preparing some presentations in PowerPoint, writing some reports in MS Word, or sorting some data in MS Excel. Moreover, in some cases, you might need to work with some designing software such as Photoshop or Coral Draw.
I think you don’t need to spend more than $800 on your pharmacy laptop because many great machines come under this radar range.
Well before taking the final decision, we have to understand which laptop configuration is the best for pharmacy students? So, let’s get started!
Best Laptops for Pharmacy Students in 2024 – Buyer’s Guide
Processor
According to some Pharmacy schools such as University or Kansas-City and the University of Maryland, an Intel Core i5 6+ Gen processor is recommended. However, in some cases, even an Intel Core i3 might be sufficient, but it would be great to go with a more capable machine while considering the future. There is no need to go with the Intel Core i7 processor as it would be overrated. Also, it consumes much battery life, which isn’t ideal for us. Some schools don’t recommend AMD CPU; however, they are also a great choice, you can go with AMD Ryzen series laptops.
Memory
Nowadays, memory isn’t much expensive; therefore, you should choose at least 8GB RAM for your pharmacy laptop. Whether you use multiple chrome tabs while doing research or run several programs at the same time, computer memory plays a crucial role here. Therefore, 8GB memory is the minimum required; otherwise, you might face some lagging despite having any robust processor.
You can also choose a laptop with 4GB memory is you don’t have that many rigorous requirements, but make sure it’s upgradable in the future.
Storage
As a pharmacy student, there is no need for extensive storage unless you don’t have any photos or music collection. I would recommend an SSD storage; it ensures faster file accessing speed, quick booting time, and quick search. There are many other advantages of having an SSD such as lightweight, low energy consumption, and higher reliability along with faster speed.
Undoubtedly, SSDs are costlier than traditional HDDs, but as we don’t need a large capacity, and it falls under budget. In most cases, a 256GB SSD is enough for a pharmacy student; if you need something more, you can choose a laptop with a hybrid drive (SSHD or SSD+HDD) for cost-efficiency.
Screen
A laptop screen not only represents the picture quality but also tells how portable or heavy your laptop going to be. For instance, a 17-inch laptop isn’t ideal for carrying for the whole day, especially for students. That’s why students prefer a 13 or 14-inch notebook for their work. Also, make sure your laptop is having at least HD resolution, full HD resolution would be excellent as it provides better editing or designing experience. Moreover, the higher resolution provides more working area on the screen, useful for multitasking.
Dedicated GPU
Unless you’re not into gaming, CAD, or 3D modeling work, there is no need to choose a laptop with a discrete GPU. For pharmacy students, CPU’s integrated graphics memory is pretty enough for doing all work. Keep in mind, along with a higher price, a dedicated graphics card also taxes the battery life. Therefore, as long as you don’t have any specific requirements, avoid the dedicated GPU.
Now let’s check out my recommendations, I have sorted this list from budget to expensive laptop. I hope you’ll get your perfect companion.
QUICK OVERVIEW:
Best pharmacy laptops at a glance
ACER ASPIRE E 15 CHEAPEST OPTION |
| View at Amazon |
LENOVO FLEX 14 BUDGET 2-IN-1 |
| View at Amazon |
| ASUS VIVOBOOK |
| View at Amazon |
| LENOVO YOGA 730 |
| View at Amazon |
| ASUS ZENBOOK 13 |
| View at Amazon |
LG GRAM 15 TOP BATTERY LIFE |
| View at Amazon |
ACER SWITCH 7 RECOMMENDED |
| View at Amazon |
APPLE MACBOOK AIR BEST IN MAC |
| View at Amazon |
MICROSOFT SURFACE PRO 6 BEST IN WINDOWS |
| View at Amazon |
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Laptops for Pharmacy School in 2024 – Reviews
1. Acer Aspire E 15 (Cheapest Laptop for Pharmacy Students)
Processor: i3-8130U @3.4GHz | Memory: 6GB | Storage: 1TB HDD / 256GB PCIe | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080
If you don’t have a big budget, and still want excellent performance, you’ll love the Intel Core i3 model of Acer Aspire E15 laptop. This inexpensive laptop is offering Intel Core i3 processor, along with 6GB of memory, and 1TB HDD. You can also opt for its SSD variants – 256GB or 512GB.
The performance isn’t the top-notch, but it’s pretty enough for this low price, you can even do mild multitasking. The battery life is also perfect; on web browsing, it can last up to 13.5 hours with a single charge.
Although it’s coming with limited memory, you can upgrade it later, thanks to its easily accessible design. On the right side, it has an optical drive as well, not much beneficial, though, but can be used for installing extra storage in the future.
The Acer Aspire E15 is also available with the Intel Core i5 processor; if you’re looking for something better performance, you can also check it out.
For connectivity, there are plenty of options available, including the latest USB Type-C port; therefore, you won’t have any problem connecting a storage drive, external display, or other accessories.
PROS
- Affordable price
- A nice full HD display
- Impressive battery life
- Available with several configurations
- Ample connectivity options
- Upgradable design
CONS
- Heavy and thick
2. Lenovo Flex 14 (Best Budget 2-in-1 Laptop for Pharmacy School)
Processor: Ryzen 5 3500U @3.7GHz | GPU: Radeon Vega 8 | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 256GB NVMe | Screen: 14-inch touch, 1920 x 1080| Battery: 8 hours
Usually, most of the 2-in-1 laptops are expensive, but Lenovo Flex 14 is a significant exception. It’s not only offering a convertible design but also comes with potent hardware configuration.
First of all, Lenovo is offering a 14-inch full HD touch display, which can deliver fantastic picture quality. Moreover, with included Stylus Pen, you can take notes on-the-go.
In the performance department, it’s packed with the AMD Ryzen 5 3500 processor, 8GB memory, and 256GB NVMe SSD. Whether you have opened multiple Chrome tabs or doing multitasking, this buddy can handle easily. However, you have to make sure that your college allows an AMD laptop or not because some don’t.
The performance is scrupulous; however, the battery life might be a bit low due to the touch screen and s robust processor. The Flex 14 can be used for browsing, editing videos, work, or even for some gaming.
The Lenovo Flex 14 is offering the latest USB Type-C port along with the HDMI, USB 3.2, and headphone jack. Keep in mind; there is no LAN port. However, if you’ll always use it with the wireless connection, it’s not a big deal.
If you don’t want to spend on expensive ultrabooks, the Lenovo Flex 14 could be a reliable option.
PROS
- Affordable 2-in-1 notebook for pharmacy students
- Robust performance with the AMD Ryzen processor and NVMe SSD
- Stunning full HD 14-inch touchscreen
- Up to 8 hours of battery life with quick charging feature
- Latest USB Type-C port and fingerprint reader
CONS
- No LAN port
- Build quality isn’t that great
3. ASUS VivoBook (Another Inexpensive Laptop for Pharmacy Students)
Processor: i5-8250U @3.4GHz | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 128 GB SSD + 1 TB HDD | Screen: 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 | Battery: 8-hours | OS: WIndows 10
Hovering around 600$ price range, the Asus VivoBook is another great laptop for pharmacy students in 2024. However, it’s not a touch-enabled and convertible notebook, but it still a great choice. Why?
The Asus VivoBook is powered by the Intel Core i5-8250U processor, 8GB memory, and 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD hybrid storage; therefore, along with the performance, you won’t lack storage as well. The VivoBook is the perfect notebook for carrying for a whole day. It’s about 0.8-inch thinner and has only 3.7lbs of weight, which is appreciable for a 15.6-inch full-size laptop.
From the design aspect, the VivoBook looks very beautiful as it’s offering a higher screen-to-body ratio.
The Asus VivoBook is offering comprehensive connectivity options along with the latest USB Type-C, HDMI, and USB Type-A (3.0, 2.0) ports. Unfortunately, the Ethernet port is missing in this laptop as well, but it’s evident for the slim design.
As I said, it’s a full-size notebook, and offering a 15.6-inch screen packed with full HD resolution. Moreover, with the Asus Splendid visual optimization technology, it can deliver rich image quality.
This portable laptop is offering a decent battery life as well, which is the icing on the cake. It can stay with you for a whole day with a single charge.
PROS
- The gorgeous full HD 15.6-inch display
- SSD and HDD combination for speed and storage
- Robust performance with Intel processor
- Comprehensive connectivity options
- Lightweight and thinner design, easy for carrying
- Extended battery life
- Justified price
CONS
- No Ethernet port
- The power button given at a side might be obnoxious for some
4. Lenovo Yoga 730 (Another Budget Convertible Laptop for Pharmacy Students)
Processor: i5-8250U @3.4GHz | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 256 GB SSD | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080| Battery: 8 Hours | OS: Win10
Having a slightly higher price than Lenovo Flex 14, the Lenovo Yoga 730 is another 2-in-1 laptop that won’t make a big hole in your pocket.
The Yoga 730 is offering a 15.6-inch full HD IPS touch display, which provides a crisp and vivid image quality. Moreover, with the touchscreen, you can take advantage of working directly on the screen.
Powered by the Intel Core i5-8250U processor, 8GB memory, and 256GB NVMe SSD storage, this Yoga can deliver and far better performance than the Flex 14. The best part, this notebook is equipped with the latest Thunderbolt 3 port; that can provide the fastest data transfer speed, along with the display output and charging. You can do this with a single Type-C cable.
Additionally, you’re getting a fingerprint reader and backlit keyboard, as well.
This laptop is specially built for Windows Ink; therefore, you can take advantage of sticky notes, sketchpads, and screen sketch applications.
As compared to the Lenovo Flex 14, the Yoga 730 is offering a better display quality, extended battery life, and higher performance. If you can spend a bit more, it would be the best choice.
PROS
- Premium and professional design with an ultra-thin bezel
- Slim form factor with higher durability
- Offering Thunderbolt 3 port, and fingerprint reader
- Backlit keyboard available
- Stronger performance with the Intel i5 processor and PCIe SSD
- Sweet battery life
CONS
- Slightly heavy due to the bigger screen
5. Asus ZenBook 13 (Best Budget Ultrabook for Pharmacy school)
Processor: i5-8265U @3.9GHz | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 512 GB SSD PCIe | Screen: 13.3 1920 x 1080 | Battery: 12 hours | OS: Windows 10
The latest Asus Zenbook 13 is the most portable and powerful laptop in the budget range, and it could be a reliable choice for students.
First of all, this buddy is offering the latest Intel Core i5-8265U processor along with the 8GB memory and 512GB PCIe SSD storage, which can handle all applications or programs that you’re going to use. Moreover, with the portable and lightweight body, you can carry it anywhere without any issue. It’s made of aluminum, which not only thin but also provides reliable durability.
The Zenbook 13 is packed with a 13-inch full-HD screen, which comes with NanoEdge bezel; therefore, it can deliver an immersive and vibrant viewing experience.
For connectivity, you’re getting the USB Type-C port along with the HDMI and USB Type-A ports. However, the LAN port is missing here, and you have to rely on the wireless connection.
If the portability is the primary concern to you, and don’t want to spend on a premium ultrabook, the Asus ZenBook 13 might be the right choice.
PROS
- Gorgeous and durable aluminum body
- Very lightweight and portable
- Crisp and vibrant display quality with full HD resolution
- Backlit KB, fingerprint sensor, and Type-C port
- Good battery life
CONS
- No dedicated graphics
- Not upgradable
6. LG Gram (Pharmacy Laptop with Most Extended Battery Life)
Processor: i5-8250U @3.4GHz | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 256 GB SSD | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 | Battery Life: 19.5-hours
If you need a lightweight laptop with a long-lasting battery, the LG Gram series is a perfect choice. However, there are many options to choose from the LG Gram series, but I would recommend this 15-inch variant. The LG Gram 15 has an ample display size and won’t dominate over you. Moreover, it has only 2.4lbs of weight, which is surprisingly low for a full-size notebook.
Despite having a bigger screen size, the LG Gram 15 is quite portable as it’s offering narrow bezel. That’s why most students prefer LG Gram laptops.
In the performance department, the LG Gram is offering the Intel Core i5 processor, which is paired with the 256GB SSD storage, and 8GB memory. As a student, you won’t face any performance issues with your everyday tasks.
According to the Mobile Mark Standard, the LG Gram 15 can last up to 19 hours, if you go with the latest 2019 model it’s offering even 2 hours extra backup.
The Gram 15 comes with the latest USB Type-C port, which supports high-definition display output, and the fastest data transfer speed.
Despite having the lightest body, the LG Gram has passed seven industry-standard tests to prove its military-grade durability, which suitable for students as they always use laptops on-the-go.
The LG Gram laptop is slightly costly as it’s offering many premium features. However, if you’re looking for the lightest machine with robust performance and most extended battery life, the LG Gram 15 would be the best choice for you.
PROS
- Lightest full-size laptop with higher durability
- Amazing performance
- Premium display with full-HD resolution and nano bezel
- Backlit KB, and latest USB Type-C port
- Marathon battery life
- Extensive connectivity options
CONS
- Slightly costly
7. Acer Switch 7 (Best Detachable Ultrabook for Pharmacy Students)
Processor: iM3-6Y30, i5-7Y54 / i5-7200U | GPU: GeForce MX150 | Memory: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Screen: 13.5-inch touch, 2256 x 1504 | Battery: 8-inch touch, 2256 x 1504 | OS: Windows 10 Pro
Unlike the convertible laptop, detachable laptops are a better choice for students. You can disconnect the keyboard while using in tablet mode; it provides helpful note-taking and drawing experience.
The Acer Switch 7 ultrabook is one of the best laptops, which is offering quite robust hardware configuration along with a dedicated graphics card. Therefore, you can also use it for graphics-heavy tasks such as editing video, playing games, or graphics designing.
Out of the box, you’re getting Intel Core i7-8550U processor, 16GB memory, and 512GB SSD storage, which ensures a seamless working experience.
As you know, the Acer Switch is a touch-enabled laptop, and it’s coming with 2256 x 1504 resolution, it can deliver outstanding images with higher sharpness and punchy colors. Whether you want to use it for work, movies watching, or gaming it can play all roles wisely.
The screen is multi-touch supported, and with the included Acer stylus, you can efficiently take notes or make drawings. Oh, I forgot to tell you it’s a 12.5-inch laptop, which is conveniently carryable.
The Acer Switch 7 is offering the USB Type-C port, which is Thunderbolt 3 enabled; therefore, you can use it for display output, data transfer, or even charging your device.
Despite having a dedicated GPU and touchscreen, this ultrabook is offering up to 8 hours of battery life, that’s pretty amazing.
If you’re looking for a portable laptop with powerful performance along with graphics processing, Acer Switch 7 might be the best bet for you, however, you’ve to spend a bit extra.
PROS
- Versatile detachable design
- Vibrant 2K IPS multi-touch display
- Comes with Acer Stylus
- Equipped with the Thunderbolt 3 port
- Impressive battery life
- Top-notch performance with Intel i7 processor and Nvidia dedicated graphics
- Fanless design for silent operation
CONS
- Slightly costly
8. MacBook Air (Best Apple Laptop for Pharmacy Students)
Processor: i5-8210Y @3.6GHz | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 256 GB SSD | Screen: 13.3-inch, 2560×1600 | Battery: 12 hours | OS: Mac OS X 10.14.1
Pharmacy students don’t require much powerful hardware; therefore, if we talk about the macOS, the MacBook Air would be the best choice. It has everything that you’ll need for your work, whether it’s about editing some photos, working with office, or browsing the internet.
I have listed the latest Air model; if you know, this year, Apple has updated the MacBook Air series. Therefore, the latest MacBook Air is offering even many great features.
Let’s start from the performance, the Air is offering the latest Intel Core i5 processor, and you can choose up to 16GB memory and 1.5TB storage capacity. The storage is obviously SSD, and there is no compromise in processing power.
Finally, the MacBook Air is available with the Retina display, which can deliver industry-leading color-accuracy and sharpness. You can also do the color-sensitive task without any worry.
The battery life is also improved, the latest Air can last up to 12 hours with a single charge, which is impressive.
As a tradition, the MacBook Air is offering an aluminum design, which provides higher reliability and remains very lightweight.
The MacBooks always considered as one of the most trusted devices; this latest Air is also coming with the Apple T2 security chip and fingerprint sensor.
For students, the MacBook Air has almost enough gunpowder; however, if you’re looking for higher graphics-processing, the MacBook Pro 13 would be a better choice.
PROS
- Higher color-accurate and brightest 13.3-inch Retina display
- Premium metal body with excellent reliability
- A whole day battery life
- Most powerful Thunderbolt 3 ports
- Highly secure notebook
- Lightweight and compact body
CONS
- Expensive
- Only Thunderbolt ports are given
9. Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Best Windows Laptop for Pharmacy School)
Processor: i7-8650U @4.20 GHz | Memory: 16GB | Storage: 1TB NVMe | Screen: 12.3-inch touch, 2736 x 1824 | Battery: 13.5-hours | OS: Win10 Pro
However, this year, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 has been already released, but I still recommend Pro 6 for pharmacy students. The Surface Pro 6 is still a reliable option at a reasonable price.
Undoubtedly, Surface Pro 6 is an expensive laptop, but you don’t need the flagship model. You can choose the Intel Core i5 model with 256GB storage, and 8GB memory, it would be pretty enough.
Like the Acer Switch 7, Pro 6 is offering a detachable design; therefore, you can use it in tablet mode freely for taking notes. Unfortunately, you have to purchase the Microsoft Pen or keyboard cover separately.
In terms of design, the Surface Series won’t disappoint you as it’s made of a metal unibody, which provides reliable durability. Additionally, with the narrow bezel, it looks so gorgeous.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is offering 13.5 hours of battery life, which can last for your whole day study sessions.
Altogether, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 might be the best laptop for pharmacy students; whether it’s about taking notes, making reports, or researching over the internet, it can handle all tasks efficiently. However, it might not suitable for all as it’s a bit costly.
PROS
- Splendid 12.3-inch touch display with 2736 x 1824 resolution
- Available in different configurations
- A whole day long-lasting battery life
- Premium and lightweight aluminum body with incredible durability
CONS
- Very costly, especially you have to purchase the accessories separately
