Included below is a list of the five best computers to consider for nursing school. I choose these computers based on the following criteria:

1. Cost less than $1,000 (We are nursing students…) 
2. At least an Intel 4th Generation Core i5 processor
3. At least a 128 GB solid state drive 
4. At least 4 GB of RAM 
5. Screen size at least 11 inches (those small screens are hard on my 26 year old eyes)
6. Webcam (may be necessary for distance/online students, and vid-chatting mom because she misses you a alot!) 
7. Battery life  greater than 4 hours
8. Weights less than 5 lbs (you will be carrying it everywhere, might as well be light)
9. The latest operating system

Computer specifications can be kind of complicated, so check out my Computer Specs Made Easy for Nurses post if you want more details. All of the computers below meet the criteria published on nursing school websites for computer requirements as well. Yep, I’ve done my research. 🙂 And, clicking on the pictures and links will take you to Amazon, which I’ve found to usually have the best prices, free shipping, simplest return policy, best customer service, and solid warranty. 

Asus K501LX-EB71 

Price: $799

Great price and great hardware. It is hard to say no to the Asus. This bad boy comes with a hunge 15.6 inch screen, 256 GB solid state drive, and an Intel Core i7 processor. If you are looking for a practical premier quality computer, this one is perfect for you. I could image this one lasting through all 8 years of nurse practitioner school (BSN-MSN-DNP). The larger screen will be useful when writing papers and doing research, but keep in mind the larger screen means the computer will be heavier. 

Biggest Pros of Asus : Good price for the amazing high-quality hardware. By far, best bang for your buck. Free upgrade to Windows 10! Large 15.6 inch screen. 

Biggest Cons of Asus: No touchscreen. Lacks a “cool” factor. Large screen makes it heavier than others (4.4 lbs). 

MacBook Air 

Price: $949

I actually use this computer every day at work and I have zero complaints. It’s fast. It’s sleek. It’s a top quality machine. It does run Mac OS X, which is the Macintosh version of Windows, so that does take some getting used to. I’d say the learning curve is about 1 week. Don’t expect your professors to know how to use a MacBook Air, but the IT people at your school certainly will. If you just want to solid capable computer and you want to be done with your search, go for this guy. You won’t be disappointed. 

Biggest Pros of the MacBook Air: Fast. Reliable. Only 2.96 lbs! And, it has the cool factor. 

Biggest Cons of the MacBook Air: No touchscreen. Pricey. Runs Mac OS X as opposed to Windows, which may have a learning curve for some. 

Lenovo Flex 3

Price: $698

The Lenovo Flex 3 can serve as both your tablet and laptop. The touchscreen actually bends all the way backwards! While this computer meets all of my specifications above, it actually also comes with an additional 500 GB of storage space on top of the 8 GB solid state drive. On the downside, that extra hard drive space causes the computer to be on the heavier side at 4 lbs. The battery life is also shorter than most other computers at only 4 hours. 

Biggest Pros of Lenovo Flex 3: Touchscreen and bendability. Can be used in tablet or laptop mode. Includes an additional 500GB storage space. Fingerprint security included. 

Biggest Cons of Lenovo Flex 3: Short battery life. On the heavy side at 4 lbs.

Surface Pro 3

Price: $889

This is the computer I have, and if you have spent any time on my website you can see how much I love it! The Surface Pro 3 weighs less than 2 lbs and comes with a pressure sensitive stylus that makes taking notes super easy. Here are examples of the notes I took with the pen in nursing school, and another post titled “5 Ways the Surface Pro 3 Makes College Easier.” 

The keyboard completely detaches so it can easily become a tablet. You can also pop it into a docking station and it becomes a desktop computer. Also, the Surface Pro 3 is easily sanitizable, which can come in handy during your clinical rotations. I love this laptop so much Microsoft even made a “Day in the Life” video of me using it (I know, right!). 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS3IzPBehvY[/embedyt]

Biggest Pros of the Surface Pro 3: The unique Surface Pen and the ability to take handwritten notes directly on the screen. Long battery life (7.5 hours). Ultra light weight (1.96 lbs). 

Biggest Cons of the Surface Pro 3: High price once you purchase the keyboard and docking station (>$1,000). Smaller screen (11 inches).

Dell XPS13 Ultrabook

Price: $903

This is a newer computer that meets all my specifications and touts a 15 hour battery life! That should last you all day in nursing school for sure. Unfortunately, like the MacBook Air, the Dell XPS13 Ultrabook does not have a touchscreen. It does have a mini display port for easy connection to an external monitor. I’ve never used this one myself, but online reviews state that it is durable. 

Biggest Pros of the Dell XPS13 Ultrabook: 15 hour battery life! Super light weight at 2.6 lbs. You can walk around and shout “Dude I got a Dell!” 

Biggest Cons of the Dell XPS13 Ultrabook: No touchscreen. 

Any questions? Please don’t hesitate to email me. I am very passionate (obsessed!) with technology so I am more than happy to answer your questions. Finding the right computer is important because it is one less thing to stress about in school! 

And, don’t forget to pick one that is you!