Surely, it is due to the incredible technological advancements that every field is embracing it in one way or another. That’s the only possible explanation I can come up with to justify the acceptance of computers in Biology and Medicine.
Who would’ve thought that this machine would become a crucial part of biology one day and would make it so much simpler?
As there was an increase in data size and the need for extrapolation, it became a force, if not wholehearted, acceptance of computational biology. This led to the assignment of more and more bioinformatical tasks to computers.
Students and professionals alike have included computers as a vital part of their studies and practice, respectively.
Having established the significance of computers in Bioinformatics, it becomes a need, rather than a mere want, to own one.
The creation of commendable software such as NetTurnP, Modeller, AutoDock, and OrfPredictor, among others, has immense biological powers that subsequently demand a power-packed PC.
It isn’t a non-reckoned fact that people prefer working remotely and with portable devices in contrast to bulkier PCs.
Whether it is carrying the device to classes as a student or bringing them up to labs for presentations as a professor, working with a laptop is a lot easier!
Various resource-hungry tasks, including storing and analyzing biological data, require a laptop with the correct display, storage, and power.
To help students and professionals with this daunting task of choosing the right laptop, we have compiled this list of the best laptops for bioinformatics.
List of the Best Laptops for Bioinformatics
1. Apple MacBook Pro – Best Choice for Bioinformatics Students
People say money can’t buy happiness; well, it can surely buy an Apple product, and is that any less than wholesome happiness?
If you can spare the money to get your hands on this, then seriously, it is the best choice for bioinformatics students as well as professionals.
Built with the Intel Core i9 processor, 8 TB of SSD storage, and 64 GB memory, it is a power horse that can seamlessly perform any task.
As spontaneous as thoughts and as responsive as hands to the brain’s command, this device truly has a lightning speed, so little do you need to worry about its efficiency in running bioinformatics software.
Aiding the speed process further is the 8 TB SSD that allows you to carry some of the heaviest and most demanding software with utmost convenience.
It is justifiably claimed to be the most storage space offered in any notebook. With such incredible power and space, running multiple applications together, smoothly transitioning between each, and effectively loading stuff is no hassle anymore.
Obviously, when allowing such uninterrupted performance functionalities, the makers must’ve considered the battery and the heat-up process that may get in the way.
To eradicate any such chances, MacBook Pro consists of larger impellers and better fan blades that improve heat dispersion, thus resulting in an enhanced cooling ability.
Furthermore, it features a 100-watt-hour lithium polymer battery that extends the device’s battery life up to 11 hours, with full video playback.
Everything you need is packed into this incredible device that also takes care of your entertainment and comfort needs.
Having a 16-inch Retina display with true-tone technology, displaying 500 nits of brightness and P3 wide color gamut, the screen game is strong and commendable.
Along with this, the inclusion of six-speaker sound systems with force-canceling woofers builds a class on its own when it comes to video watching.
To further enhance comfort and workflow efficiency while maintaining the style, Apple MacBook Pro includes the Magic keyboard.
Effectively justifying its name, the keyboard features less than 1mm travel time that ensures responsive and fast typing with an adequate level of silence upon key presses.
2. Lenovo IdeaPad – Best Laptop for Bioinformatics
Featuring a sturdy, although not the most eye-pleasing construct, the IdeaPad by Lenovo is undoubtedly something you don’t want to miss out on.
Starting with the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Processor, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD, meeting performance requirements is not a problem.
The laptop smoothly and responsively manages software (as heavy as it may be) and conveniently accelerates the task at hand.
So, whether it is quick booting, operating the most power-hungry software, or navigating through research work, there isn’t any way this device doesn’t suffice your bioinformatics needs.
IdeaPad 3 also features a 14-inch FHD screen with narrow bezels on the sides and Dolby audio with user-facing speakers to make unwinding a convenient step indeed.
You will surely be watching some informational videos to aid your studies or presentation requirements and, therefore, will expect a satisfactory level of resolution.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of IdeaPad is the fact that it is extremely light on your pocket. Considering the power needs of some of the most highly reckoned bioinformatics software, you wouldn’t expect such a price range, but well, expect the unexpected!
I wouldn’t say that it has a good battery life, as it can only go up to 8 hours (depending on the level of use), which is just average, or even below that.
It is also deprived of the many luxuries you may expect, such as featuring a plastic shell, not having a touch screen, or a backlit keyboard, but that is all more than compensated by the incredible price reductions.
As far as the style is concerned, it comes in various colors that provide a great choice of customization (although I personally love the Abyss Blue).
You could go for a decent color such as silver or black if you intend to make a more professional use or go for the funkier options if you are a student purchasing a laptop for bioinformatics.
3. Microsoft Surface Book 2 with 256GB SSD
I couldn’t use a better word than ‘perfect’ to describe the Microsoft Surface Book 2. As elegant as it looks on the outside, equally sturdy is it on the inside. This multi-purpose and multiple-mode device can be the ‘perfect’ partner for students.
Packed into a compact and sleek-looking device that is every bit professional yet stylish, it features a lightweight book that conveniently fits every space; from your bag to your desk and podium.
Nonetheless, it consists of a meticulous exterior pleasing to the eyes and soothing to the hands.
The classical detachable design enables 4 modes into this single device. The Laptop mode is designed for an upright stance with severe research and other work to do.
Detach the screen to access the Tablet mode, which is more of a relaxing and comfortable option. When you fold the screen, you get Studio mode, which helps with drawing and writing using the Surface Pen.
Lastly, detach the screen, turn it, and reattach it to get to the View mode. This one is primarily for entertainment purposes whereby you get to take a back seat and enjoy the displayed content at a perfect angle for the most accurate view.
Talking about the internal strength, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 gets its power from the 8th Generation Intel Core i7 Processor, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD allowing significant capabilities and superior speed in one.
Whether it is running the most demanding apps, storing heavy research work, or analyzing loads of bioinformatics data, everything is easy for this machine.
Apart from that, you get the perks of owning a Microsoft device such as the Windows 10 OS, a super smooth full backlit keyboard, a precise glass touchpad, a 13.5-inch Pixel Sensitive Display with excellent resolution and color clarity. And then, of course, you have the service of Cortana that brings nothing but convenience and accessibility.
Owning the Surface Book is a real pleasure indeed!
4. Acer Aspire – Best Laptop for Computational Work
Acer’s name isn’t beguiling; it truly is an Acer! Whether it is in terms of performance, looks, or budget – there isn’t any way you will get disappointed with it!
Aspire 5 is another one from the same category of an all-rounder. It delivers an exceptional performance with its AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Mobile Processor that is not only fast but super responsive at various complex tasks.
There is an 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD to back this up, which further enhances the functioning power and speed. The SSD provides immense storage space to suffice your needs for bioinformatics data handling adequately.
This is further advantageous to hold a load of data and effectively run some of the heaviest and most power-hungry software. Conclusively, performance is more than sufficient for bioinformatics students and professionals.
When it comes to looks, the Acer Aspire 5 has a metallic body that is absolutely pleasing to the eyes with its reflective silver color and sleek build.
It features a lightweight design that fulfills the requirement of a portable laptop that conveniently fits in places, owing to the various roles demanded by bioinformatics. All of these mesmerizing features are accommodated into a device that is sturdy to the core!
You cannot expect delicacy in Acer’s laptops, not at least this one. In fact, who would want that? Based on the field’s demands, you require a rugged and resilient laptop, and that is precisely what the Aspire 5 provides you with.
Such power-packed essentials are accompanied by the best of other features, and together they make the perfect laptop for bioinformatics. These additional features, although they aren’t a dire need, surely aren’t compromisable either.
Included within these is the massive 15.6″ Full HD IPS screen with thin bezels for a clear and vibrant display of content, the luxury of TrueHarmony speakers, and the convenience of a backlit keyboard.
5. Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip
Who says students don’t require a laptop that is as luxurious as it is powerful?
Whether it is for bragging purposes or a true need for pleasure, that’s an entirely different discussion, but what really matters is the fact that the touch of opulence in your laptop could multiply the delight in your experience.
That is where the Apple MacBook Air comes in.
Gracing the market in 2020, MacBook Air stormed the users with its impeccable features. It not only stunned competitors but surely made consumers come to recognize the power, performance, and looks of this Apple device.
Let’s look at each of the features as claimed by Apple.
Thinnest and lightest – no doubt! That’s the reason it is ‘Air’! Featuring a delightful gold color (along with the other 2 options) and an overall thin, sleek design, it is a much fancier option as compared to others in the market.
Weighing only 2.8 pounds and with minimal thickness, this stylish laptop is a true treat to the eyes!
Superpowered by the M1 chip – this is perhaps the most marketed feature of the MacBook Air. Being the first laptop of Apple featuring its own chip, it is claimed to provide 5 times faster performance.
The incredible speed and the ultra responsiveness are owed to this tiny but mighty chipset! To further aid in the process, this machine has been integrated with a 2 TB SSD that’s not just huge for storage but launches apps and files instantly.
As far as this incredible power efficiency is concerned with bioinformatics, it won’t be a problem to tackle even the heaviest or industry-leading software in this personal computer, which is bulkier on the inside and lighter on the outside!
Silent design – a feature perhaps long yearned! How irritating is it to hear the sound of the fan trying its best to combat the level of heat your device has generated through some resource-consuming tasks?
Well, those who felt what I just said, will surely relish this no-fan, no-noise technology of Apple.
6. ASUS Chromebook Flip 2-in-1 Laptop
Asus Chromebook C434 has all your bioinformatic needs covered within a low budget. Featuring an impeccable all-aluminum body that weighs around 3 lbs, this Chromebook is equally stylish as it is useful.
Running on the Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor and adequate RAM and SSD storage (comes in different versions with different RAM and SSD capacities), operating bioinformatics data and software shouldn’t be a problem.
Along with this, Chromebook runs on Chrome OS, which is fast and competitive with the contemporary world. This Google-developed operating system is speedy, and secure, and comes with all the Google apps you love.
Nonetheless, Asus Chromebook is a 2-in-1 laptop, which means it has a durable 360-degree hinge, which aids in converting this laptop into a tablet.
This, inherently, explains that it is touchscreen supported and can be flipped through to tent and stand mode. Durable and multi-purpose!
Lastly, Asus Chromebook Flip consists of a 14 inch Full HD Touchscreen with a NanoEdge display. This gives you access to a more generous working screen display with a nearly 80% screen to body ratio.
It is not the fanciest laptop one could own, but it surely has all your needs covered, and with such a price tag, it is the best deal!
7. Dell Inspiron 15.6″ Display
This is yet another one from the budget picks. The Dell Inspiron 15, with its commendable display, power, and even better price, is truly a bargain purchase.
Powered by the Intel Celeron 4205U Dual-Core Processor, 8 GB RAM, and 128 GB SSD, it provides a suitable option for data users to manage and virtually analyze and perform various bioinformatics tasks effectively.
With the high-efficiency specs and the Integrated Radeon R4 Graphics, performance and speed are just about right.
Along with this, it features a 15.6-inch HD Anti-Glare display, which enables a clear picture with a strain-free view of the screen.
This is of significance, particularly to students who tend to work on their laptops for the most part of the day with their analysis and research-related tasks.
It also features a backlit keyboard that is smooth and convenient at the same time. Again, a student-specific customization, well, precisely, a hard-working student spec that enables you to work efficiently at night as well.
Conclusion
The list mentioned above comprises the best laptops for bioinformatics.
Owing to the technicalities of this field of data science, it requires a device to consist of some agile features that not only allow smooth functioning but also power you through the day and are portable to be carried around.
The laptops listed above are all built with high-level specs and are sure to fulfill your needs. Along with this, some of them excel at providing various other benefits and serving many different purposes.
In the end, the choice is yours as to which one you want to add to your collection!
