8 Best Laptops for GIS in 2023

Does your new job require a geographic information system? Or the explorer inside you wants to go on a digital geographical voyage? In either case, you definitely need to get rid of your old laptop and purchase a robust laptop.

We can understand that using the GIS is not easy compared to those ordinary lagging laptops. Thus, to have this heavy software work best, you need to look for a sound system. Consequently, we will help you choose a laptop that will run GIS like never before. We have hand-picked the best laptops for GIS, so let’s look at them one by one.

Best Laptop For GIS and ArcGIS Pro

Acer Swift X SFX14-41G-R1S6 Creator Laptop

1. Acer Swift X

  • Display: 14” 1080p
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800U
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD

If you are looking for a high-performing compact laptop, the Acer Swift X blends incredible power with an ultraportable casing to upgrade your working potential incredibly. So, let’s start exploring its unique and amazing features.

This laptop features a 14-inch screen with a Full HD display and 100 percent sRGB compatibility. It will give you a perfect vibrant image with excellent contrast and rich color hues. The aspect ratio is 16:9, providing you with a lot of space to work.

A Ryzen 7 5800U CPU makes the Swift X a power-packed performing laptop. It comes with an eight-core threaded CPU with twice the number of physical cores and computational threads. You would not be able to find such a robust combination in any of the competitive laptops.

The RTX 3050 Ti graphics comes with a significant boost in 3D graphics. It can give you some real-life results, which is hard to find with any other ordinary GPU. Considering the compact size of the laptop, it is hard to believe that it is so powerful.

A whopping 16 GB of RAM is incorporated in this laptop. So, this laptop’s RAM is suitable for almost any kind of task. And that’s not it! This also means you can multitask without any issues.

And as a cherry on the top, this laptop’s 512 GB storage is more than enough to accommodate your videos, movies, data, and nearly anything else you want to store. You can now store your stuff on the go.

This laptop has a perfectly illuminated keyboard. So, if you are a night owl or someone who loves to work in the dark, then this is the ideal choice for you. Moreover, you can adjust the backlight according to your preferences.

Weighing just 3 pounds, this Acer Swift X laptop is the lightest yet most powerful laptop on our list. The design is sleek and it is light in weight, making it easy to carry in a backpack or an office bag.

The battery life is just 8 hours, which might be a good enough reason to consider skipping its purchase. However, it has an unparalleled resilient processor, so compromising on the battery is not a foolish idea.

ASUS TUF Dash 15

2. Asus Tuf Dash 15

  • Display: 15.6” 1080p
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-11370H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD

Asus TUF is our all-time favorite, and you will also learn about the reason behind it as you read this review. Its 15 inches screen with an FHD display panel and 144Hz refresh rate offers an amazing display for exceptional GIS functioning. And as a bonus feature, the display is QHD to offer an image that is 80% more accurate than 1080p. That means you’ll get some good wide angles with the best view.

Asus Tuf Dash has an integrated processor, i.e., Intel Core i7-11370H with four CPU cores, eight threads, a clock speed of up to 5.0GHz, and power consumption of up to 35W.

Moreover, to give that extra boost, the laptop is installed with 8GB RAM. If you have heavy-duty tasks to perform, you may need to upgrade it to 16 GB; otherwise, 8GB is more than enough.

Along with 8GB RAM, this laptop comes with 512GB of storage. So, you can store whatever you want. This fantastic combo will let you use many Google Chrome tabs all at the same time. Open your GIS or Spotify or YouTube or anything else at the same time.

This laptop features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card to give you the best graphics possible. You won’t find a better deal than this laptop if you’re looking for a low-cost laptop to get started with GIS or other heavy-duty tasks.

The keyboard’s positioning is also superb. Even though the laptop is small and compact in shape, the keyboard is not jumbled up; it’s a pleasure to type on. However, there is one drawback: there is no RGB lighting. Instead, it has unappealing teal backlighting. So, night risers: this laptop might be a no for you.

This laptop is barely 0.8 inches thick and 4.5 pounds. Though it may be a bit bulkier than other laptops, its features are just incredible. Moreover, its battery life comes up to 10 hours; that made us give this laptop a thumbs up.

dell inspiron 15 5510

3. Dell Inspiron 15 5510

  • Display: 15.6” 1080p
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-11390H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce MX450
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD

Dell Inspiron has been one of our most favorites, and it gives many reasons to be included on the list of powerful laptops. Dell comes with an anti-glare FHD 15.6 inches LED backlight screen. With its 15.6” screen, you will have enough space to enjoy a wide view without compromising the picture quality.

With the 1080p resolution, it offers some of the most precise colors and angles. Not just that! The brightness is perfect to offer the ideal saturation without affecting the color temperature. So, the screen is definitely a yes for us!

Inspiron comes with an incredible i7-11390H Intel core processor. It also has an Intel Core i7 processor from the 11th generation, which is the latest version. With this laptop, you can actually say goodbye to noisy fans, as it makes no noise while maintaining a perfect temperature.

In addition to the i7 processor, this laptop comes with a GeForce MX450 GPU with 2GB VRAM for enhanced performance. It offers the best experience possible when multitasking and performing heavy-duty tasks.

With the 8GB DDR4 RAM module, you will never get to experience any kind of lag. You can use the GIS while watching a video or even typing something, all with seamless performance and productive hours.

The 512 GB storage provides enough space to store your documents, data, or anything you want. However, 512 GB might not be enough to save larger files. Thankfully, the storage is expandable.

The keyboard on the Dell Inspiron is pretty basic and even has a backlighting option. It has this incredible feature of fading in and out so it takes about 3 seconds for the light to be bright enough to illuminate the keys.

As it weighs only 3.6 lbs, you can take this laptop anywhere. To enjoy the fresh air while working, just take this handy device to the garden, or if you’re going to the office, just pack it up in your backpack and move.

The battery life is just 4 hours, which is quite disappointing. So if you buy this laptop, remember to carry along your cords and cables just in case the power goes off.

Razer Blade15 Base Gaming Laptop

4. Razer Blade 15

  • Display: 15.6” 1080p
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD

As one of the renowned laptops, the Razer Blade series has never disappointed us. It comes with a huge 15.6” FHD screen with a refreshing rate of 144Hz. And to give you that high-quality view, it is equipped with a brightness of 300 nits and a color gamut of 111 percent sRGB.

An Intel Core i7 10750H processor powers this laptop to give that extra boost while performing professional tasks. This processor will help you achieve any kind of task swiftly without any hurdles.   It is also equipped with GeForce RTX 2070 NVIDIA graphics card. With such a powerful combination, you will always have fun while using this laptop.

Razer is also equipped with a massive 16GB RAM. This is the one thing we loved the most about this laptop. It can help you perform any task. You can multitask or even have your GIS running; you will still have zero lags.  

The laptop has a storage of 512GB, which might be a bit odd for those who want a laptop to store huge files. However, for your GIS, this storage is perfect. You can always opt for an upgrade later.

It also has an RGB-single zone backlit keyboard. So, this is a perfect option for you if you like to use your laptop at night. Unlike other laptops, the cooling system of this laptop contains thermal materials and vapor chamber with cutting-edge properties to release heat, ensuring optimal temperature and better performance with increased user comfort.

The battery life of the Razer Blade 15 was underwhelming. It can only last for up to 3 hours, and after that, you will be left stranded. Because of the heavy processing, the battery life may not last long enough to continue working for hours.

ASUS ZenBook Duo 14 UX482

5. ASUS ZenBook Duo 14

  • Display: 14” 1080p
  • CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7
  • GPU: Intel Iris Xe graphics
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD

This laptop is hands-on as its 14 inches glossy touch screen and FHD quality picture offer the best colors possible and a clear image. What actually excited us was its secondary 4K touchscreen offering enough space to control your workspace.

Equipped with i5-1135G7 Intel Core, The ZenBook is one of the best laptops in terms of performance. The processor installed is of 11th generation and promises to deliver top-notch performance.

This laptop is integrated with Intel’s Iris Xe graphics. Thanks to its strong processor, it will be able to ace whatever you do. You can watch high-definition images with exceptional results.

The 8GB RAM will work wonders while you perform tiresome tasks on this laptop. However, if you want a more robust system, look for a laptop with 16GB of RAM. We always have the option of upgrading.

Besides, this laptop has 512 GB of storage. It allows you to save any data without making your processor buggy. Moreover, if you ever feel the need to expand it, you can do that as well.

The NanoEdge touch display is what made us nuts about this laptop. You can use your stylus pen or even use your fingers. Trust us; you will never find a better laptop for using GIS than this.

With its classic backlit keyboard, you will have no trouble typing at any time of day or night. Moreover, the backlighting is not irritating either. It is just that perfect kind of backlit keyboard. Weighing just 3.4 lbs, this is the second lightest laptop with full-packed features on our list. 

With 12-hour battery life, this laptop has all our hearts. So, this means no more hassle of lurking around with a hefty charging cable! It’s a yes-yes!

lenovo thinkpad e15 gen 2 business laptop

6. Lenovo ThinkPad E15 Gen 2

  • Display: 15.6” 1080p
  • CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7
  • GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD

Lenovo has long been in the run for producing some of the best laptops in the industry. It is a brand that has always promised to deliver the best quality with the best performance possible. And not only this, it has a lot to offer; let’s take a look.

The Lenovo Thinkpad has a 15.6 inches screen with an FHD display. 15.6” is indeed a huge screen to own. So, this essentially means you will have a clearer and better view. The FHD feature offers some realistic, high-quality image resolution. FHD typically has a resolution of up to 1080p, which is rather impressive.

Intel i5 1135G7 Core powers the Lenovo IdeaPad and gives you that fast and robust performance while being highly responsive. And this is not it! This processor will provide you with some outstanding results while putting a minimal load on the system in the long run.

Intel’s latest Iris Xe graphics have been incorporated in this Lenovo Thinkpad. This GPU is indeed extraordinary, delivering some high-end integrated graphics for performing an immersive task. This might be the perfect deal for your GIS voyage.

The laptop also comes with an 8GB RAM that can handle multiple tasks at once although not exceptionally. Since it all depends on what tasks you will perform on the laptop, you can upgrade it to 16 GB for better and more responsive performance.

This laptop has a 512GB storage capacity. So, you can store and secure your files and work without experiencing lagging. However, this storage may seem a little bit problematic. In that case, you can expand it.

We were disappointed to know that the Lenovo laptop doesn’t support a touch screen feature. As most of the Lenovo models support touch screens, this might be a drawback if you are looking to have a handy companion for your daily chores.

This laptop doesn’t come with a backlit keyboard as an added feature. Even though the keys are nicely spaced, allowing you maximum control, you cannot use them in the dark.

Weighing 3.7 lbs, this laptop is on the bulkier side. However, because of its multiple features, you can overlook the weight issue.

Lenovo Thinkpad comes with a powerful 45WHr 3-cell lithium-ion battery. It can work for up to 4 hours without being plugged in. You may not be excited by its capacity because nobody wants to carry hefty charging wires. With all of the valuable functions, the battery life may be jeopardized.

MSI Modern 14 Professional Laptop

7. MSI Modern 14

  • Display: 14” 1080p
  • CPU: Intel Core 1135G7
  • GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD

This laptop comes with a 14-inch FHD screen. Moreover, it has an exceptional refreshing rate of 60 Hz. You might have just found the perfect partner for your GIS work. Its display is just incredible almost like you are in an actual site. With the 45% NTSC display, you will find that clear image you have always been looking for.

Intel Core i5 1135G7 Dual-Core processor is installed in this laptop. So, you will be able to deliver an efficient and responsive performance. With this laptop, you will experience no lagging and there are no noisy fans anymore.

The system has been integrated with a dedicated Intel Iris Xe graphics card for high-definition graphics. So, you will find a clear image of whatever you want to explore. Moreover, you will never have to worry about blurry displays again.

The MSI Modern 14 comes with 512 GB of storage. This laptop allows you to effortlessly manage your files on the go. The keyboard comes with powerful white backlighting to give you that lighter appearance.

hp pavilion 15 15 eg0025nr

8. HP Pavilion 15

  • Display: 15.6” 1080p
  • CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
  • GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Storage: 512GB SSD

HP has been one of the best manufacturers of laptops, and the Hp Pavilion 15 is no exception. This laptop comes with an incredible 15.6-inch display. Even though the enormous size may have you arranging a lot of things, the view will be worth the effort. The FHD micro-edged screen will make you feel as though you are in a theater or some actual field.

With Core i7-1165G7, you will enjoy an experience to remember. This laptop is equipped with 11th Gen Intel. So, it offers robust performance without any bottlenecks.

This laptop comes with an astonishing 16 GB of RAM. This is the feature that we loved the most about this laptop. Because of this huge RAM capacity, it can multitask or perform heavy-duty tasks without getting stuck again and again.

Besides, it comes with an integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics card. This GPU delivers some of the best graphics enhancing the battery life of your laptop. If you are a professional and need something robust to deliver high-quality graphics, this laptop is the only option for you.

One thing that bothered us about this perfect laptop is its keyboard that has no backlights. However, with so many other useful features, we can still consider this laptop a better fit. Plus, this laptop weighs only 3.8 lbs; you can take it wherever you want to. It is very compact and portable and can be carried around easily.

HP Pavilion can work for 8 hours without getting plugged in. It sounds good, right? Even though it may not be enough for heavy purposes it is ideal for many tasks.

Final Verdict 

A good laptop can be your ultimate companion if you choose wisely. Hopefully, you would have found the perfect fit from the above-mentioned best laptops for GIS. Still, if you are unsure, you can consider our most favorites from the list.

  • If you are on a strict budget and looking for the best GIS laptop, you can go for the Acer Swift X.
  • However, if you want something high-end yet robust, then the HP Pavilion 15 Laptop might work best for you.
  • And if you are a fan of touchscreen, you can go for the ASUS ZenBook Duo 14 UX482.

So, what are you waiting for? Order yourself one now!

Happy Shopping!

Mark Warschauer is a tech content writer and blogger with an interest in emerging technologies. He spends most of his time listening to music, reading about new technologies, or writing about them on his blog. He also enjoys playing video games (mostly RPGs), traveling the world, watching movies, and reading books that explore life's big questions.

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