Best Laptop For Law School: What to Look For in 2025

Choosing the best laptop for law school can make or break your academic journey.

Best Laptop For Law School 2024 Reviews

Law students need a laptop that can handle heavy workloads, including research, document management, and running legal software.

We’ve meticulously tested and compared the latest models, considering factors crucial for legal studies such as processing speed, battery life, and display quality.

From ultralight notebooks to powerhouse machines, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re a first-year student or preparing for the bar exam, our guide will help you find the ideal laptop to support your legal journey.

Discover which devices offer the best value and performance for your investment in legal education.

Best Laptop For Law School Comparison Table

No.	PREVIEW	PRODUCT	DETAILS	PRICE
1		Microsoft Surface	RAM: 8GB SSD: 256 GB Display Size: 12.3 Inches Processor: Core i5	Check Price on Amazon
2		Acer Swift	RAM: 16GB SSD: 512 GB Display Size: 14 Inches Processor: Core i7	Check Price on Amazon
3		Lenovo IdeaPad 3i	RAM: 8 GB SSD: 512 GB Display Size: 15.6 Inches Processor: Intel Core i7	Check Price on Amazon
4		Lenovo IdeaPad 3	RAM:40 GB SSD: 1 TB Display Size: 15.6 Inches Processor: Core i5	Check Price on Amazon
5		HP 17	RAM:32GB SSD: 1 TB Display Size: 17.3 Inches Processor: Core i3 Family	Check Price on Amazon
6		HP Essential	RAM:32 GB SSD: 1 TB Display Size: 15.6-inch Processor: Intel Celeron	Check Price on Amazon
7		Apple MacBook Pro 2019	RAM:16GB SSD: 512 GB Display Size: 16 Inches Processor: Core i7	Check Price on Amazon
8		Apple MacBook Air 2020	RAM:8 GB SSD: 256 GB Display Size: 13.3 Inches Processor: M1 Chip	Check Price on Amazon
9		Acer Nitro V	RAM:16 GB SSD: 512 GB Display Size: 15.6 Inches Processor: Intel Core i7	Check Price on Amazon
10		MSI Thin 15	RAM:16GB SSD: 512 GB Display Size: 15.6 Inches Processor: Intel Core i7	Check Price on Amazon

1. Microsoft Surface Pro 7

 

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 stands out as one of the best laptops for law students, offering a blend of versatility, performance, and portability.

Its 2-in-1 design allows it to function both as a traditional laptop and a tablet, making it an excellent choice for students who need flexibility in their devices.

The 12.3-inch PixelSense display is sharp and vibrant, ideal for reading lengthy legal documents, taking notes, and conducting research.

Powered by Intel’s processors, the Surface Pro 7 delivers solid performance, capable of handling demanding tasks like running legal software and managing multiple applications simultaneously.

Its lightweight design, weighing just 1.7 pounds without the Type Cover, ensures easy portability, making it perfect for students who are always on the move.

One of the key advantages of the Surface Pro 7 is its impressive battery life, lasting up to 10.5 hours on a single charge.

This allows law students to get through long days of classes and study sessions without worrying about finding a power outlet. With its combination of power, portability, and versatility, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is an ideal choice for law students looking for a reliable and efficient device.

For law students seeking a reliable and efficient machine, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is the perfect choice.

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2. Acer Swift Go Intel Evo: Top laptop For Law School

 

The Acer Swift Go Intel Evo is a standout choice for law students seeking a top-tier laptop that combines power, portability, and reliability.

Built on the Intel Evo platform, this laptop is designed to deliver exceptional performance with the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors, making it ideal for handling the demanding workloads typical in law school.

Whether you’re juggling multiple documents, conducting extensive research, or using legal software, the Swift Go ensures smooth multitasking with its 16GB of RAM and fast SSD storage.

Portability is a key feature of the Swift Go, weighing just under 2.6 pounds and boasting a sleek, slim profile that easily fits into any bag.

The 14-inch Full HD display offers crisp visuals, which is crucial for reading legal texts and reviewing case files. The laptop also excels in battery life, providing up to 15 hours on a single charge—perfect for long days of classes and study sessions.

The Acer Swift Go Intel Evo also includes a range of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring you stay connected wherever you are. Overall, this laptop is an excellent investment for law students who need a reliable and efficient device to support their academic success.

For law students seeking a reliable and efficient machine, the Acer Swift Go Intel Evo is the perfect choice.

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3. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i

 

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is an excellent choice for law school students who need a reliable and affordable laptop that doesn’t compromise performance.

Equipped with the latest Intel Core processors, this laptop offers sufficient power to handle multitasking, legal research, and document management with ease.

With up to 8GB of RAM and fast SSD storage, it ensures quick boot times and smooth operation, even when running multiple applications simultaneously.

Portability is another strong suit of the IdeaPad 3i. Weighing around 3.3 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to carry between classes and the library without being a burden. The 15.6-inch Full HD display provides clear and sharp visuals, which is ideal for reading lengthy case studies or working on legal briefs.

Battery life is decent, offering up to 7-8 hours on a single charge, making it suitable for long study sessions or attending classes without worrying about finding a power outlet.

The laptop also includes multiple connectivity options, such as USB-C and HDMI ports, which are convenient for connecting peripherals or external displays.

For law students seeking a reliable and efficient machine, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is the perfect choice.

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Product Information

 

4. Lenovo IdeaPad 3

 

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 stands out as an excellent choice for law students, offering a perfect blend of performance, affordability, and portability.

With its sleek design and lightweight build, it’s easy to carry between lectures, study sessions, and home. The IdeaPad 3 features a reliable AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processor, ensuring smooth performance for multitasking, whether you’re working on legal briefs, conducting research, or attending virtual classes.

Equipped with up to 16GB of RAM and a fast SSD, the IdeaPad 3 handles demanding applications and large file transfers effortlessly, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

The Full HD display provides clear, sharp text, essential for long reading and writing sessions. Its comfortable keyboard is a notable highlight, offering a pleasant typing experience during those marathon study periods.

Battery life is another strong point, with the laptop offering up to 7-8 hours on a single charge, allowing you to get through a full day of classes and study without needing to plug in.

Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 delivers solid performance and value, making it a top contender for law students seeking a dependable and budget-friendly laptop.

For law students seeking a reliable and efficient machine, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is the perfect choice.

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5. HP 17

 

The HP 17 is a solid choice for law students seeking a reliable and spacious laptop for their academic needs.

Its 17.3-inch display provides a large, clear workspace that’s ideal for reviewing legal documents, writing research papers, and multitasking between applications.

The expansive screen helps reduce eye strain during long study sessions and improves productivity by allowing multiple windows to be open simultaneously.

Equipped with a powerful Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, the HP 17 handles everyday tasks with ease, including running legal research software and managing large files.

The 512GB SSD offers ample storage and fast load times, ensuring that documents and applications are readily accessible.

The laptop’s full-sized keyboard is comfortable for extended typing, and its responsive touchpad adds to the overall ease of use.

Additionally, with a battery life that lasts up to 7 hours, the HP 17 is capable of enduring long lectures and library sessions without frequent recharging.

While its larger size might be less portable than more compact laptops, the HP 17 compensates with its impressive screen real estate and robust performance, making it a strong contender for law students who prioritize screen size and functionality.

For law students seeking a reliable and efficient machine, the HP 17 is the perfect choice.

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6. HP Newest 15.6″: Essential Laptop For Law School Under $1000

 

The HP Newest 15.6″ Essentia is an excellent choice for law students seeking a reliable laptop under $1000.

With its 15.6-inch Full HD display, it offers ample screen real estate for multitasking between research, writing, and managing legal documents. 

The laptop is powered by a modern Intel Core i5 processor, ensuring smooth performance for handling multiple applications and large files simultaneously.

Coupled with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, it provides sufficient memory and fast storage to keep your workflow efficient and responsive.

One of the standout features of the HP Essentia is its long battery life, which can last through extended study sessions and back-to-back classes.

The laptop’s lightweight design makes it easily portable, fitting comfortably in a backpack without adding extra weight. Additionally, it features a full-sized keyboard with responsive keys, ideal for long typing sessions common in legal studies.

For those who need a dependable and cost-effective laptop for law school, the HP Newest 15.6″ Essentia offers a compelling mix of performance, portability, and affordability, making it a smart investment for your academic journey.

For law students seeking a reliable and efficient machine, the HP Newest 15.6″ Essentia is the perfect choice.

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7. Apple MacBook Pro 2019: Affordable Laptop For Law Students

 

The Apple MacBook Pro 2019 is a solid choice for law students seeking a balance between performance and affordability. While not the newest model, it offers a compelling combination of features that cater well to the demands of legal studies.

Equipped with a powerful Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, the 2019 MacBook Pro handles multitasking with ease, whether you’re running research programs, drafting legal documents, or managing extensive case files.

Its Retina display provides crisp, clear text, which is beneficial for long hours of reading and writing. With up to 16GB of RAM and fast SSD storage, it ensures smooth performance and quick access to your files and applications.

Portability is another strength, with a sleek, lightweight design that makes it easy to carry between classes and study sessions. The battery life is impressive, typically lasting through a full day of lectures and library time.

For law students seeking a reliable and efficient machine, the Apple MacBook Pro 2019 is the perfect choice.

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8. Apple MacBook Air 2020: Top-rated Laptop For Law Students

 

The Apple MacBook Air 2020 is a top-rated choice for law students seeking a blend of performance and portability. Its sleek, lightweight design makes it easy to carry between classes and study sessions, weighing just 2.8 pounds.

The 13.3-inch Retina display delivers sharp, clear text, which is ideal for reading legal documents and drafting research papers.

Powered by the 10th-generation Intel Core processors, the MacBook Air 2020 offers smooth performance for multitasking and running legal software.

With up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, it provides ample space and speed for managing extensive case files and multitasking without lag. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 hours on a single charge, which is beneficial for long study sessions and extended lectures.

The MacBook Air 2020 also features a Magic Keyboard, which offers a comfortable typing experience, crucial for drafting lengthy legal documents.

While the MacBook Air lacks some of the high-end features of its Pro counterpart, its affordability, and excellent overall performance make it a standout option for law students who need reliability and efficiency.

For law students seeking a reliable and efficient machine, the Apple MacBook Air 2020 is the perfect choice.

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9. Acer Nitro V: Best Budget Laptop For Law School

 

The Acer Nitro V is a standout choice for law students seeking a budget-friendly laptop that doesn’t compromise on performance. Priced competitively, this laptop delivers excellent value, making it ideal for students who need a reliable machine without breaking the bank.

Equipped with a robust processor and ample RAM, the Acer Nitro V handles legal research, document management, and multitasking with ease.

Its fast SSD storage ensures quick boot times and efficient file access, crucial for managing extensive case files and study materials. The laptop’s display offers clear and sharp visuals, enhancing the reading and editing of legal documents.

Portability is another strong suit of the Acer Nitro V. Its sleek design and lightweight build make it easy to carry between classes and study sessions. The battery life is impressive, allowing students to work through long lecture days without frequent recharges.

In summary, the Acer Nitro V provides an excellent balance of performance, portability, and affordability. It’s a smart choice for law students who need a dependable laptop that supports their academic needs while staying within budget.

For law schools seeking a reliable and efficient machine, the Acer Nitro V is the perfect choice.

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10. MSI Thin 15: High-Performance Laptop For Law School

 

The MSI Thin 15 stands out as a high-performance laptop ideal for law school students in 2024.

Combining sleek design with robust performance, this laptop is a solid choice for managing intensive academic workloads. It features a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, which ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of legal research, document preparation, and complex case management software.

Its 512GB SSD provides ample storage for a vast array of case files and legal documents, with fast data access speeds that enhance productivity.

The 15.6-inch Full HD display offers crisp, clear visuals, making reading and annotating documents comfortable and strain-free. Additionally, the laptop’s lightweight and slim profile make it highly portable, an essential feature for students who frequently move between classes, libraries, and study sessions.

Battery life is another strong point, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge, which means you can work through long days without worrying about finding an outlet. Overall, the MSI Thin 15 blends performance with portability, making it a top contender for law students seeking a reliable and efficient laptop.

For law schools seeking a reliable and efficient machine, the MSI Thin 15 is the perfect choice.

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Buyer’s Guide for the Best Laptop for Law School

Choosing the right laptop for law school can significantly enhance your academic experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you select the best laptop for your needs.

1. Performance

• Processor: Opt for a laptop with a modern Intel Core i5 or i7, or an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processor. These offer the power needed for multitasking and running demanding applications.
• RAM: A minimum of 8GB RAM is essential, but 16GB is recommended for smoother performance and future-proofing.

2. Storage

• Type: SSDs (Solid State Drives) are preferred over HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) for their speed and reliability.
• Capacity: A minimum of 256GB is suitable, but 512GB or more is ideal if you handle large volumes of documents or need extra space for software.

3. Battery Life

• Duration: Look for a laptop with at least 8-10 hours of battery life to get through long lectures and study sessions without needing to recharge frequently.

4. Portability

• Weight and Size: A lightweight laptop with a 13 to 15-inch screen is ideal for portability. Ensure it fits comfortably in your bag and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk.

5. Display

• Resolution: A Full HD (1920×1080) resolution is recommended for clear and sharp text. Higher resolutions can be beneficial but may impact battery life.
• Size: A 14 to 15.6-inch screen strikes a good balance between readability and portability.

6. Keyboard and Trackpad

• Comfort: A comfortable, backlit keyboard is essential for typing long documents and notes. A responsive trackpad or external mouse can enhance productivity.

7. Connectivity

• Ports: Ensure the laptop has USB ports (preferably USB-C), HDMI, and an SD card reader for various peripherals and data transfer.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6) and Bluetooth 5.0 support faster and more reliable connections.

8. Build Quality and Durability

• Material: A sturdy build helps the laptop withstand daily use and transport. Look for reviews or ratings on the laptop’s durability.

9. Operating System

• Windows vs. macOS: Both systems are suitable, but consider compatibility with your school’s software requirements and personal preference.

10. Budget

• Range: Set a budget that balances performance and affordability. Investing in a quality laptop can pay off in the long run with better performance and longevity.

Considering these factors, you can select a laptop that effectively meets your academic needs and supports your law school journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best laptop for law school combines performance, portability, and reliability to support the demanding needs of legal studies.

Whether you’re drafting lengthy legal documents, conducting extensive research, or attending virtual classes, a laptop with a powerful processor, ample RAM, and long battery life is essential.

Portability is also key, as you’ll need a device that’s easy to carry between lectures, libraries, and study sessions.

Additionally, a comfortable keyboard and a sharp display will enhance your productivity, especially during long hours of reading and writing. By choosing a laptop that meets these criteria, you can ensure you’re well-equipped to succeed in law school, making your academic journey smoother and more efficient.