A computer is a basic need in today’s professional world, and its importance is even more noticeable in finance. With that in mind, I endeavored to discover the best laptop for financial modeling.
Financial modeling entails using financial statements from massive data and precise accounting procedures to get an accurate picture of an entity’s financial performance. For this, you need a fast and stable laptop that can analyze data, run simulations, and create models effortlessly.
A good laptop for financial modeling should run multiple programs simultaneously, store loads of data, and process information swiftly. This means you need enough RAM, big storage, a fast processor, and a good graphics card.
This post Analyzes four laptops suitable for financial modeling and offers a buyer’s guide to aid your decision-making.
Here are the top picks:
- 2021 Apple MacBook Pro- Editor’s Pick
- Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop- Best Value
- Lenovo Chromebook C330 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop-Best Budget
Best Laptop For Financial Modeling Analysis- Top Picks
1. 2021 Apple MacBook Pro
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Screen Size:14.2 inches
- Processor: M1 Pro (16-core GPU, 10-core CPU)
- Graphics: M1 Pro
This Apple laptop offers impeccable performance, and you can run multiple functions without straining the fan. The Apple MacBook Pro is particularly popular in the financial and business modeling world for its long battery life (up to 21 hours), unmatched showcase, and superb presentation.
This is a great all-around laptop with 1 TB storage space, ensuring you never run out of storage and 16GB RAM for fast processing without lags. Moreover, the Apple M1 Pro chip provides a massive leap in machine learning, GPU, and CPU performance.
The 64 GB unified memory ensures you do everything seamlessly and fast. In addition, the Liquid Retina XDR 14.2-inch display has an extreme contrast ratio and dynamic range.
Weighing 3.5 pounds, you will not struggle to carry this laptop around, and it looks stunning.
Pros
- Excellent display
- It delivers amazing performance
- Large storage capacity
- Extensive battery life
Cons
- Pricey
2. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8265U
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
This mid-range laptop is equipped to help you handle all your financial modeling tasks effortlessly. The 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8565 U offers the best execution and allows you to simultaneously run multiple programs without lags.
The processor also works with 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD and 8 GB DDR4 RAM to deliver high-performance and better presentation. It has a 15.6-inch full HD LED-backlit IPS display for a fantastic, top-quality showcase.
You also get a quality Intel UHD Graphics 620 at your disposal and up to 9.5 hours of battery life. At face value, Acer Aspire 5 is also delightful, outstandingly thin, and highly portable.
However, the showcase is not the most vibrant, and the touchpad feels cheap.
Pros
- Good fabricate quality
- Reasonably priced
- Fast processing and excellent performance
- Great battery life
- Thin and lightweight
Cons
- The touchpad feels cheap
3. Lenovo Chromebook C330 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
- RAM: 4 GB LPDDR3
- Storage: 64 GB SSD
- Screen Size: 11.6 inches
- Processor: 2.1 GHz mediatek_mt8127
- Graphics: PowerVR SGX543
The Lenovo Chromebook C330 is an affordable, excellent choice if your financial modeling work takes you around. You can use this convertible laptop both as a laptop or tablet, which is an innovative, convenient choice if you often work remotely.
This sleek, secure, stylish 360-degree convertible Lenovo laptop is lightweight (approximately the weight of a hardback book) and below an inch thick. You can carry out multimedia and computing tasks on the 11-inch touchscreen display, whether online or offline.
The screen has an amazing resolution that gives crisp graphics and high-end colors. Moreover, you get a pre-installed antivirus, easy-to-use Chrome operating system, multiple USB ports, Bluetooth 4.2, and a built-in camera.
You don’t need to set it up; just log in with your Google account. It also offers 10 hours of battery life but has limited storage capacity.
Pros
- Sleek, lightweight, and smart design
- High screen resolution
- Fully convertible
- Longer battery life
Cons
- Limited storage
4. Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55-53E5 Gaming Laptop
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD
- Screen Size:15.6 inches
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10300H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050
If you work in financial modeling but are also an avid gamer, then Acer Nitro 5 is an excellent choice. It has an outstanding performance and cooling system coupled with a sharp, flexible, clear 15.6-inch screen.
It’s equipped to handle all your bookkeeping and accounting software operations and also play all your favorite games, including Runescape and SIM 3. The 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H processor ensures this laptop is packed with spectacular power for your work and fun.
When you require an added boost, the Acer CoolBoost technology will increase the speed of the fan by 10% and the cooling of GPU and CPU by 9%. This translates to a 25% rise in thermal performance for better performance, primarily when gaming.
This impressive laptop gives you up to 11 hours of battery life but has a musty display bezel.
Pros
- Good battery life
- Impressive performance
- Outstanding 1080p and CPU
- Quality display
Cons
- Musty display bezel
How To Pick a Laptop For Financial Modeling- Buyer’s Guide
1. Storage
You need ample storage space to store extensive financial reports, data, files, and media. Therefore, storage should be an important consideration in your selection.
2. CPU
You must ensure to get a computer with a fast processor to ensure it performs tasks and runs programs efficiently. A reliable processor will function for extensive periods and give you a fast laptop.
3. Battery Life
A good laptop for financial modeling should have a long battery life to allow you to work without running out of charge, especially when working remotely.
Other important considerations include a reasonable budget, good connectivity, and an eye-catching design.
Conclusion
Before buying the best laptop for financial modeling, mind your budget to avoid overspending. However, ensure you can get the most when it comes to storage space, processor, connectivity options, and design. Nonetheless, you won’t go wrong with the options above.