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#1 Apple MacBook Pro (Editor’s Choice)
Apple has always been a company whose products are widely used for business, video editing, music and entertainment activities, and, of course, programming. In other words, – creation. MacBook computers are reliable, durable, and basically built for such purposes. Buying Apple’s MacBook Pro will guarantee you fast and easy programming, especially related to Machine learning.
Now, first thing first. MacBook Pro offers a dual-core 2.3 GHz Intel i5 processor. For Machine learning, you are going to need as much juice as possible, so I would recommend boosting it to 3.6 GHz. It can be done easily using Turbo Boost. Having 3.6 GHz i5 dual-core is a useful feature but may be insufficient for some real heavy multi-processing. So use it wisely. What’s great is that this processor has 64MB eDRAM (enhanced dynamic random access memory), which will make your processing speed even faster!
Apart from being super-fast, this PC has a beautiful display! The 13-inch display means that the case is not big at all and is very easy to carry around. In addition, this Retina display is backlit and has IPS technology, which produces marvelous image quality. The resolution can go to 2560×1600, so all-in-all, the image quality is very satisfying. I know, this has nothing to do with programming, but still, a great feature.
Intel’s Iris Graphics 550 supports the display. This GPU is much, much better than previous models’. One could say that its performance is approximately two times better. Its performance depends on the rest of the configuration so that it will work very well here.
Memory here is very solid as well. Getting 256GB of solid-state drive sounds very good, and it increases the overall speed of this already fast PC. So, having a PC this fast and small is very practical while traveling. You can do your programming while on the route at any time. The other part of memory is RAM. With 8 GB of RAM, you will get just about enough memory for your needs. More is desirable; less is unacceptable.
What may be an issue with this model is that it doesn’t have a regular USB port, but the new USB-C. Therefore, all your previous flash drives and external hard drives are useless here.
Specs at a Glance:
Brand: Apple
Display: 13 inches
RAM: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 158/256 SSD
CPU: Intel Core i5 7th Gen
GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640
Battery: Up to 10 hours
#2 ASUS ROG Zephyrus S Ultra Slim Gaming Laptop
One monster laptop for you. Yes, Asus’s Rog is a gaming laptop, mainly. But good gaming laptops require high-end configuration in order to run newer games. If a laptop possesses great specifications, then it will surely be good enough for programming. So, ROG Zephyrus S is also one of best laptops for deep learning because it has everything!
Let’s kick off with the processing unit, shall we? This beauty has a hex-core i7-8750H CPU! One of the best processors you can find today. Yes, there are octa-cores available nowadays, but for this purpose, hex-core is more than enough. With six cores and 12 threads, your processing speed will be insanely fast. It has 9 MB of SmartCache and 8GT/s Bus speed. Its memory size comes with regular 64GB and 42 GB/s Memory Bandwidth. A fantastic processor!
Next comes graphics. NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 2070 is a state of the art GPU. It has 8GB GDDR6 of V-RAM and 14 GB/s Memory speed! The high number of 2304 cores makes graphics processing lightning fast, and Bus width is 256-bit. Probably about half of this laptop’s cost is in its GPU. And that shouldn’t be surprising since this is a gaming laptop, capable of running any modern game in HQ. So, when you are in need of a break from teaching your computer new stuff, you can enjoy in HD picture quality.
ROG Zephyrus S also has an enormous memory. With 16 GB of DDR4, you can do pretty much anything. For quality programming, this is an optimum RAM capacity. And its speed is 2666 MHz, so no problems there. Multitasking won’t be a problem either since 16GB can cover many tasks simultaneously. The other memory – SSD comes with 512 GB of Flash Memory. Like DC’s superhero, Flash stands for ultra-fast! If you need more, you can always add either another SSD or simply a big HDD, since this one SSD is already enough.
The case has 5 USB ports! So, if you want to use another keyboard and mouse, or charge your phone, or use some other devices while working – there’s plenty of ports for everything. Speaking of the keyboard, it feels and looks nice, and you should feel comfortable while typing.
Therefore, there is no need to add an external one. The only complaint would be the battery life. Gaming laptops tend to drain the battery quite fast, and that’s no wonder for their performance is fantastic.
Specs at Glance:
Brand: Asus
Display: 15.6 inches
RAM: 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 1 TB HDD + 512 SSD
CPU: Intel Core i7-8750H
GPU: GeForce RTX 2070
Battery: Up to 4 hours
#3 Acer Aspire E 15 E5-576G-5762 Laptop
Here is another the best machine learning laptop, and which is Acer Aspire E 15. Acer has always been known as a company that makes quality products and sells them for a cheap price. In this laptop, you get an excellent configuration for Machine learning without spending big.
This mid-range laptop will provide you with some excellent performance for a relatively low price. It would be ludicrous to compare this model to those two previously mentioned, but still, if you don’t have money to waste, and you require a good laptop for your programming, then this one would be a right choice.
The central processing unit is Intel’s great i5 8250U. With four cores and eight threads, this CPU possesses a lot of processing speed, which is, of course, very important for deep learning. CPU’s base frequency is 1.6 GHz but goes to a maximum of 3.4 GHz of turbo frequency. Pretty good. It has 6MB SmartCache, and its Bus Speed is 4 GT/s OPI. For a processor this good, it doesn’t use much power at all – only 15W. This will save your battery life drastically, and you can do more programming while commuting.
Maybe the best quality of this laptop is its memory. With Aspire E 15 you get 1 TB of SSD! Yes, you read that well! This is one massive capacity and is way faster than traditional Hard Disc Drives. Maybe not the fastest SSD today, but still, very fast and enormous! The other part is its RAM, and it has 8 GB. This is very good, and the least that is needed for quality Deep learning.
A dedicated GPU is included, which is quite surprising for this price range (and considering the rest of this proper configuration). The GPU is NVIDIA’s GeForce MX150, built by using Pascal architecture. Its core speed goes from normal 1468 MHz to boost 1532 MHz. So, this is an outstanding GPU speed.
The memory type is, of course, GDDR5 and its speed goes to 6008 MHz. The Memory Bus Width is 64 bit and the most important part – memory size is 4GB! With a GPU like this, you can have an HQ picture without any problems.
Specs at a Glance:
Brand: Acer Aspire
Display: 15.6 inches
RAM: 8 GB DDR4 RAM
Storage: 256 GB SSD
CPU: Intel Core i7-8550U
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce MX150
Battery: Up to 15 hours
#4 Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Here is one laptop with a good configuration, but excellent design. Surface Pro 6 is a hybrid, acting as both a tablet and a laptop. Actually, this is more a tablet than a laptop, because its primary retail model is without a keyboard, so screen/tablet only. Adding just a few bucks will get you a fantastic keyboard and a wireless mouse, and, of course, a pen.
So, it has a dual function. Its tablet possibilities are quite similar to regular PC use. Some of the usual tablet functions may have been omitted with this model. In other words, this is a tablet that is more of a laptop than a tablet.
While using it as a laptop, you get everything that Microsoft has to offer on regular laptops. The Windows OS is completely the same (with the addition of a tablet mode, of course). You can use it for any purpose, except for heavy gaming (the configuration is not that great for modern games in HD). Machine and deep learning included.
The Surface Pro 6 comes in a different configuration, so you can choose the however powerful configuration you want. But with great power, comes great expensiveness. I will suggest a configuration that is good enough for Machine learning AND affordable enough for most. Note that the price is mostly based on its looks, practicality, and innovation, and not that much on the configuration.
My suggestion for the CPU is the 8th generation 1.6 GHz i5 8250U – the same processor that my previous pick (Acer Aspire E 15) has. The reason is very simple – you have already seen how fast and good this processor is, and how adequate it is for deep learning. Also, the price in this configuration is quite affordable.
This CPU comes with built-in graphics, with Intel’s HD 620 integrated graphics. This is why I mentioned that Surface Pro 6 is not made for gaming, at least not this configuration. But graphics are not that important for programming, so this is very practical.
With this kind of configuration usually comes 8GB of DDR3 memory and a 128GB SSD. It was already mentioned twice how 8GB RAM is sufficient for Machine learning, although here you get a DDR3 type. The SSD capacity is not that great, but you can always use a MicroSD card reader and have some additional memory on the side. If you find this RAM and SSD to be insufficient for your needs, cash in a few bucks and add more storage power.
This tablet/laptop is ultra-thin and very light in weight – very practical for outdoor use. Also, a tablet and pen function can make your work way more interesting. The battery life is amazingly long. It can last for more than 10-14 hours easily, if not twice that much!
Specs at a Glance:
- Brand: Microsoft Surface
- Display: 15.6 inches
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4
- Storage: 256 SSD
- CPU: Intel Core i5 (8th Gen)
- GPU: Intel HD Graphics 620
- Battery: Up to 12 hours
#5 Dell Inspiron 15 5580 Laptop
Dell is a well-known name when it comes to durable and high-quality laptops. I have a Dell Inspiron as well, and I have been using it for some years now. Guess what? It still works great! Not to mention that my model is way older than this one on the list. So you can imagine how good Inspiron 15 5580 is. Actually, don’t imagine, for I will try and write it down. For an affordable price, you will get a perfect configuration for your needs.
First thing first, the CPU, Once again, an 8th gen Intel’s i5-8265U processing unit will make your programming quite enjoyable. The CPU has half the value of this entire laptop. You get four cores and eight threads for some fast processing. So, the base frequency is 1.6 GHz but goes up to 3.9GHz in Turbo. With 6MB SmartCache this speed is further upgraded. Memory Bandwidth is 37.5 GB/s, which is more than you need. The letter U in the name stands for “ultra-low” consumption. It’s a great feature that provides longer life and less overheating.
The graphics card is integrated, with Intel’s UHD Graphics 620. The 620 model is quite common for Intel’s processors, but here you will get an ultra-high-definition graphics. So you can enjoy in 1080p quality all the time. Yes, integrated cards are not as good as dedicated, and cannot be replaced. Once again, for your needs, you don’t need more. And what more would you want than 1080p for this price?
More importantly, the memory is rather good. With 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD, this laptop is fully equipped for deep learning. This solid-state drive is quite fast and can store a high number of your projects.
There are some cool add-ons included as well. The keyboard is backlit; you will get a fingerprint reader to power on, three USB ports, a card reader, HDMI, and so on. Also, the general appearance of this laptop is almost breathtaking. And I will mention again – it’s Dell! It will serve you well.
Specs at a Glance:
- Brand: Dell Inspiron
- Display: 15.6 inches
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4
- Storage: 256 SSD
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8265u (8th Gen)
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Battery: Unknown
#6 MSI GV62 8RD-200 Gaming Laptop
MSI is a company that likes making gaming laptops, and they made a great one in GV62. As mentioned before, gaming laptops are always a good buy for any purpose, since their configurations are often incredibly good. That’s why it is one of the best deep learning laptops.
Usually, the best component in gaming PCs is the graphics card, and most of the total price goes there. And if you don’t want to spend big, then I wouldn’t recommend buying a laptop for pentesting or programming only, for you don’t need a powerful and expensive GPU. But if you want your laptop to be more than just a tool for your work, then buying this one is an excellent idea. Why? Because it has everything.
A perfect processing unit comes with Intel’s i5-8300H. It has 4 cores, 8 threads, and it’s base frequency is 2.3 GHz. Of course, It will reach 4.0 GHz with Turbo Frequency. You will get 8MB SmartCache as well, and the Bus Speed is 8 GT/s. Its memory size goes to 64 GB, and Memory Bandwidth is 41.8 GB/s. Excellent CPU for Deep and Machine learning.
Unlike the previous model that has the letter U for ultra-low power consumption, this one has the letter H, which stands for High-definition graphics. So, your PCU will use way more power, but that can only mean one thing – more performance power in return. Apart from having a good integrated UHD Graphics 630, this CPU is also compatible and goes great with gaming GPUs. Naturally, this laptop, being a gaming one, has a dedicated GPU. And a very good GPU it is.
The GeForce GTX 1050Ti was a high-end GPU a few years ago. Of course, with the never-ending and rapid expansion of gaming components, this card was soon outdated by newer models. Be that as it may, the GTX 1050Ti is still one great GPU. It’s base clock speed is 1290 MHz and can be boosted up to 1392 MHz, which is rather good. It has 786 CUDA cores for additional graphics processing speed. The memory type is GDDR5, and the size is 4GB. Three ports included.
The most exciting thing about this laptop comes with memory. On this laptop, you will get 8GB of RAM. If this is not enough, there is also one empty slot that could be filled with another 8GB. Eight is good; sixteen is perfect.
And! The storage memory is hybrid-type. There is a combination of HDD and the new Optane memory! HDD has an enormous 1 TB capacity, while Intel Optane has 16GB. This may be little, but this memory is the fastest one today. If you do your programming using Intel’s Optane memory, you will get your things done in a jiffy.
Specs at a Glance:
- Brand: MSI
- Display: 15.6 inches
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4
- Storage: 1 TB HDD
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8300H (8th Gen)
- GPU: GeForce GTX1050Ti
- Battery: Up to 3-4 hours
#7 HP Pavilion X360 Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop
In the last, we have an HP Convertible Laptop. What does “convertible” stand for? Well, this means that the screen can rotate 360 degrees. The touch-screen technology is present here so that this laptop can be used as a tablet as well. So, if you want to have a touch-screen, use a pen while you work, and have fun while traveling, but not paying much, then HP Pavilion X360 is a PC for you.
In this low price, some suitable components are included. For example, the CPU is i5-8250U – the same one that can be found in Surface Pro 6 and Acer Aspire 15. So, four cores, eight threads, 1.6 GHz base frequency going to 3.4 in turbo mode. Pretty nice. Followed by 6MB SmartCache and 4 GT/s Bus speed, you won’t need to worry about programming at all. And, its low power consumption will save your battery for a longer time.
The memory is now this list’s standard 8GB RAM. Not to go through everything again, you already know that’s enough. For storage memory, you will get a massive 1 TB HDD. Although not as fast as SSD, this lack of speed is compensated with capacity. If you really want more speed, adding one slim SSD won’t be a problem. It is rather recommended. It’s just it will cost a few bucks more.
The graphics card is integrated, so you get Intel’s UHD Graphics 620. Not as good as 630, but still good enough for basic use. HP Pavilion X360 Convertible Laptop is not built for gaming or any other graphic-demanding tasks; therefore, it is not necessary to have a better one. And you don’t need one.
This is cutting the price of this laptop drastically, so it’s a win-win situation. Still, a pity for a convertible laptop. Here is another HP Pavilion X360 2-in-1 Laptop and you can also think about this one.
Specs at a Glance:
- Brand: HP Pavilion
- Display: 15.6 inches
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8250U (8th Gen)
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Battery: Up to 4 hours
Buying a Laptop for Deep learning:
From my list of best laptops for deep learning, you could have figured out already what to look for. It is pretty simple – you are going to need a lot of speed, a lot of memory, a good battery, and a laptop that will not break down quickly, obviously.
Depending on your needs and ‘pocket depth’, you will choose the price range of your desired laptop. Spending big usually means getting big, but not always. As you can see, some laptops are expensive simply because they are different than the others. Or just a brand name. So go for the best configuration that you can afford.
Processor
Definitely, the most important component to check out before buying a laptop for deep and machine learning. The name says it all – its purpose is to process as much information and as fast as possible. For machine or deep learning, you are going to need a good CPU because this kind of information processing is enormous. The more you go into detail, the more processing power you are going to need.
I recommend buying Intel’s i5 and i7 processors. They are good enough for this kind of job, and often not that expensive. You can find i9 CPUs on the market, but their value is sometimes ludicrous. But hey, if you have lots of money to spend – be my guest. You definitely won’t regret buying them.
There are some great processors from AMD as well, of course. Finding a good Ryzen CPU is always recommended if you want to save some cash. They are cheaper than Intel’s, but not worse at all. As a matter of fact, newer Ryzen processors are often better than their Intel counterparts.
And, of course, MacBook. As stated earlier, MacBook computers are made for creation. Buying a Mac with a good processor will definitely be a good deal. The problem here is the price since MacBook PCs are quite expensive when compared to some PCs from Microsoft with similar characteristics. But, once again, if you have money.
And about their quality – simply go for the highest number of everything – CUDA cores, Core speed, memory bandwidth, etc.… Easy!
Memory
The other very important part is the memory. RAM is crucial here since it will greatly determine not only the speed of your PC but also the number of tasks you can do at once. If you need to use the whole Internet programming, or you want to multitask, then having as much RAM as possible is recommended. The least you should go for is 8GB, 16GB is very good, and everything above that is just perfect.
