March 6, 2023

As an architecture student, you’ll want a device with features as versatile as your schoolwork. No need to search long and hard for the right fit, though, because we’ve curated our best laptops for your purposes. Learn all about the best features and Surface laptops for architecture students.

What features do architecture students need in a laptop?

You’ll be running several design software programs, and your laptop should have enough power to run these programs simultaneously. After you complete your schoolwork, you’ll need enough storage space to save the files. You’ll also be taking your laptop with you when you’re working onsite. Finding a laptop that can help you complete all these tasks is essential to succeeding as an architecture student. When looking for a laptop, find one with the following features:

A fast processor

Choose a laptop with a fast processor to handle all your multitasking needs. Some of the computer programs you’ll use as an architecture student are information based and will run multiple processing threads. If you want a laptop for architecture students, find one that has a 12^th Gen Intel^® Core^TM i7 processor, like the Surface Laptop 5, that has enough speedy cores to run your multi-threading systems without slowing you down.

Storage space

The software you’ll run as an architecture student may require you to have at least 8 GB of random-access memory (RAM), which affects how quickly you can load saved programs and files. When shopping for 2-in-1 devices or laptops for architecture students, get one that has a minimum of 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM, like the Surface Pro 9 that comes with a minimum of 8 GB of RAM plus optional removable storage drives with up to 1 TB of space.

A durable graphics card

While you’re designing virtual structures, you’ll want a laptop that can easily save and load them. A durable graphics card is essential for completing architecture classwork, like virtual 3D modeling. There are laptops that come with graphics cards built into the motherboard, but there are also external graphics cards you can buy if you need a boost. When shopping for laptops for architecture students, find one that has a fast, discrete graphics card, like the Surface Laptop Studio 2 with the 13th gen Intel^® Core^TM i7 processor and NVIDIA^® RTX^TM GPU, that can quickly reprocess your images and videos once you open them.

Long battery life

Because you’ll more than likely be traveling as an architecture student, you’ll want a laptop that can stay powered throughout your day. Prioritize battery life that keeps you productive with or without an outlet, like Surface Pro 9 with 5G that has up to 19 hours of battery life with typical device usage.*

Clear screen resolution

Your designs and work as an architecture student need to appear crisp and clear. You’ll want to see every line, measurement, and detail of your virtual structure. Because Surface devices are designed with PixelSense^TM touchscreen displays, the vivid graphics are also easy to move, adjust, and perfect. Clear screen resolution can help you create better designs and edit them while you’re in classes and workshops.

A multi-point touchscreen

Sometimes, you may want to create designs that require a special touch. Navigating and manipulating designs may be tricky on a trackpad at times, so also having a multi-point touchscreen makes it so much easier. Get a laptop that has both a multi-point touchscreen and an easy-to-use trackpad to help you complete your schoolwork your way. If you don’t want to use your fingers or a wireless mouse to control your screen, you can write notes, draw, click, and more using the Surface Slim Pen 2 with your laptop or 2-in-1 device. This smart pen compatibility empowers you to combine the pen-and-notebook method with the fast tools of a traditional computer.

Why are Surface laptops great for architecture students?

Microsoft Surface laptops are fast, powerful, and versatile, empowering you to design how you want, where you want. Whether you’re drafting, making virtual 3D models, editing photos and videos, or rendering, a Surface laptop can help you get your work done.

As an architecture student, you’ll want a laptop that you won’t have to upgrade every time you need to open a new program. Surface Laptops and devices give you the power, speed, and tools you’ll need as an architecture student and professional. You’ll be able to work efficiently and finish your schooling with a strong portfolio. If you want to find a Surface Laptop for your specific needs, use the Help me choose tool to find the best Surface device for you.