Looking for a reliable laptop to run ArcGIS Software?
You have come to the right place.
Here we are going to provide you with a list of top laptops that can smoothly run ArcGIS and other GIS software.
If a laptop can run ArcGIS Pro software then it can easily smoothly run other GIS programs such as MapInfo, Maptitude, MAPubllilsher, QGIS, and many in the rows.
ArcGIS is a big software that requires a resourceful laptop.
On the web, I have seen many blogs trying to sell just expensive laptops, not the one that is suitable for ArcGIS.
In this guide, we will be covering only those laptops that are good for running ArcGIS pro and other GIS software.
This detailed guide will cover everything linking to ArcGIS and running other GIS software.
We will help to pick the right specs for the laptop; processor, RAM, Storage, and other core specs.
Let’s see the most important questions ArcGIS users have in their minds while buying a laptop.
Best Laptops for ArcGIS and GIS (2022)
- Acer Predator Helios 300
- Razer Blade 15
- Dell G5
- Acer Aspire 5
- Dell XPS 15
- Huawei Matebook X Pro
- Asus ZenBook 15
- Samsung Notebook 9
- MSI GF65 Thin
- New Apple MacBook Pro
Best Laptops for ArcGIS in 2022
[table id=41 /]
What type of software is ArcGIS?
ArcGIS is one of the most demanding software in GIS (Geological Information System) that helps companies and users to create maps with different characteristics.
It handles and analyzes geographical information by visualizing geographical statistics by integrating layer building maps like climate data and trade analysis.
This system got the capacity to make geographical information accessible throughout the institute or company on the World Wide Web.
This software work as a program, you can link it to other programs to share information and data.
You require a good computer to run this program or application. The mentioned system requirements help you to pick a great computer to run the software.
ArcGIS pro 10.6 system requirements:
- Processor: A multi-core processor with a clock speed minimum of 2.2 GHz (core i5 or Ryzen 5 recommended)
- RAM: 4GB minimum RAM size, 8GB is recommended
- Storage: ArcGIS requires 4GB of space.
- Graphics card: Dedicated graphics card with 256MB RAM or higher (GTX 1050 2GB recommended)
- Screen resolution: HD display: 1024 x 768 (FHD recommended)
- ArcGIS pro 2.3 system requirements:
ArcGIS 3.2 System Requirements.
- Processor: A multi-core processor with a clock speed minimum of 2.2 GHz (core i5 or Ryzen 5 recommended)
- RAM: 4GB minimum RAM size, 8GB is recommended
- Storage: 32GB space Minimum (SSD storage recommended).
- Graphics card: Dedicated GTX 970M Minimum (GTX 1050 2GB recommended)
- Screen resolution: HD display: 1024 x 768 (FHD recommended)
Best Laptop for ArcGIS Pro: Buying Guide 2022
These were hardware requirements mentioned by the officials.
As you can see, as per their recommendation a school girl’s basic laptop can run the GIS software.
In actuality, if you go with the mentioned hardware requirements, you will suffer a lot.
So we decided to take some experts on board, which are already in the GIS field and working in a big organization.
We had them on board to learn what are the ideal specs or features in a laptop for ArcGIS running.
This coming section will help you to learn the most basic things for running ArcGIS and other GIS software.
What is the Best Processor GIS Software?
To run ArcGIS smoothly without any issue, experts recommend a multi-core processor. A processor with four cores.
The clock speed of the processor should be above 3.0. In a layman’s language, you should pick a core i5 processor at least.
It is ideal to pick the latest-generation processor, as the latest-generation processor will offer smoother, faster, and power-efficient performance. In my view, if you are a professional working with ArcGIS, it is better to get a core i7 processor.
Yes, the power consumption of the Core i7 processor is high compared to core i5 but you will have smoother running and functionality.
The Core i7 processor supports hyper-threading which adds a 30-per cent boost in your performance compared to the performance without hyper-threading support.
Does ArcGIS use multiple cores?
Yes, ArcGIS use multiple cores in a session. It is for the ArcGIS 10 version, not for the prior ArcGIS 10 versions.
When using a basecamp layer or many other operations such as blending and drawing, the application use multiple cores, and multi-threads will be required.
With the presence of multi-cores, the operations become smoother and seamless.
How much RAM does ArcGIS pro need?
As per the official website, the ArcGIS running requires at least 4GB RAM for running. The recommended RAM size falls at 8GB. With the 8GB RAM size, your performance will be smoother and error-free.
I suggest for a professional ArcGIS user, it is recommended to get a 16GB RAM size for optimal performance. With this RAM size, you will be able to run multi-layered projects in ArcGIS.
RAM is a very much important attribute for a laptop to run multiple operations. It is used as temporary storage for the current operation the laptop is running.
The processor stores the data temporarily and retrieves it when needed instantly. While the data stored in the permanent storage takes time to retrieve.
In simplest words, with a high RAM size, you get multiple operations running at one time. Your laptop will easily switch through multiple programs or applications without freezing and other issues.
What is the best graphics card for ArcGIS pro?
As per the official ArcGIS website you require at least 256MB RAM to run the application smoothly. But in my view, and as per the expert’s recommendations, you need at least 4GB of dedicated RAM space to run this application smoothly.
In layman’s language, you need a GTX 1050 Ti with 4GB of dedicated space, or if you are a professional handling 3d modelling, rendering, and editing work, it is suggested to have a GTX 16-series graphics card.
Keep in mind, that graphics cards can’t be upgraded or changed like storage or RAM. It is soldered or embedded in the motherboard, which makes it unchangeable.
So, it is also suggested to get some extra graphics memory, it will help you in the long run.
How much space does ArcGIS take?
Officials say, the ArcGIS 10 requires at least 4GB of empty storage to get installed in a laptop. While ArcGIS 3.2 requires 32GB of space to get installed.
This is the space that your laptop should have empty to install the mentioned software. It is not the storage size your laptop should have for using ArcGis professionally or as a beginner.
The total storage size for this software should at least be 256GB SSD for beginners.
For a professional user, running ArcGIS professional, it is good to get 512GB SSD storage. If you are tight on budget and can’t afford to get a big SSD storage as they are expensive.
It is good to go with hybrid storage. Get SSD storage for OS, boot-up, and HDD storage as permanent storage.
Best Laptops for ArcGIS Reviews (2022)
These are the top 10 best laptops we picked for you to run ArcGIS 10.0 and other GIS software.
These are the top best models available in the market now that fall right on the official hardware requirement and run through multi-layered GIS projects without getting slow.
1. Acer Predator Helios 300 (Gaming Laptop For ArcGIS)
- Processor: 9th Gen core i7
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics card: RTX 2060 6GB
- Display: 15.6 FHD IPS 144 HZ
If you are a professional working on multi-layered GIS projects, you need to buy Acer Predator Helios 300. This laptop qualifies our criterion, recommended by the officials and experts.
It got the latest generation multi-core processor, Nvidia GeForce 20-Series graphics card, decent SSD storage, and enough RAM size.
Let’s have a closer look at the details this laptop shares for a budget price range.
The Acer Predator Helios 300 has a multi-core processor. The 9th Gen i7-9750H processor helps professionals work on multi-layered files and analyze data faster. The clock speed goes up to 4.5 GHz in turbo boost and supports hyper-threading as well.
For processor is concerned this laptop got the right processor for the ArcGIS Pro. It let you get hands-on with a big project, and make you accomplish your regular tasks without lagging or rendering issue.
It has an RTX 2060 Graphics card with 6GB of dedicated space. The offered graphics space is more than what we need for the GIS software running. We only needed GTX 970M graphics card with 2GB of dedicated space.
It is good to have extra graphics card space, as you sometimes have to handle professional tasks that involve big graphics data handling.
This scale of graphics cards is ideal to play the latest games. It is among one of the best gaming laptops under 1000 dollars price you can have. So, take on the latest games and enjoy the smoothest performance.
For RAM, this laptop has 16GB RAM. Good random access memory size, is enough for an ArcGIS Pro user to run their projects without any lags. The best thing about this laptop is that you can later expand the storage.
It offers a space that users can fill later on, and increase the RAM size to use the laptop for memory-intensive tasks such as video editing, blending civil engineering tasks handling, and other professional tasks.
The laptop has SSD storage onboard. It exceeds our expectations by offering a 512GB SSD storage which is more than enough for anyone. This size of SSD storage can help you store larger files without slowing down your system.
As long as the display is concerned, Acer’s laptop has 15.6 Inches FHD IPS display. The resolution size of the display is 1920 x 1080 pixels that are a Full HD display, better than an HD display multi-folds.
Furthermore, the FHD display shares good refresh rates that add smoothness to the videos produced on the multi-layered. It has a 3ms response time to respond faster in competitive multiplayer games and shares 72-per cent NTSC, 25-percent more colours than sRGB.
Acer Predator Helios 300 by all means is a perfect laptop for ArcGIS Pro running. This laptop is the top-recommended piece of electronics by experts.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Multi-core latest generation processor
Big sized Graphics card 20-series
Bright colorful smooth display
Giant SSD and RAM size
Budget price range[/i2pros][i2cons]Gets hot[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. Razer Blade 15
- Processor: 10TH Gen core i7
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: RTX 2060 6GB
- Display: 15.6 FHD 144 Hz 3ms
Razer is a world’s one of the biggest corporations in the world of laptop and computer peripherals making.
It offers the thinnest laptop for ArcGIS and other GIS apps such as QGIS, MapPublisher, and MapInfo.
We tested this laptop for much top GIS software and it helps users smoothly run through multiple apps at one time.
This laptop is more powerful than we need for ArcGIS running. It comes with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H processor.
The Hexa-core latest generation processor offers outstanding performance and goes up to 5.0 GHz in turbo boost.
It has Nvidia Turing architectured graphics card. It is a gaming laptop that’s why it got maximum specifications to help gamers never lag or slow in competitive latest games. It has an RTX 2060 Graphics card with 6GB of RAM space.
It is a VR Ready graphics card that offers improved frame rates to help gamers enjoy gaming at their cores. For gamers, this is the most amazing laptop they can pick.
It is made using high-quality CNC aluminium. The sturdy construction gives this laptop a longer lifespan compared to other cheap constructed laptops.
It looks good as well, you will love to take this laptop around for your professional tasks or casual computing.
It has a 16GB RAM size and 512GB SSD storage. Both the memory option is more than what we require for an optimal ArcGIS 10 running.
It is good to get bigger SSD storage as well as good RAM size, without them, you can’t enjoy a smooth performance.
It has a 15.6 inches FHD IPS edge-to-edge display. It got factory-calibrated colour accuracy and offers FHD resolution that makes your viewing experience simply breathtaking.
Its slim bezels around the display push the visual experience to the edge.
With a stunning battery backup and Thunderbolt 3 support, this laptop is something you should take into account for running ArcGIS 10 and other top GIS software.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Solid CNC Aluminum construction
Good looking laptop
Slim, thin, lightweight laptop
RTX 2060 is more than expected graphics
The RAM and storage size are upgradable
Razer Chroma RGB Backlight keyboard[/i2pros][i2cons]CPU gets hot
Little expensive[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. Dell G5 (Budget Laptop For ArcGIS)
- Processor: 9th Gen core i7
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 256 SSD + 1TB HDD
- Graphics card: 1650 4GB
- Display: 15.6 FHD IPS 120 Hz
If you are a GIS student and looking for a stunning piece of electronics for regular GIS tasks handling buy this laptop. It is the best laptop from the most purchased line-up belonging to the Dell brand.
This laptop comes in an affordable price range and got the right processing power to pace up with the tasks we handle.
Best Dell Laptop for ArcGIS comes engineering with a 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H processor. It is a multi-core 6-core processor that goes up to 4.5 GHz clock speed in turbo boost.
It is the processor for the ArcGIS that got enough oomph to add a boost to your processing and multitasking.
This laptop comes powered by a GTX 1650 graphics card with 4GB DDR4 Graphics. The visual handling of this graphics card is enough to suit the ArcGIS tasks handling.
Not just one ArcGIS software but any GIS software will have a smooth performance.
Not just for the ArcGIS or other 3D modelling, rendering, or editing work, this laptop is great at running video games. It can offer undisturbed gaming performance and make you never lose because of the poor tools or gears onboard.
The 16GB DDR4 RAM support and 256GB SSD plus 1TB HDD storage support are there to further escalate your doings.
The right memory and storage are helpful, you store bigger data files in your laptop without sacrificing the speed. And big high bandwidth RAM lets you run multiple apps and programs at one time.
The amazing thing is, for the power performer the RAM and storage size can be increased. You just open the bottom lid and use the extra space given. Just fill this space with the storage and RAM up to your needs and requirements.
This laptop has a 15.6 inches FHD IPS LCD backlight display. The laptop produces sharp full of colours images at the best resolution needed. The viewing angles can be poor, it is an LCD you will have to put the display straight in front of you to get the best viewing experience.
Its innovative dual-fan cooling system engineered with advanced thermal is there to ensure a smoother performance. This laptop lets you stay cool for a long time handling complex or modern titles.
In short, this laptop checks most of the boxes right and makes a good laptop for the tasks at hand. It comes in hands under 1000 dollars, a budget range laptop for ArcGis and Gis Software.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Hybrid storage (256GB SSD Plus 1TB HDD)
Innovative cooling system engineering with dual fans
Fast processor with a stunning clock speed
All metal construction
GTX 1650 Graphics card to ensure smoother visual processing[/i2pros][i2cons]Poor viewing angle[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. Acer Aspire 5 (Cheap Laptop For ArcGIS)
- Processor: 10th Gen Core i5-1035G1
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: MX350 2GB
- Display: 15.6 FHD IPS
If you are running short of budget and looking for an affordable laptop for ArcGis Pro this is the laptop for you. Do not worry, this laptop got all the specs you need to run your Geological Information system.
It got the dedicated graphics onboard, required RAM size, multi-core processor, and an FHD display. It checks most of the boxes right and makes an ideal pick under a cheap price range.
It has the 10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor. The G-series core i5 processor goes up to 3.6 GHz clock speed in turbo boost. The Core i5 processors are good for multitasking and let you handle most of the complex operations without consuming so much power.
And the g-series processors also come with integrated Intel UHD graphics that further escalate the performance a few notches up.
The budget laptop for GIS comes filled with 512GB SSD storage. Yes, under a 600 dollars price range this laptop got stunning storage that put the premium laptops to shame.
As long as the RAM is concerned, it got more than the official ArcGIS recommends to install this application. This laptop got 8GB DDR4 RAM, more than enough to run the GIS application. You can further increase the size, there is an open slot to serve the purpose.
The Budget range Acer laptop got an FHD IPS 15.6 Inches FHD display. It is a WideScreen LED backlight display that offers stunning viewing angles, and accurate colour production to help you view without any distortion.
The most amazing thing about this laptop is its graphics card. It has an MX350 Graphics card with 2GB of dedicated space. You are not going to sacrifice the visual handling, this laptop got the visual power recommended by the officials.
Furthermore, the backlight keyboard, Up to 8-hours of battery runtime, USB Type-C integration, and Fingerprint scanner are the further stunning features that add icing to the cake and make this laptop stands out in the crowd under a budget price.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Budget price range
MX350 Graphics card
The powerful processor goes up to 3.6 GHz
FHD IPS backlight display
Backlight keyboard
Fingerprint reader
Type-C support[/i2pros][i2cons]Odd layout keyboard[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Dell XPS 15 (Lightweight Laptop For ArcGIS)
- Processor: 10th Gen i7-10750H
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Graphics: GTX 1650 T I 4GB
- Display: 15.6 4k UHD
If you are a professional and looking for a powerful laptop for GIS this is the laptop for you. The latest XPS 15 strikes the right balance of power, aesthetics, and portability.
It shares a 4K Uhd display that produces everything in-depth and detailed.
You get crisp, error-free, accurate colours display without any viewing angle issue. The new Dell XPS 15 is the brightest laptop on the list. It got a 15.6 inches UHD 4K display with no bezels around the display.
It got a DisplayHDR display with Dolby Vision, a 500-nits display got the most vibrant display ever produced on the face of the earth. Due to its high illuminance, matte-coating this model is considered the finest laptop for taking outdoors.
It is a 16:10 aspect ratio display, and its edge-to-edge panels offer an enhanced viewing area. You get the almost 6-per cent enhanced screen in the same chassis compared to the previous model.
It got an Intel Core i7-10750H processor. The 10th gen six-core processor offers a clock frequency more than the required. With a 2.6 GHz base, a clock speed that goes up to 5.0 GHz in turbo boost is something you must value.
The processing power of this laptop is amazing, more than required for GIS processing handlings.
The best Dell Laptop for GIS got ideal memory integration. With 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD storage, you get hands-on the ideal configuration.
With 1TB SSD storage of the latest NVMe type, you get anything stored without putting the data-transfer speed off. You get instant loading of the apps, data transfer, and enhanced boot-up that adds a new boost to your computing and processing.
With GTX 1650 Ti graphics card with 4GB dedicated RAM you get your visual handling as snappy as possible.
Load your latest games visuals at boosted speed, and get games running at the highest frame rates possible. You get the latest most demanding titles running at Ultra HD settings without dropping the rates.
More than that, this laptop is great for complex task handlers. The power users can get their tasks processed without witnessing any lags. For tasks such as image editing, video editing, complex music file editing, IT professionals, and others find this laptop very much attractive.
The best laptop for GIS got an enhanced touchpad area. With a 62-per cent larger touchpad area, you get better control over computing and task handling.
The laptop got an advanced thermal system. With cutting-edge designed slim fans separated over a large area improves the air circulation. Hidden exhaust pipes and venting through the hinges improved the airflow and offers smoother performance.
In total, this laptop is what a professional GIS user would look for. This laptop got everything you would like to see on your laptop.
Yes, it comes at a price, but the price will be worth it. You will enjoy the stunning performance without any big issues around.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Good looking laptop
Portable as hell
Solid construction machine
Powerful latest generation processor
Massive 1TB storage
An advanced thermal system with engineering dual fans[/i2pros][i2cons]Expensive[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6. Huawei Matebook X Pro
- Processor: 8th Gen i7-8550U
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: MX150 2GB
- Display: 13.9 3K Touchscreen
If you are the go user looking for an ultra-lightweight laptop that slips into the bag seamlessly and carries around get your hands on Huawei MateBook X Pro.
Due to its slim chassis, and ultra-lightweight, this laptop is taken the best competition for MacBook.
It offers an improved 91-per cent screen body ratio, shares a 3:2 aspect ratio screen, and integrates a responsive touchscreen that blows others away from the competition.
This laptop comes in two variants when it is to the processor; core i5 and core i7. We picked a core i7 variant due to obvious reasons.
It comes engineered with an 8th Gen i7-8550U processor. It is a Kaby Lake processor, comes in four cores supports hyper-threading, and offers a total of 8-cores in virtual threads.
In total, this is the best processor you can have for ArcGIS task handling. The power-efficient processor is going to render smoother processes. The integrated graphics Intel UHD 620 with the processor lets you handle below-average visual tasks without involving a dedicated graphics card.
Yes, it does have dedicated graphics; Mx150 with 2GB RAM. The graphics card has good enough power to handle the tasks an average ArcGIS user has to throw. It can’t be taken onboard for video editing and the latest AAA titles handling.
The model got 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage onboard. The added configuration in memory slots is enough to take care of the professional visual data analysis and make maps to help users.
It is its 13.9 inches 3K display that makes this stunning laptop stands out. Yes, it has a responsive touchscreen with a 91-per cent screen-to-body ratio. It is the thinnest laptop on the list with 0.57 inches thickness and weighs just 2.93 pounds.
In short, this laptop got all the specs professional users would seek in a machine. It is a sober-looking machine with all nuts and bolts on board. You can rely on this machine, and take it along for business trips, business meetings, and others.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Thinnest laptop on the list
Responsive 3K touchscreen display with a 91-percent screen to body ratio
3:2 Aspect ratio
Lightweight laptop
Dedicated graphics card onboard
Ideal RAM and storage integration[/i2pros][i2cons]Not for professional GIS[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7. Asus ZenBook 15
- Processor: Core i7-10510U
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: GTX 1650 Max Q
- Display: 15.6 4K UHD
If you are a professional geographer or intend to pursue a career in geography, and looking for a stunning laptop that goes along with you without any big hiccup, get Asus ZenBook 15 laptop.
It is a complete package for professional GIS, a handy device that can easily run any GIS software or tool without any issue.
It takes with you due to its long battery backup, and lightweight and lets you access data analysis, population mapping, and other geographical information you require on the go.
It is a powerful laptop because of its top-of-the-line configuration. It has a 10th generation Intel Core i7-10510U mobile-series processor. It is a quad-core processor that goes up to 4.9 GHz in turbo boost and lets you process through any computing load you need to pass through.
With a GTX 1650 Max-Q dedicated graphics card of 4GB dedicated space, you get a laptop that is powerful in handling visuals.
Visually intensive and complex tasks such as 3d rendering, data mapping, modelling, editing videos and images, and running the latest titles can be handled using this machine.
Its configuration is quite satisfying. With 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage, you get everything to fall in its place. It is just the right configuration for a geographer or data mapper.
You would struggle in handling multiple CIS apps or rendering valuable data to let users know the information about an area with particular characteristics.
It is a 15.6 inches 4K UHD display laptop. Its UHD four-way nano bezels produce a large viewing area of 92-per cent. In other words, you get more screen area in less physical space and enjoy a clutter-free viewing experience.
This laptop got another screen aka ScreenPad 2.0. This 5.65 inches Touchscreen is amazing and increases your performance. It acts as a trackpad as well as a touchscreen to let you run anything you like, a complete screen like the primary one.
It got a backlight keyboard. The keys illuminated keyboard further escalate your performance and enhance your productivity. The ErgoLift design of the keyboard offers a natural typing position and lets you accomplish more in less time.
For professional ArcGIS users on the go, battery backup is one of the most important areas. This laptop offers a 9-hours consistent power to let things roll smoothly. It is something amazing for ArcGIS enthusiasts, a longer battery backup.
In total, this laptop is something content creators like to purchase. It got the ideal features for the digital artist, drawing, and sketching users.
For a professional like you, this laptop is an amazing grab that is going to add a boost to your professional doings.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]4K UHD screen
Nano bezels around the display
92-per cent screen to body ratio
Backlight keyboard
GTX 1650 Graphics card
Easy to carry around[/i2pros][i2cons]No thunderbolt at this price
Not for modern titles[/i2cons][/i2pc]
8. Samsung Notebook 9 (2-in-1 Laptop For ArcGis)
- Processor: 8th Gen i7-8550U
- Ram: 16GB
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 540
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: FHD
If you are looking for a 2 in 1 laptop for ArcGIS and GIS software handling then Samsung Notebook 9 is the best pick for you. This convertible laptop lets you handle the regular mapping, rendering, and blending work without losing the productivity of a tablet.
You can transform it into a tablet anytime to stream movies, take notes, draw anything on the screen and do other casual tasks.
This laptop comes powered with an 8th Gen i7-8550U processor. It is a quad-core processor, offers clock speed up to 4.0 GHz, and without consuming much of the battery lets you go through regular ArcGIS tasks handling.
It is a convertible laptop with a dedicated graphics card. Yes, the Samsung laptop got a 2GB dedicated graphics card; AMD Radeon Vega 540 Graphics. The graphics handling of the laptop is superb; enough to pace up with the tasks a regular GIS user throws on a laptop.
The best convertible laptop comes with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage. Yes, the laptop offers the ideal memory selection and makes the users never lag in handling multiple apps or programs.
This touchscreen laptop shares a 15-inches FHD Screen. The touchscreen is responsive, it transition into a tablet and supports 360-degree hinges. The flip and fold design lets the users easily roll the screen back over to make it a tablet to draw anything on the responsive screen.
This laptop comes with a Digital Pen, the stylus got looks like a fountain pen and makes you draw anything on the screen like a pen and paper.
Its backlight keyboard, USB Type-C integration, MicroSD card, and TPM security are the further impressive features that shine this laptop further.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Efficient touchscreen laptop with great power
Seamless transformation into a tablet
Got a dedicated graphics card
Responsive touchscreen
USB Type-C integrating[/i2pros][i2cons]Not for professional GIS tasks handling[/i2cons][/i2pc]
9. MSI GF65 Thin
- Processor: 9TH gen core i7
- Graphics: GTX 1660 Ti 4GB
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB
- Display: 15.6 FHD 120 Hz
Graphics card plays a pivotal role in making a laptop good for ArcGIS. In GiS, geographical data handling and analyzing, you need a visually impressive laptop. MSI-designed GF65 Thin is the best machine with GTX 1660 Ti graphics card.
The Turing architecture, V-R ready, R-tracing supporting graphics card make you get the most of it.
This laptop got a 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H. It is a six-core processor, with the support of hyper-threading, the model gets a total of 12-threads in total. With a base clock speed of 2.60 GHz that goes up to 4.50 GHz, you get what you need to handle ArcGIS and other GIS apps.
Yes, this laptop does not have the latest generation processor. It is a 9th generation processor, but for the tasks we got in hand, it is more than what we need.
It is the power of the processor that makes it useful, and its power is more than what we are looking for in handling ArcGIS Pro programs.
With 16GB RAM that comes in two slots and 512GB SSD NVMe storage, you get the ideal configuration. The RAM is upgradable, and can be upgraded up to 64GB. The same goes with the storage, it can be enlarged using the empty slots.
MSI-designed GF65 Thin gaming laptop has a 15.6 inches FHD IPS 120 Hz display. The thin bezel display offers an improved viewing area that offers a smoother viewing experience with less clutter.
This laptop packs a stunning range of specs in a thin chassis. The thin and light chassis offers outstanding performance without compromising anything. Take this gaming laptop around, and without feeling the weight, get hands-on with the tasks.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]FHD 120 Hz display
RAM is upgradable up to 64GB
Powerful processor onboard
Thin and lightweight gaming laptop
Good for the professionals ArcGIS users[/i2pros][i2cons]Loud fans
Difficult upgrade[/i2cons][/i2pc]
10. New Apple MacBook Pro
- Processor: 8-core CPU M1 chip
- Ram: 16GB
- Graphics: 8-core GPU
- Storage: 512GB SSD
If you want to enjoy your work and experience a premium laptop that stands out in every aspect buy New Apple MacBook Pro. It is M1 chip integrated laptop that has been made by Apple.
This chip has left others behind and stunned everything due to its superior performance, unique construction, and power efficiency.
You should compare this New Apple MacBook Pro with any of the laptops listed. It is a unique piece of electronics, and in my view, it is going to rank at the top in running ArcGIS and other GIS software such as MapInfo, Maptitude, and many many others.
Apple’s unique constructed laptop got an 8-core CPU integrated into the M1 chip. This chip outperforms previous year’s MacBook Pro and offers around 2.8 times faster processing power.
It has integrated graphics 8-core GPU that leaves previous year’s models behind and offers 5 times smoother and faster visual handling.
In the same way, it got a 16-core neural engine that offers quicker artificial intelligence performance, around 8-times faster than previous.
The unique thing about this laptop is its unified memory and storage. This model is not upgradeable, you can’t upgrade it later.
So pick the storage and memory carefully, do not compare the RAM size with any other laptop. It is integrated into the M1 chip, and unified 8GB RAM offers way smoother and faster performance than 16GB RAM.
I tried to freeze the Apple MacBook pro-13-inches 8GB Unified memory, I tried to load dozens of heavy apps such as Photoshop and others of the kind, and open around 50 plus chrome tabs, believe me, the magic of this laptop is beyond our imagination.
It has 256GB SSD storage onboard, you can pick the 512GB SSD variant if your storage needs are more than a regular geographer or mapping professional.
It has a 13.3 inches retina display. If you have never used Apple laptops before, then you might not get the name ‘Retina’. It is a name given to the displays by Apple, the retina displays hold four times more pixels per square than an average laptop.
That’s why, the retina display produces crystal clear images, near to realism. The text produced on the display is sharper, and P3 wide colour brings more vibrant greens and reds to the screen.
It has a Magic Keyboard integrated. The keyboard is as smoother as ThinkPad and lets you accomplish the typing work smoother and more fluidly.
Its fingerprint scanner, 2 Thunderbolt 3 support, 20-hours long battery backup are a few amazing features that make this laptop stand in the crowd.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Bright retina display
20 hours long performance
Magic Keyboard
Portable laptop
Faster CPU and GPU performance[/i2pros][i2cons]Expensive[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Final Thoughts:
This is it, the best laptops list for ArcGIS pro and GIS software. These laptops feature the right configuration and specs to run the mentioned application and programs without any big issues. Some laptops on the list are premium, cost a big money and some are on a budget.
Most of the laptops added to the lists are gaming devices; gaming laptops are the best for anything, due to their high-end specs and configuration.
Before you move on to buying a laptop for running ArcGIS, read the buying guide section once. It will help you in learning what makes a laptop good for GIS software.
