When choosing the best laptop for Excel, especially if you’re working with large spreadsheets, data analysis, or macros, you’ll want to focus on a few key specs that ensure smooth performance:
1. Processor (CPU):
Intel Core i5 or i7 (11th Gen or later) or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 are solid options. The extra cores and threads help when processing large datasets.
For heavy Excel tasks, a high-performance CPU (e.g., Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9) will handle calculations faster.
2. RAM:
8GB is the minimum, but for large files and multitasking, 16GB or 32GB is ideal.
More RAM allows for better performance with larger data sets, pivot tables, and complex formulas.
3. Storage (SSD):
512GB SSD or higher for faster load times and file access. SSDs are significantly faster than traditional HDDs and help with quicker data retrieval.
Consider 1TB SSD if you store large data files.
4. Display:
A 15.6-inch display provides a good balance between portability and workspace. Look for Full HD (1920×1080) or higher resolution to get more on-screen real estate.
For complex dashboards, a larger screen or an external monitor might be useful.
5. Battery Life:
If you need portability, aim for a laptop with at least 8-10 hours of battery life.
6. Ports:
Having USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and a microSD slot can be handy for transferring files or connecting external monitors and accessories.
Image source: iStock
5 Recommended Laptops for forking with Exel
Dell XPS 15 (2023)
Image source: Dell
Processor: Intel Core i7 / i9
RAM: 16GB or 32GB
Storage: 512GB / 1TB SSD
Display: 15.6″ Full HD or 4K
Great for professionals who need performance and portability.
Pros
Great Keyboard and Touchpad: Comfortable keyboard with good travel, making it ideal for long typing sessions. The large precision touchpad is responsive and smooth, one of the best among Windows laptops.
Battery Life: Considering its powerful internals and high-resolution display, the XPS 15 offers decent battery life, often reaching 7-10 hours of usage on light to moderate tasks, depending on the configuration.
Premium Build and Design: The XPS 15 is known for its sleek and premium aluminum chassis with a carbon-fiber palm rest, offering both durability and aesthetics. Slim bezels (InfinityEdge display) provide an immersive viewing experience while keeping the laptop compact.
High-Quality Display: Available with a 15.6-inch OLED 3.5K display or a 4K Ultra HD+ (3840 x 2400) touch display, it offers brilliant colors, sharpness, and deep contrast, making it ideal for content creators and professionals. The 16:10 aspect ratio offers more vertical screen space, which is helpful for productivity tasks like working with spreadsheets.
Powerful Performance: Equipped with 12th or 13th Gen Intel Core i7 or i9 processors and up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics, the XPS 15 can handle demanding tasks like video editing, programming, and large Excel files without slowing down.
Cons
Limited Upgradability: While you can upgrade the RAM and SSD, the upgrade options are somewhat limited compared to other premium laptops. Many components are soldered or difficult to access.
Heat and Fan Noise: The XPS 15 can get warm under heavy workloads, especially during tasks like gaming, rendering, or intensive data processing. The fans can become audible under these conditions, which might be distracting in quiet environments.
Battery Life on Higher Configurations: While battery life is solid on the lower-resolution (FHD) display models, opting for the 4K or OLED versions significantly impacts battery life, reducing it to around 5-6 hours with intensive tasks.
Portability: At around 4 pounds (1.8 kg), it’s heavier than many ultrabooks. While it’s still portable, those looking for ultra-lightweight laptops may find it a bit bulky for travel or frequent commuting.
Price: The XPS 15 is expensive, especially if you choose higher-end configurations (Core i9, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 4K display). It’s a premium laptop, so you’re paying for high performance and build quality, but it may not be ideal if you’re on a tight budget.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11
Image source: Lenovo
Processor: Intel Core i7 (13th Gen)
RAM: 16GB / 32GB
Storage: 512GB / 1TB SSD
Known for durability, performance, and one of the best keyboards.
Pros
Lightweight and Portable: Weighing only 2.48 pounds (1.12 kg), the X1 Carbon is incredibly light and easy to carry, making it perfect for frequent travelers and professionals on the go.
Top-Tier Keyboard: Lenovo’s ThinkPad keyboards are renowned for their excellent key travel, tactile feedback, and overall typing comfort. The backlit keyboard on the X1 Carbon is one of the best in the business.
Display Options: Offers a range of display configurations, including a 14-inch 2.2K (2240 x 1400) IPS, 4K UHD, and WQHD+ (2560 x 1600) options. You get crisp visuals and good color accuracy, suitable for productivity, light media editing, and entertainment. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides more vertical space, which is particularly useful for reading documents or working with large spreadsheets.
Port Selection: Includes a good mix of ports for a business laptop: two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.0, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. This gives you versatility for connecting peripherals without needing too many adapters.
Security Features: Packed with business-grade security features like the fingerprint reader, IR camera for facial recognition, dTPM 2.0 chip, and ThinkShutter for the webcam. These make the X1 Carbon secure for business professionals handling sensitive information.
5G/LTE Options: Supports optional 5G/LTE connectivity, which is a big plus for professionals who need internet access while traveling or working remotely.
ThinkPad TrackPoint: For ThinkPad fans, the TrackPoint (red nub) in the middle of the keyboard is a beloved feature, providing an alternative to the touchpad for precise cursor control.
Cons
Limited Graphics Performance: The X1 Carbon uses integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, which are fine for everyday business tasks and light creative work, but they are not suited for gaming, 3D rendering, or intensive graphic design. If you need powerful GPU performance, this may not be the best option.
Non-Upgradeable RAM: The RAM is soldered to the motherboard, so you can’t upgrade it after purchase. You’ll need to choose your configuration carefully, especially if you plan to use the laptop for more memory-intensive tasks in the future.
Audio Quality: While the Dolby Atmos speakers are decent, the audio quality, especially in the bass department, doesn’t match premium multimedia laptops. It’s more than adequate for business tasks but less impressive for media consumption or presentations that rely heavily on sound.
Display Brightness: While the higher-end 4K and WQHD displays offer good resolution, some users have noted that the brightness levels are not as high as some competitors. If you work in bright environments or outdoors, you might find the display a bit dim.
Battery Life with 4K Display: If you opt for the 4K UHD display, the battery life takes a hit, reducing it to around 5-7 hours, which is significantly lower than the 2.2K or WQHD+ models. This could be a disadvantage for users who prioritize longer battery life.
No Discrete GPU Option: Unlike some other high-end business laptops, the X1 Carbon doesn’t offer a dedicated GPU option. If your work involves intensive graphical tasks, you might need a different model like the ThinkPad X1 Extreme.
Apple MacBook Pro (M2, 2023)
Image source: Apple
Processor: Apple M2 chip
RAM: 16GB or 32GB
Storage: 512GB / 1TB SSD
Excellent performance in handling Excel with a Retina display for crisp visuals.
Pros
Long Battery Life: The MacBook Pro (M2) boasts excellent battery life, with up to 18-22 hours of usage, depending on the configuration (13-inch or 14/16-inch models). This makes it one of the longest-lasting laptops on the market, great for working all day without needing a charge.
Build Quality and Design: The aluminum unibody chassis feels premium, durable, and slim, continuing Apple’s tradition of high-quality hardware design. Slim bezels around the display offer more screen real estate, and the keyboard and trackpad are considered among the best in the industry.
Unified Memory Architecture (RAM): With the M2 chip’s unified memory, the MacBook Pro offers fast memory access and better efficiency, especially for tasks requiring high bandwidth, like video editing, machine learning, and running multiple applications. Up to 96GB of RAM (on M2 Max models), which is excellent for power users handling extremely intensive workflows.
MacOS Ecosystem: macOS integrates seamlessly with other Apple products, including the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Features like Handoff, Continuity, Universal Clipboard, and AirDrop make working across devices smooth and convenient. Apple’s ecosystem is highly secure, and the MacBook Pro includes Touch ID for easy, secure login and Apple Pay functionality.
Quiet and Cool: The M2 chip is highly energy-efficient, allowing the MacBook Pro to run cool and quiet even under heavy loads. The active cooling system helps maintain performance without loud fan noise.
Excellent Speakers and Microphone: The 6-speaker sound system (14-inch and 16-inch models) provides exceptional audio quality with deep bass and clear mids, making it great for media consumption or professional audio work. The studio-quality microphones offer excellent voice clarity for calls, podcasts, and recording.
Cons
High Price: The MacBook Pro, especially the M2 Pro and M2 Max models, is quite expensive. While the performance is top-notch, the price might be prohibitive for casual users or those on a budget. Fully configured models can reach over $4,000.
Software Compatibility (Windows): While macOS is excellent for many professional workflows, some Windows-specific software (especially business and engineering apps) might not run natively on macOS. Although you can run Windows through virtualization or dual-boot, it’s not as seamless as running it on a Windows machine.
No Upgradability: Like previous models, the RAM and storage are soldered to the motherboard, meaning you cannot upgrade them after purchase. You need to buy the right configuration from the start, which might lead to higher costs if you anticipate needing more power in the future.
No USB-A Ports: While the 14-inch and 16-inch models have good port variety, including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and SD card slot, they still lack USB-A ports. This might require dongles or adapters for older peripherals.
macOS Limitations: While macOS is smooth and optimized, some users might find it limiting in terms of gaming or specific applications that are more readily available or perform better on Windows (e.g., AutoCAD, certain accounting software). Gamers will especially miss the broader game support on Windows.
HP Spectre x360 16 (2023)
Image source: HP
Processor: Intel Core i7 (13th Gen)
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
High performance, great design, and a versatile 2-in-1 format.
Pros
Versatile 2-in-1 Design: The Spectre x360’s convertible design allows it to be used as a laptop or tablet, offering flexibility for both work and entertainment. The 360-degree hinge makes it easy to switch between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes, ideal for creative tasks, watching videos, or taking notes.
Premium Build Quality: The Spectre x360 16 features an elegant aluminum chassis with a gem-cut design and sleek edges. It feels sturdy and premium, matching the high-end competition in both looks and durability.
Privacy and Security Features: The Spectre x360 16 includes several security-focused features such as a fingerprint reader, an IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition, a physical webcam shutter, and a dedicated mute button for the microphone. These features make it ideal for professionals who value security and privacy.
Strong Battery Life: The Spectre x360 offers solid battery life, often around 8-10 hours on moderate usage, despite having a high-resolution OLED display. It can comfortably last a full workday for most tasks.
Bang & Olufsen Audio: Equipped with quad speakers tuned by Bang & Olufsen, the laptop delivers excellent sound quality for a laptop of this size. It’s great for media consumption, video conferencing, or even light music production.
Cons
Windows Hello Camera Could Be Better: The 720p webcam, while functional, is not as sharp as some competitors offering 1080p webcams, especially at this price point. For users who spend a lot of time on video calls, this could be a drawback.
No Dedicated Stylus Storage: While the HP Tilt Pen is included, there is no built-in slot or storage for it on the device, which makes it easy to misplace the pen if not kept securely in a case.
Fan Noise: The laptop can get noisy under heavy load when performing demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming. The fan noise can be distracting in quiet environments, though it’s generally not an issue for lighter tasks.
Heavier and Bulkier: Weighing around 4.45 pounds (2.02 kg), the Spectre x360 16 is on the heavier side for a convertible laptop, making it less portable than other ultrabooks. While it offers a larger screen, it may not be as convenient for users prioritizing ultra-lightweight designs.
Asus ZenBook Pro Duo 14
Image source: ASUS
Processor: Intel Core i7 / i9
RAM: 16GB / 32GB
Storage: 512GB / 1TB SSD
Dual-screen setup ideal for multitasking, great for Excel power users.
Pros
Dual-Screen Design (ScreenPad Plus): The standout feature of the ZenBook Pro Duo 14 is the 14-inch primary OLED display paired with a 12.65-inch secondary touchscreen called the ScreenPad Plus. The secondary screen adds versatility, allowing you to run multiple apps or use it as an extended display for creative tools, timelines, or additional windows. It significantly enhances multitasking capabilities.
Stunning 4K OLED Display: The main 14-inch 4K OLED HDR display offers vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for content creators, video editors, and designers who need accurate color representation and sharp details. It also supports 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, delivering top-notch visuals.
Enhanced Multitasking: The dual-screen setup makes it incredibly easy to multitask, especially for creative professionals. You can use the ScreenPad Plus to extend the workspace, keep toolbars or references open, or even use it for touch-based shortcuts in Adobe apps (like Photoshop or Premiere Pro). It enhances productivity significantly for those who regularly work with multiple windows or creative software.
Responsive Stylus Support: The ScreenPad Plus and primary display support stylus input, making it a great choice for artists, designers, and digital content creators who use a pen for drawing, sketching, or annotating.
Customizable Workflow: Asus provides a suite of software that enhances the ScreenPad Plus experience, like the Asus Control Panel for Adobe Creative Cloud apps. You can customize the ScreenPad for specific workflows or shortcuts, boosting efficiency.
Cons
Heavy and Bulky: Weighing around 3.64 pounds (1.65 kg), the ZenBook Pro Duo 14 is heavier than most 14-inch laptops. The dual-screen design adds bulk, and it may not be as portable as other ultrabooks in its category. Users prioritizing portability might find it cumbersome.
Battery Life: The inclusion of two displays significantly impacts battery life. The ScreenPad Plus is power-hungry, leading to battery life around 5-7 hours on moderate usage, which is lower than many competitors. If you’re using both screens intensively, the battery life can drop even more, so it’s not ideal for long periods of work away from a charger.
Heat and Fan Noise: The laptop can get quite hot under heavy load, especially when using both the primary and secondary displays for demanding tasks like 3D rendering or video editing. The fans kick in to manage the heat, but they can be quite noisy, which may be distracting in quieter environments.
Learning Curve for the ScreenPad Plus: While the ScreenPad Plus is a great productivity tool, it can be a bit overwhelming at first, and some users may need time to adapt to the workflow of managing two screens. Not all apps are optimized for dual screens
Webcam Quality: The 720p webcam on the ZenBook Pro Duo 14 is decent for basic video calls, but it is subpar for a premium laptop, especially when compared to some competitors that offer 1080p webcams. If video conferencing quality is a priority, you might find the webcam lacking.
Any of these options should perform well with complex Excel workloads, depending on your budget and specific needs.
FAQs
Is 16GB RAM enough for Excel?
Yes, 16GB of RAM is generally more than enough for most Excel tasks, including working with moderately large spreadsheets, pivot tables, and macros. With 16GB, you’ll be able to handle: Large datasets (in the hundreds of thousands of rows or more). Complex formulas and calculations. Running multiple Excel instances alongside other applications (like a browser, email, or Power BI).
However, 16GB might not be sufficient if: You’re working with extremely large datasets (e.g., millions of rows). You rely on Power Query or Power Pivot for heavy data analysis. You work with complex data models and multiple Excel instances open at once. You’re running virtual machines or other high-memory software alongside Excel.
In those cases, 32GB of RAM could offer better performance. But for most users, 16GB strikes the right balance between performance and cost.
Is MacBook better for Excel?
When a MacBook is Better: If you prefer the macOS ecosystem and want excellent performance, battery life, and a high-quality display. For light to moderate Excel usage, where advanced Windows-only features aren’t necessary. If you’re already using other Apple products, such as an iPhone or iPad, and want seamless integration.
When a Windows Laptop is Better: For advanced Excel users who need full VBA, Power Pivot, Power Query, or specific add-ins not available on macOS. If you work in a corporate environment that relies heavily on Microsoft software and Windows-based Excel features. If you are on a budget and need more hardware power for the price.
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