Thanks to CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) programming machines, we can make any kind of machinery parts or components very easily. We longer need to use chisels or hammers. All you need is a design and instructions – the CNC machine will automate the process and complete your design.
Therefore, many hardware manufacturing firms rely on CNC programming machines, and it has become a thriving industry. Also, if you want to be an automation engineer, you must be skilled at CNC programming. To succeed as an industrial and automation engineer, you must possess a solid understanding of CNC programming.
Regardless of whether you are a professional or a student, you will need a powerful laptop that can run heavy CAD/CAM programming software without any worries.
Not all the laptops available out there are not perfect for this job. You will need to find the best laptop for CNC programming. The laptop should come with all the necessary features. The laptop should meet your requirements and budget. Also, it should be easy to use.
However, if you don’t have any knowledge regarding laptops and looking for the best option then this article is for you. In this article, I am going to review some of the most powerful and affordable laptops for CNC programming. You can go through each of them and pick the one which matches your requirements.
So, without further a talk, let’s get started.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Newest Acer Aspire 5 | Check Price |
| Lenovo ThinkPad P53S | Check Price |
| HP Pavilion 15 | Check Price |
| Dell XPS 15 9570 | Check Price |
| Acer Swift 3 | Check Price |
| Apple MacBook Air | Check Price |
| Alienware M15 | Check Price |
| ASUS VivoBook 17 | Check Price |
1. Newest Acer Aspire 5
Specification
- Brand: Acer
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3200U
- Memory: 16GB
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Weight: 3.97 pounds
- Dimension: 14.31 x 9.74 x 0.89 inches
The first laptop on the list is Acer Aspire 5, an affordable laptop that is ideal for programming CNC machines. It is a great option for students and those who are short on budget. This laptop comes with almost all the necessary features for a budget price. So, if you are on a budget then you should check this out.
First of all, let’s talk about the processor of this model. In the Newest Acer Aspire 5 laptop, you get an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor which can deliver up to 3.5 GHz turbo boost speed. Performance-wise, this processor can easily beat the Intel Core i5-7200U processor. Since it is a budget laptop, you don’t get any dedicated graphics card. However, the processor includes integrated AMD Radeon Vega 3 Mobile Graphics.
Moreover, when it comes to memory and storage, the combination of 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD is simply fantastic. These are high-bandwidth RAM that can run multiple applications smoothly without any issues. The best thing is, this laptop allows you to upgrade the memory. You will just need to remove a single screw.
Another great thing about this laptop is that it comes with a 15.6 inches full HD screen which makes it an ideal option for CNC programming. You can also use this laptop for 3D modeling and watching videos. In addition, the Acer Aspire 5 gives you up to 8 hours of battery life.
For those looking for a budget laptop that has an excellent user interface and is ideal for CNC and CAD, the Acer Aspire 5 can be a great option. However, if you are a professional CNC programmer then I would not suggest you go for this.
PROS
- Affordable
- Lightweight and compact
- Large screen size
- Includes all the necessary connectivity ports
CONS
- Not for professionals
2. Lenovo ThinkPad P53S
Specification
- Brand: Lenovo
- Processor: Intel Core i7 i7-8565U
- Memory: 16GB
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Dimension: 19.2 x 13 x 3.1 inches
Here we have another great option for CNC programming which is the Lenovo ThinkPad P53S. If you are seeking a reliable and durable machine for CNC programming then this might be a wise idea. No matter if you are doing heavy multitasking or running heavy software, this laptop can handle it. So, if you want the best performance then should look for it.
Moreover, when it comes to the processor, the Lenovo ThinkPad P53S comes equipped with the Intel Core i7 i7-8565U. Thanks to this powerful processor, you can multitask without facing any lag. The best thing about this laptop is that it includes an NVidia Quadro P520 dedicated graphics card that can perform graphics-intensive tasks.
In addition, if you are looking for a lightweight and portable laptop then it can be an ideal option for you. Also, as a member of the ThinkPad series, this laptop is known for its durability and reliability. Programmers and writers appreciate the ThinkPad series’ keyboard quality. This keyboard provides a soothing and efficient experience.
When it comes to memory and storage, the laptop comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD. So, you can perform heavy tasks without worrying about storage shortage. Moreover, with the dTMP chip and fingerprint reader, this laptop offers a higher level of security.
Furthermore, the Lenovo ThinkPad P53S includes a 15.6-inch display backed with full HD resolution which is enough for our job. Another exciting feature of this laptop is that it has a wide range of connectivity options, such as LAN, HDMI, and USB port along with the Thunderbolt 3 port.
PROS
- Immersive display quality
- Comfortable typing experience
- Durable build quality
- Includes a fingerprint reader
CONS
- A bit expensive
3. HP Pavilion 15
Specification
- Brand: HP
- Processor: Intel Core i7-1165G7
- Memory: 16GB
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Weight: 3.86 pounds
- Dimension: 14.18 x 9.21 x 0.7 inches
If you are serious about your job and want all the necessary features for CNC programming at a budget price then I would suggest you go with the HP Pavilion 15. Thanks to its fantastic configuration, you will get premium performance and fast execution experience. Plus, its slim and lightweight design makes it an ideal option for frequent travelers.
Compared to other mid-range budget notebooks available in the market, this laptop offers even better performance with its high-wattage Intel Core i7 processor. The processor delivers a better working experience and instant responsiveness. Although this model doesn’t come with any dedicated graphics card, you get the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics which offers you a decent performance with crisp and stunning visuals.
Furthermore, the laptop offers a massive battery life of up to 10 hours without letting you down and keeps you going all day long. Additionally, the HP fast charger attached to this laptop can charge it to 50% in just 45 minutes. Thanks to its long battery life, you will be able to get your works done on the go.
In terms of display quality, the HP Pavilion 15 won’t disappoint you. Because it comes with a full HD 15.5-inch micro-edge IPS display with anti-glare technology. The screen is capable of delivering decent images for your work or gaming needs.
Moreover, the laptop is equipped with enough connectivity ports on the left and right sides. Additionally, with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, you can do moderate multitasking and run heavy software without any worries.
PROS
- Immersive display quality
- Beautiful slim design
- Robust performance
- Reasonable price
- Longer battery life
CONS
- A bit heavy
4. Dell XPS 15 9570
Specification
- Brand: Dell
- Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H
- Memory: 32GB
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Weight: 3.97 pounds
- Dimension: 14.1 x 9.3 x 0.7 inches
If you are a professional CNC programmer who works with hardware-intensive software and intricate designs that have very micro details, then you would require a laptop with a high-resolution screen and powerful hardware. That is why I am recommending the Dell XPS 15 9570 which includes plenty of features as well as a higher resolution display.
As far as the performance goes, the Dell XPS 15 9570 will not disappoint you, because it comes with an Intel Core i7-8750H processor which delivers a smooth working experience. The best thing is, this processor can multitask and deal with heavy workloads without any worries. And thanks to the NVidia GTX 1050Ti dedicated GPU you will get a smooth performance while running graphics-intensive tasks.
Now let’s talk about the main attraction of this laptop. The Dell XPS 15 includes an InfinityEdge and anti-reflective 4K touchscreen display. In addition to being sharper, the display provides highly accurate colors. As a result, you will get a better experience while doing graphics-related tasks.
Moreover, with this laptop, you get 32GB of memory and 1TB SSD storage, which is a great combination for those who run heavy 3D modeling or CNC programming software. In addition, this machine can handle heavy multitasking without a problem. However, if you are a beginner then I will not suggest you go with this one. You should start with something normal.
Moving on, the laptop is constructed with aluminum, making it very durable and giving it a very professional look. Overall, Dell XPS 15 can be a good choice if you are looking for a powerful machine.
PROS
- Fantastic display quality
- Durable and professional looking
- Backlit keyboard
- Good hardware configuration
CONS
- There is no LAN port
5. Acer Swift 3
Specification
- Brand: Acer
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 4700U
- Memory: 8GB
- Screen Size: 14 inches
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Weight: 2.65 pounds
- Dimension: 12.73 x 8.62 x 0.63 inches
If you are looking for a thin and lightweight laptop for CNC programming then you should check out the Acer Swift 3. It can be an ideal option for those who travel a lot. It is very portable and weighs only 2.6 pounds. Also, this device offers all the necessary features for CNC programming for a budget price.
Moreover, the Acer Swift 3 comes packed with a lot of power into the chassis. The processor used in this laptop is the AMD Ryzen 7 4700U which is able to perform critical tasks pretty smoothly and deliver a better working experience. Since it is a budget-friendly laptop, there is no dedicated graphics card. However, the integrated Radeon graphics will get most of your works done.
Thanks to its sleek & metal chassis made from aluminum & magnesium aluminum and a high screen-to-body ratio, this machine is truly one of the best options for CNC programming. Plus With its 14″ Full HD IPS display and elegant silver casing, this elegant multimedia device excels in both looks and performance.
Also, having a laptop that doesn’t perform as you would expect on the go is very frustrating. The Acer Swift 3 is designed with all the power and features you would need for a full day of work and entertainment. The coolest thing is, it comes equipped with a powerful battery that can last for up to 12 hours and help you accomplish your daily tasks from morning to night.
Overall, the performance of this laptop is pretty amazing. It includes an embedded fingerprint reader which can verify your identity without a password.
PROS
- Affordable price
- Thin and lightweight
- Sturdy build quality
- Longer battery life
CONS
- Glossy display
6. Apple MacBook Air
Specification
- Brand: Apple
- Processor: Apple M1 Chip
- Memory: 8GB
- Screen Size: 13.3 inches
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Weight: 2.65 pounds
- Dimension: 11.97 x 0.63 x 8.36 inches
Apple MacBooks are always known for their robust performance and amazing user experience. If budget is not a problem for you and you want to invest your money in a powerful device then the latest Apple MacBook Air can be the best option for you. In terms of both value and performance, this laptop has a lot to offer.
The most unique thing about this MacBook is that it comes with the M1 chip. Apple claims that this is the fastest processor that Apple has ever made. It is an 8-core CPU that can perform intensive tasks like professional video editing, running CNC programming software, and action-packed gaming without any worries. The processor has been extraordinarily optimized to offer you better performance.
When it comes to storage space, this model comes with 256GB of SSD storage. Of course, if your budget allows, you can go with the 512GB version but that will cost you some extra money. In addition, it includes 8GB of unified memory that delivers you a responsive and speedy user experience. Thus, it can handle large graphic files and memory-intensive tasks efficiently.
Another great advantage of this laptop is that it is very travel-friendly. Thanks to its slim and portable design you can carry it anywhere without any trouble. Besides, you don’t even have to worry about the battery life frequently, because it can survive up to 18 hours easily.
With a stunning 13.3 inches retina display, this laptop can be a great option for professional CNC programmers. The color accuracy is simply amazing. Altogether, the Apple MacBook Air with an M1 chip is a great laptop.
PROS
- Portable and easy-to-use
- Comes with a retina display
- Supports heavy multitasking
- Powerful processor
CONS
- Expensive
7. Alienware M15
Specification
- Brand: Alienware
- Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H
- Memory: 16GB
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Weight: 10.48 pounds
- Dimension: 17.9 x 16.2 x 4.6 inches
If you don’t travel with your laptop frequently then you should check the Alienware M15 out. This laptop is a complete beast, especially when it comes to performance and hardware configuration. Since it is mainly optimized for running heavy graphics-intensive tasks, you won’t face any trouble while working with heavy 3D modeling and CNC programming software.
The thing that I liked the most about this laptop is its durable build quality. It is constructed with high-quality materials like magnesium alloy, copper, and steel that make the laptop highly durable without being overly heavy. In addition, it gives you consistent performance even with heavy multitasking thanks to the advanced thermal technology.
Moving on, this laptop is powered by the latest Intel Core i7-8750H which is capable of performing any task you throw at it. Not only that, the Alienware 15 includes an NVidia RTX 2070 graphics card, so you can run any high-end software or graphics-intensive task without facing any lag.
Another great attraction of this laptop is the display. The Alienware M15 features a 15.6-inch full HD display that produces sharp images. Plus, the color accuracy makes it an ideal option for designing related tasks. Additionally, it can stay alive for up to 17 hours on a single charge, so you don’t have to charge it frequently.
In simple words, if you are looking for a powerful device then the Alienware M15 can be the best deal for you. With this laptop, you can easily perform any hardware-demanding task smoothly. The only downside that I found is that it is quite expensive.
PROS
- Durable build quality
- High processing power
- Sharp display
- Impressive battery life
CONS
- Expensive
- Not recommended for beginners
8. ASUS VivoBook 17
Specification
- Brand: ASUS
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7-3700U
- Memory: 20GB
- Screen Size: 17.3 inches
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Dimension: 16 x 10 x 1 inches
If you want to replace your desktop with a powerful machine then the ASUS VivoBook might be a good option for you. The thing that people like the most about this laptop is that it comes with a 17.3 inches NanoEdge display which produces sharp images. It also comes with a matte finish to minimize the reflections on the screen.
Under the hood, this laptop comes with the AMD Ryzen 7-3700U processor which is powerful enough to provide a smooth working experience. It can easily handle anything that you throw at it. In addition, you also get AMD Radeon RX Vega 10 Graphics integrated into the processor.
Moreover, this laptop weighs lighter, compared to other laptops that come with a 17-inch display. Since this is a desktop replacement machine, you won’t lack connectivity options. It has a full range of connectivity including LAN, HDMI, USB, Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3, Mini DisplayPort, and so on.
With this laptop, you can perform any resource-intensive tasks since it comes with 20GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. This combination makes it an ideal option for CNC programming. It even includes a 64Gb Flash Drive.
Overall, the performance and features that this laptop offers are simply amazing. The price is also very reasonable. So, if you are on a budget and looking for a desktop replacement machine then this laptop can be the best deal for you.
PROS
- Worth the price
- Responsive user experience
- Efficient cooling system
- Ultimate performance
CONS
- Large size
Conclusion
CNC programming is a very resource-demanding task. Not all the laptops available out there are perfect for this job. No matter whether you are a beginner or a professional CNC programmer, you should look for the best laptop for CNC programming.
Therefore, after going through different brands and models we have concluded the 7 best laptops that are able to provide you with a smooth working experience. All the laptops reviewed in this article are best for CNC programming when it comes to features, performance, and price.
However, every laptop has its advantages and disadvantages. That is why I would recommend you to go through each of the laptops and pick the one that meets your needs. But if you are not short on budget then you can go with the Lenovo ThinkPad P53S. It comes with all the features required for CNC programming and delivers a responsive user experience. Or, you can go with the Acer Aspire 5, which is a budget laptop.
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