I’ve spent years in the finance profession, first in commercial banking, then M&A, then in private equity. Below are my recommendations for the best laptops for Finance in 2023, for investment banking, private equity, hedge funds or other roles. These machines will be your best bets in laying out spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and many, many Chrome tabs! I’m only laying out machines I have personally used in my career, so I’m only speaking from experience.
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Lenovo ThinkPad for Finance
I remember the first time I saw a colleague using a Lenovo ThinkPad. I was staring at him while using my HP at the time. And I was truly shocked at the performance. He was running complex macros that would take my machine minutes to compute in just a few seconds. Circular references? Not a problem. 20 tables in your spreadsheet? Not a problem. LBOs become daily bread for the x1 ThinkPad, the true workhorse in the profession from my point of view. It can serve as a hub for all your computational needs, whether an LBO model, a 100 page powerpoint or adobe file, or a 200 line macro to process a CSV of 1M data points.
This thing can really do it all. I highly recommend the ThinkPad for anyone looking for a reasonable price on a machine that will last years into your career in banking or private equity.
Technical specs include
- 14.0″ FHD+ Touchscreen IPS Anti-Glare
- 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1260P Processor
- 16GB RAM 1TB SSD
- Backlit KYB
- FR Reader
You can find it here at Lenovo ThinkPad for Finance.
Microsoft Surface
This was a lightweight powerful machine when I used it in my early days in commercial banking. I was able to build models for 20 different companies in the industrials vertical and build several business cases to convince my credit committee to approve term loans for cement producers, petrochemical companies, and even movie theatre conglomerates. The computer has nice sized 13.5″ Touch Screen, Long Battery Life, Fast Intel i7 Processor for Multi-Tasking, 512GB Storage with Windows 11. The technical specs make it truly a workhorse for banking, private equity and even hedge fund modeling.
You can find it here at Microsoft Surface for Finance.
MacBook Air
I started off with the MacBook air. I was a wee prospect in IB, working through the best financial modeling courses on the internet, learning excel shortcuts for Mac, while applying for jobs at top banks. How time flies
While it’s a great computer in general, aesthetically stunning and very energy efficient, it’s simply not up to Wall Street standards. With a 13” Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID it’s an impressive machine. I would recommend this for students that also need other functionality such as a simple, easy, and beautiful user interface, strong teleconferencing capabilities and a light weight for portability.
Find it here at MacBook Air for Finance.
Do I need one of the best laptops for Finance?
Selecting the right laptop is a crucial decision for investment bankers or private equity professionals seeking to thrive in today’s fast-paced financial world. The best laptops for investment bankers are those that offer a blend of power, portability, security, and reliability. The recommendations above will help you crunch numbers, analyze data, and execute transactions with confidence.
Bankers and investors require cutting-edge technology to stay competitive and make informed decisions. Whether you prioritize raw computing power, exceptional display quality, or a combination of both, there’s a laptop here that suits your unique needs. Additionally, the security features and durability of these laptops ensure that your sensitive financial data remains protected.
Invest in your success by investing in the right laptop. With the options we’ve explored, you’re now equipped to make an informed choice that aligns with your professional aspirations and style. Remember to consider your specific requirements, budget, and long-term goals when making your decision. The best laptops for investment bankers are not just tools; they are enablers of financial excellence. Choose wisely, and take the next step toward achieving your financial career ambitions.
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Best Financial Modeling Courses
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