Some people might be surprised but accounting has been around since the 1800s. The accounting profession has gone a long way since, offering a brighter future for upcoming CPAs. However, to be in this business today, you need the right tools, including a laptop for accounting.
Your laptop can make or break your career, as more and more companies shift their business from paper to online. Having the right laptop allows you to keep track of records, store and file important client data, and do your work properly. Check out the best laptop for accounting below:
Top Picks: Best Laptop for Accounting
If the saying is true that people are only as good as their tools, an accountant really needs a good laptop. Maybe back in the days that would translate to accountants and their abacuses or their calculators but now it’s definitely a laptop.
Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
Expect exceptional performance from the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop. This computer comes with an AMD Ryzen 3 processor so you can work without any lags even with multiple spreadsheets open. It also has a backlit keyboard to help you keep going even if you are working into the wee hours of the night.
With a battery that lasts 7.5 hours, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop can help you get through taxation and auditing if you decide to work away from a power outlet. It’s easy to spot any errors on your screen as this computer has a 15.6-inch display with Acer BlueLightShield.
Another good thing about the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is it is for play as it is for work. It has an Acer TrueHarmony speaker design and Radeon RX Vega Graphics.
- Dual-core AMD Ryzen 3
- Backlit keyboard
- Up to 7.5-hour battery
- 15.6-inch display
2019 Apple MacBook Pro
For superior performance, the 2019 Apple MacBook Pro is a good option. This laptop has an 8-core, 9th Gen, Intel i9 processor plus 16GB RAM. It also has a 1TB storage, fast SSD so you can load up multiple files and add accounting software and apps.
With that much information in one laptop, it’s a good thing the 2019 Apple MacBook Pro is installed with the T2 Security Chip from Apple. You and your clients don’t have to worry about the encryption of sensitive information.
The 2019 Apple MacBook Pro definitely helps you work. For quick access to your computer, you have a Touch ID. It’s also possible to create shortcuts with the Touch Bar. This laptop has an 11-hour battery life and boasts AMD Radeon Pro graphics on the 16-inch Retina display.
- Touch Bar + Touch ID
- Up to 11-hour battery
- Ultrafast SSD, 1TB storage
- T2 Security Chip
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is your mighty companion if you are an accountant on the go. This laptop weighs less than 2lbs and is super slim, you can take it anywhere you go without breaking your back or shoulder. What’s more, its battery can last up to 10.5 hours. If it runs out, a little over an hour of charging can bump up your battery life up to 80%.
With a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 allows you to work in 3 ways: laptop, tablet, and studio. With a Surface Pen (sold separately), you can conveniently jot down important numbers instead of having to type them.
Even in a surprisingly slim package, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 boasts impressive performance. It has a 128GB SSD and 10th Gen Intel i5 processor.
- Slim and lightweight
- Fast charging, 10.5 hours battery
- Touchscreen
- 10th Gen, Intel i5
New Dell XPS 15 Touchscreen Laptop
The New Dell XPS 15 Touchscreen Laptop is perfect for the busy accountant. This hardy unit features Corning Gorilla Glass. Working for long periods of time is made easier as the laptop has an anti-reflective display. What’s more, the 14.6-inch touchscreen boasts a 4K+ resolution.
You can work overtime with the New Dell XPS 15 Touchscreen Laptop as it has dual heat pipes and dual fans to keep from overheating. It has a large touchpad and a comfortable keyboard, too. To keep you in the loop, this laptop can be seamlessly integrated with your smartphone.
You can work and play at the same time as the New Dell XPS 15 Touchscreen Laptop has 16GB RAM plus 4GB for the Nvidia GTX 1650 graphics. It runs on an Intel Core i7 10th Gen processor and has 1TB storage.
- 15.6” 4K+ touch, anti-reflective display
- Large touchpad
- Dual fans and heat pipes
- Smartphone integration
ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop
One of the most important things to an accountant is the number keypad and the ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop has the ace. It features a touchpad that also doubles as a NumberPad, that way you get your numbers and arithmetic symbols without taking up precious space on the backlit keyboard.
The ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop has 8GB RAM and runs on Intel i5 10th Gen processor. With a NanoEdge Bezel display, you get more space for your screen. The 13.3-inch display features full HD resolution plus its camera has facial recognition for quick sign-ins to Windows.
Transferring files shouldn’t be a problem with the extensive connectivity options of the ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop. It has Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2, Bluetooth, HDMI 2.0b, and even a Micro SD card reader.
- NumberPad + backlit keyboard
- Facial recognition camera
- 10th Gen, Intel i5
- Extensive connectivity options
Buying Guide for Best Laptop for Accounting
So, you’re looking to get the best laptop for accounting? As long as the laptop can be used for work without any trouble, it should be good to go. However, aside from having a good processor and memory, you can also take note of the following features to help narrow down your choices:
Numeric Keypad
Again, accounting is big on numbers, so how important is it to you to have a numeric keypad on your laptop? There are pros and cons to having one built-in but know that you can also buy an external pad for it, too. If you do decide on getting an external numeric pad, this will lead to the next thing you need to consider.
Display
A big display may not mean much to some. But for an accountant looking at numbers and grids all day, a bigger display can reduce eye-squinting and headaches. If you are in front of your laptop all day and don’t have protective glasses, you might want to get a display that can reduce Blue Light.
Connectivity
To make laptops more portable, some manufacturers drop features from them. There are thin laptops that lack connectivity options, which becomes a hassle if you need several external gadgets for accounting. This can be anything from a numeric keypad to a mouse, and external drive.
Portability
If you have numerous clients that you need to visit, you might want to get a portable laptop. This is also helpful if you tend to travel or do inventories in different locations. A portable laptop also allows you to work from anywhere in case you get tired of your cubicle or work desk.
Other Uses
Do you plan on using your laptop for other things, such as entertainment? Maybe you want to take a breather during your break or want to unwind after a full day of work? You should consider these things if you want a laptop that can offer other uses.
It’s possible to own a laptop for accounting that is also the best laptop for nursing students or even an ideal one for gamers. You just need to check the specs and see if it will coincide with your needs or whoever else will have access to your laptop.
Conclusion
The best laptop for accounting is a computer that has generous RAM and an updated processor so it can keep up with multiple apps and software for accounting. It should also have enough memory for all of the files an accountant will need.
As for the other features of a laptop for accounting, these are things that are based on personal preference. You should also consider your work style, whether you prefer using a pen over typing, staying at one workspace, etc.
