Over the last decade, one has seen a massive rise in the automobile market. Automobiles of different sizes, shapes, and features have been released in the American as well as global markets.
With this came the realization of the significance of the automobile engineers. In fact, a few decades ago, in the 1980s, automobile engineers were scarce. They were on par with doctors in terms of both reputation and pay scale.
These highly skilled workers are famous today also and possess intense knowledge of automobiles. To help them handle and deal with cars, it would be best to make use of the automotive laptop.
Besides, the machine can help them conduct different complex activities and offer a stunning explanation of the condition of your automobiles. There is a wide range of tools to do that. It makes your tasks less complicated and more straightforward.
Moreover, the laptop for automotive programming helps you complete the tasks within a short period. The laptops you use play a similar role. Additionally, you would be amazed to know that they can help you in several situations.
It could be tuning the car, adjusting the software, and modifying the entire process efficiently. It would be safe to say that you, as a car industry professional, would require massive resources to meet the demand for speed, power, and space.
You may need machines that are immensely quick with enough storage space, fantastic performance, and an ideal level of comfort.
What are the top skills that you need as an auto mechanic?
Since we are reading about the best laptop for automobile diagnostics, we may want to understand some of the main talents of an automobile mechanic.
- Having exceptional customer service skills.
- Having astonishing technical aptitude.
- Having good diagnostic skills.
- Having an incredible work ethic.
- Having outstanding problem-solving skills.
- Having fantastic resourcefulness.
- Having experience in handling car issues.
- A wide array of knowledge in various factors.
What is the best laptop for automotive diagnostics?
When you own a car or are planning to get a new car, then you can check and find out if your car’s performance is doing well. To do that, you can get a full report through the analytical data using the automotive diagnostics test on the car.
The automotive diagnostics of your car is a vital step that ensures your vehicle runs in the proper manner. Besides, it looks after the errors or defects, if any, in your car. A professional mechanic does this automotive diagnostics test.
So, how do they do that? As an automotive engineer, you can run the automotive diagnostic test on the car using the best laptop for mechanic. These high-powered mechanic laptops are designed mainly for this reason, and with the software, they give you a complete analysis of your car.
When your vehicle has broken down or the engine light has been turned on. That means it shows that there is something very wrong in your automobile’s mechanical or hardware areas, which you won’t be able to find by yourself.
Factors to know before choosing the best laptop for automotive diagnostics
There are a few factors that you need to consider before choosing the best laptop for automotive diagnostics. This can help you make the right decision and operation and get the proper results.
- RAM
The RAM of the device is highly crucial in this case. You do not want to use a laptop that does not come with good RAM. We are suggesting you got with 16GB or 32GB RAM at the most for the best output.
- SSD Storage
The SSD storage of the laptop is another factor that you would want to make use of. The machine should come with plenty of storage space to help you store the files for yourself or your business. You can have a machine that has 256GB SSD storage space minimum.
- Display
You want to be able to see everything clearly, so you can use a monitor that has an opulent display feature. Though the screen size is up to you. It is best to choose an OLED screen or a monitor that has a resolution of 1920x1080p.
- CPU
To run a successful diagnostic test, you would want to make use of a phenomenal processor. This enables you to run exceptional software without worrying about any lag or slow processing on your laptop.
- GPU
The GPU of the laptop is the most important of things. You do not want to forget about it. The GPU enables the power of the graphics on your device. Besides, the minimum requirements for a GPU are not high, and you can make use of the Intel or AMD models.
- Battery
The working battery life of the laptop obviously is the most vital component. You do not want your laptop giving up on you just when you require it. Some of the top-end software needs to work on a powerful graphics card when it comes to automotive diagnostics.
The best cheap laptop for automotive diagnostics
Whether you want to do the automotive diagnostics test by yourself or take it to the garage to get it done by an experienced automotive engineer, you need to use the right kind of hardware and software.
To help you in your car research, we have provided you with a list of the best laptop for automotive diagnostics. Without any further delay, let us read through the list that we have provided you with to find out the chosen one that is suitable for you.
1) Dell New XPS 13 Touchscreen Laptop
The Dell New XPS 13 Touchscreen Laptop is our first choice in this category. Let us read to find out why. Dell probably could have ranked first on most of the lists of laptops in the world. The maker has the ability to produce exceptional machines in the market for all professionals.
The XPS series was probably one of the best models to be released by the American manufacturer. Most of the XPS models are extremely popular among a wide range of users, including coders, doctors, students, graphic designers, and automobile engineers as well.
Though the monitor is only 13″, it is capable of providing you with a 16:10 4-sided infinity edge that offers stunning pictures. Besides, it is designed with aluminum and has a carbon fiber palm rest.
The unit comes with a powerful 10th Generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor along with the Intel Iris Plus graphics (i7) GPU. Moreover, you would appreciate the storage space of 512GB SSD to store all your work and operate the software flawlessly.
The display also comes infused with a 13.4 FHD Infinity Edge touch screen. You can perform all your work effortlessly and work without any hesitation. It has a sharp 2.25mm high-quality HD webcam that lets you enjoy a seamless capture of stunning images.
It has noise reduction support to improve the quality of your videos. It is priced at less than $1890. Yes, it is slightly expensive, and we understand if most of you may feel that you may want to opt for a cheaper machine.
Can we recommend this laptop? Yes, we can. It is light, amazingly fast, and indeed a workhorse as it helps you to perform the automotive diagnostics test with aplomb. You do have the choice of choosing the 15″ if you want to use a larger screen.
2) Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip
The Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip is our second choice of machines on the list of the best laptop for automotive diagnostics. Apple is one of the top-notch makers in the market right now.
You cannot have a list without the mention of the MacBook Pro. It is a powerhouse of a device and can get anything done quickly. As a powerful device, you can run automobile diagnostics on it.
It comes with a large 16″ monitor that is Retina infused, offering a breathtaking image quality for you. Besides, the macOS is the fastest in the segment. It provides you with smooth working. Using the M1 chip, you can now operate on the MacBook.
The Apple M1 chip works just fine on the device, and you can expect stunning pace from it. You can complete your analysis of the car within a short while. There is the 16GB RAM and the 512GB SSD that provides good support for automotive diagnostics.
The Touch Bar helps you complete your work faster. This comes in handy when you are working on something fundamental. You can just reach what you want with a click. The image pictures offered are truly sublime.
It helps you plan events and checkups for the automobile. You can now connect with the mouse or keyboard effortlessly. Sometimes the machine overheats, which is quite acceptable for a device of its capability.
It is priced at $2400, but they are providing it at a discount of $2200 now. If you are keen to own the most stunning device on the market for work, then there is nothing stopping you from ordering it today.
The MacBook Pro is a huge recommendation compared to any laptops present in the market at the moment. You have the latest version of the Pro as well, which might be costlier. If you can afford it, then please go ahead.
You won’t end up disappointed. Whether you are an automobile technician, IT, or even a graphic designer, it can fulfill your requirement quickly. Though you may be from the Windows system, you will find operating the macOS much simpler.
3) ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop
The third on the list of the best laptop for automotive diagnostics is the ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop. ASUS has been around in the market for a very long time. The Taiwanese manufacturer was almost unheard of a decade ago.
Today, you can find their products selling like hot cakes in the electronics market. Their smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even monitors are in great demand. It is safe to say that the ZenBook and the VivoBook series are immensely popular among the masses.
This model comes with a 13″ monitor along with a full HD 4-way NanoEdge bezel display. It provides you with opulent pictures. Besides, it is pretty lightweight. If there is a model that can compete with the MacBook in terms of weight, it would be this.
The unit is easy to carry without any weight issues. You can place it inside your backpack and move it around anywhere you want to at your convenience. It comes infused using a 10th generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 Core processor and the Intel Iris Plus GPU model.
You can feel the power of the laptop instantly. The storage space is also pretty good, and there are several security features as well. The unit offers you with more than 80% screen-to-body ratio for enhanced image quality.
When working on your vehicle, there is no need to worry about battery life because it provides you with more than 20 hours. That is close to a 2-working day. Not to mention, you can directly visit your client’s place if required.
Moreover, it can charge close to 60% within 40 minutes of charging. There are plenty of ports providing you with sublime connectivity. It is priced at less than 1500. We understand that most of the models we have discussed up to now are above the $1500 budget.
Though expensive, these units come with immense power that can take you for at least 8-10 years, so you do not have to replace them often.
The Asus ZenBook 13 model could be the best laptop for technicians. The model comes lightweight, it has spectacular features, amazing storage space, and phenomenal battery working life.
4) LG Gram 16Z90P Laptop 16″ IPS Ultra-Lightweight
With a sturdy build and some top-tier specs, the LG Gram 16Z90P Laptop 16″ IPS Ultra-Lightweight belongs to the top ten list of the best laptop for automotive diagnostics and even the best professional laptop.
Though it may not be as popular as the Dell XPS 13, MacBook Pro, and the Asus ZenBook, it is a reliable product. The LG Gram 16 laptop comes with everything you could need for the best mechanic laptop for automobile technicians around the world.
This model is a 16″ one having an aspect ratio: of 16:10 that offers you with an opulent set of images. Besides, it comes with a resolution of WQXGA (2560×1600) IPS LCD. This is for those of you wanting a clear image quality on par with the MacBook.
You do not have to worry about the processor because it is a fantastic Intel Evo Platform Powered by 11th generation Intel core i7-1165G7 processor. It blends in with the Intel Xe Graphics delivering fantastic performance for high-resolution content creation.
It is most ideal for content creation, designing, multitasking, and editing. You can make use of the 1TB SSD to store all your files along with the USB-C ports, Thunderbolt 4 support, a full-size HDMI port, 2 USB-A 3.2 ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
It is easy to work with as your user settings get entered the first time itself. The booting does not take longer than 10 seconds. You can work on intense software for automotive diagnostics, and you can perform another coding too.
The model is relatively lightweight. It is among the slimmest units in the world, making it pretty lightweight. Moreover, the battery working life is around 18 hours, which is quite good for a large device.
It can handle everything efficiently and play games as well. Yes, this model is quite expensive, like the ones discussed above. It is priced at less than $1750. The unit comes priced with a discount of $1458 for the moment.
The LG Gram model is a good laptop for tuning cars. It comes infused with everything you could have asked for. It is light, feature-rich, and comes with wonderful memory & storage space. Why not give it a try today and see for yourself?
Also, Read: Best WIFI Extender for AT&T Fiber
5) Acer Aspire 5 Laptop
The fifth model on our list of the best laptop for automotive diagnostics is the Acer Aspire 5 Laptop. It is the best laptop for automotive tuning because it comes infused having the 10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor.
You can work using it with different tabs, and it offers you with exceptional browsing capabilities. Moreover, the storage space though not on the higher side comes at 256GB SSD. There is a memory of 8GB RAM.
This model comes with a 15.6″ full HD having a resolution of 1920×1080 widescreen LED. Besides, there is a backlit IPS display. It offers you with a stunning range of images & pictures for you to view.
Moreover, the fingerprint reading, a more extended battery, and an HD webcam give you an advantage in a definite manner as the computer for car diagnostics. Users tend to be happy about the processor’s sturdy functioning, making it preferred by most professional mechanics.
You will want to know that booting and logging inside the model is a simple affair. That is because it comes with security features. The fingerprint reading lets you only log in. Since nobody can hack or steal your data, it can be used as a diagnostics computer for car.
The model is relatively narrow in design and does not weigh much. It has some outstanding features like the Acer Color Intelligence and Acer BlueLightShield technologies that provide ample protection to your eyes.
You can make use of the different USB ports for connectivity purposes. You will be happy to know that it comes with 2 built-in microphones, a lightweight feature, and an HD webcam. It is priced at less than $690.
The Acer Aspire 5 model is certainly not a run-of-the-mill laptop. It comes infused with a decent feature list that can handle your automobile diagnostics. When you are looking for a cheaper, affordable model, then you might want to make use of this one.
6) HP Spectre x360 Laptop
The HP Spectre x360 Laptop is next on our list of the best laptop for automotive diagnostics. When you are in search of an elegant model, then the Spectre could be the answer to that. It comes with a sublime design and exceptional processing power.
It is one of the best laptops for automotive diagnostics as it comes with a phenomenal processor in the form of the 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 that comes with a 1.3GHz 8MB Cache along with the Intel Iris Plus Graphics.
The model also has 512GB storage support along with 8GB RAM to provide you with exceptional performance. It is slim and portable, offering you with a spectacular fingerprint reader feature.
It comes with an HG webcam and excellent speakers. You can connect effortlessly with your clients for video calling and live streaming your videos. Besides, the headphone and the other feature are ideal with a built-in HD webcam for smooth communication.
As it is lightweight, you can easily take it around with you. This is a benefit for those of you who are automotive mechanics. It helps you to complete a wide array of mechanical tasks that are otherwise challenging to do and is compatible with Windows 10.
Since it comes with a backlit keyboard, you can work in a low-lighting environment. Some mechanic sheds are dimly lit. You can use your laptops flawlessly there without much of a hassle.
This unit also comes with wireless-AX support and is compatible with Windows 10 Home. It also comes with a fingerprint reader that is secure and does not allow anybody else to steal your crucial data.
It is priced at less than $1900. This is pretty costly because it is more than the Dell XPS model or even the MacBook Pro 2021 model that we just read about. If you are willing to pay that kind of money for a stunning laptop like this, then please go ahead.
The HP Spectre x360 Laptop is a splendid device that comes with some fantastic features in it. When you are in search of a laptop that can match the powers of Dell XPS or the MacBook Pro, then you know what to do now.
Also, Read: Top 10 Features in Windows 11
7) Lenovo Yoga C940
Our final product on the list of the best laptop for automobile diagnostics would be the Lenovo Yoga C940. We cannot have a list of top laptops without the mention of the Lenovo Yoga series. They have been around in the market for quite some time and know what the masses want.
Lenovo Yoga variants are most popular among students and young professionals. If you are a mechanic or a student in a similar field, then this model could be most tempting for you to consider.
This model is a 14″ unit that comes powered by the 10th Gen Intel i7-1065G7 Quad-core processor and can refine your automotive experience. There is no lagging problem when you are working with it.
It comes with a memory of 16GB RAM and 32GB Optane memory as well. It can remember your recent accessed file even if you switch off your device. The fingerprint scanner also provides you with some additional security features.
The processor has a decent speed of 3.9 GHz, which can enhance your working experience. There is no compromise on the pace when you are working on automotive diagnostics. You can make use of the 16GB RAM for high speed of your applications.
There are no heating issues either. It comes with a phenomenal storage space of 512GB SSD that helps you to work with outstanding software for all your needs & concerns. The device offers close to 10 hours of battery on a single charge.
It may not be much, but it is ideal for working. The 4K display offers you a pleasant viewing experience for your automotive work and other tasks as well. It is priced at less than $1700. Yes, it is somewhat steep in the pricing.
The Lenovo Yoga C940 is the best laptop for auto technicians & an ideal automotive diagnostic laptop. We can say it is among the best laptops for automotive technicians. Though somewhat steep in price, it is definitely worth the amount.
FAQs
Do mechanics need laptops?
Yes, mechanics do need to make use of laptops. Though it was not a requirement 20-30 years ago during the 1980s or even the 90s, today’s automobiles come with a dozen gadgets that require software usage.
So, a mechanic who makes use of a device that comes infused with the required features in them would be an excellent idea. Any mechanic might want to focus on the battery life and hardware specifications.
What kind of laptop do you need for tuning cars?
A machine that comes with an ample storage space of at least 256GB SSD or 512GB SSD would be a good start. You can choose more than that if you want to. That is because SSDs or solid-state drives provide you with compatibility and are reliable.
What laptop can run AutoCAD smoothly?
AutoCAD is software that is required for most automotive diagnostics. Besides, you can make use of software like VR Viewing that is present in the Dell machines too. The Asus and the LG Gram are perfect for operating AutoCAD efficiently.
The model comes embedded with the necessary software & hardware in it. Moreover, the designed cooling technology does not let the device from getting overheated when you are using it.
Why do automotive technicians need to have good computer skills?
In today’s computer-filled world, where technology is of the essence, it is suitable for anybody, for that matter, to know how to operate laptops and PCs as well. Besides, the laptop can help the automobile engineer to find out the flaws in the software present in the car.
A laptop is also used to file reports and store crucial data about the customer. Moreover, as an automobile engineer, you can use the device for browsing and getting more information on various software.
Is Intel or AMD better for CAD?
Both Intel & AMD come with magnificent processors that can work exceptionally well with AutoCAD. But AMD may have a slight advantage because they are a brand for a value product. Though Intel was dominating that segment a few years ago, today, it is AMD.
Conclusion
These were the best laptops for automotive diagnostics. We hope you enjoyed reading the post and were able to make up your mind. Did we like something from the above list? We highly recommend the Dell New XPS 13 Touchscreen Laptop, the Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip, and ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop.
The best laptop for mechanical engineers & automotive diagnostics, in our opinion, would be the Dell New XPS 13 Laptop. That is because it comes with all the necessary features, including the 10th Generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor and a 16:10 4-sided infinity edge display.
Likewise, the Apple MacBook Pro M1 is another unbeatable choice for automobile engineering. You also have the ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim laptop that comes infused with the 10th generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 Core processor and Intel Iris Plus graphics.
Please note that the models are helpful for not only home technicians, automobile engineers, and professionals but also those who require a robust model. These machines come infused with heavy-duty features, are portable, have a sturdy battery working life, and have good speeds.
A decent model is one that can work for you in your hour of need and help solve your problem. It may vary from person to person according to their situation and budget preference. Did you like anything?
Have you already worked on any of the machines before? Then please do write to us telling us all about your experience. We would love to know and hear all about it in the comments section.
