10 Best Laptops for Plumbing Professionals in 2023

As a laptop enthusiast with experience in the plumbing industry, I understand that finding the best laptop for plumbing professionals can be quite challenging. Unlike typical laptop users, plumbers require a device that can handle the unique demands of their profession, which include running specialized software, managing customer data, and staying connected while on the job. In this guide, I'll help you navigate the sea of options and pinpoint the ideal laptop to streamline your plumbing business.

After extensively reviewing a comprehensive spreadsheet of recent laptop releases, I compared specs and read countless professional and user-generated reviews to narrow down the top laptops suitable for plumbing professionals. Factors like ruggedness, battery life, and processing power were crucial in making the final selection, as these are essential for running plumbing-specific applications such as QuickBooks, AutoCAD, and PipeDesigner 3D, as well as managing your daily workload efficiently.

Whether you're an independent plumber or part of a larger team, having the best laptop for plumbing can significantly impact your productivity and success in the field. In addition to the aforementioned factors, I also considered the importance of portability and connectivity to ensure seamless communication with clients and colleagues. By focusing on these key requirements, this guide will provide you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision and ultimately find the laptop that best meets the needs of your plumbing profession.

Table of Contents

Processing Power: The Heart of Your Plumbing Laptop

When it comes to deciding on the right laptop processor for your plumbing business, there are several factors to consider. The processor is one of the most important components of a laptop, as it determines how quickly your computer can perform tasks. In this article, we'll discuss the latest developments in the laptop processor market, and provide recommendations for processors at different price ranges.

What's new in the laptop processor market?

Apple has recently released laptops with ARM-based M1, M2, M2 Pro, and M2 Max system-on-chip modules. These processors offer exceptional single-core performance and battery life. AMD has also captured 20% of the laptop CPU market, with plenty of notebooks featuring 6th-generation Ryzen CPUs. The latest 7th-generation Ryzen processors have also recently been released. Intel's 13th-generation Core processors are already available, but the 12th-generation Core CPUs can still provide value, especially if you don't require cutting-edge performance.

CPU Performance – why it matters in Plumbing laptops

As a plumber, you'll likely be using your laptop for a variety of tasks, from managing invoices to editing photos of your work. A fast processor can help you complete these tasks more efficiently, saving you time and improving your overall productivity. Additionally, a powerful CPU can handle more demanding applications, such as photo or video editing software.

How much money do you have to spend on a laptop?

The price of a laptop is an important consideration when deciding on a processor. If you're on a tight budget, then you may need to prioritize value over performance. However, if you have more money to spend, then you can opt for a more powerful processor that can handle more demanding tasks.

Is it worth buying a high-end CPU for plumbing laptops?

The answer depends on your needs. If you're a professional plumber who needs to edit high-resolution photos and videos or run demanding software, then a high-end CPU can be a worthwhile investment. However, if you only need to perform basic tasks like managing invoices and scheduling appointments, then a mid-range processor may be sufficient.

Table of recommended processors by price range

Minimum	Recommended	High-end
i3-1115G4	i5-1135G7	i7-11370H

When it comes to processor recommendations, we suggest the i3-1115G4 as the minimum for basic tasks such as managing invoices and emails. For more demanding tasks such as photo and video editing, we recommend the i5-1135G7. Finally, for professional plumbers who need the most powerful performance, we suggest the i7-11370H.

In conclusion, when deciding on the right laptop processor for your plumbing business, consider your budget, the level of performance you need, and the specific tasks you'll be performing on your computer. By prioritizing these factors, you can find a processor that meets your needs and helps you work more efficiently.

Get the Right Graphics Card for Plumbing Design

When it comes to deciding on the right graphics card for a plumbing laptop, it's essential to consider your specific needs and budget. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

State of the graphics market

Nvidia continues to dominate the laptop GPU market, with the RTX 30 series cards comprising the majority of current notebook GPU options. However, desktop GPUs have become more power-hungry, which has widened the gap between power-limited notebook graphics and desktop graphics cards.

Do you need a discrete graphics card for 3D modeling?

While a dedicated GPU is not necessary for most professionals, it can be helpful for those working with complex 3D models. That said, it's not included in the base configuration for most laptops, so you'll need to decide whether the additional cost is worth it for your needs.

Gaming considerations

If you plan on gaming, it's important to pay attention to a laptop's power delivery system, CPU, and GPU clock rates. You should also consider your budget and requirements when choosing a graphics card.

How to rank GPUs by performance

When comparing GPUs, 3DMark scores are an easy way to get an accurate representation of their performance differences.

Based on these factors, I recommend the following graphics cards for different laptop price brackets:

Price Bracket	Recommended Graphics Card
Minimum	GeForce GTX 1650
Mid-Range	GeForce RTX 3050
High-End	GeForce RTX 2060

Ultimately, when deciding on the right graphics card for your plumbing laptop, it's crucial to consider your specific needs and budget. By doing so, you can ensure that you get the best performance for your money.

Plumb the Depths of RAM: Choosing the Right Amount for Your Plumbing Laptop

When it comes to choosing the right RAM for a Plumbing laptop, the amount of memory you need depends on the tasks you plan to perform. In recent years, 16 GB of RAM has become the standard for mid-range laptops, while high-end laptops offer 32 GB or more.

For 3D rendering and other resource-intensive tasks, you'll want to opt for a laptop with at least 16 GB of RAM. While DDR5 is the latest standard for RAM, it's still quite expensive and not yet widely available. It's not worth the extra cost unless you're looking for the latest and greatest technology.

Here are our recommendations for the amount of memory you'll need:

Minimum: 8 GB
Recommended: 16 GB
High-end: 32 GB or more

Of course, the amount of RAM you need will depend on your budget as well. Here's what you can expect at various price points:

Price Range	RAM
Under $500	4-8 GB
$500 – $1000	8-16 GB
$1000 – $1500	16-32 GB
$1500+	32 GB or more

Overall, when shopping for a Plumbing laptop, prioritize getting enough RAM to handle your specific needs. Don't get too caught up in the latest and greatest technology unless it's necessary for your work or hobbies.

Plumbing Laptop Buying 101: Clearing Your Doubts

Q: What is the best laptop for plumbing work?

The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is the best laptop for plumbing work. It offers high performance and excellent graphics, making it perfect for running plumbing software.

What are the minimum laptop requirements for plumbing software?

To run plumbing software smoothly, you need a laptop with at least an 8 GB RAM, an i3-1115G4 processor, and a GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card.

Is a high-end laptop necessary for plumbing work?

A high-end laptop is not necessary for plumbing work. However, it can be helpful for running complex plumbing software and ensuring faster performance.

What is the ideal screen size for a plumbing laptop?

The ideal screen size for a plumbing laptop is around 15 inches. This size offers a good balance between portability and screen real estate for viewing detailed plumbing designs.

Can a regular laptop be used for plumbing work?

Yes, a regular laptop can be used for plumbing work as long as it meets the minimum requirements. However, a laptop with better specifications can enhance your productivity and performance.

What kind of processor do I need for plumbing software?

For plumbing software, you need at least an i3-1115G4 processor. However, an i5-1135G7 or i7-11370H processor can provide even better performance and faster speeds.

Should I get a laptop with a dedicated graphics card for plumbing work?

A dedicated graphics card, such as the GeForce GTX 1650 or the GeForce RTX 2060, can be beneficial for running complex plumbing software. However, it is not essential, especially for basic plumbing tasks.

How much storage do I need in a plumbing laptop?

For plumbing work, you need at least 256 GB of storage. However, 512 GB or more is recommended, as plumbing software can take up a lot of space.

What is the best brand for plumbing laptops?

There are several reputable brands for plumbing laptops, such as HP, Lenovo, GIGABYTE, and ASUS. Choose a brand that offers excellent performance, graphics, and durability.

Is a touchscreen important for a plumbing laptop?

A touchscreen is not essential for plumbing work. However, it can be convenient for drawing diagrams or making notes. If you prefer a touchscreen, consider getting a 2-in-1 laptop like the ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo.

5 Best Laptops for Plumbing

$880

1.HP Victus 15

The HP Victus 15 is a budget-friendly laptop that delivers solid performance, but don't expect anything flashy.

Pros

Excellent price
Good gaming performance
Can double as a work laptop
Solid array of ports

Cons

Bad battery life
Rather plain design
Weak GPU yields unsatisfactory frame rates
Non-RGB keyboard with quirky nav controls

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Summary

The HP Victus 15 is a great option for those on a budget who are looking for a laptop that can handle high-end games and everyday tasks. While the design may be plain and the battery life not so great, the Victus 15 is still a solid choice at a great price.

Reviews

TechRadar

4/5

HP Victus 15

PCMag

3.0/5

HP Victus 15 Review

Alternatives

$950

Lenovo Legion 5 17.3

Pros

Decent gaming performance
Reasonably quiet under load

Cons

Short battery life
Small touchpad

$1,350

2.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is a powerful gaming laptop with a high-quality display, but its battery life and webcam leave something to be desired.

Pros

High quality 165 Hz 16:10 IPS display
Relatively easy serviceability
Integrated numpad
Very fast charging

Cons

Low resolution webcam with no IR or privacy shutter
Very warm CPUGPU temperatures when gaming
Moderate-heavy uneven backlight bleeding
Only average battery life

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