How to chose right computer (laptop) for programming? *still open*

Question

As a beginner I'm curious what is the perfect machine for my future coding adventures.

*Does the price matter?
*What special qualities, if any, should this computer have?
*Maybe there is a set of parameters of programmer's computer?
*Does language of programming affect the choice of the computer?
*Does the operating system matter?

Answer 1

@Angelina I believe those are some biased info... Is cheapest i3 better than some A12 PRO? I myself would like to have CPU from Intel because I want to use some extensions for virtualization (I know that AMD has something useful for this tasks too, but I have not discovered them yet, need some time to dig into it) and some Intel's CPUs has those extensions while some has not. So it still depends on your tasks and your demands. For the same money you can get a little bit better bus or some more work(ing) time (less power consumed) or something else... If money is a question then may be you even better look for some nice sales... Brands... I don't think that some are much much better than others for the same prices (as who then will buy those that are not better). Quality is a question but there are no 100% guaranteed quality from any brand and so we have warranty (garantiya) for those unlucky cases (but some brands got some bad reputation). And temperature changes couldn't be good for most electronics and not less for battery, I believe... Why there are no such advices (about battery keeping in cold) in any of manuals/user guides?

Answer 2

If it’s still open, let me share this article here : https://medium.freecodecamp.org/how-to-choose-a-laptop-for-programming-a9e36f8b4cfe

:D

Answer 3

Honestly I really do not think it matters much when you are first starting. Not like you are going to be rendering complex 3d models for awhile

Answer 4

I use a MacBook 😊 It's up to you, if you are developing graphic intense applications you need a better computer. If you want to do deep learning​ you need a good computer with good and compatible graphic card, probably not a laptop (Or you cold use a cloud service for training). Are you making windows applications (C#) you need windows installed somewhere on the machine. I can use most languages on my Mac, but I have an installation of windows on it. But I think you can come a long way with a cheap laptop running Windows or Linux, depending on what you are programming of course :p

Answer 5

It all depends on what you want to do. For example:- if you are running Java on any IDE, say Eclipse, you will need around 4 GB of RAM for it to work smoothly, while if you choose Android Studio to develop smartphone applications then you will need around 8 GB of RAM. I don't think you will need very powerful machine as you have just started but then again it depends on what you want to do.

Edit:- Operating system matters for what you want to do, like Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora,Kali,Red Hat etc)provides most freedom that other OSes don't.

Answer 6

Some people do their coding projects on a rpi.
if you still don't know what computer do you need, go for something cheap. When you figure out what's your field of interest and hardware requirements you won't need advice on which machine to chose anymore.
Rpi Zero costs about 6usd and it's a good starting point.

Answer 7

I strongly advice anyone to choose one (laptop if we are talking about them... or monitor/display if we are talking about desktops too) with matt screen. I think it's the parameter people often forget to consider. You are not going to stare at a glance nice bright flowers or fireworks/firewerks all the time sitting in front of it, are you? Your eyes would say "thank you" if there would be less glare(s) with lower brightness and you won't be looking at you face beetween lines of code like in a mirror. ☺
Most other "configuration parameters" are up to your budget as always (but do not spend a lot for a cool 3D VGA accelerator/adapter/card, if you need to work in IDE and not 'in FPS" ;-))
Update: also, for RAM at least, check not only "how much RAM is there", but for feature upgrade(s): " how much RAM can I install there" too! So remember, if it's laptop you won't be able to upgrade CPU there, and so you better buy laptop with decent/modern/powerful/fast enough CPU too eliminate a need to change whole laptop too soon.

Answer 8

@Andrew and @Angelina : If you want to keep your battery cool at all time, try to insert a Peltier cooling element that you stick on the battery inside your laptop. It will not only keep your battery cool but also the rest, However it should be better if you ask someone to assist that has some electronic background just to be safe. Those Peltier elements are not so expensive, look them up at Banggood.com
I hope this tip will give you a break in cooling the battery and you don't have to put it in your fridge anymore. 😆😆😆

Answer 9

I would suggest you also look for a second hand or refurbished Apple notebooks. Not because I am an Apple fan, (not at all) but it will give you the option to develop apps specifically designed for Apple. Anyway sorry to hear you have no money,, but how about doung some chores for others afainst a small fee? I wish you lots of luck though...😆

Answer 10

Edit:- Operating system matters for what you want to do, like Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora,Kali,Red Hat etc)provides most freedom that other OSes don't.

And a tip:- If you would like to try a Mac OS (like El Capitan, Sierra, Yosemite etc.) before buying an Apple pc fhen you should check out hackintosh. It could run Mac OS on any non- Apple pc.

Answer 11

your OS matters because you need to have support for your language and preferred IDE.
.
I use a 7 year old core2duo laptop that I've upgraded to have an SSD and 4GB of RAM.

Answer 12

@Brendon Sehorn I'd advise against used laptops:
a used machine needs maintenance at some (closer) point.
Maintenance, servicing, repair, spare parts are always easier and cheaper for a desktop PC, and if you're daring to try it yourself you'll find out that is not that complicate.
Keep also in mind the upgradability factor...

Answer 13

The Computer should need enogh RAM.
I think a SSD so the Computer will be faster.
And the Computer should be about 600$.

Answer 14

I've discovered some useful info on this subject to add to all the great advice above.

- a processor has to be Intel (i7 preferably), NOT AMD.
- good brands are HP, Sony, Fujitsu, and newer Lenovo releases.
- if you work mostly at home, it's better to use a socket. in this case take the battery out of your laptop and put it into refrigerator (sounds wired, but it helps to keep the battery in good condition).

Answer 15

If you want to develop for Android, then any laptop with >= 8 GB RAM would work

Answer 16

Im still a beginner but my computer is probably 3 or 4 years old. It works fine for programing. Im a windows guy so i run windows. But you can get a virtual machine and run any os you want with out the risk of wiping your files. For me one of my big concerns was my monitor. I got a 23 inch screen because you can have two windows open side by side and still read what your coding and read your source material. In the end its up to you and what you can afford. The computer is simply a tool to use to create your programs.

Answer 17

A good Laptop Definitely should have : good processing power (a user dependent thing)

Answer 18

Price is definitely going to be higher!
like 4GB mininmal value, 8GB normal value, "higher" even better.

Answer 19

Hi I asked the same question, hopefully this link helps https://www.sololearn.com/discuss/417754/?ref=app

Answer 20

@Dayve, thank you! the article is really helpful 😄