Best Laptops for Programming 2021 – For every programmer, having the best programming laptop is an essential tool that will help in the smooth running of the programming process. It is necessary the laptop for a programmer is portable enough, so that they can carry it anywhere they go.
Programming is fun and challenging, and it can only be achieved more when you have the best gadgets to ensure a steady and smooth workflow. Programming is not just about flowchart and algorithms; it is a defined process of writing codes which are used to solve problems to write these codes and get the needed solution, an excellent laptop is required for the programming process.
A good programming laptop helps you to stay on top of your game and experiment with your creative ideas, helping you turn them ideas to reality. Having the best programming laptop speeds up tasks and enables you to increase your proficiency and productivity. However, to get the best programming laptop one must be sure he is searching for the essential things in the laptop.
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There are many things to consider when buying a programming laptop. Aside from the size and colour of the laptop, and these fundamental things will determine how good and efficient the device will be for programming. Choosing the best gaming laptop in the market and be a confusing task due to the vast array of excellent laptops in the market. Nevertheless, in this article, we are going to review the best programming laptops you can purchase in the market, and we will also tell you the essential things you need to consider when buying a programming laptop.
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Best Programming Laptops For 2021
There are so many options to choose from when wanting to buy a programming laptop. We might not cover the entire list of laptops in the market as they are quite numerous, but we will select and review the best programming laptop in the market. Here are our picks.
1. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Laptop
If you have enough funds to spare on a laptop, then the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 powerful mobile workstation is the excellent choice for you. This device is by far one of the best programming laptops there is in the market, and it has several features and configurations that will wow you as you use it for programming. For starters, it is packed with salute graphics and in robust carbon fibre but the package which makes it sturdy and durable to last in any office and physical condition. The machine has a great user experience with a long-lasting battery and boasts of a glorious 4K screen display. If you are not on a budget, its an excellent device to have for programming.
Key Features
- 8th generation intel core i7
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050ti graphics
- 15.6” FHD(1920×1080) screen size
- 1TB SSD
- Up to 64GBRam
2. Dell XPS 15
When it comes to a laptop for programming, the list can never be complete without this laptop. Being one of the latest flagship products by Dell company, it is one of the best laptops for programming in the market. This laptop boasts of a superior light design which makes it gorgeous to be carried around. Also, it is an excellent choice for graphic designers with its stunning 15.6-inch display screen, and it has some of the most essential and powerful laptop components on the market right now. The laptop has a discrete graphics card and latest configurations which makes it easy to compile codes fast, making it one of the Top Choice for programmers. Finally, the laptop has an excellent battery life and a great overall user experience. If you have the funds, it is a great buy.
Key Features
- 10th generation, Core i5-i7
- 15.6” FHD screen
- 256GB-1TB SSD storage
- 8GB-64GB RAM
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
3. Huawei MateBook 13
The Huawei MateBook 13 is another powerful programming laptop in the market. Huawei brand is famous for its excellent mobile phones, and they have brought the same excellence into the laptop world by producing this high-end programming laptop. This device is portable and has perfect configurations which make the coding work seamless. What’s more? With its affordable price, you get a lovely portable laptop with a 13-inch display and a Core i5-i7 and a robust SSD storage.
Key Features
- 13-inch display
- Core i5-i7, 8th generation
- 8GB RAM
4. Dell XPS 17
Many programmers enjoy working with a large screen as it enables them to open more apps and windows. Moreover, writing lines of code on a small screen is not fun for every programmer. The Dell XP 17 offers a full 17-inch screen and supports 4k resolutions. However, regardless of its large screen, the laptop does not weigh much due to its brilliant thin and light design. With its only downside being that its more extensive than other laptops, this laptop is an excellent choice for programmers who enjoy working with big screens.
Key Features
- 10th generation CPU, intel Core i9-10885H
- Nvidia GeForce RTX
- Up to 64GB RAM
- Up to 2TB SSD
5. Google PixelBook Go
The Pixel book is one of the best Chromebooks ever produced. It boasts of an impressive hardware configuration which includes 8GB-16GB RAM, a Core i7 processor, 1920×1080 screen and 4k touchscreen display. It is a perfect choice for most Android developers as it has the best integration with goggle services and software.
Key Features
- Intel Core m3- Intel Core i7 CPU
- Intel UHD graphics 615
- 8GB-16GB RAM
- 13.3inch screen display
- 128GB- 256GB storage
6. HP Envy 13
This laptop is an excellent pick for programmers. This fantastic device by HP brand boasts of a high-quality sensitive touch display and 13-inch size, which make it easy to be carried about. The laptop is super powerful and also very portable, with a superb metal design which gives it an excellent look and feel. The laptop is ideal for all programmers, and it is not very costly.
Key features
- 8th generation CPU, Intel core i5-i7
- Intel UHD Graphics 620
- 8GB-16GB RAM
7. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
This unique programming laptop from Microsoft boasts of a full windows ten experience which makes it an essential device for testing and developing windows software.
It has a solid aluminium design coupled with a comfortable keyboard for writing codes. It comes with a Core i7 CPU, up to 16GB memory and 1TB of storage. It has a 13.5-inch screen display and comes with a surface pen stylus.
Key Features
- Core i7 CPU
- 16GB memory
- 1TB SSD
- 13.5-inch display
8. HP Spectre X360
The HP brand has been consistent in producing high-end laptops for business and personal uses. The HP Spectre x360 is a 2 in 1 laptop with the latest tech configurations. It boasts of a 10th generation CPU and graphics, coupled with a 2 in 1 design which shoots it up to being one of the first choices for programmers. The laptop has a sleek design, fitted with exceptional long-lasting battery life and a beautiful design, for programmers who enjoy working without stress, this is the best laptop to pick right now.
Key features
- intel Core i5-i7
- 8GB-16GB RAM
- 256GB-2TB SSD
- 13.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) screen
What to Consider In Buying A Laptop For Programming?
In buying a laptop for programming, there are fundamental things to check before choosing a computer. Asides the portability and lasting battery life, here are some key things to consider when buying a laptop for programming.
1). RAM
Random-access memory is crucial in choosing a laptop for programming. The necessary RAM size should be around 4GB, but for programmers and developers, a ram size from 8GB upwards is an ideal choice. For more severe programming activities, RAM size of 16GB to 32GB will be appropriate. Your RAM size is essential in choosing a laptop for programming. If you are stuck between choosing a larger RAM size and SSD storage size, choose a higher RAM and a lower SSD.
2). Processor Speed
The CPU is the brain behind the computer, which handles and organizes millions of information on the laptop. It also determines how fast your computer will be. Remember you will be writing lots of code as a programmer, even as a designer or developer you will have tasks where speed is needed. Therefore, a laptop with great speed is an asset. We advise you to choose a computer between a core i7 to core i9 CPU for efficiency in programming.
3). Keyboard
The keyboard is essential for programmers as we all know. Before you settle for a particular laptop, we advise you to take some time and type with its keyboard. If you are ordering the computer online, visit an offline store and have a feel of how the laptop keyboards types. Moreover, the laptop you select should have a US keyboard layout due to its wide range of shortcuts which will be beneficial to you as a programmer.
4). Battery Life
The battery life of your laptop is also an important consideration when choosing a laptop. Some programmers prefer to stay in quiet and secluded areas when doing their work; this means they might not be close to a power outlet. With healthy battery life, you can take your laptop to anywhere of your choosing and enjoy your laptop to the fullest.
5). Screen Size
Screen size is an essential factor to consider when choosing a laptop for programming. If you prefer a smaller screen, then a 13.5 ”inch screen can work best for you. However, most programmers prefer working with big screens to enable them open more apps and windows. If this is you, then a 15.6” inch screen can work fine.
Best Laptops for Programming 2020: FAQ
Choosing a laptop can be quite a confusing task, especially If you are yet to buy your first laptop. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which some are on your mind as regards to choosing a laptop for programming. Here are some of the questions and answers.
1. What is the basic computer specs I need for programming laptop?
Ans: The basic requirements of a programming laptop should be an 8GB RAM, a Core i5 to Core i9 CPU, HD screen display, and good battery life.
2. Is 8GB RAM good for a programming laptop?
Ans: 8GB RAM is the basic requirement for a programming laptop. However, you can select a laptop of up to 32GB RAM if you can. The more the RAM size, the better.
3. What is the best size for a coding laptop?
Ans: the best size of a laptop for programming depends on the programmer’s Choice. If you are always on the move, then a portable laptop of 13 inches would be a preferable choice. However, if you do not need the frequent movement of the laptop, a 15-inch sized laptop is fine.
4. Which OS is best for coding, windows or mac?
Ans: it depends mainly on your preference and the target platform for the application you are working on. If you are developing something related to macOS or iOS, then a mac would be a better choice. On the other hand, if your project will run on windows, then a windows laptop should work fine.
5. What is the best size of SSD for a programming laptop?
Ans: If you are programming with your laptop, you will have to save working files and applications which need space. 128GB SSD space would be an ideal choice.
Final Words
There are many ways code, but when it comes to working with a laptop, many programmers do not want just any computer. They prefer to use a laptop that will make the work process easy and smooth. All laptops reviewed in this article are of the best quality and perfect for programming activities. We advise you to check the fundamental things needed in a programming laptop before settling for one in the market. We hope that with this comprehensive guide, you are equipped to make the perfect Choice of a programming laptop for yourself.
