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Ask HN: Which is the best laptop for programmers under budget?

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Re: Ask HN: Which is the best laptop for programmers under budget?

#21

Post by Stratoscope »

golergka wrote: post #13

What kind of programmer? Are you a web developer? Server-side that needs to work on highload, or just client-side JS? Are you developing games and need to test your builds on a good enough GPU? Or may be you're working with ML? Do you need x86, or would you be comfortable with arm? Do you work in your office, or travel to customers a lot? Do you develop iOS or MacOS apps, do you need to run Windows (or just prefer Vi…

This comment should be at the top of the page. There have been lots of recommendations, but we don't even know if OP needs a Mac or a Windows machine or what. Thanks for asking about all those details; the answers to those are key to making an informed suggestion.

Re: Ask HN: Which is the best laptop for programmers under budget?

#22

Post by theSpaceOctopus »

franciscop wrote: post #2

I got the Asus UX305CA with Ubuntu LTS a couple of years ago and I love it. But without any more information I cannot recommend it, as it is perfect for me but it might not be for others. Pros: - Light and thin, perfect for carrying everyday. - Decent battery life. - 1080p IPS 13.3" screen, nice keyboard+touchpad. - No fans, no noise. Cons (or not, highly dependends on your use case): - Keyboard is not backlit. - Und…

I have a UX305FA and I wouldn’t recommend it.

I love the form factor and overall feel. I really like the keyboard, though I don’t care for the trackpad.

My real issue with this laptop is the screen. It’s hard on my eyes to the point that I don’t use it. I’ve had the laptop for around a year now and have had at least 5 different Linux distros on it, I’ve calibrated the display, and nothing has helped.

I wish I had bought a Thinkpad.

Re: Ask HN: Which is the best laptop for programmers under budget?

#23

Post by jlebrech »

golergka wrote: post #13

What kind of programmer? Are you a web developer? Server-side that needs to work on highload, or just client-side JS? Are you developing games and need to test your builds on a good enough GPU? Or may be you're working with ML? Do you need x86, or would you be comfortable with arm? Do you work in your office, or travel to customers a lot? Do you develop iOS or MacOS apps, do you need to run Windows (or just prefer Vi…

true, if you're a Unity or Unreal engine developer you'll need a gaming laptop.

Re: Ask HN: Which is the best laptop for programmers under budget?

#24

Post by grecy »

I have a 2012 13" MacBookAir that I have used for tens of thousands of hours. With 8GB of RAM it handles most things, even 1080p footage in Final Cut Pro.

I did just put a new battery in it. Other than that it has been flawless, and I bet they are cheap now.

Re: Ask HN: Which is the best laptop for programmers under budget?

#25

Post by sampo »

The most recent Lenovo T4x0 or T4x0s (a thinner version) that you can afford. Add more memory and a larger ssd disk as needed.

There is nothing wrong with used 3-4 years old machines. Processor power hasn't increased much. Just check the screen resolution, and factor in the extra cost if you need to add memory and swap the ssd disk.

The 440 series from 3 years ago didn't have physically separate mouse buttons on the touchpad (you just press down or tap at the corner areas of the touchpad), which some people found annoying.

Re: Ask HN: Which is the best laptop for programmers under budget?

#26

Post by a-nikolaev »

beaylott wrote: post #12
franciscop wrote: post #2

I got the Asus UX305CA with Ubuntu LTS a couple of years ago and I love it. But without any more information I cannot recommend it, as it is perfect for me but it might not be for others. Pros: - Light and thin, perfect for carrying everyday. - Decent battery life. - 1080p IPS 13.3" screen, nice keyboard+touchpad. - No fans, no noise. Cons (or not, highly dependends on your use case): - Keyboard is not backlit. - Und…

I got an Asus UX305FA 2 years ago. It was great until some of the keys on the keyboard started to fail just outside of it's 1 year warranty. Despite having tried to reset the ribbon connector on the mobo I can't get it to work. The procedure for replacement isn't fun either. Will probably get an Thinkpad X240/X250 off work next. They can often be purchased second-hand on ebay with a few years of on-site warranty left…

When I were looking for a new laptop, I got a new ASUS TP301UA first. But was very unhappy with the keyboard. It was bending in the middle when typing, and had overall uncomfortable floppy feeling. The camera was a joke too. The general impression was that on paper the specs looked great, but it was underwhelming in practice.

I returned it and got a used (like new) Thinkpad X250 for under $450 and cannot be happier. Computer feels rock solid, great components. Installed Linux, all works smooth, my best laptop so far. (It's a small-screen portable laptop, try to check it out, and if you like bigger screens, you may consider other series of Thinkpad, maybe).

(Also, for me, getting used to the mouse buttons positioned above the touchpad took about one week or so.)

Re: Ask HN: Which is the best laptop for programmers under budget?

#27

Post by saboot »

s_kilk wrote: post #14
kk_cz wrote: post #3

It's hard to answer, unless you define the budget, but I'd say refurbished ThinkPad T420 (Last model to has decent keyboard). Put some RAM & SSD inside and you have nicely built and powerful machine.

Second. Refurb Thinkpads are great for anyone requiring power and stability on a budget.

Just bought a refurbished t460 through Lenovo's outlet website for $400, it is the best laptop purchase I've made. There were several 40% off sales on their website recently. I highly recommend buying from them. It came in two days and I cannot tell if it was used before or not, in great condition.

Re: Ask HN: Which is the best laptop for programmers under budget?

#28

Post by TurboHaskal »

theSpaceOctopus wrote: post #22
franciscop wrote: post #2

I got the Asus UX305CA with Ubuntu LTS a couple of years ago and I love it. But without any more information I cannot recommend it, as it is perfect for me but it might not be for others. Pros: - Light and thin, perfect for carrying everyday. - Decent battery life. - 1080p IPS 13.3" screen, nice keyboard+touchpad. - No fans, no noise. Cons (or not, highly dependends on your use case): - Keyboard is not backlit. - Und…

I have a UX305FA and I wouldn’t recommend it. I love the form factor and overall feel. I really like the keyboard, though I don’t care for the trackpad. My real issue with this laptop is the screen. It’s hard on my eyes to the point that I don’t use it. I’ve had the laptop for around a year now and have had at least 5 different Linux distros on it, I’ve calibrated the display, and nothing has helped. I wish I had bou…

But most Thinkpads build terrible screens as well. Low resolutions (until very recently), bad colors, PWM issues, black bleeding, screen lottery...

Re: Ask HN: Which is the best laptop for programmers under budget?

#30

Post by Faaak »

I would say a second hand T420(s) T430(s) or equivalent. There are plenty of them due to companies renewing their stock every once in a while. I got mine (T430) for 300€ whereas it sold new for 1200+€.

I had a T420s before. It sadly died falling from a window. They are quite sturdy laptops of professional grade.

EDIT: I'm talking about the Thinkpad brand

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