31–40 of 85 posts
If you're into game dev, you'll need a Windows laptop. Macs are fine for web/app dev.
For reference, here are the specs for the one I ordered:
- i7-7700HQ
- GTX 1060 (Max-Q version with slightly lower perf)
- 16GB 2400MHz DDR4 (expandable up to 32GB)
- 4K display ($150 upgrade from base)
- 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Intel 8265 802.11ac WiFi (as opposed to the Killer crap that Dell uses on their XPS line)
- Thunderbolt 3 (with x4 PCIE lanes as opposed to x2 on their XPS lines)
For a fairly reasonable price of ~$1275 after tax, plus around $170 in the form of cashback from Dell's reward program (I plan on getting a monitor from them), with financing and 12 month deferred interest that's waived if paid in full by then. I believe the deal is still available for those who might be interested: https://slickdeals.net/f/10568756-new-inspiron-7000-gaming-1...
To be perfectly honest, the flashy gamer design and bulkiness were major turnoffs for me, especially compared to their much more compact and professional looking XPS line, but the much better specs/$ in the Inspiron and several crippling deficiencies in the XPS 15 (namely the Killer Wireless card and x2 lane Thunderbolt 3) made this win out in the end.
I was having trouble deciding on a laptop until just yesterday actually, when I finally settled on getting Dell's new Inspiron 7000 Gaming. For reference, here are the specs for the one I ordered: - i7-7700HQ - GTX 1060 (Max-Q version with slightly lower perf) - 16GB 2400MHz DDR4 (expandable up to 32GB) - 4K display ($150 upgrade from base) - 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD - Intel 8265 802.11ac WiFi (as opposed to the Killer cr…
Thinkpad E470?
I was looking for a really well built budget notebook, with good keyboard, good screen and good battery life, low noise emission, while willing to sacrifice performance. The Swift 3 fits the bill beautifully.
I got an i3, 4GB ram, 128GB ssd with 14 inch screen (basically the SF314-51-30W6). There are different configurations available, if you are looking for more cpu, gpu, ram, screen estate. I am not sure how they affect any of the points above though
I was having trouble deciding on a laptop until just yesterday actually, when I finally settled on getting Dell's new Inspiron 7000 Gaming. For reference, here are the specs for the one I ordered: - i7-7700HQ - GTX 1060 (Max-Q version with slightly lower perf) - 16GB 2400MHz DDR4 (expandable up to 32GB) - 4K display ($150 upgrade from base) - 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD - Intel 8265 802.11ac WiFi (as opposed to the Killer cr…
Build quality is the keyword, after a few years the plastics starts falling apart. Keyboard as well.
I was having trouble deciding on a laptop until just yesterday actually, when I finally settled on getting Dell's new Inspiron 7000 Gaming. For reference, here are the specs for the one I ordered: - i7-7700HQ - GTX 1060 (Max-Q version with slightly lower perf) - 16GB 2400MHz DDR4 (expandable up to 32GB) - 4K display ($150 upgrade from base) - 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD - Intel 8265 802.11ac WiFi (as opposed to the Killer cr…
Too bad it's a 15'' monster.
I'd have loved to get a more portable convertible tablet like the Surface Pro or Surface Book with comparable specs, but even if we don't consider the difference in dedicated graphics power, their lack of x4 lane Thunderbolt 3 removes the possibility of using desktop graphics, which was a deal breaker for me. Similar models from other manufacturers felt really lackluster compared to the Surface line, each for various different reasons.
So I ended up deciding to just get the most performant and cost-effective laptop I could find to last me a few more years until hopefully the convertibles market matures enough to remove all the compromises I've found unacceptable so far.
If you are doing something that doesn't require a fast machine (I.e. server side web development), then a late 90's/early 2000's laptop will do. I currently cart around a '95 Toshiba satellite pro 440cdt to use in low security areas, with the HDD swapped for a 2gb CF card. Linux, vim, nginx, several backend stacks. I wouldn't care if it broke or was stolen (like anyone would) - I can get another for £20.
If you need a machine for client side dev, then something from '05-'10 would probably cut the mustard.
Cloud-only, low-end, severely limited dev (if on extreme budget): $179 currently: https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/samsung-chromebook...
non-Microsoft dev who doesn't like tinkering: $999+ https://www.apple.com/macbook-air/
Microsoft dev or tinkering Linux dev: $800+ XPS 13 still a good choice http://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/cty/pdp/spd/xps-13-9360-lapto...
Security-focused dev: $1199+ Librem 13/15 https://puri.sm/
Or: buy refurbished, but don't skimp on specs.