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Ask HN: Are there any reasonable alternatives to MacBook Pro for developer?

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Ask HN: Are there any reasonable alternatives to MacBook Pro for developer?

#1
Hi,

I'm writing this on my late 2012 MacBook Pro. Time goes by and I know rather sooner than later I'll need to replace it with a new machine. In 2012 I paid around 1000$ for MacBook Pro + Samsung SSD (256GB) + 16GB RAM, I made modifications on my own.

I check notebookcheck from time to time. I read reviews, opinions about new laptops. The point is, I don't know if there is any machine that could be recommended in reasonable price. At work I'm using some new MacBook Pro which (i5/16GB/128GB SSD) which is noticeably slower than my current machine.

Performance of the computer is quite important for me. I'm an Android developer, compilation of a big project I'm working on takes enormous amount of RAM and CPU nowadays (with new Android Studio it's even worse). From time to time I work on web projects, so handling several instances of docker shouldn't be a problem for a new machine. I prefer Linux over MacOs over Windows, so good support for Ubuntu/Fedora would be nice.

I checked some computers in details but most of them fail in one or more aspects: - hinges - MacBook has superior hinges, if I pay more than 1000 - 1500$ I expect to have great hinges - price - performance - Linux support

Price is quite important for me, I'm from Eastern Europe. What computer would you recommend in, let's say, <2000$ ?

Re: Ask HN: Are there any reasonable alternatives to MacBook Pro for developer?

#5
Lots of people love the Lenovo X220, which can be upgraded with simple screwdrivers to the latest and greatest processors and motherboards using fan-made motherboards.

(That’s how popular they are, fans are making newer motherboards for them. I don’t know the experience, I’m using a very old Toughbook to devel since my needs aren’t great.)

What’s with the hinges? I’ve never had one fail. Granted, I’m no road warrior.

Re: Ask HN: Are there any reasonable alternatives to MacBook Pro for developer?

#6

I'd say buy a new mid 2015 Macbook 15inches, some vendors might have it in stock. I recently got it for around $2000 USD in Pakistan. It's Core i7, 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD.

Yes, having upgraded from one I fully regret this decision, mostly because of the keyboard and the £2000 after trade in. I’m actually a big fan of USB-C, it’s much better.

Re: Ask HN: Are there any reasonable alternatives to MacBook Pro for developer?

#8
i am using HP pavilion. its quad core, comes with 8gb expandable to 16GB, no ssd (which is pain), full HD display matte (which is something i like compared to glossy), backlit keyboard and windows10. this is my replacement for my macbook pro 2011. so far pretty good to me. i havent tried linux. https://www.notebookcheck.net/HP-Pavilion-15-Power-i7-7700HQ...

Re: Ask HN: Are there any reasonable alternatives to MacBook Pro for developer?

#10
I use a 13" ThinkPad X250 when I'm not at my desk and I've been pretty impressed by it. I picked it up second-hand for I'm not sure what the newer and bigger models are like, however, so maybe someone else would have more experience there.

The other guys at work have all opted for XPS 13" machines. They haven't arrived yet, but I'm curious as to what they'll be like.

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