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Ask HN: Smallest laptop that is decent for coding?

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Re: Ask HN: Smallest laptop that is decent for coding?

#111
post #57

Nearly all comments are completely missing the most important point in the OP question: "The small form factor is important so I can keep it with me like you would keep a physical paper notebook with you". When one says a physical paper notebook, it means something that is small and portable and you can put it in your pocket or a small bag, not a 13" laptop that weighs 2 kilos that you need a special and when you ope…

As someone who has bought a OneMix 2s specifically for coding, I'd recommend against it - there are difficulties using it for typing, much less programming. I use it in an emergency for SSH'ing onto a server to fix something, or debug a live issue, as it fits in an inside coat pocket and I can set up an encrypted linux partition on it (with some difficulty, but it is doable) but unless you have excellent eyes and tin…

I do not recommend extensive work (full-time job) on such a small device. In fact I do not recommend doing a full-time job on anything smaller than 14". One can really ruin the finger joints, risk RSI even more on smaller keyboards, ruin the neck, ruin the spine and really ruin the eyes even at 11". In fact you need a proper chair and proper desk and proper keyboard and proper monitor at eye level, to do a full-time job and not ruin your health.

But, I understood the OP question as not about being productive but being capable of doing some small work if needed when on the move, a the device is small enough to be with you everywhere you go and not consider it a brick load in your bag after 10 hours of carrying it with you, but still performant enough to be able to make a patches and shorter coding session on the move.

Re: Ask HN: Smallest laptop that is decent for coding?

#112
post #73

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What do you use hyper for? It's cool that DEs support binding it, but I've never found a use.

I use Emacs. I have use for as many keys as I can add to a keyboard (on my desk I have a PC 122 model M by Unicomp)

I mean, I do too, have for over a decade now. I'm still much more likely to bind under a prefix than directly to a meta chord.

Re: Ask HN: Smallest laptop that is decent for coding?

#113
post #57

Nearly all comments are completely missing the most important point in the OP question: "The small form factor is important so I can keep it with me like you would keep a physical paper notebook with you". When one says a physical paper notebook, it means something that is small and portable and you can put it in your pocket or a small bag, not a 13" laptop that weighs 2 kilos that you need a special and when you ope…

Not sure if Sony makes them still, but they used to have small VAIO portables with keyboards.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-VAIO-VGN-P530H-Lifestyle-PC/dp/B...

https://www.google.com/search?q=sony+vaio+small+laptop&rlz=1...

Re: Ask HN: Smallest laptop that is decent for coding?

#115

Earlier quoted context omitted.

12" MacBook is quite a bit smaller than the 13" Macs.

I carry a 12" in this role and it's great. Surprisingly long battery life, weighs nothing and, assuming you spend most of your time in an editor, fast enough. Downsides are (a) butterfly keyboard and (b) tiny screen. If you do anything that requires compilation, get something with a CPU fan like the new 13" Air. Get the 16GB model either way.

I loved mine (the original 12"), keyboard and all. Kept it with me all the time in a little sling bag... like a gun in holster. BANG! BANG!

Rocked it til it broke, and I'm still missing it 3 years later. I guess I need a new one.

Re: Ask HN: Smallest laptop that is decent for coding?

#117
post #107

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The MacBook air is only 1.3kg. And it really doesn't take up a lot of space. No more than an A4 notebook. If you're keeping it in a bag, then I think it ought to be small enough.

A notebook is typically 100 grams, and fits into your pocket. Edit: I exagerated. Should have been more clear. A notebook that you would carry 12 hours or more with you is not a A4 notebook that weighs 1.3kg. It is something like this: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-NH130210120V-R-Classic-N... - 8" and 350g

Ah, I was imagining more like:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pukka-Metallic-Jotta-Wirebound-Note...

Re: Ask HN: Smallest laptop that is decent for coding?

#118
Really surprised not more people are mentioning the X1 Carbon. It is extremely lightweight, thin, loaded with ports, has great battery life and has tons of ports.

I use one plugged into a thunderbolt 3 dock so I can have a great desktop setup with a single wire, and quickly unplug when I need to move.

Re: Ask HN: Smallest laptop that is decent for coding?

#120

> I'm looking for something as small as possible ASUS Eee PC.[0] FTR, The smallest laptop — Ben NanoNote.[1] BTW, I would recommend instead just use any Android device + Termux app + compact Bluetooth/WiFi/USB-keyboard . [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asus_Eee_PC [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_NanoNote

Totally agree. I use 8" Samsung tablet with LTE and use a Microsoft BT keyboard - the universal one in which the cover is audio stand for phone or tablet. Program using vi in termux session. Works brilliantly especially for travel.
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