Ask HN: Is there a developer laptop that does not suck and is not a Mac in 2022?
241–250 of 538 posts
Re: Ask HN: Is there a developer laptop that does not suck and is not a Mac in 2022?
#242Shilling XYtech's repurposed Intel/12-core/64GB/matte-screen/2TB/VGA/Trackpoint/USBC/ laptops! Nothing better imo, unless he adds an E-Ink option!
Re: Ask HN: Is there a developer laptop that does not suck and is not a Mac in 2022?
#243Earlier quoted context omitted.
> For my next laptop, I'm waiting for Framework Can the Framework laptop be powered via USB-C or are they still using power jacks like in the 20th century?
Actually I strongly hate the laptops that can be powered only via USB-C, blocking thus a very useful I/O port, unless you also carry with you a docking station. Powering via USB-C would be OK only on laptops with at least 4 or 5 USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, but such laptops are non-existent. Laptops with only 2 USB-C ports, where 1 is blocked by the charger, are useless for me. When I have access to a power plug, I usual…
My XPS from 1.5 years ago has 4 USB-C ports.
Re: Ask HN: Is there a developer laptop that does not suck and is not a Mac in 2022?
#244I have Lenovo which offers a great on-site support, have been using Thinkpad X since X201 or something and now am extremely happy with Thinkpad P14s with 42G of RAM and especially an AMD Ryzen 7 Pro with 16 threads and which provides much better 3D hardware than what Intel provides, and still much cheaper. Only problem is battery that is not as great as Thinkpad X when you can upgrade to a double battery in addition to the one that's inside the laptop itself. I use Linux.
Re: Ask HN: Is there a developer laptop that does not suck and is not a Mac in 2022?
#245This is tangential to the discussion, but are there any laptops that won't heat up your legs/groin when used on your lap? I remember owning an Asus UL30VT [1] 10 or 15 years ago, and I could have it on my lap for hours without feeling any heat regardless of the CPU load. It was a bit crappy in other ways, but a joy to use on the go! It seems like nowadays all manufacturers try to keep the components cool, but don't c…
I’ve heard the term “weenie roaster” for hot laptops.
Re: Ask HN: Is there a developer laptop that does not suck and is not a Mac in 2022?
#246I cannot believe that it is so hard to even get a laptop without a numberpad. What are those manufacturers thinking? Apple has been delivering their laptops without numberpad for ages and it seems to work really well. At least give me the option to get rid of those (to me) usseless keys which also keep the touchpad from being centered to the screen.
Re: Ask HN: Is there a developer laptop that does not suck and is not a Mac in 2022?
#247It's still a Mac. But the i love the MacBook pro series from 2016-17. With ssd. Before they took away all the plugs. If my m1 would break I would probably just buy one of those from a reputable refurbished company. They are affordable, often between 500-800 (mostly dependent on hard drive size), and great specs. My new m1 theoretically is better, but I experience much more issues. And if any issues I can deal with the refurbished company, of which some offer great service.
Re: Ask HN: Is there a developer laptop that does not suck and is not a Mac in 2022?
#248I work on an Tuxedo's "Infinity Book Pro 14" and I have no complains, it has been a wonderful laptop for software development (on Linux).
Re: Ask HN: Is there a developer laptop that does not suck and is not a Mac in 2022?
#249Lenovo's paid warranty has been fantastic for me in the multiple countries where I've used it (Sweden, Hong Kong and Mexico). In all three they sent out a local service technician that fixed the problem on-site. Once it was a a worn out SSD that was replaced with one twice as big as that was the only thing they had in stock (Sweden), another time it was a broken connector on the motherboard (Hong Kong) and the third…
I had the same experience with Lenovo. On-site support is expensive but also a no-brainer for professional users.
Just beware that Lenovo makes some great laptops as well as some really really crappy models.
Re: Ask HN: Is there a developer laptop that does not suck and is not a Mac in 2022?
#250Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'm writing this with buyer's remorse on my Framework. It's a huge step down from my previous Thinkpads. The battery life is atrocious - a night in modern standby drains the battery from 80% to 35%. Outside the office battery life is a constant worry, I mostly use it docked these days. The display hinge is wobbly - when I lift my Framework from my lap on a table it often folds back 180 degrees. Very annoying. In gene…
I believe the hinge is a known issue on earlier models and you can get a replacement from Framework. Probably start here: https://community.frame.work/t/explainer-lid-rigidity-hinge-... Key section: "However, we identified that for a period of time last fall, our hinge supplier shipped a subset of hinges with forces below our accepted spec range. We’ve since added additional tests both at the hinge supplier and at ou…
Thank you for the link. Apparently I received a batch where this problem has been fixed.
The hinge is not very wobbly when typing and won't move if I lift the laptop carefully. However, it won't stay in position when moving it quicker.
Maybe this is by design so one can open the lid with a single hand. I prefer the sturdy hinge on my old Thinkpads though - it's difficult to open them with one hand but they stay in position when I move them.