this post was submitted on 27 May 2024

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Any suggestions for cheap but decent laptops for coding? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)

submitted 5 months ago by EveryMuffinIsNowEncrypted@lemmy.blahaj.zone to c/linux@lemmy.ml

113 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I'm currently learning how to code (currently Python, then maybe JavaScript), but I'm not always around my desktop, and learning on my phone is not always an option (also, it can be quite cumbersome at times). Therefore, I'm looking into purchasing a laptop just for learning how to code and stuff.

I don't want to get a Chromebook because I want to be able to wipe the drive and install Linux on it (probably Linux Mint). Maybe it's changed since 2013, but the last time I had a Chromebook, it was a pain in the ass to install even bog-standard Ubuntu on it.

Problem is, I'm also heavily limited by space & budget: no more than 11 in (280 mm) total laptop width and 330 USD base price.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Please forgive me if this is not the right space for this kind of question. Lemme know if it is and I'll delete it. :)

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[–] unlawfulbooger@lemmy.blahaj.zone 51 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (4 children)

It’s probably best to limit yourself to a used laptop.

Reading and writing code is nothing more than reading and writing text, and for that you don’t need a fancy gpu or screen.

What I would recommend you look for in a laptop is

an SSD instead of an HDD
more cpu cores (at least 4 cores)
more memory (RAM) (at least 8GB, preferably 16GB+)

More memory and cores will help you with compiling and running your code.

And make sure you take regular backups! You never know when your disk will fail.

Also make sure to check linux compatibility before you buy. Laptops used to be a pain (10+ years ago), and it’s gotten a lot better, but it’s not always perfect. Just search for “[brand] [model] linux” or try to find the model on the archlinux wiki.

[–] 0x0@programming.dev 8 points 5 months ago

an SSD instead of an HDD

I'd rather search for upgradeability, i.e., non-soldered RAM, easy access to HDD, maybe replace the optical drive with an HDD caddy, etc...

[–] eveninghere@beehaw.org 7 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Well, just for learning coding on Linux OP wouldn't need 16GB.

[–] lord_ryvan@ttrpg.network 1 points 5 months ago

I feel people used to having more RAM always recommended insane amounts of RAM. 4 GB gets you by running a browser or PDF viewer with a code editor, 8 or more GB is recommended IMO.

[–] EveryMuffinIsNowEncrypted@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Thank you for being thorough! I appreciate the advice! :)

[–] unlawfulbooger@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

You’re welcome!

I’m sorry that I don’t have any advice for a specific laptop, but it seems others are helping with that already.

[–] EveryMuffinIsNowEncrypted@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 5 months ago

It's cool. Don't worry about it! I appreciate any advice someone can give. :)

[–] Wooki@lemmy.world 1 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

is nothing more than reading writing text

Unless you’re compiling rust.

Mic drop *

[–] unlawfulbooger@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

More memory and cores will help you with compiling and running your code.

Have you even read my comment?

[–] Wooki@lemmy.world 1 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

Whooosh!

Sound of a joke passing over you