Laptop Recommendation programming

CareerAdvice

Hi, I’ve starred learning to code python and my current laptop is just not able for the task, i3 and 4gb RAM. It’s over 5 years old at this stage so doesn’t owe me much.

It will mainly be used to code but also light internet use, word, excel etc. I don’t expect to be doing more complex graphics or anything like that.

Ideally my budget is ~1000 but if something more expensive is better value I can look at that.

I’d preferably like to buy in a bricks and mortar shop, there’s a DID close by but I understand online shops may still be better than their ‘sale’ prices.

Thanks

what size screen are you looking for? there has been a move away from 15.6 to 14 inch screens for a lighter more portable laptop in the last couple of years. it's a perfectly usable size for working on for long periods.

for 1000 you can get a decent laptop.

but you might get a decent one for your needs for about 600 to 700 and with not much more being offered going up to 1000 really.

this matebook d with a 4-core amd (broadly similar to an intel i5 except better integrated graphics and a bit down on the cpu side but still plenty for your needs) with full hd screen, full-metal build, 8gb ram (plenty and 16gb usually only on 1000+ portable laptops) and 256gb ssd for £560 sterling is nice. under 1.5kg so portable. good speakers also which can be a real weak point on laptops, especially in this price range. good battery life also.

amazon has an excellent returns policy if there are any issues - better than B&M shops in actuality.


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Huawei-Matebook-14-Inch-Laptop-Processor/dp/B07KV9J1PG/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=matebook+d&qid=1559488769&s=gateway&sr=8-3

don't worry that it's Huawei - they will not be cut off from windows

review

https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/huawei-matebook-d-amd

CareerAdvice

Thanks for that glasso, screen size not too much of an issue. I have a monitor set up so usually use the laptop as a second screen for notes or videos and the monitor for the typing.

That laptop spec wise looks ideal. No point in over kill. It will only be scripts and small web development for the next while. If i progress I can always upgrade in a few years.

Portability isn’t a huge requirement but I guess it’s nice to have the option.

The only slight negative I can see is that it has two USB ports. I usually plug a mouse and keyboard in which would occupy both those. Ideally would like a third for an external hard drive but I think I’m splitting hairs there! Thanks very much for the suggestion.

get a decent (bluetooth 4 or 5) mouse - problem sorted!


this one that I have is a lovely mouse with quiet clicks. will take a few weeks to arrive but worth it

https://www.banggood.com/BUBM-1200DPI-Wireless-Bluetooth-4_0-Rechargeable-Mouse-Ultra-Slim-Office-Gaming-Optical-Mouse-p-1345720.html?rmmds=search&ID=227&cur_warehouse=CN

tedpan

glasso wrote:

don't worry that it's Huawei - they will not be cut off from windows

Although, you may have trouble travelling to the US with it..

tedpan

tedpan wrote: »

Although, you may have trouble travelling to the US with it..

that's just scare-mongering.

colm_c

Typically RAM is the biggest use for programming, mostly because of the ide, the programs themselves should run on a very small amount of ram.

If you can use a lightweight ide, you can make better use of the available RAM. I.e. vscode instead of pycharm.

If you are serious about getting into python, having the machine dual boot (windows and linux) would be useful.

tedpan

glasso wrote:

that's just scare-mongering.

No, I work for a large multinational and they have banned employees from dealing with Huawei and using Huawei products for BYOD.

tedpan

tedpan wrote: »

No, I work for a large multinational and they have banned employees from dealing with Huawei and using Huawei products for BYOD.

sounds like the OP is buying this himself!

tedpan

glasso wrote:

sounds like the OP is buying this himself!

It's a lovely laptop with decent specs. I'd recommend it too, it was just a warning as I know how some Americans can be, especially at border control..

CareerAdvice

Thanks everyone for the replies. It will just be a personal laptop with no intention to bring it to the USA but thanks for the heads up on it. I’ve pulled the trigger there now. Really appreciate the help guys.

CareerAdvice

CareerAdvice wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the replies. It will just be a personal laptop with no intention to bring it to the USA but thanks for the heads up on it. I’ve pulled the trigger there now. Really appreciate the help guys.

let us know how you find it when you get it.