Are gaming laptops good for programming Here’s why… The Dell Inspiron 15 Pro was a solid $700 computer with excellent performance, and I think it has great staying power to see me through the next few years of this column.
So does what Microsoft plans to do in Windows 10 on laptops like these: add USB 3 ports at one time so you can plug them into your PC as well as take advantage (if necessary) that onboard Intel Gigabit Ethernet port if possible — but only then when needed by applications such “Bing Maps,” or more importantly any other application need to know how many people are nearby; expand memory beyond 128 GB now without having RAM capacity dwin.
The best laptops for programming make it simple and easy to code on the go. When choosing the best laptop for programming, there are several things you need to consider.
Of course, you need plenty of power so having one of the best processors and fast RAM is very important, especially when you’re testing and running your codes. However, while cores, threads, and clock speeds are important, they aren’t the only things to consider.
A speedy SSD is also necessary to help you save you time when accessing files and projects. As is a comfortable keyboard that is responsive and satisfying to use, and a display that is easy on the eyes you’re likely to spend hours upon hours staring at it. If you work remotely and sometimes travel, you might want to spend a bit more to get something that’s thin and light (maybe one of the best Ultrabooks).
We’ve gathered our top choices so you can find the best one for you without too much hassle. No matter if you’re looking for a Linux-powered notebook, Windows 11 laptop, a MacBook Pro, or even a premium Chromebook, we’ve got you covered. Some of them are quite reasonably priced, costing just a little more than the best laptops under $500. Here then are what we think are the best laptops for programming.
Mightily impressiveSpecifications
- CPU: Apple M1 Pro 8-core – M1 Max 10-core
- Graphics: Integrated 14-core – 32-core GPU
- RAM: Up to 64GB
- Screen: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
- Storage: Up to 8TB
- Today’s Best Deals
- Reasons to buy +
- Brilliant performance+
- Best screen on a laptopReasons to avoid –
- Screen may be a bit small for some
The MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) is brilliant for creative workflows, but it’s terrific for programming as well. Taking the MacBook Pro to the ultimate level, this M1 Pro- or M1 Max-powered laptop absolutely blows the rest away with breathtaking power, an equally breathtaking battery life, and an XDR display with 1600 nits of peak brightness. The SD card slot, an HDMI port, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports help ensure that you have all the peripherals you need.
The best Chromebook and laptop for programming
- Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core m3 – Intel Core i7
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615
- RAM: 8GB – 16GB
- Screen: 13.3-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) or 4K LCD touchscreen
- Storage: 128GB – 256GB eMMC
- Today’s Best Deals
- Reasons to buy +
- 11-hour battery life+
- Amazing ‘Hush’ keyboard+
The Best Chrome book Reasons to Avoid
The Google’s Pixelbook Go is the best Chromebook money can buy right now, and it’s also a fantastic laptop for programming. Coming with a more affordable price tag than its predecessor, the Pixelbook, Google’s latest Chromebook still packs plenty of the premium features the original came with, including an amazing battery life, and one of the best keyboards we’ve used on a laptop – an important consideration when looking for a laptop for programming in.
Sure, it doesn’t use Windows 10 – instead it runs Chrome OS – but for most programmers, especially web developers, this won’t be an issue. You can also install Linux on this thing as well, which makes it an even more versatile laptop for programming.
It features some impressive specs for a Chromebook, which ensures that Chrome OS positively flies on this device, and puts its performance on par with many of the more expensive Windows laptops and MacBooks.
3. HP Spectre x360 (2021)
- Best overall laptop for programmingSpecifications
- CPU: 11th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM: 8GB – 16GB
- Screen: 13.3″ FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit multitouch – 13.3″ diagonal 4K (3840 x 2160) UWVA BrightView micro-edge AMOLED multitouch
- Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSDReasons to buy +
- Powerful Intel Whiskey Lake processors+
- 12-hour battery life+
- Thin, light, and portable
- Reasons to avoid –
- More powerful than some users will need
The HP Spectre x360 (2021) 2-in-1 laptop had a big refresh, and the boost in specs, with 11th-generation Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Xe graphics, along with the impeccable 2-in-1 design and pristine gem-cut chassis, means that this version is at the top of our best laptops for programmers list.
The HP Spectre line has always consisted of stunning devices. So, when we say that the Spectre x360 takes things to another level, that should mean something. Not only is this one of the most beautiful laptops on the market right now – with its gem cut design and sleek profile, but it’s tough on the inside.
HP fitted this with impressively long battery life, which means that you’re getting one of the best laptops on the market, hands down. As such, it’s also the best laptop for programming right now.
4. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme laptop
- Great power, massive price tagSpecifications
- CPU: up to 8th-generation Intel Core i7
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti with Max-Q design
- RAM: up to 64GB
- Screen: 15.6” FHD (1920 x 1080) – 15.6” 4K UHD HDR (3840 x 2160) multi-touch
- Storage: up to 1TB SSD
- Today’s Best Deals
- Reasons to buy +
- Extreme mobile workstation+
- Multiple configuration options+
- Robust carbon-fiber and aluminum package
- Reasons to avoid –
- More power than some users will need
If you have the funds for an unstoppable workhorse, then Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Extreme mobile workstation is the best laptop for programming for you.
This laptop gets our vote as one of the best Lenovo laptops for many reasons. It has several configurations on hand, depending on your needs and budget, but at its most basic, it’s already pretty powerful, packed with a solid graphics card in a robust carbon-fiber and aluminum package that will survive any office or field.
The only negative? You get what you pay for, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme comes with a price tag to match its power.
Conclusion
In conclusion,i t can be said that gaming laptops are good for programming if the programmer is willing to invest in a good one. They are powerful machines that can handle any task you throw at them, including the most demanding programming tasks.
However, they are also more expensive than regular laptops and their battery life is not as good. So, if you’re looking for a laptop for programming, a gaming laptop is a good option, but make sure you get a good one.
