Best Laptop for Programming in 2023: ULTIMATE Guide
Just Josh
Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Coding Laptop
Whether you’re a student learning to code or a professional programmer, here is my ultimate guide on what makes a great coding laptop. But before we dive into it, let me tell you a bit about myself. I have two degrees in computer science and have worked as a professional Java developer for many years. On this YouTube channel, I have reviewed over 150 laptops. So, today’s video combines two of my areas of expertise.
The Screen
As a coder, you’ll be looking at lines of code all day, so it’s essential to have a screen that allows you to see as much code as possible without straining your eyes. I recommend a laptop with at least a 14-inch screen, a resolution higher than 1920×1200, and a brightness of over 350 nits.
Performance
Almost every laptop processor today has enough power for coding. Apple’s M1 and M2 laptops are excellent choices, as they are powerful and generate little heat or fan noise. For AMD processors, look for the Ryzen 6000 or 7000 series, preferably a Zen 4 processor. If you prefer Intel, any 12th or 13th gen i5 or i7 processor will suffice. Make sure to research the applications you’ll be working with before making a purchase.
Memory
Software developers typically have many programs and tools open simultaneously, so having enough RAM is crucial. I recommend a minimum of 16GB, but 32GB is preferred. Upgradability is also a plus.
Storage
For most coders, 512GB of storage is sufficient. However, if you work with large image sets or databases, you may need more. Consider dedicated Nvidia graphics if you’re into data science or machine learning.
Other Considerations
Comfortable keyboard with a standard layout
Avoid laptops with warm keyboard decks or loud fans
A good trackpad and decent webcam
Decent battery life
Consider buying extended warranty
Take advantage of student or employee discounts
Remember, these are general recommendations, and your specific coding needs may vary. Do your research and consider future-proofing your laptop by opting for upgradability.
If you want to see a list of laptops that meet these criteria, you can find it here. Don’t forget to smash the like button to show your appreciation!
Next Step: Narrowing Down the List
Now that you have seen the wide range of options for programming laptops, it’s time to narrow down the list. Instead of just recommending one laptop, I have selected a small number of contenders. This is because programmers have specific needs and people shop at different budget levels. So, I have categorized the laptops into different categories: best programming laptop for those on a budget, best for students, and best for those needing dedicated graphics. Many of these laptops are new or refreshed for 2023. While I haven’t personally used all of them, I have reached out to every manufacturer and ordered the ones I haven’t tried yet. In a follow-up video, I will compare every laptop on this list and determine the very best ones. Make sure you are subscribed and have the notification bell on so you don’t miss it. It’s going to be epic!
Classification and Rationale
For now, I have classified the laptops I feel confident in as green for recommended and orange for not recommended. I have provided a short rationale at the end explaining why. Keep in mind that this is my personal opinion and your specific needs may vary.
If you found this video helpful in determining what laptop you should look for, let me know in the comments below. If you think I missed something important or there’s another laptop that should be on this list, please comment and let me know. I read all your comments and often learn something from you guys.
Now, usually, at this point, I would ask you to like and subscribe. It shows your appreciation for the video and makes my mother very proud. She has been watching the videos and is very proud. However, she feels that I talk a little too fast. Do you agree with her, or do you like the speed at which I talk because it makes the videos energetic? Let me know.
That’s all for today, folks. Go do something awesome with your day, and I’ll catch you later!
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