Want to Buy a Laptop for Coding? 7 Things You Should Know

Aiming anything less than 8GB is simply a waste of money, so you must pay extra attention to these specs. With the introduction of electron apps that are known for consuming higher memory, you will soon need to upgrade RAM, which might not be possible on several latest laptops.

Laptops with 16 GB RAM are expensive, but you should buy one if your budget allows. As a programmer, you may need to run virtual machines and heavy IDEs, which will only take a toll on the memory.

So, make sure to get enough RAM at the time of purchase, preferably 16GB, to prevent yourself from the hassle of upgrading it later.

Processing Power

Similar to RAM and screen size, processing power is another important factor that you should consider when purchasing a programming laptop. Being a programmer, you must be multitasking most of your time, and that’s when the processor plays a pivotal role in providing a smooth working experience.

Consider buying a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, keeping in mind that you are going to use the same device for the next couple of years. A high-end processor is essential to handle massive projects while juggling between heavy apps on the laptop screen.

Several programming tasks cannot bear delays, such as when you need compiling codes at the end of the day, so get a good processor for a smooth and seamless coding experience. Whether you are using Notepad++ for editing code or running multiple high-end apps, your task has to be smooth.

Storage

coding laptops

The two important factors that define storage efficiency are the type and capacity of the drive. When it comes to storage type, getting an SSD is ideal for significant performance improvements.

SSDs store data in integrated circuits; they are faster at writing and reading operations. Although SSDs are comparatively expensive than traditional hard disk drives, it is worth buying the former for speed and performance.

Right from booting the operating system to launching apps to compiling code, everything will be fast, and you will not encounter performance lags. Buy an SSD with at least 256 GB storage capacity, while anything between 512 GB and 1 TB is highly recommended.

Other Specs to Consider

Operating System: Your choice of the operating system will lay the ground for finalizing the laptop you end up buying. While a plethora of options is available for Windows users, Mac users have access to a limited MacBook lineup.

Graphics: If you think about whether you should go for a dedicated or an integrated graphics card, the former will save you money. An integrated graphics card might not be the priority for coders, but you may consider buying it if you are an avid player too.

Keyboard: Before you finalize your purchase, check the laptop’s keyboard to see if you can type on it all day. If you wish, you can buy a wireless keyboard as it will not put a strain on the laptop keys and will improve its life.

Conclusion

Although there are many options available for programming laptops, picking up the right specs is a matter of preference and budget. The information available in this article will help you make an optimal purchase while you have the option to adjust these specs as per your coding needs.

Leave a Comment