Looking for the best laptop for programming? If yes, then you have landed at the right place. Here in this article, we have reviewed the best laptop for developers and coders under $1000, $1500, $2000, and $3000.
In this list of the top-rated laptop for programming, you will find several high-range and mid-range laptops for programming.
Whether you are a web developer working on HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Python, etc or a software developer who develops desktop applications using Java, C#, C++, or iOS and Android developer who create mobile applications using flutter, Swift, Android Studio or a college student who’s looking for a good laptop for programming.
Recommended and Minimum System Requirements for Developing and Coding
Programming is quite a fun process for programmers and web developers. But you love your programming more when you have the best laptops for programming and that too with the perfect configurations.
| Minimum System Requirements | Recommended System Requirements | |
| CPU | Intel Core i3 | Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | 4GB | 16GB |
| Hard Drive | 256GB SSD or 500GB HDD | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 1024 x 768 HD | 1024 x 1080 Full HD |
| GPU | Integrated (with 2GB VRAM) | Dedicated (with 4GB VRAM) |
Below mentioned MacBook and Windows laptops are best for a game developer, mobile app developer, robotics developer, java developer, Python developer, software developer, iOS developer, and Android developer.
So go ahead and check out the specification of the best budget laptop for programming students and professionals.
Best Laptops for Programming Under $1000, $1500, $2000, and $3000.
Table of Contents
#1. ASUS VivoBook S15 Light Laptop for Programming Students Under $1000
ASUS is here with a thin and light laptop you can carry between your home and office with ease. The best laptop for programming has got everything a programmer needs, including a big screen and powerful specs. The laptop comes equipped with a 14” display that’s perfect if you need a compact laptop.
The screen renders clear visuals so you can do coding for hours without any eye strain at all. Furthermore, the nano-edged screen prevents color hindrance, and the 90% screen-to-body ratio eliminates any distractions.
The laptop accommodates an Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor with 8GB of RAM, minimizing the chances of any lags. You even get a 512GB SSD that enhances the speed and rewards you with good storage to store multiple programs and applications.
ASUS VivoBook S15 has got multiple connectivity ports, including Thunderbolt 4 for lightning-fast data transfers. It even has an HDMI port, and you can use the laptop for giving penetrations using the office projector.
Programmers are always after this ASUS laptop, all thanks to its dynamic keyboard with backlit. The keys have decent feedback and are big enough for the ease of coding for hours.
Designed on the Intel Evo Platform, the laptop boasts a combination of performance and elegance. The Intel Iris Xe graphics contribute a lot to the visuals while providing vivid colors making the laptop great for entertainment as well.
You won’t find a numeric keypad on the keyboard, but ASUS has integrated it with the touchpad to save space while providing its users with convenience.
Overall, ASUS VivoBook S15 offers a complete package for any programmer and coder needs. The laptop is light, has an excellent configuration, and the battery is just amazing.
If you need a cheap laptop that doesn’t overheat easily and gives you the required comfort while writing a code, going with ASUS VivoBook S15 will be a wise choice.
Specifications of ASUS VivoBook S15 Laptop for Programmers Under $1000
| Processor: | 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 |
| RAM: | 8GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage: | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics Card: | Intel Iris Xe graphics |
| Graphics Card RAM: | 8 GB |
| Display: | 14 inches |
| Resolution: | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Speaker: | Built-in speaker |
| Operating System: | Windows 10 Home |
| Ports: | 2x Thunderbolt 4 via USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Type-A (Gen 1), USB 2.0, HDMI, micro SD card reader, 3.5mm combo audio jack |
| Webcam: | 720p HD camera, Without privacy shutter |
| Connectivity: | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Optical Drive: | No |
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Fast charging support fills the laptop with juice quickly. | The screen feels small for opening multiple windows. |
| 14″ screen with thin bezels for fewer distractions. | Not a great choice for high-end programmers. |
| Punchy audio with crystal clear sound. | |
| Metal chassis for added durability. | |
| Fingerprint sensor for better security. |
Price: $549.99
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#2. Dell Inspiron 2 in 1 14-inch Touch Screen Laptop for Developers Under $1000
Dell Inspiron 14 is regarded as one of the best budget laptops for programming. With its super responsive touchscreen, the computer lets you write codes and compile them with ease. Furthermore, it even folds into a tablet that enables you to use the laptop for entertainment purposes.
When it comes to performance Dell Inspiron 14 has got everything it needs to fend off lags. The best laptop for developers has an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor with 12 GB of RAM, so you can use Android Studio and other demanding tools such as Studio 3T, NetBeans, and more.
Furthermore, the 14” backlit screen lights up the world and helps you work in dim-light settings. The feedback from the keyboard is amazing, and it has an integrated backlit for working in the dark.
Inspiron 14” feels light, making it an amazing choice for coders who are always on the move. Another impressive trait the laptop boasts is Intel Iris Xe Graphics for improved visuals.
You get all the necessary ports for sharing data and connecting several devices with this laptop. Unlocking the computer is now easy and secure, all thanks to the built-in fingerprint sensor.
Loaded with Wi-Fi 6, the laptop offers unrivaled connectivity and excellent transfer speeds. In a nutshell, Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 laptop is a fantastic package for every programmer out there.
The powerful specs help the laptop prevent lags, and the OS works smoothly. You can install multiple tools and compilers while enjoying the performance of this compact laptop. Lastly, the 2 in 1 laptop for computer science students has 512 GB SSD for added speed and performance. However, you cannot extend it.
Specifications for Dell Inspiron 5406 Laptop for Computer Science Students:
| Processor: | 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor (12MB Cache, up to 4.7 GHz) |
| RAM: | 12GB 3200MHz DDR4 |
| Storage: | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics Card: | Intel Iris Xe graphics |
| Graphics Card RAM: | 8 GB |
| Display: | 14 inches |
| Resolution: | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Speaker: | 2x 2W, Stereo Speakers |
| Operating System: | Windows 10 Home |
| Ports: | USB 3.2 Gen 1 Power jack HDMI 1.4b USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (DP/PowerDelivery) |
| Webcam: | HD |
| Connectivity: | Wi-Fi 6 2×2 (Gig+)+Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Optical Drive: | No |
| Pros | Cons |
| Speakers tuned with CinemaSound technology. | It misses on a numeric keypad. |
| It supports fast charging. | The laptop heats up a little. |
| Built-in Type-C port. | |
| Highly capable CPU. |
Price: $973.99
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#3. Lenovo ThinkPad E15 15.6″ Laptop for Programming Under $1000
Lenovo ThinkPad E15 is a no-nonsense option if you need a durable, capable and good laptop for programming. The laptop has a 15.6” big screen with sleek bezels for minimal distractions. You can even enjoy opening multiple windows at once to write and compile the program in one go.
The Anti-glare 220nits display has 1920×1080 resolution making the laptop fit for coders that work for extender durations.
Coming to the specs, the laptop comes with an Intel Core i5-10210U, which may feel on the lower side. However, to compensate for the performance, Lenovo has used 16GB DDR4 RAM, and the laptop doesn’t lag.
You can install those demanding programming tools, including Visual Studio Code, Sublime text 3, Codespaces, and more still, the laptop will work smoothly. Multitasking is easier when you have a Lenovo ThinkPad E15 by your side.
The laptop may not look that stylish, but it is rugged for sure. The entire body feels durable, including the keys and touchpad. Furthermore, the laptop has a 512GB SSD, which’s great for beginner programmers.
However, you can even go for 1TB and 2TB options if you don’t want to compromise on storage space. You get versatile connectivity with the Lenovo ThinkPad E15.
The best laptop for software developers comes with a USB Type-C port that lets you transfer data and apps quickly. A programming laptop is useless without a good keyboard. But with Lenovo ThinkPad E15, you get a full-sized keyboard with a numeric keypad.
The keys respond quickly to your touch, so programming doesn’t require struggling with the keyboard anymore. Overall, Lenovo ThinkPad E15 is a competitive laptop for programmers you can buy under $1000. The laptop for programming under $1000 performs well and doesn’t lag even when overclocked.
Specifications for Lenovo ThinkPad E15 Laptop for Web Developers:
| Processor: | Intel Core i5-10210U (4 cores 8 threads; base clock speed 1.6GHz; max turbo to 4.2GHz; 6MB L3 Cache) |
| RAM: | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage: | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics Card: | Integrated Intel® UHD Graphics |
| Graphics Card RAM: | 512GB SSD |
| Display: | 15.6 inches |
| Resolution: | 1920×1080 Pixels |
| Speaker: | 2 x 2W speakers by Harman |
| Operating System: | Windows 10 Professional 64-bit |
| Ports: | USB 3.1 Gen1 TypeC , 2 x USB 3.1 Gen1, USB 2.0, HDMI 1.4b, RJ-45, Audio Combo Jack |
| Webcam: | 720p HD with ThinkShutter |
| Connectivity: | 802.11AC (2 x 2) Bluetooth®️ 5.0 |
| Optical Drive: | No |
| Pros | Cons |
| Good for multitasking. | The keyboard doesn’t have backlit. |
| Keyboard feedback is great. | No fingerprint reader. |
| Multiple connectivity ports, including DisplayPort. | |
| Durable body. |
Price: $848.99
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#4. Lenovo Legion 5 15.6-inch Laptop for Programming and Gaming
If you are looking for a gaming laptop that’s perfect for coding, look at Lenovo Legion 5. With its amazing specs, the laptop never fails to impress in terms of performance. You get an AMD Ryzen 7 4800H processor packed with 16 GB DDR4 RAM.
The best programming and gaming laptop supports all software and tools that programmers need. This a full-size laptop with a 15.6” screen that renders crystal clear visuals. Furthermore, the NVIDIA GTX 1660Ti takes the visuals to another level.
The screen has a 144 Hz refresh rate and 1920 x 1080, so be rest assured this laptop will keep you entertained as well. The reason why coders love this laptop is due to the efficient cooling.
Even when you use the laptop for hours, it doesn’t overheat because of the improved thermal tuning. A lot of programmers say that Lenovo Legion 5 has the best keyboard so far.
Designed for typing the TrueStrike keyboard offers good feedback, and the keys have backlit support that makes coding in the night easy. The keyboard comes with a numeric pad and that can make programming convenient.
As it is a gaming laptop so don’t expect it to be on the lighter side. The computer feels heavy and has a big frame. One thing that sets this laptop apart from its counterparts is the availability of Dual Burn Support.
Lenovo Legion 5 pushes the GPU and CPU together for better framerates and fewer lags. It comes loaded with Windows 10 but you can even install Linux if required.
To sum up, Lenovo Legion 5 is a great laptop that’s fit for programming and gaming. The laptop has multiple connectivity ports and used a 2 x 2W Harman Kardon® speaker system for excellent audio
Specifications for Lenovo Legion 5 Laptop for Programming:
| Processor: | AMD Ryzen 7 4800H |
| RAM: | 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 |
| Storage: | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics Card: | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti |
| Graphics Card RAM: | 6 GB |
| Display: | 15.6 inches |
| Resolution: | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Speaker: | 2 x 2W Harman Kardon® speaker system Dolby Atmos® headphone support |
| Operating System: | Windows 10 Home |
| Ports: | USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 1 USB-C port, HDMI, Ethernet, and an audio jack |
| Webcam: | 720p |
| Connectivity: | 802.11AC (2 x 2) 802.11AX (2 x 2) Bluetooth® 5.0 |
| Optical Drive: | No |
| Pros | Cons |
| Full HD display. | It’s heavy. |
| Efficient cooling fans. | The fans are noisy. |
| Super-fast GPU. | |
| Improved frame rates for stunning visuals. |
Price: $1,169.97
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#5. Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip for Programming
High-end programmers always prefer MacBook for coding due to its long-lasting battery and superb security. This MacBook Air comes loaded with Apple M1 Chip that offers a huge leap in the GPU and CPU performance.
No matter what tools and software you want to use the laptop will handle everything efficiently. Furthermore, the best MacBook for programming has an 8-core CPU that delivers up to 3.5 times better performance and you can tackle multiple projects at once.
The M1 chip offers balanced performance and the cores churn out the CPU’s performance to ensure the laptop never lags. With this MacBook Air you can carry out extraordinarily intensive tasks such as using Android Studio and other such heavy tools.
The 13-inch screen laptop falls in the compact category and is a great option for traveling. The screen may appear small but it offers a big package of stunning visuals. Apple MacBook Air comes with TrueTone technology for displaying lifelike colors.
Furthermore, the retina display has a 2500-by-1600 resolution that makes the visuals sharp and clear. On a single charge, the laptop lasts somewhere around 18-hours. So, programming for extended hours doesn’t require sticking to the charging outlet.
You get multiple connectivity ports including USB Type-C for transferring data with blazing-fast speed. MacBook Air 13” is a champ when it comes to wireless connectivity.
The laptop uses Wi-Fi 6 that reduces the connectivity dropouts and you get great speeds all the time. Furthermore, Apple has placed the speaker strategically to offer a punchy sound with good bass.
This is a 512GB SSD model with 8GB RAM and you can even choose the 256GB SSD model if you store most of the files over cloud storage.
In short, this Apple MacBook Air should be your choice if you are looking for a light, elegant, and fast laptop. It has a long-lasting battery with fast charging technology.
Lastly, the super-bright display and phenomenal keyboard make programming easy and convenient. Apple offers this laptop for iOS developers and other professionals in three color variants with 256 and 512 GB SSD options.
Specifications for Apple MacBook Air for Programming:
| Processor: | System on Chip (SoC) Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores; 16-core Neural Engine |
| RAM: | 8 GB |
| Storage: | 512 GB SSD |
| Graphics Card: | Apple 8-core GPU |
| Graphics Card RAM: | 8 GB |
| Display: | 13.3 inches |
| Resolution: | 2560 x 1600 Pixels |
| Speaker: | Stereo speakers |
| Operating System: | Mac OS |
| Ports: | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports with support for: Charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40 Gbps), USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) |
| Webcam: | 720p |
| Connectivity: | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking; IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatible. Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Optical Drive: | No |
| Pros | Cons |
| Impressive performance. | The screen isn’t great for opening multiple windows. |
| Precise keyboard with backlit support. | You can only run macOS on this machine. |
| Smooth processing with minimal lags. | |
| Cooling fans aren’t noisy at all. |
Price: $738.20
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#6. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 12.3″ with Touch-Screen Laptop for Coding
Are you looking for a touchscreen laptop for programming? Have a look at Microsoft Surface Pro 7. It’s a compact laptop with an impressive touchscreen. The screen offers unbeatable feedback and you’ll feel like using a high-end tablet.
Packed with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, the laptop offers amazing performance. Furthermore, the availability of 16 GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD improve the performance.
Launching multiple apps at a time is now possible without any lags when you have Surface Pro 7 on your desk. Strategically designed to offer convenience this laptop is a great option for programmers.
The laptop comes with a super-sleek keyboard that offers good feedback for coding with ease. There are several reasons why coders love this laptop. The highly versatile laptop is great for drawing, writing, typing, and other such tasks.
You can even design a logo or edit pictures with this machine so it offers a complete package. Coming to the display the laptop has a 12.3” screen that offers ultimate visuals.
Forget what eye strain is as the screen filters the blue light making it an ideal laptop for working during those extender hours. Furthermore, the computer has Intel Iris Plus Graphics that improves the visuals quality.
If you are concerned about using multiple programming tools and compilers, rest assured that this best laptop for Visual Studio can handle everything with ease. You can use tools like Visual Studio Code, XCode, and Bitrise without worrying about the performance.
Surface Pro 7 comes with a camera at the rear as well so you can use it for capturing pictures. There are not a lot of connectivity ports but you get a USB Type-A, Type-C and microSD slot.
Going for Surface Pro 7 will reward you with the ultimate convenience of typing, writing, and editing pictures/videos. On a single charge, the laptop offers a runtime of 10.5 hours and you won’t run out of juice quickly.
Specifications for Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Laptop for Android Developer:
| Processor: | 10th Gen Intel Core i7, i5 and i3 |
| RAM: | 16GB |
| Storage: | 256GB |
| Graphics Card: | Intel Iris Plus Graphics (i7, i5) Intel UHD Graphics (i3) |
| Graphics Card RAM: | 16GB |
| Display: | 12.3 inches |
| Resolution: | 2736 x 1824 Pixels |
| Speaker: | Stereo speakers |
| Operating System: | Windows 10 Home |
| Ports: | USB-C and USB-A ports |
| Webcam: | 1080p HD video |
| Connectivity: | Wi-Fi |
| Optical Drive: | No |
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight and handy. | S pen and keyboard are sold separately. |
| Built-in kickstand. | The keyboard doesn’t have backlit support. |
| It supports fast charging. | |
| Versatile laptop with studio and tablet mode. |
Price: $805.00
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#7. New Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip for Developer
Apple is here with another MacBook that’s perfect for programmers. The MacBook Pro 13-inch is a noteworthy thin laptop that’s lightweight and compact.
The laptop for developers houses an Apple M1 chip to offer unmatched performance. Packed with 16 billion transistors the chip rewards the laptop with ultimate performance and minimizes the lags.
Furthermore, the eight cores on the power chip help the CPU carry out heavy workloads with ease. This laptop for programmers can easily handle software tools including Android Studio, NetBeans, and big compilers.
As per several programmers the 13” screen offers crisp and sharp visuals. As the laptop uses TrueTone technology, be rest assured that the visuals won’t rip apart.
Furthermore, the screen has 500 nits of brightness with 25% more colors than RGB. This handy laptop has even got a TouchBar so you can access most of the features just with a click. MacBook Pro 13-inch comes with a compact keyboard with backlit support.
The mechanical keys have good travel and that’s astonishing for such a sleek laptop.
There is no need to worry about running out of juice as the laptop offers a runtime of 20-hours. You get two USB Type-C ports for charging the computer and transferring data.
MacBook Pro 13” comes packed with a 512 GB SSD that improves performance. The laptop even flies with a huge workload and that’s why programmers love using MacBook Pro for coding.
Besides performance the laptop offers rich and immersive audio making it perfect for entertainment purposes. The HD webcam allows you to attend Zoom/Skype calls and there’s no need to look for a separate webcam device.
Built to offer sheer performance this MacBook Pro should be your choice if you want to use high-end programming tools. The laptop has a supercharged chip processor, long-lasting battery and TouchBar for added convenience.
Lastly, you get three color options and Apple sells this laptop in 256 and 512 GB variants.
Specifications for Laptop for Coding:
| Processor: | System on Chip (SoC) Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores; 8-core GPU; 16-core Neural Engine |
| RAM: | 8GB |
| Storage: | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics Card: | Apple 8-core GPU |
| Display: | 13-inch |
| Resolution: | 2560 x 1600 Pixels |
| Speaker: | Stereo speakers |
| Operating System: | macOS |
| Ports: | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports with support for: Charging, DisplayPort Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40 Gbps), USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps) |
| Webcam: | 720p |
| Connectivity: | Wi-Fi 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Optical Drive: | No |
| Pros | Cons |
| Light and elegant. | No numeric keypad. |
| Mechanical keys let you write codes comfortably for hours. | A bit pricey. |
| It comes with a fingerprint scanner. | |
| Three-mic array. |
Price: $838.56
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#8. LG Gram 17-Inch Laptop for Coding
Programmers looking for a powerful laptop with a bigger screen should consider settling down with LG Gram Laptop. The laptop has a huge 17” screen with minimalist bezels. You can open multiple windows in one go to complete different tasks quickly.
Designed to offer performance the laptop comes with an Intel Core 17 processor and 16 GB RAM. Furthermore, the availability of two 512 GB NMVe skyrockets the Windows 10 performance and the laptop takes less time to launch and close the applications.
LG has made sure programmers and coders prefer this laptop over other options and has beefed it up with a big battery. The laptop can last for around 17 hours on a single charge. And that’s impressive for such a big machine.
Talking about the display the laptop offers a wider view with vivid colors. LG Gram features an IPS display that delivers 2560 X 1600 resolution so every expression displayed on the screen is clear.
LG takes pride in designing this machine for programmers, gamers, and other professionals. A bigger keyboard is always a prerequisite for programmers, and LG Gram has got it.
The keyboard features mechanical keys that are big for better visibility. You can turn on/off the keyboard backlit just with a click. When it comes to connectivity ports, this laptop from LG won’t disappoint you.
It has multiple ports including Thunderbolt 3 for faster data transfer and better connectivity. There’s a fingerprint scanner as well that lets you log in quickly while securing the data.
Gamers also love this laptop due to the DTS:X Ultrasound that offers a cinematic audio experience. LG has built this laptop with Military-Grade standards in mind, so rest assured about its durability and ruggedness.
Overall, LG Gram Laptop has everything a programmer needs. From huge storage capacity to a powerful processor and long-lasting battery the laptop justifies every penny you pay for it.
Specifications for LG Gram Laptop for Developer:
| Processor: | Intel 10th Generation i7-1065G7 |
| RAM: | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Storage: | 1 TB SSD |
| Graphics Card: | Intel Iris Plus graphics |
| Graphics Card RAM: | 8GB |
| Display: | 17 inches |
| Resolutions: | 2560 x 1600 Pixels |
| Speaker: | Stereo 1.5W x 2 |
| Operating System: | Windows 10 Home (64 bit) |
| Ports: | USB Type-C |
| Webcam: | HD Webcam |
| Connectivity: | Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (Wi-Fi 6 , 2×2, BT Combo) Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Optical Drive: | No |
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Bigger cooling fans for better heat dissipation. | It’s heavy. |
| Six surge-protected outlets to safeguard the connected devices. | The laptop overheats sometimes. |
| Bigger battery life. | |
| IRIS Plus GPU for stunning visuals. |
Price: $1,060.00
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#9. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 14-inch Laptop for Coding
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is a potent laptop that offers great competition to other 14” laptops in the market. There are numerous reasons why programmers choose X1 over other machines.
The laptop offers fantastic performance as it uses an Intel i7-10510U 10th Processor with 16 GB DDR4 RAM. The computer never fails to amaze you with its fast speed, all thanks to the 1 TB PCIe SSD!
The PCIe SSD has a significant impact on the booting and rebooting timeframe of Windows 10. Another reason why coders prefer this laptop is the battery life. Usually, most powerful laptops offer a runtime of fewer than 8 hours.
But Lenovo ThinkPad X1 lasts for around 13 hours or even more. The laptop is setting benchmarks in its segment when it comes to performance and battery life.
Talking about the screen, the 14” UHD display scatters millions of vivid colors on the screen. You’ll love watching movies and TV shows so there’s no need to look for a different laptop as ThinkPad X1 will serve the purpose.
The laptop has almost every feature you may be looking for such as a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and superb audio. Lenovo has used a Dolby Atmos tuned speaker system for loud and clear sound.
You will see multiple ports and slots on both ends of the laptop. These ports include two Thunderbolt 3.2 ports, 1X HDMI, and 2 X USB Type-A Ports Gen 3.2.
You get the freedom to adjust the viewing angle so programming for hours will be comfortable now. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is a pricey laptop with high-end specs so Lenovo has designed it to offer ultimate durability.
The laptop has a Military-Grade tested frame and chassis that protect it from dings and dongs. Overall, if all you need is performance, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 should be your choice.
The laptop can handle multiple heavy tools, including Great Editor, database tools, Rubber Duck, REPL Program and more.
Investing in this machine will reward you with unmatched performance. However, the laptop heats up sometimes but that doesn’t hamper its functionality.
Specifications for Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Laptop for Programming:
| Processor: | 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-10510U |
| RAM: | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Storage: | 1 TB SSD |
| Graphics Card: | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics |
| Graphics Card RAM: | 16 GB |
| Display: | 14 inches |
| Resolution: | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Speaker: | Dolby Atmos® Speaker System 4 x 360-degree far-field microphones |
| Operating System: | Windows 10 |
| Ports: | 2 x USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) Intel Thunderbolt™ 3 (DisplayPort, Data transfer) 2 x USB 3.2** (Gen 1) (1 always on) HDMI 1.4 Network extension for Ethernet/side mechanical docking Headphone / mic combo |
| Webcam: | HD 720p with ThinkShutter |
| Connectivity: | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11AX (2 x 2) Bluetooth 5.1 Optional WWAN: Integrated Global Mobile Broadband 4G LTE-A |
| Optical Drive: | No |
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Louder speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos. | No dedicated GPU at this price point. |
| Turbo speed up to 4.90 GHz. | It misses a numeric keypad. |
| Durable body. | |
| Lightweight and sleek. |
Price: $1,100.77
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#10. Dell XPS 15 Laptop for Developer
Dell is here with one of its highly-selling laptops that are oriented towards delivering performance. The brand has made sure this laptop has everything so the programmers don’t have to upgrade their laptop within 1-2 years.
This new Dell XPS 15 has a 5% larger screen with smaller bezels. The visuals displayed on the screen look realistic and you’ll surely agree with that. Dell has also paid attention to the customer suggestions and has enlarged the touchpad by 62%.
Now scrolling between the codes is easy and you can use pinch to zoom in or out. The premium laptop from Dell’s house comes with an Intel Core i7 10th Gen with 16GB DDR4 RAM.
Furthermore, a 512GB SSD is also there to fuel the performance. The laptop lets you run all types of programming-related tools and software. Dell wants its users to have a seamless experience with the XPS 15 so they packed the machine with Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB GDDR6.
The laptop runs on Windows 10 Home, and you can even install Linux if required. Talking about the InfinityEdge display it is 15-inches and uses Integrated Eyesafe display technology.
Programming for hours doesn’t have to be a pain in your eyes anymore provided you have a Dell XPS 15 laptop. The strategically placed fans ensure efficient cooling. However, they are a bit noisy sometimes.
The laptop lets you unleash wireless connectivity as it comes with Wi-Fi 6.0 and Bluetooth 5.0. Whenever you feel bored of programming or looking for bugs, streaming 4K content will be a big relief.
The laptop comes with a 3D surround sound speaker system with Waves Nx audio. There are not many connectivity ports but you get 2 X Thunderbolt Ports, one headphone jack, and one USB Type-C port.
Dell claims that XPS 15 offers a runtime of 13 hours and many programmers vouch for its battery life. Overall, Dell XPS 15 is a perfect travel laptop that offers superb performance and bang-on audio.
Definitely meant for programmers and coders the laptop has bigger keys with backlit support.
Specifications for Dell XPS 15 Laptop for Developer:
| Processor: | Intel Core i7 10th Gen |
| RAM: | 16GB |
| Storage: | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics Card: | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti |
| Graphics Card RAM: | 4GB GDDR6 |
| Display: | 15-inch |
| Resolution: | 3840 x 2400 Pixels |
| Speaker: | Stereo Speakers |
| Operating System: | Windows 10 Home |
| Ports: | 1x USB-C 3.1 with power delivery & DisplayPort 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack 2x Thunderbolt™ 3 with power delivery & DisplayPort USB-C to USB-A v3.0 & HDMI v2.0 adapter ships standard |
| Webcam: | Quad speaker design with Waves Nx audio |
| Connectivity: | Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Optical Drive: | No |
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Smooth performance with no lags. | It isn’t a durable laptop. |
| Precise keyboard with great feedback. | Limited storage space. |
| Amazing battery life. | |
| Lightweight. |
Price: $1,685.00
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#11. Dell XPS 17 9700 17 inch Laptop for Student
If your existing Intel Core i7 processor wasn’t able to handle the tasks you need, consider going for Dell XPS 17. The laptop comes with an i9 processor and it can handle almost everything without lagging.
Fitted with the latest hardware the laptop houses 32 GB DDR4 RAM and you can install and use any programming tool. The storage space is also fantastic as XPS 17 comes with a 1TB SSD.
It looks like the screen has no bezels at all and working for hours will be a breeze now. Dell has used an InfinityEdge display to render stunning visuals. Stellar in size the laptop has a 93.7% screen-to-body ratio while the footprint is less than 15” laptops.
Furthermore, the laptop uses a dedicated GPU system that improves the performance and visuals it offers. Getting this programming laptop will surely be a breakthrough in your career if you are looking for a performance-oriented machine.
The unpredictable performance makes XPS 17 one of the favorites of high-end programmers and coders. Boasting a combination of style and elegance, the laptop looks good, and there’s no doubt in it.
Dell has ensured everyone can use this laptop for some purposes so they made it perfect in every aspect. The audio setup comes tuned with Waves Nx audio to offer 3D surround sound, making this laptop a great choice for watching movies and listening to music.
Another thing that impresses the programmers is the advanced thermal design. The cooling fans dissipate the heat efficiently so you can code for hours.
Furthermore, the battery life is impressive and the laptop offers a runtime of 10 hours that’s hard to find in 17” laptops. No matter what type of tools you are looking to use Dell XPS 17 has the required hardware to run them without any performance lags and glitches.
Buying Dell XPS 17 may cost you a significant amount but the laptop offers a lot in return. Choosing this laptop will surely accelerate your creativity as you can install and use numerous applications at once.
Lastly, the bigger keyboard feels great but it still misses the numeric keypad.
Specifications for Dell XPS 17 9700 Laptop for Developer:
| Processor: | 10th Generation Intel Core i9-10885H |
| RAM: | 32 GB DDR4 |
| Storage: | 1 TB SSD |
| Graphics Card: | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 |
| Graphics Card RAM: | 6 GB |
| Display: | 17 Inches |
| Resolution: | 3840 x 2400 Pixels |
| Speaker: | Stereo Speakers |
| Operating System: | Windows 10 Home |
| Ports: | 2x Thunderbolt 3 with power delivery & DisplayPort 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack 2x Thunderbolt 3 with power delivery & DisplayPort 1 Type-C to USB-A v3.0 adapter ships standard |
| Webcam: | HD (720p) |
| Connectivity: | Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (802.11AX) built on Intel chipset Bluetooth 5 |
| Optical Drive: | No |
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Sleek and lightweight. | The laptop is pricey. |
| Built-in Thunderbolt port for fast data transfer. | No touchscreen. |
| No performance glitches at all. | |
| Efficient cooling fans. |
Price: $1,475.17
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FAQs:
Q: Which size laptop is best for programming?
A: The screen size of good programming laptops depends on your personal preference. If you need a laptop to open and use multiple windows at once, go for at least a 15.6″ inch screen. Furthermore, 15.6” laptops are suitable for traveling as well.
Q: How much RAM is required in laptops meant for programming?
A: You should go for laptops with at least 8GB of RAM. Laptops with more RAM can offer better performance since programming tools and software eat a lot of storage space.
Q: What kind of processor is best for programming laptops?
A: As per programmers, Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 are great processors for programming. There are several best programming laptops on this list with an i7 processor.
Q: Are 13-inch laptops suitable for programming?
A: Yes, 13-inch laptops are good for programming, but you cannot open multiple windows due to the small screen. If you are always on the move going for a 13-inch laptop will be a great choice.
Q: Which is the best OS for Developers?
Answer: Generally, most of the developers use a macOS or Windows Operating System. The OS we suggest is Microsoft Windows because it supports mostly all the programming languages and software you need.
Moreover, the MacBook is costly compared to Windows Laptop, and everyone cannot afford it.
However, if you are an iOS developer or want to learn iOS development then go for MacBook only because Objective C and Swift require Xcode which is only available on Mac.
Other than these two operating systems, Linux is also a good option if you are Python, Ruby on Rails, and PHP developers. However Windows also supports this all.
Q: Why Is I7 Or I5 Quad-Core Processor Better Than I7 Dual-Core Processor?
Answer: Quad-Core processors are generally faster than dual-core processors. For example, i7-7700HQ Quad-core is faster than the i7-7500U dual-core. i5-7300HQ quad-core is faster than i7-7500U dual-core.
Hard Drive
It is one of the most important components that you must take into consideration. Many of the recent and modern laptops are equipped with an SSD rather than a normal hard drive. This is because SSDs are better in terms of performance than hard drives.
RAM
For a programmer, all his codes and operating instructions are stored in the RAM of his laptop. So it is inevitable to choose a programming laptop with a suitable amount of memory.
Graphics
Graphics card is an important component for the gamers. For programmers, it isn’t that important. Moreover, some of the i5 and i7 processors come with an integrated graphics card.
Battery Life
If you are going to spend most of your time in coding, away from a power source, the battery life must be a priority. If you are working most of the time near an electric outlet, the battery life won’t matter much.
Comfort Features
After having known the important aspects, it is equally important to consider some of the comfort features. While buying the best laptops for coders, you need to check whether the keys can be pressed easily and comfortably or the screen is big enough to reduce your eye strain.