Best Laptops For Programming 2022: Top Brands Review

[Ecis2023]

When deciding on the finest laptop for programming, there are a number of factors to take into consideration. Of course, you’ll need a lot of processing power, so having one of the top processors and quick RAM is essential, particularly while you’re testing and running your programs. However, although cores, threads, and clock rates are significant, they are not the only factors to consider when choosing a processor.

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If you’re looking for the best laptops for programming 2022, then you come to the right place. In this article, medCPU will explore the best budget laptop for programming.

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Best Laptops For Programming – Buying Guide

How to choose a laptop for programming

Choosing a laptop may be a difficult process, and selecting a laptop for a particular purpose can make the process much more difficult to navigate. In order to program well, you’ll need a strong CPU, a significant quantity of RAM, and an extremely fast solid-state drive in your laptop (SSD). However, in order to get the finest experience possible, a good screen and keyboard are also required.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the most often asked questions from folks who are considering purchasing a laptop for programming purposes. Our objective is to provide you with the finest possible answers while also assisting you in understanding what to look for and why. Despite the fact that our responses are focused on the general norm, there is no harm in striving higher than these requirements. After all, upgrading to a more powerful CPU, more RAM, and a bigger SSD can’t be bad for business. However, it is pointless to fire a spider with a shotgun when a rolled-up newspaper can suffice just as well.

What is the best CPU for programming?

In order to compile your projects fast and effectively, the CPU in your laptop is critical. It also ensures that several apps operate smoothly and efficiently. If there’s one component that you shouldn’t scrimp on when building your next computer, it’s the CPU. In order to meet the majority of your programming requirements, you should choose a laptop with a quad-core CPU and as high clock rates as feasible within your budget.

There is some discussion regarding which laptop CPU is the best, and each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Aside from machine learning and artificial intelligence programming, the Intel Core i5/Core i7, AMD Ryzen 7, and Apple M1 processor families are all capable of performing the majority of programming duties.

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How much RAM do I need for programming?

The amount of RAM available on your device is quite significant while programming, particularly if you’re working with huge projects or running many applications at the same time on the same machine. Although 8GB of RAM is the minimum needed for most programming tasks, a system with 16GB of RAM is often more appropriate (especially so for Mac users who have to deal with the RAM-hungry Xcode). More intense programming jobs, such as game creation and machine/AI learning, might need a minimum of 16GB to 32GB of memory.

Running your smartphone with just 4GB of RAM isn’t impossible, particularly if you’re doing light coding, web development, or are a hobbyist. However, if you have to deal with memory-intensive IDEs, emulators, or virtual machines, you should be aware that there will be a considerable impact on performance and compilation times in this case.

SSD or HDD? What size hard drive do I need?

Making the decision on which hard disk to use for your laptop is a lot easier process. A good solid-state drive (SSD) may significantly enhance your workflow. When you use an SSD, everything from starting up your device to compiling your code is much quicker, allowing you to spend less time waiting and more time working.

This is totally dependent on the size and complexity of your work, which will determine how much storage space you will need. With 256GB, you’ll have enough of room for assets, operating systems, and personal information to get started. If you ever find yourself in need of extra storage space, most laptops with SSDs are simple to update. If that is not the case, there are a plethora of excellent external HDD and SSD solutions available.

Full HD or 4K? What size display do I need?

Although the display on a laptop may not seem to be a significant consideration when searching for a new device to program on, it should not be overlooked. When juggling many windows or supervising big portions of code, screen real estate is quite crucial. Most displays with resolutions of 13 inches and above will be sufficient for programming, but there’s no harm in looking for a bigger screen if you don’t mind giving up some mobility in the process.

A Full HD 1080p panel will provide you a good amount of screen real estate as well as sharp, easy-to-read text when selecting between 4K and Full HD screens. A 4K panel will provide higher resolutions and, in certain cases, greater on-screen real estate. 4K panels, on the other hand, are more expensive and will deplete the battery of your laptop at a quicker pace.

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Does the type and size of the keyboard matter?

Because programming will mostly include a lot of typing, it’s critical to pick a laptop with a high-quality keyboard. Things like key travel, layout, and spacing are all crucial factors in evaluating how comfortable a keyboard will be to use, and having a full-sized keyboard on hand is always a plus from a programming standpoint.

Further enhancing your typing experience may be accomplished via the use of additional features such as backlighting or mechanical keys. However, the most crucial thing is that the keyboard stays pleasant over time and is sturdy enough to withstand repeated usage. Much of what makes a great keyboard comes down to personal choice, so understanding what you want from a keyboard in advance may make this decision a lot simpler to make.

10 Best Laptops For Programming 2022

1. Best Laptop for Programming: ASUS ZenBook 15

Angular, React, and Laravel are popular frameworks for building web and mobile applications. Do you spend a lot of time in one of these IDEs? The Asus ZenBook 15 is a powerful laptop with a sleek design and a spectacular dual-screen display that will help you get through your workday and keep you interested.

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Features:

CPU: 1.8GHz Intel Core i7-10510U
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Display: 15.6-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
GPU: 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
Battery: Up to 7 hours

RAM and Storage

512GBSSD’s fast read/write speeds and 16GB RAM make this coding laptop an excellent multitasker. While you’re coding or designing, put on some tunes and get some inspiration from them. Pre-installed operating system Windows 10 Home is included in this Zenbook’s configuration as standard equipment. With Windows Hello, you don’t have to remember your passwords.

CPU and GPU

Assemble and execute your code without a hitch, or load up some games and have some fun with the power of i7-10510U and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q. Designing, editing, and playing games with mid-range graphics are a breeze with the GPU’s 4GB of dedicated memory.

Display

With a 3840 x 2160 resolution and a screen-to-body ratio of 92 percent, the primary 15.6-inch UHD display provides lifelike pictures. The LCD Screenpad 2 is an ASUS innovation (2160 x 1080). ASUS utility programs are pre-installed on the secondary touch-screen, which interacts with the main screen to make graphic design work simpler.

Pros:

WiFi 6.
4K Display.
Facial Recognition.
Alexa compatible.
Lightweight.

Cons:

No Ethernet.
Screenpad 2.0 might be an overkill.

2. Best MacOS for Programming: Apple MacBook Pro 16

Features:

CPU: 3.2GHz Apple M1 Pro 10-core
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Display: 16.2-inch XDR mini-LED (3456 x 2234)
GPU: M1 Pro 16-core
Battery: Up to 21 hours

Apple has secured delivery of features based on user input from prior models with the introduction of the new Apple MacBook Pro, which has been hailed as an unqualified success. The MacBook Pro 16 will provide programmers with a flawless experience, owing to the many enhancements that Apple has opted to include into this new model.

CPU, RAM, and Storage

The 3.2GHz Apple M1 Pro 10-core CPU in this laptop for computer programming makes it a no-brainer for the consumer. In terms of value for money, the MacBook Pro 16-inch is a great option for programmers since it comes pre-loaded with an impressively large 512GB SSD and 16GB DDR4 RAM. Because of this, the MacBook is a formidable and capable machine.

Display

MacBook Pro 16 has taken design cues from past MacBook models to create a slim, sleek, and beautiful design that is both functional and beautiful. The low bezels guarantee that the 16-inch display fits easily into the MacBook Pro 16’s design, and the majority of user reviews have been gushing with praise for the device. The 16-inch Retina Display with Two-Tone Technology, with a screen size of 3456 x 2234 pixels and a resolution of 3456 x 2234 pixels, is the star of the show. The visual quality on the MacBook Pro 16 is sharp and vivid as a result of this.

GPU

MacBook Pro 16 is built to be sturdy and strong, as seen by its reasonable weight of 4.7 pounds. In this laptop, the graphics unit is the show-stopping feature. The M1 Pro 16-core is a significant step forward from the previous MacBook models in every way. A computer with such characteristics as the MacBook Pro 16 performs well when it comes to programming jobs, video editing, picture editing, Android development, and other related duties.

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Keyboard

The keyboard on the MacBook Pro 16 is an intriguing feature to take notice of. The Butterfly switches have been replaced with Scissor switches, which guarantee that the keys do not become unresponsive if dust builds between the keys and between the switches. Despite the fact that the MacBook is still small and tiny, the key travel has improved noticeably.

Furthermore, Apple’s new, shorter Touch Bar with dedicated Esc key is a fantastic addition aimed squarely at coders and programmers. Thus, programmers prefer the MacBook Pro 16 over other laptops since it provides a comfortable typing experience for them.

Pros:

The MacBook Pro is the most powerful and productivity-oriented MacBook.
Battery life is exceptional.
The addition of the Esc key and the shortening of the TouchBar
GPU that is unbeatable
Key travel has been increased.

Cons:

On the higher end of price point
Bulky build

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3. Best Laptop for Programming: MSI WS75

MSI WS75 is intended to propel you through all phases of your workflow whether you’re a programmer, game developer, or designer. MSI creates a professional workstation with the strength of a monstrous programming and gaming system by combining a strong core processing unit and a high-end graphics processor.

Features:

CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i9-10980HK
RAM: 32GB
Storage: 1TB SSD
GPU: 6GB NVIDIA Quadro® RTX 3000
Display: 17.3-inch IPS Retina (1920 x 1080)
Battery: Up to 7 hours

Pros:

Octa-core processor
Fingerprint reader
WiFi 6
Windows 10 Pro
ISV Certified System

Cons:

The speakers were a disappointment.
Chassis that is not long-lasting

RAM and Storage

Because of the 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD, game development software like Unity Pro or Unreal Engine runs easily on this MSI computer. Windows 10 Pro provides a safe working environment with built-in security measures that are essential for a workstation. With a fingerprint reader, you can easily access your laptop and safeguard it.

CPU and GPU

5.3GHz is the highest turbo frequency of the Intel Core i9-10980HK, which is an octa-core processor with eight cores. The NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 graphics card, which has 6GB of dedicated memory, and the CPU work together to provide a fluid working experience, regardless of whether you are working with scalable corporate software or high-end graphic design tools.

Display

In addition to having a strong CPU and sufficient RAM, the best laptop for computer programming will need a bigger screen to be effective. This computer has a 17.3-inch screen with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 144Hz. It also has a 144Hz refresh rate. This combo will provide you with a seamless visual environment. Thin bezels on the edges of the screen allow you to use a larger screen. The display, which is driven by TRUE PIXEL, has a broad range of colors and brightness, which allows you to create patterns that are as realistic as possible.

Keyboard and Trackpad

A full-sized backlit keyboard and a dedicated number pad are included with the programming laptop. In spite of the minimal key travel and distinctive layout, the keyboard is comfortable to use for extended periods of time, thanks to a quiet yet sharp response mechanism. When you use a multi-touch gesture, the trackpad responds smoothly because of its broader design, which makes space for a fingerprint scanner.

Ports

With four USB connections (three Type-A and one Type-C) and an HDMI connector, you may share your screen with coworkers or connect to an external monitor at the office. MSI has thrown in one thunderbolt port, one Ethernet port, a headphone/microphone combination, and a card reader to round out the features on this laptop. WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5 allow you to connect your laptop to high-speed internet and other gadgets.

An 82-watt-hour battery provides 7 hours of backup time. A slender grey chassis weighing close to 5.5lbs, the MSI WS75 would make an excellent office partner for someone working as an architect, audio/video editor, game developer, or software programmer, to name a few fields of expertise.

>>> Read also: Best Laptops For Working From Home

4. Best Laptop With 4K Panel: HP Spectre x360

Features:

CPU: 1.8GHz Intel Core i7-10510U
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB SSD + 32GB Optane
GPU: 2GB NVIDIA GeForce MX330
Display: 15.6-inch 4K IPS WLED (3840 x 2160)
Battery Life: Up to 13.5 hours

HP’s newest HP Spectre x360 Touch is marketed as the most powerful Spectre to date. This laptop has a premium Poseidon Blue finish on its aluminum body and an above-average configuration to entice buyers.

Pros:

A strong CPU is required for smooth operation.
Excellent keyboard skills and typing experience
The availability of a touchscreen
Stylus has been included.
Long battery life is a plus.

Cons:

It is possible to increase the display quality.
Speakers are unable to provide a satisfactory performance.

CPU, RAM, and Storage

This elegant laptop is equipped with an Intel Core i7-10510U CPU that runs at 1.8GHz, which makes working on the Spectre x360 as smooth as butter. You can move between many tabs and conduct various things at the same time without experiencing any slowdown. This is thanks to specs like as 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 512GB of SSD internal storage, among other things. In addition, this programming machine offers 32GB of Optane data storage.

Display

Furthermore, the 4K WLED display on this 15.6-inch screen size is not as impressive as one would think given the size of the device. Despite having a resolution of 3840 x 2160, the touchscreen is surprisingly dull and reflects some light. Despite this, the colors are vibrant and the visual quality is excellent.

Keyboard

Programmers will use the keyboard, as its name implies. The spacing between keys is just perfect, the travel is moderate, the number pad is a good size, and the keys are not too clicky in any way. The Bang & Olufsen speakers that come with the Spectre x360 provide a mediocre audio experience.

With this laptop, the battery life is the standout feature. Due to its extended battery life (between 11 and 13.5 hours), the HP Spectre x360 is an excellent choice for programmers and may be used with the other configurations listed above.

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5. Best Linux OS: Lenovo Thinkbook 14s

Features:

CPU: 1.6GHz Intel Core i5-8265U
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Display: 14-inch FHD Touch (1920 x 1080)
GPU: 2GB AMD Radeon 540X
Battery: Up to 10 hours

Lenovo Thinkbook 14s is a great option for a Linux business laptop because of its safe mix of Linux OS, TPM Chip, and quad-core CPU. For the coder who likes to travel, this is a great work buddy.

Pros:

Lightweight and slender
Shutter on a camera
Hinge at an angle of 180 degrees
TPM (Three-Party Verification) Security

Cons:

No LAN connectivity

RAM and Storage

The 256GB SSD provides lightning-fast data access. Its multitasking 16GB RAM ensures that your simulations and calculations run as smoothly as possible. Maintain the security of your personal data with Linux Mint, which is protected by a TPM chip.

CPU and GPU

The Intel Core i5-8265U processor gives the Thinkbook the computing strength it needs to manage the processing demands of integrated development environments (IDEs) and large data collections. The processor can run at a maximum speed of 3.9GHz. The AMD Radeon 540X with 2GB of VRAM provides a speed improvement while operating Business Intelligence interfaces as well as games such as FIFA, SIMS, WOW, and other similar titles.

Display

14-inch Full HD screen with a 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution on the other hand. Wide viewing angles and realistic graphics are made possible by narrow bezels, which keep you interested. The 3.3-pound Lenovo Thinkbook has a sleek aluminum chassis with a flexible 180-degree hinge and a refined feel thanks to the body’s elegant design. A real webcam shutter ensures that your personal information is protected, making it an ideal combination for video conferencing.

Keyboard

The keyboard panel is devoid of a specific number pad, however it compensates for this shortcoming with an optimally spaced illuminated keyboard. Despite the fact that the landscape is smaller, the keys are still perfect for working longer hours. During operations, the standard-sized touchpad responds smoothly and consistently.

Design and Ports

A 3.5mm audio jack, an HDMI port, two Type-A USB ports, one Type-C USB port, and a Type-C USB port are all included on this budget laptop under $2000 to keep you linked to peripherals and accessories. The absence of an Ethernet connector makes it difficult to connect to a high-speed internet connection. The gadget has wireless communication thanks to WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5 technology.

Lenovo estimates that it will last 11 hours even with a 45-watt-hour battery. The most efficient use of the battery is critical to getting the most out of it. If you work in software development and need to be able to transport your laptop in a backpack while still keeping it safe from data theft, the Lenovo Thinkbook 14s may be the appropriate laptop for you.

6. Best Microsoft Laptop: Microsoft Surface 3

Features:

CPU: 2.8 GHz AMD Ryze 7 3780U
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Display: 15-inch PixelSense (2496 x 1664)
GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 11
Battery: Up to 11.5 hours

Its 10-point multi-touch screen and the AMD Ryzen 7 processor allow the Microsoft Surface 3 to perform admirably. A sleek, portable design that exudes minimalistic beauty serves as the foundation for this product. The laptop will find its target audience among programmers who appreciate the convenience of the Microsoft environment and who want to put their innovative ideas to the test on the stylus-enabled touch-screen of the computer. If you’re also interested in sketching, this is a good option for you.

Pros:

Friendly to Stylus
Touch-Screen
Light-weight
Battery life is measured in hours.
Face-authentication

Cons:

A limited selection of ports.
Expensive.

RAM and Storage

Combined with the laptop’s 16GB of running memory and the quick accessibility of its 512GB SSD, it is capable of processing large amounts of data-intensive calculations and designs. Windows Hello face authentication, which is included as part of the Windows 10 Home version, allows you to log in fast.

CPU and GPU

AMD Ryzen 7 3780U is a quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 2.3GHz and a maximum clock speed of 4GHz. AMD Ryzen 7 3780U has a clock speed of 2.3GHz and a maximum clock speed of 4GHz. The R-Studio, Python, and Java-based environments all work nicely, which is a testament to the processor’s strength. The inbuilt AMD Radeon RX Vega 11 graphics processor provides ample power for handling graphics-intensive tasks.

Display

The Surface 3’s PixelSense Touch Screen, which measures 15 inches diagonally, continues to be one of its most distinctive characteristics. The screen has a 3:2 aspect ratio and a greater resolution of 2496 x 1664, which makes the graphics clear and crisp when used with text-based programming IDEs and artistic hobbies such as design, drawings, and other similar activities on the computer.

Keyboard

Microsoft provides a chiclet-style keyboard with a reasonable amount of key travel and proper spacing, making it perfect for programming for extended periods of time. The absence of a dedicated Numpad is beneficial in terms of speed and accuracy while typing. The touchpad is broader than its predecessor, allowing for seamless multi-finger window movements to be performed without stumbling.

Check out our guide about Dell XPS 13 vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 Comparison (2022)

7. Best Battery Life: ASUS VivoBook S15

Features:

CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-1135G7
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe
Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080)
Battery: Up to 15 hours

Pros:

WiFi 6
11th generation processor
Slim, portable design
Accelerated cooling
Fingerprint reader

Cons:

No Ethernet port

The Asus VivoBook S15 offers a highly efficient power-saving technology that can be used in three distinct performance modes. With more aerodynamic blades managing the cooling, Asus is able to get the most performance from the CPU and battery.

RAM and Storage

With 8GB of RAM and a fast 512MB SSD, you can write scripts, compile them, and simulate them in real time. With the Fingerprint reader, you can both protect your system and log in more quickly. The Vivobook includes the Windows 10 Home version, which is a free upgrade.

CPU and GPU

The Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU is not your typical workhorse. It has a clock speed of up to 4.2GHz and is capable of running programming IDEs without a hitch. The Intel Iris Xe GPU is in charge of the visual/graphics-based component of the actions performed on the computer.

Display

The 15.6-inch full-HD screen is ideal for watching movies or television shows inside. You’ll be completely engrossed in its images thanks to its greater screen-to-body ratio, 178-degree wide viewing angle, broad spectrum of colors, and 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution, all of which are impressive. The laptop weighs just 3.97 pounds and is available in a variety of color combinations, making it a good choice for traveling.

Keyboard

As part of its overall design, Asus has retained the conventional full-sized keyboard. The backlit keyboard has been developed with ergonomics in mind, having key travel of 1.4mm. It has enough area for multi-touch gestures while also accommodating a fingerprint scanner in the right-hand corner of the touchpad.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. In computers designed for programming, how much RAM is required?

Typically, 8GB RAM laptops will meet the demands of programmers and developers. This is enough for most programming tasks. Game developers that rely significantly on superb visuals, on the other hand, need roughly 12GB of RAM. A minimum of 16GB RAM is necessary for demanding graphic designers and video editors.

>>> Read more: //www.crucial.com/articles/about-memory/how-much-ram-does-my-computer-need

2. What is the greatest CPU for programming laptops?

Intel i5 or i7 CPUs are included among the finest laptops for programming. There is a high level of performance provided by these products. With a larger number of cores, you may expect a faster laptop with better performance. For those who do not want an Intel CPU, there are laptops available with AMD processors that are more recent in release.

3. Are 13-inch laptops suitable for programming?

The size of the screen is important to developers, and 3-inch laptops aren’t the best choice for programming. When it comes to laptops for programming, the display quality is more important than the screen size, so keep that in mind. As a result, a 13-inch laptop with a Full HD Display and a high resolution will be sufficient for programming requirements.

>>> Read more: //www.quora.com/Programming-laptop-13-or-15

4. Does one need expensive laptops for programming?

Not necessarily. Specific configurations are required for high-end graphic designers and video editors, resulting in an increase in the cost of the laptop as a result. In contrast, mid-range laptops may supply the programming specs necessary by regular programmers and developers, allowing them to be made more inexpensive for everyone.

5. Verdict

When it comes to programming, users must examine a variety of aspects at the same time, including the CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, battery life, display quality, keyboard, and other considerations. The laptops listed above are the finest programming laptops available for consumers wishing to purchase laptops in a variety of pricing ranges, according to the experts.

The goods in this list offer overall performance that is both effective and efficient. In addition, the majority of them have exceeded their predecessors and established themselves as industry leaders in their fields of expertise, including programmers and developers, coders, gamers, and editors.

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Category: Laptops for work

Debora BertiJanuary 26, 2022

Best Laptops For Programming 2022: Top Brands Review