Is 15 inch laptop good for programming?

Would a 15.6 inch laptop be too big for university? I want a lightweight laptop that is not too bulky to carry around, but I'm also concerned that a 14 inch laptop would be too small for university life.

I'm going to be studying Computer Science so lots of coding will be done on this laptop

(Original post by Spratty) Would a 15.6 inch laptop be too big for university? I want a lightweight laptop that is not too bulky to carry around, but I'm also concerned that a 14 inch laptop would be too small for university life.

I'm going to be studying Computer Science so lots of coding will be done on this laptop

Go to a shop like John Lewis, Currys or PC World. Dont buy , just look but see the difference between 14 and 15.6, plus the weight. make up your own mind. !4 is more popular these days if you carry it a lot.

Both are fine, the resolution is more relevant really. Also screen size doesn't necessarily correlate to significant weight increase, as this tends to be more due to the frame and internals.

Best bet would be to measure your day to day bag, and see if it would fit in comfortably to there. If it would only just fit in, then a smaller sized one may be a better option. Even a much smaller netbook would likely be sufficient for basic use, if you'd like to do programming on it a larger screen (and more importantly, higher resolution) helps. You'll also want sufficient RAM and a decent CPU if you plan on actually compiling and running your code.

I've just graduated as a computer science major and I used a 13 inch apple MacBook for the whole course. I found this size good because it was easy to carry, and fast to unpack and put away too. I never found the screen too small to code on, or complete the majority of my assignments. However, the only time I found it maybe a slight problem was graphics. If you're into graphics and will be taking graphics modules on your computer science course, then get a 15 inch, because the extra screen makes all the difference, and isn't too much heavier either. The main thing is to see the laptop you're buying in person, to make sure you're comfortable with the keyboard, that you like the screen and the materials used, that type of thing.

We all have preferences, and having a laptop you'e comfortable with makes all the difference when you're doing work, in my opinion. Check the laptop at a currys or pc world, and then buy it cheaper online

Is 15 inch laptop good for programming?
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Spratty You could always go for a small screen for portability (I second the 13" thatguy170296) and then maybe add a secondary monitor for those times you need/want a big screen.

(Original post by Doonesbury)
Spratty You could always go for a small screen for portability (I second the 13" thatguy170296) and then maybe add a secondary monitor for those times you need/want a big screen.

That's a great point Spratty, I do actually connect my small MacBook to a monitor too. That way, you can have the portability for lectures and those long hauls at uni, and a larger screen for when you relax at home or need a larger screen for other work. If I'm honest, I couldn't go back to a 15 inch laptop now, and would seriously recommend a macbook too.

Might be helpful of you tell people what your budget is.

(Original post by 999tigger)
Might be helpful of you tell people what your budget is.

My budget is 600 quid.

(Original post by Spratty) Would a 15.6 inch laptop be too big for university? I want a lightweight laptop that is not too bulky to carry around, but I'm also concerned that a 14 inch laptop would be too small for university life.

I'm going to be studying Computer Science so lots of coding will be done on this laptop

(Original post by 999tigger)
Go to a shop like John Lewis, Currys or PC World. Dont buy , just look but see the difference between 14 and 15.6, plus the weight. make up your own mind. !4 is more popular these days if you carry it a lot.

Yup, you would definitely if you actually try out the laptop if you are unsure with the screen size.

Go to PC world and go on the web browser, and go on an in-browser IDLE so you can see whether you would prefer a 14" or a 15.6".

(Original post by Spratty)
My budget is 600 quid.

Which puts Apple macs out of the picture unless you go second hand. If you just nip into a store as I said or just get yourself some scales and fill up a bag with the relative weight of 3/2.5/2/ 1.5kg then you get a feel for the weight. Testing in real life also shows you thinks like how the pointer works, keyboard vuild quality etc. Lots of modest laptops are now HD 1920x 1080. Processor no less than an I5 pref 8gb ram pref 256gb ssd for speed.pf loading atlhough 128gb + externa HDD is manageable. Discrete graphics if you like games or use graphics. If you dont mind re-certified or an tolerate a small scratch then id look at Dell outlet as you would get plenty of power in excess of those specs. Also ask for s student discount- normally 10-15%

http://outlet.euro.dell.com/Online/I...86&lid=5667687

Hot deals UK as well normally a good place to track bargains.

http://www.hotukdeals.com/computers/deals/hot

JL gives you an extra years warranty for free.

(Original post by 999tigger)
x

Thanks for the advice

(Original post by Spratty)
Thanks for the advice

I found an I7 7700, with 16gb ram, 256gb ssd and 1TB HDD, HD screen and dscrete graphics card for just over £600 and possible student discount. at the cost of a scratch which might be nothing.

(Original post by 999tigger)
I found an I7 7700, with 16gb ram, 256gb ssd and 1TB HDD, HD screen and dscrete graphics card for just over £600 and possible student discount. at the cost of a scratch which might be nothing.

I'll check it out, thanks again
Is 15 inch laptop good for programming?

The resolution is I'd say more important than screen size. I've used Visual Studio on a 14.1" 1280x800 laptop and on a 13.3" 1920x1080 laptop and the smaller higher resolution screen is miles easier to read while also getting more on screen. But that's within reason, I tried using Visual Studio on a 10.8" 1920x1080 screen as well and it was just plain unusable. As for specs, my device is a Core M-5Y71 with 8gb ram and a 256gb SSD and I've yet to find it lacking in performance but it has a distinct battery life advantage being able to last all day and without any fan noise.

I also find a touch screen is really handy when working on the go if I'm without a mouse.

The main thing is to see the laptop you're buying in person, to make sure you're comfortable with the keyboard, that you like the screen and the materials used, that type of thing.

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 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.

Best Laptop for programming 2022

Is 15 inch laptop good for programming?

(Image credit: Apple)

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.

Read the full review: MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)

Is 15 inch laptop good for programming?

(Image credit: Google)

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.

Read the full review: Google Pixelbook Go

Is 15 inch laptop good for programming?

(Image credit: HP)

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.

Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 (2021)

Is 15 inch laptop good for programming?

(Image credit: Apple)

The new Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) isn't just the best laptop Apple has ever made, it's one of the best laptops for programmers. 

Thanks to the revolutionary ARM-based Apple M1 chip that powers the new MacBook Air (Apple has ditched Intel for these new laptops), this is a stunning achievement: a thin and light laptop that offers great performance, while also offering incredible battery life. 

Easily managing over 11 hours on a single charge, this is a laptop you can easily carry around with you at work or school. Its screen is gorgeous and the new and improved keyboard means you can happily code away for hours on this thing. 

Read the full review: MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Is 15 inch laptop good for programming?

The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is an excellent choice for any coders out there, as Microsoft has crafted one of the most powerful 2-in-1 laptops on the planet. 

After all, it boasts components powerful enough to handle pretty much everything you could throw at it – including some light gaming in your down time. 

If you’re looking for a larger display, there’s a 15-inch model, which also features beefier components – albeit at a higher price tag.

Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)

Is 15 inch laptop good for programming?

(Image credit: Apple)

The MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) may not have gotten a massive design overhaul, but what it lacks in that department, it makes up for big time in performance and battery life thanks to Apple’s groundbreaking M1 chip. 

This MacBook Pro has the longest battery life in a MacBook, in fact, allowing you to use it for programming for hours on end without having to worry about stopping to find a charger. 

The M1 chip is no slouch when it comes to performance, either, so compiling and testing code is extremely quick as well. If you have the budget for it, this is a programming laptop that will last you for years.

Read the full review: MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020)

Is 15 inch laptop good for programming?

(Image credit: LG)

The LG Gram 17 abandons the full-fat H-series processors for Intel Ice Lake Ultrabook-class chips, and makes up for that by being a 17-inch laptop that's as light as a 13-inch one. 

This all means you can get a gorgeous 17-inch 1600p display in a laptop that weighs just 2.98 lbs (1.35kg). So, for programmers who need nice, big screens to work on, this is a fantastic choice, and you can comfortably carry it around with you wherever you go.

When you couple that lightweight design with the fact that the battery lasted more than 14 hours in our testing, you have the recipe for the perfect laptop for programming on.

Read the full review: LG Gram 17 r

Is 15 inch laptop good for programming?

(Image credit: Lenovo)

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.

Read the full review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme

Is 15 inch laptop good for programming?

(Image credit: Asus)

Premium Chromebooks occupy their own space in the laptop market, bridging that gap between powerful traditional laptops and super lightweight Chromebooks. 

And, the Asus Chromebook Flip C436F/C436FA is perhaps one of the very few examples of these out there, with its combination of superb power, terrific feature set, premium build, but a price tag that’s cheaper than its rivals. 

This makes the Asus Chromebook Flip C436F/C436FA perfect for web developers who need a powerful machine.

Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip C436F

Is 15 inch laptop good for programming?

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The Surface Pro 8 comes with an all-new design, but it boasts internals that are faster than ever – just the ticket for all your demanding coding needs. It’s not just, therefore, ideal for illustrators, graphic artists and other creative professionals. There are other things to love here as well, like the two Thunderbolt 4 ports and 2-in-1 design. Its bigger screen with a 120Hz refresh rate is also a nice upgrade, giving you more space to spread out for a more seamless workflow. The higher price is going to get in the way for some, but it might just be worth it for pros.

Read the full review: Surface Pro 8