I’m currently learning how to code (currently Python, then maybe JavaScript), but I’m not always around my desktop, and learning on my phone is not always an option (also, it can be quite cumbersome at times). Therefore, I’m looking into purchasing a laptop just for learning how to code and stuff.
I don’t want to get a Chromebook because I want to be able to wipe the drive and install Linux on it (probably Linux Mint). Maybe it’s changed since 2013, but the last time I had a Chromebook, it was a pain in the ass to install even bog-standard Ubuntu on it.
Problem is, I’m also heavily limited by space & budget: no more than 11 in (280 mm) total laptop width and 330 USD base price.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Please forgive me if this is not the right space for this kind of question. Lemme know if it is and I’ll delete it. :)
Used Dell XPS, Thorvalds’ own choice of laptop, and often ranked well on iFixIt reparability ratings
I’ve been using a Dell XPS-15 9560 for over six years now, the keyboard needed to be cleaned after four years and and the charging port needed to be replaced (€10 inc service) recently. The battery no longer lasts 11 or so hours but it lasts 2 or so which I’ll take, for about €100 I could replace just the battery.
All of which, for how fast devices tend to break on me, is an incredibly good mileage I’d say!And oh yeah, whatever Linux I’ve been distro hopping to has worked swimmingly!
Probably used is the right answer. Be mindful of battery life and wear.
For Linux I would just find the best ThinkPad within your budget (a used one, in this case)
Edit for an example (and re-edit to clean up link): https://www.ebay.com/itm/134956529143
That’s one of the most insane links I have ever seen. I’m scared to click it.
But I second a ThinkPad.
Should be the same link without the tracking
Thinkpads are not cheap as they have that reputation.
But they have good Linux support
Btw that link has tons of tracking BS in it
You make a great point, but the problem is I’ve looked at a ton of them and they all seem to be too big. I have a very limited primary workspace at only 11 inches and for example the T14 Gen 1 you linked to is 12.95 inches in width.
Oops, I missed that part. There’s the X280 and its predecessors (X270, X260, etc.). The screen is 12.5" so the overall dimensions should be OK.
12.5" is too big. If the screen itself is 12.5", then the total laptop width (if the screen is 16:9) will almost certainly be bigger than that. Like I said, my primary workspace is limited strictly to a max of 11 inches.
…Unless you knew that and I’m completely misunderstanding you. Which, mind you, is definitely a possibility. Lol. So, I’m sorry if that’s the case and I humbly would ask you to elaborate. ;)
FYI 12.5" is the diagonal, it’s going to be much narrower
Used ThinkPad
It’s probably best to limit yourself to a used laptop.
Reading and writing code is nothing more than reading and writing text, and for that you don’t need a fancy gpu or screen.
What I would recommend you look for in a laptop is
- an SSD instead of an HDD
- more cpu cores (at least 4 cores)
- more memory (RAM) (at least 8GB, preferably 16GB+)
More memory and cores will help you with compiling and running your code.
And make sure you take regular backups! You never know when your disk will fail.
Also make sure to check linux compatibility before you buy. Laptops used to be a pain (10+ years ago), and it’s gotten a lot better, but it’s not always perfect. Just search for “[brand] [model] linux” or try to find the model on the archlinux wiki.
Well, just for learning coding on Linux OP wouldn’t need 16GB.
I feel people used to having more RAM always recommended insane amounts of RAM. 4 GB gets you by running a browser or PDF viewer with a code editor, 8 or more GB is recommended IMO.
an SSD instead of an HDD
I’d rather search for upgradeability, i.e., non-soldered RAM, easy access to HDD, maybe replace the optical drive with an HDD caddy, etc…
Steam Deck. I’m half serious if you got a wireless mini keyboard with touch pad. You can play games on it too BTW ;)
Lol, that’s kind of intriguing honestly. Are Python interpreters even available on whatever fork of Linux that SteamDecks use? Haha.
Yes. Steam Deck is based on Arch linux. I even have PyCharm installed.
This amuses me.
It doesn’t really surprise me, but it does amuse me.
Thank you for brightening up my week a bit. I’ve had a wisdom tooth removed and have been in a lot of pain, so my past two weeks have sucked.
