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johnmoore8
32 PointsProgramming Laptop
Hey all, I am new to programming and I found out about this Treehouse site. I want to get a new inexpensive laptop to dedicate solely to learning the programming lessons this site has to offer. Do any of you have any suggestions on what laptop and/or what specs I should look for in a laptop to do so? I would like to stay under $500 is possible. Thanks
2 Answers
Murat Hasdemir
Front End Web Development Techdegree Graduate 20,968 PointsWelcome to Treehouse, Computer you need depends on which path you take, like if you wanna write web base program (web site, back-end script etc.) any computer specs are good if you gonna write for Android you will need a better one you can look for recommendations from Google at this link and if its Apple systems you will need a good Mac for it (Mac programmers can help you out more than I can do on this topic). After that said you don't need to latest system out there either you can go for used computers as long as it works and you feel good with it. for that I will say choose one with less sound on keyboard buttons or have some good headphones and use music to block sound. By the way I prefer desktop to regular use i5-4460 3,20ghz. with 8gb ram 64-bit windows 10 with dual screen but this is my personal choose but have a laptop for on the go use (Dell inspiron n5110 i3) and I can write programs on both of them to Android and web.
Albert Reel
5,555 PointsIn Portland OR there is a local Non-Profit called FreeGeek.org that have MacOS and Linux OS laptops for $185ish. I really like these guys because they are really addressing many issues like disposing of hazardous waste related to computers, offering free education, and providing free computers to those in need(But not laptop, you have to buy those).
If what you need is the cheapest reliable computer then you are looking for A refurbished Optiplex. These are cheap but run like a champ and cost almost nothing. They are horrible gaming machines and cannot be realistically ever upgraded to such.
For a laptop I personally prefer either a macOS or used Lenovo. Apple makes a great developer platform that every developer I know likes. They are POSIX(When you take a console class this will make more sense) and run a UNIX kernal that is very linux friendly. A business refurbish lenovo will cost you $230 as I write this. These computers are great for rough programmers like myself. Batteries, cords, and other accessories are cheap on amazon. I personally replace the hard drive with a solid state drive and max out the RAM.
TL;DR
Buy a used laptop from a non-profit(Ask and I will help) or Buy a used business computer(I prefer the Optiplex line for desktop or Lenovo for laptop.) or Consider the non-profit freeGeek.org or another local?
I really love hardware, Email me if you have problems later down the road waxhoya (a t) gmail.com