Are you a software developer or interested in becoming one? This is one of the career paths with endless opportunities.
Software development has a low barrier to entry and offers possibilities for app developers, game designers, and cybersecurity experts.
But how do you get started with software development? All you need is the right Laptops Programming.
For most software developers, a laptop will be sufficient for their work. For others, you might need to invest in monitors, microphones, and other devices to supplement your laptop.
Here are our picks on the best laptop for software development:
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MacBook Pro 16
Macs are often overlooked by software developers in favor of PC laptops. However, this latest iteration of the MacBook Pro is a high-performance machine.
It has an Intel Core i7 processor and 16 GB of computer memory.
This laptop has a 16-inch screen, which makes it easier to type your code without having to toggle through windows.
You can use built-in software applications such as TextEdit or XCode to build your programs.
Macs also have great paid services such as TextWrangler for coding.
Dell Inspiron
Are you a beginner to software development? If so, you’ll love the budget-friendly Dell Inspiron. This laptop works best for web developers.
It can run Windows and Linux operating systems. If you opt for Windows, you’ll get the Windows Home system, which works great for using Agile.
As a side note, if you’re interested in learning about Agile, you should look into Agile training online.
It has 8 GB RAM and a 15.6-inch screen. This is a lighter laptop (2.65 lbs) so it works well for digital nomad developers.
It has an AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics card. This makes it great if you want to develop software that’s rich with high-end graphics.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
If you want another great option for taking on-the-go, you’ll love the Microsoft Surface Pro 7.
It works well for both Windows and Linux and functions as a laptop and a tablet. It has an Intel Core i7 with a 16 GB computer memory size. It also holds up to 512 GB of storage space.
This tablet has become a popular choice among beginner software developers. While not the best for complex applications, it works well for web development and creating mobile apps.
One major feature of the Surface Pro 7 is that it has a USB-C port, which is rare for many tablets. This makes it easier to transfer your code files from the tablet to your external storage.
Dell XPS 15
This is a great laptop for more experienced software developers. It has a 15.6-inch screen and has a 4K screen resolution.
You can get an Intel Core i7 processor, up to 64 GB of RAM, and up to 1 TB of storage space.
This is a powerful machine that works for different types of software developers. It’s a versatile machine that suits web developers, cybersecurity experts, and game designers.
It also can handle many operations at once.
For example, let’s suppose you need to embed a video on your website. Your video will need rendering and processing, which will take a toll on your laptop.
However, the high-performance of the Dell XPS 15 won’t slow things down for embedding video. The same goes for creating and testing video games on the laptop.
Oryx Pro
If you prefer Linux as your operating system, you want to opt for the Oryx Pro.
It’s known as a “hybrid graphics” laptop. This means that it works well for software developers who create graphics for their applications.
This makes it an excellent option for web developers and game designers.
You can get the laptop in 15-inch and 17-inch options, ideal screen sizes for typing code and toggling through windows.
You’ll have 64 GB of RAM and 4 TB of storage space. This is a high-performance machine that can handle many functions at once.
If you’re an expert software developer, this is a great option for you. Even if you’re a beginner, you can use this laptop to learn the Linux operating system.
It’s a heavier laptop (just under 5 lbs) so it doesn’t work for digital nomads. However, if you wish to plan a tech startup, this is a great investment for your team.
HP Spectre x360
This is another great option for digital nomad software developers. It weighs 3 lbs and has a 13-inch screen.
The smaller screen makes it work for simpler apps, as it’s not ideal for more complex coding.
It has 8GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage space. It has an Intel Core i5 processor and works on the Windows 10 Home operating system.
This is an underrated laptop that gets overlooked by the others on this list.
However, if you’re on a budget or are a beginner, consider this laptop. You should be able to pick it up for less than $1400.
You might want to also consider this laptop if you run a startup. If you want your team members to each have a laptop, this is an affordable and reliable option.
ASUS ZenBook
This is a more advanced and high-performance laptop.
If you run a medium-sized or large software firm, this is a great option for your team. It weighs 5 lbs, so it’s best for in-office and not ideal for digital nomads.
It runs on an Intel Core i9 processor, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage space. It has a 15.6-inch screen and 4K screen resolution.
This machine is among the most versatile on this list.
Whether you want to design responsive web applications, computer games, or software applications, you’ll have the opportunity with this laptop.
It’s on the pricier side, coming just above $3K. However, if you are an expert software developer, this will be one of your best investments.
Choose Your Best Laptop for Software Development
Now that you’ve seen our recommendations on the best laptop for software development, you can determine which one works best for you.
Make sure you consider your level of expertise and your budget. You also want to look into what type of software you wish to develop.
It’s always best to read further reviews of each laptop and to test them out before buying.
Please share this guide with other software developers. You can find more great gadget guides on our website!