Laptops you need to start coding right now

9.10 /10 1. Editors Choice: Microsoft Surface Pro 7 9.75 /10 2. Premium Pick: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme 7.50 /10 3. Best Value: Acer Flagship CB3-532 9.40 /10 4. New Apple MacBook Pro 8.75 /10 5. Huawei Matebook 13 Signature Edn. Laptop 9.45 /10 6. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 15.6” 9.00 /10 7. HP Spectre X360 2-in-1 13.3 inch 8.50 /10 8. LG gram Thin and Light Laptop 8.35 /10 9. Acer Aspire E 15, 15.6" 8.00 /10 10. ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 2-in-1 Laptop VIEW ALL An experienced coder has built most websites and applications we use on a daily basis. The coder needs to ensure that the site or application works in the way it should. To ensure this, the coder needs to use the best tools to make work easier. One such tool is a laptop. Wondering which laptop is the best for coding? This is the right resource to ensure you get the best coding laptop. As a developer, you rely on technologically advanced computers to handle your coding or programming tasks. So how do you decide on the best laptop for coding? Whether you are starting as a programming student, an intermediate programmer, or an expert in coding, we have the best recommendation for a coding laptop for you. Bear in mind that finding the best laptop for coding isn't easy for most of us. This is because there are several different factors you must consider before purchasing a laptop. You need to settle for a programming laptop, depending on your coding skills' level and complexity. You need to consider factors such as storage, CPU, RAM, GPU, display quality, and battery life. The best laptops for coding don't need to be expensive. That's why we've created this guide of the best laptops for coding: so that you can have several options at different price points and specs for you to choose from. In this way, you can find the perfect laptop for coding no matter what your unique situation might be. This guide covers the ten best laptops for coding, as well as the two significant factors to consider when shopping for a programming laptop. We have also included the best coding laptops for anyone under a budget. Read on and choose one which meets your needs. EDITORS CHOICE 1. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 9.10 / 10 Read Reviews Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (1) READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (1) Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (2) Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (3) SEE ON AMAZON Compared to Microsoft Surface Pro 6, this new laptop offers a more robust performance with better ports. However, like other Microsoft laptops, it appears like a chunky tablet, which you can transform into a laptop. The Pro 7 offers high versatility as its kickstand can rotate between 0 to as much as 165 degrees. Therefore, you can effortlessly prop it up to use as a laptop or tilt it when taking notes. It has a 12-inch display LCD screen, with a 2736x 1080p, which gives a rich, colorful, and precise images. It also features 375 nits of brightness, which is more than what the average laptops offer. The 4-inch touchpad of the laptop offers plenty of space to work on and a satisfying click when using. Pro 7 has a great keyboard cover, though it comes as a separate add-on. Operating using an Intel Core I5-1035G4 CPU, a tenth generation processing power, you can expect only the best when coding. It has an 8GB RAM, which means you can handle massive coding simultaneously without the computer burning out. With a 256 GGB storage, your space requirements are settled. Its Intel Iris graphics can handle games smoothly. Unfortunately, it has quite a short battery life of 7 hours and 52 minutes on average. Finally, Microsoft now has a laptop with a USB-C port. There is also a USB-A port. READ MORE KEY FEATURES 12.3-inch screen display with 2376x1824 display 10th generation Intel Core i3, i5, i7 Iris Plus or Intel UHD graphics 8 GB RAM 256GB SSD PROS Solid performance USB-C port A vivid, colorful display Excellent optional keyboard Impressive graphics CONS The battery life is relatively low Very soft speakers BUY THIS PRODUCT Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (1) Microsoft Surface Pro 7 SHOP AT AMAZON PREMIUM PICK 2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme 9.75 / 10 Read Reviews Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (1) READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (1) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (3) SEE ON AMAZON The newest XI Extreme from Lenovo is precisely what its name describes; extreme. Its 4K HDR display is a jaw-dropping feature, which gives it value for the money. This laptop has a 4K HDR display, with 3840 x 2160 resolution. Thus it yields clear, vivid images rich in color. Its keyboard has fantastic speed and has between 1.5-2.0mm key travel, which is relatively high for its thickness. It features a 15-inch sleek display, as the shell of the laptop composes of luxurious materials. The matte black chassis has a soft finish, giving the laptop an elegant look. Thinkpad XI extreme weighs 3.8 pounds, making it portable than most options in the market. The laptop has different connection ports, starting with the two Type-A USB ports on the right side. On the left, it has Thunderbolt 3 ports (two of them), and other ports such as headphone jack and HMDI. The laptop battery life is 6 hours and 7 minutes. Intel Core i7-8750H powers it with a 32GB RAM and1TB SSD. Extreme has among the fastest hard drives as it operates using a 1TB Pcle-NVME OPAL. As the name suggests, the Lenovo Thinkpad is extreme, even when it comes to durability. The laptop has been built to withstand extreme humid conditions, extreme temperatures, and high sand or dust environments. READ MORE KEY FEATURES Intel Core i7-8750H 4K HDR display 32 GB RAM, ITB SSD 15 hours of battery life Durable under extreme humidity and temperature PROS Impeccable design 4K HDR display Comfortable keyboard Fast performance Thin and lightweight CONS Low battery life Runs hot at times BUY THIS PRODUCT Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (1) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme SHOP AT AMAZON BEST VALUE 3. Acer Flagship CB3-532 7.50 / 10 Read Reviews Acer Flagship CB3-532 15.6inch HD Premium Chromebook (1) READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS Acer Flagship CB3-532 15.6inch HD Premium Chromebook (1) Acer Flagship CB3-532 15.6inch HD Premium Chromebook (2) Acer Flagship CB3-532 15.6inch HD Premium Chromebook (3) SEE ON AMAZON Although it is not the most stylish laptop in the market, this Acer Flagship offers twice as those stylish ones provide. For starters, it has all-day battery life. It has a 15.6 inch LCD matte screen display with a resolution of 1366x 768. The resolution is HD and is common in most Chromebooks, though the display appears a little grainy. Weighing 3.32 pounds, the Chromebook is quite portable and light enough to carry using one hand. Its keyboard has a Chiclet style, where a search key replaces the Caps Lock key. Even with a short key travel, the keyboard is quite comfortable to type on. Thus, you don't have to worry about coding for long hours. The touchpad is highly responsive and effortless to use for your coding tasks. Acer Flagship CB3-532 comes with 16 GB flash storage. Thus, it is the best option for a coding beginner who doesn't need a lot of space for their projects. However, the small storage space isn't a significant setback, as most Chromebooks depend on cloud storage. It is powered by Intel Celeron N3060, which reaches as much as 1.6 GHz that is integrated with Intel HD Graphics 400. It also features 2GB RAM, which is enough for a student or a beginner to learn how to code. The laptop can comfortably meet your daily coding needs. READ MORE KEY FEATURES 15.6-inch display 4 GB RAM and 16GB SSD Celeron Dual-Core processor Operates on Chrome OS 136X768 display resolution PROS Extended battery life Dual-band (802.11 wireless) Comfortable keyboard Lightweight and easily portable Satisfactory display compared to other Chromebooks CONS Short key travel Dreary design BUY THIS PRODUCT Acer Flagship CB3-532 15.6inch HD Premium Chromebook (1) Acer Flagship CB3-532 SHOP AT AMAZON 4. New Apple MacBook Pro 9.40 / 10 Read Reviews New Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (1) READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS New Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (1) New Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2) New Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (3) SEE ON AMAZON MacBook has always been the default choice for programmers who code in Objective C and Swift. MacBook Pro is the best only for iOs and Mac Os programmers. It has AMD Radeon Pro 5300 M graphics. Thus, it is the best option for programmers after the best graphics, such as graphic programmers and game developers. Powered by Intel Core i7, you can rely on this MacBook for massive graphic coding operations. The laptop has a 16 GB RAM, which, combined with the 5300M graphics, yields optimal performance to run your servers, browser, and code editor. You never have to worry about storage with the 512GB SSD, which will meet and exceed most programmers' needs. In case you need more power, you can work it out through an 8-core i9 processor and a 550M GPU alongside 8GB, DDR6 graphics. Also, you can enjoy as much as 8TB storage and 64GB RAM. This is a lot of power, stored in a 0.6-inch thick laptop, weighing only 4.3 pounds. Its vast dimensions ensure enough room for its hardware to breathe. Therefore, you don't have to worry about the laptop overheating. Furthermore, the laptop has two fans, which expel hot air out, ensuring the keyboard remains cool. MacBook Pro 16 has a scissor mechanism keyboard that features 1mm traveling keys. Thus, it provides a tactile and enjoyable typing experience. READ MORE KEY FEATURES Intel Core i7 with a maximum turbo boost of 4.5 GHz 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD 16-inch display with 3072X 1920 resolution macOS Catalina operating system 11 hours of battery life PROS High quality16-inch display Improved keyboard Long battery life Impressive speaker sound Ample storage CONS Quite costly Only has 3 Thunderbolt ports BUY THIS PRODUCT New Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (1) New Apple MacBook Pro SHOP AT AMAZON 5. Huawei Matebook 13 Signature Edn. Laptop 8.75 / 10 Read Reviews Huawei Matebook 13 Signature Edn. Laptop (1) READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS Huawei Matebook 13 Signature Edn. Laptop (1) Huawei Matebook 13 Signature Edn. Laptop (2) Huawei Matebook 13 Signature Edn. Laptop (3) SEE ON AMAZON Trust the Huawei Matebook 13 to offer you better performance than most laptops in the market. This new Matebook has better features compared to its predecessor. Thus, its sleek appearance matches its high performance. It has a 13" display LCD screen, with a resolution of 2560 x 1440. Like other Huawei companies, the laptop has an aluminum body, and you can choose between Mystic Silver or Space Gray. Weighing 2.87 pounds, the Matebook 13 is lightweight, hence easily portable. The weight is quite impressive for a laptop with a full processor and graphics chip. The touchpad and keyboard will impress you. With a key spacing of 1.2 mm, you get the forceful feedback you need when typing fast. The touchpad is precise, wide, spacious, and delightful to use. With the high screen resolution and the 1000:1 contrast ratio, and 300 nits of brightness, you enjoy an excellent display. Matebook 13 is excellent at more than just graphics. It also offers impeccable performance in general computing and coding. When it comes to longevity, you can enjoy ten hours of battery life while at maximum functionality. Thus, you can travel without needing to plug it in. Unfortunately, most professional programmers need a laptop with Thunderbolt 3. Thus, this laptop could be a great fit for intermediate programmers. READ MORE KEY FEATURES 13-inch display with2560 x 1440 pixel resolution 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD Intel Core i7-8565U Two USB ports (Type C) Intel UHD graphics 620 PROS Excellent value Excellent Nvidia graphics Full Intel-core processing Top-notch webcam High performance CONS Lacks Thunderbolt 3 Comparatively low memory BUY THIS PRODUCT Huawei Matebook 13 Signature Edn. Laptop (1) Huawei Matebook 13 Signature Edn. Laptop SHOP AT AMAZON 6. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 15.6” 9.45 / 10 Read Reviews Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 (1) READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 (1) Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 (2) Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 (3) SEE ON AMAZON Boasting its 4K display, the Asus Zenbook is a coding mark of greatness, especially for game developers. Its second display, which led it to be referred to as "screen-pad plus," is its second-biggest selling point. The screen pad plus is a supercharged touch bar. It sits above the keyboard and helps display whole applications. Having another 4K screen comes with more significant ramifications. Since the ZenBook Pro Duo is thicker and heavier than most ZenBooks as it weighs 5.51 pounds, therefore, the screen pad plus has to be a useful addition, as the laptop's success depends on it. Its touchpad is located on the right side of the keyboard. It will take some time to get used to this, but you can always use an external mouse. The Pro Duo features Thunderbolt 3 USB ports (Type C), which ensure fast data transfer. The dual-screen is the central selling point of this laptop. It is also the most noticeable feature this laptop has. With the 15.6 inch screen and 4K OLED touchscreen technology, together with the 3840x2160 screen resolution, you can expect stunning image quality. It projects bright and vibrant colors, with excellent contrast. Each side of the laptop has 5mm thin bezels, which gives it a modern look. The brightness of the screen is adjustable, offering you flexibility. READ MORE KEY FEATURES Intel Core i9-9980HK Nvidia Gefore graphics (RTX 2060) 15.6 inch display with 3840x1110 resolution 16GB, 1TB SSD 5.51 pounds PROS Powerful specs Impeccable build quality Unbeatable OLED main screen Impressive screen pad plus concept High performance CONS Quite pricey Battery life could be better BUY THIS PRODUCT Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 (1) Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 15.6” SHOP AT AMAZON 7. HP Spectre X360 2-In-1 13.3 Inch 9.00 / 10 Read Reviews HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 13 (1) READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 13 (1) HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 13 (2) HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 13 (3) SEE ON AMAZON If you are searching for the best convertible laptop for your coding needs, your search will end here. The HP Spectre X360 combines aesthetics and optimal functionality. Its metal chassis has a silver finish, which makes it attractive without compromising on performance. Still on its design, as a 2-in-1 laptop, it can easily rotate into a tent or tablet mode. Though aesthetically pleasing, its hinges are quite flexible and sturdy enough to guarantee durability. The 13.3-inch laptop has a 1080p touch screen with a sharp and colorful display. It can be integrated with up-to-date processors. It has a 1080 P Sure View display, which protects your sensitive files using an integrated privacy filter. You can enjoy as much as 12 hours of battery life, which is quite enough considering the laptop boasts' high power. HP Spectre X360 keyboard has a perfect layout, with its keys offer a nice touch, feel, and feedback while typing. Therefore, you can code comfortably and accurately all day long. It has standard USB type-A ports as well as Thunderbolt USB Type-C ports. This is a unique feature, considering most light and ultra-thin laptops rarely have standard USB ports. Weighing only 2.8 pounds, X360 is quite portable. READ MORE KEY FEATURES Intel Core i5, with a 1.1 GHz that can go as high as 3.7 GHz 254GB SSD and 8GB RAM Intel Iris+ Graphics Windows 10 OS 13 hours of battery life PROS Luxurious design Class-leading keyboard Outstanding battery life Ultra-thin and light 1080 p display CONS Bloatware Has thick bezels BUY THIS PRODUCT HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 13 (1) HP Spectre X360 2-In-1 13.3 Inch SHOP AT AMAZON 8. LG Gram Thin And Light Laptop 8.50 / 10 Read Reviews LG gram Thin and Light Laptop (1) READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS LG gram Thin and Light Laptop (1) LG gram Thin and Light Laptop (2) LG gram Thin and Light Laptop (3) SEE ON AMAZON The LG Gram has a 17-inch screen, which is quite broad. Thus, it is ideal for programmers who value screen display. It boasts an above-average resolution- 2560 x 1600 pixels. The screen has a 16:10 aspect. Therefore, you get more vertical space compared to most laptops. You don't have to worry that you are compromising a bigger screen for portability. Weighing 2.98 pounds, the laptop is relatively easy to move around with. Enjoy the extraordinary battery life that comes with this laptop. You get 10 hours before the battery runs out, which means you could be coding for almost half a day without having to plug it in. The keyboard is backlit, and you can switch between high and low brightness levels. Its wide chassis ensures adequate room for a numeric pad, which is not an often feature in ultra-books. Its touchpad is relatively smooth, making it comfortable to click. The touchpad is at the center of the chassis, which is unique since most models have the touchpad below the spacebar. You can rely on the performance of the Gram, as it supports different open tabs. Therefore, you can run even massive codes as the laptop maintains optimal temperature during use. While it may not double up as the best laptop for playing games due to its above-average display, it will surely match your coding needs. READ MORE KEY FEATURES 10th Gen Intel Core with as much as 3.9 GHz turbo boost 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD 17-inch screen display with 2560 x 1600 resolution Precision touchpad and backlit keyboard Weighs 2.98 pounds PROS Highly functional keyboard Wide 17-inch screen Lightweight Good battery life Satisfactory performance CONS Lacks touch ability A little pricey BUY THIS PRODUCT LG gram Thin and Light Laptop (1) LG Gram Thin And Light Laptop SHOP AT AMAZON 9. Acer Aspire E 15, 15.6" 8.35 / 10 Read Reviews Acer Aspire E 15, 15 (1) READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS Acer Aspire E 15, 15 (1) Acer Aspire E 15, 15 (2) Acer Aspire E 15, 15 (3) SEE ON AMAZON If you are looking for the best coding laptop on a budget, consider the Acer Aspire E15. Though it lacks the fancy features other higher costing models cost, it will meet your coding needs. Its 13.5 hours battery life is the best feature the Acer Aspire E15 boasts. The long juice life means you won't have to run around looking for a charger amid your coding. The laptop is powered by Intel Core I3-813OU, a processor that can reach as much as 3.4 GHz. Therefore, you don't have to worry about the laptop overheating when running massive code programs at optimal speed. Its 1TB hard drive offers both ample storage and works well with the 6GB RA. Thus, you can run different coding programs simultaneously, without the Acer Aspire E 15 hanging. Enjoy the fast data transfer that comes with this budget-friendly coding laptop. Transferring data from and external storage will take a few minutes, thanks to the laptop's 3.0 USP ports. You can also use these ports to charge other devices. Although it lacks a 4K display, you can connect it to a laptop docking station and enjoy multiple display options. Note that while the laptop is budget-friendly, it is suitable for students and beginners in coding. It comes with a hard disk, and advanced coders prefer an SSD as it is faster and more effective. READ MORE KEY FEATURES 2GB GTX graphic card 8GB RAM, 256 GB SSD storage Windows 10 OS 15.6 "high definition screen 10+ hours battery life PROS Affordable Long battery life CPU processor can achieve 3.4 GHz Quick data transfer Plenty storage- 1TB HDD CONS Doesn't come with an SSD Has slightly lower RAM and CPU configurations BUY THIS PRODUCT Acer Aspire E 15, 15 (1) Acer Aspire E 15, 15.6" SHOP AT AMAZON 10. ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 2-In-1 Laptop 8.00 / 10 Read Reviews ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 2-in-1 Laptop (1) READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS READ MORE REVIEWS ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 2-in-1 Laptop (1) ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 2-in-1 Laptop (2) ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 2-in-1 Laptop (3) SEE ON AMAZON Flip C436 is a lovely laptop, with two eye-catching features like the aluminum-coated lid and the frill-like hinge bar. Aluminum is an excellent choice since it is robust, durable, and lightweight. With a 1.17 kg weight, the laptop is relatively easy to move around compared to other laptops in the market. Its hardware connections are those you will find in more expensive laptops - here are the power socket and USB-C ports(two). Its speakers are good, and you can keep yourself entertained while coding. Asus C436 has a driver outlet on each side. However, blocking these sound outlets doesn't have any impact on the sound. The Flip C436 has a textured glass pad, and the keyboard has a level 5 backlight. Its 1.2 mm key travel feels light. While it may not be a typist keyboard, it offers enough definition, which makes it satisfying to type words at a time. To make it easy for you to tap while coding, the touchpad is of high quality. The size is generous, and the textured glass top feels excellent to use. ASUS Flip c436 also has a fingerprint scanner that performs better compared to Windows laptop scanners. The laptop has a 14-inch screen and does fulfill the sRGB coverage. Movies and games on the laptop appear well saturate and gave a solid contrast for a 14-inch LCD screen. READ MORE KEY FEATURES 14-inch display, 1920 x 1080 p 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Intel Core i5-10210U Lightweight- 117g Spacious keyboard PROS Vivid color display Highly functional compared to other Chromebooks Light alloy shell High-quality touchpad Well performing speakers CONS Oversensitive touchpad It has some app support issues BUY THIS PRODUCT ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 2-in-1 Laptop (1) ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 2-In-1 Laptop SHOP AT AMAZON Are there specific laptops for programming or coding? No, there aren't. However, there are some factors you need to consider when choosing to buy a computer for coding. Failure to consider these factors could lead to computer overheating, making loud noises, and lags in computer use. At the worst, the computer may stop functioning, and you may have to keep restarting it. There are individual specifications a coding laptop must have for it to run efficiently. These specifications vary depending on your programming needs. For instance, a game development programmer needs a laptop with a higher graphic card compared to a programmer who is learning how to code. Some of the main factors to consider while looking for the best laptop for coding include the CPU, processing speed, keyboard, & display/screen. CPU, Processing Speed, And Keyboard When it comes to the CPU, the main factor to consider is the compilation speed. You need to settle for a laptop that meets your objective, especially if you are working on a huge project. The keyboard is another factor. Actually it is the among the most important, yet most overlooked factor when it comes to buying a laptop. Remember, as a programmer; you will be spending most of your time typing. Therefore, it is essential to check the keyboard. We recommend getting a compact keyboard, but it all narrows down to your preference. Display/Screen When it comes to the screen, the larger the better. Coding entails spending several hours on your computer and the type of screen is very important as it will not strain your eyes. As such, it is highly recommended that you go for a 15’’ or more laptop. However, if you prefer something smaller or portable, a 14 or 13-inch should do the job. Screen resolution is another factor. If you are a software or game developer go for a full HD screen. The resolution will give you ample working space as you can open several windows side by side, making your work easier. You will not have to switch from one tab to another. 4K display is also a good idea, but the text will appear cramped and such laptops are usually very expensive. Also keep in mind that reflective screens reflect more than matte screens. Ergonomics make a huge deference if you are going to use your laptop for extended periods. And you can also complement your machine with some accessories to make it more convenient for you. FAQ Q: What is the best Processing Power (CPU) to look for in the best laptop for coding? A computer's CPU has a tremendous effect on performance; you can't afford to ignore this. There are many types of processors with various specifications, so make sure you consider these specs before you settle on your ideal laptop for coding. The rule of thumb here is a good Intel core i7 or i5 processor with a speed of 3GHz or higher should work for most programmers. Q: Will any RAM work? No serious programming tasks can be done on a machine that has less than 4GB of RAM. The smallest you can work with is 8GB. However, even that is fast becoming insufficient with the emergence of Electron applications that consume ample RAM amounts. So, if you have the dollars, invest in 16GM or more of RAM. Q: Are Dedicated or Integrated Graphics important? Also referred to as discrete, dedicated graphics cards are not very important for programming or coding tasks. Save your cash by opting for an integrated graphics card and then investing extra cash in an SSD or powerful processor that will offer you more value and better performance. Q: What is the best display for programming? Coding and developing applications mean staring at your laptop for extended periods. So, make sure you get a laptop with the right size and good viewing angles. In general, do not go for something that is less than a Full HD 1920 by 1080(1080p) display. Also, go for a computer with enough screen estate for multitasking as well as crisp text for a relaxing reading experience. If you must pay more for a 1080p display, please do it. Think about how comfortable you want your eyes to be when working. 4K display is not very important, particularly if you keep in mind the additional costs as well as the battery drain that will come with it. Also, know the ports that come with the machine; for instance, if it's a MacBook air, you may require a special USB-C to HDMI cable in case you want to connect it to your monitor. Similarly, you will not be able to use the regular USB 2.0/3.0 thumb drive. As such, make sure the laptop you settle on has the right ports for your peripherals. Q: What about size and weight? If you work on the go or find yourself coding even in coffee shops or other public spaces, a lighter and smaller machine is a good idea. It will fit into your backpack and take up less space on a table or desk so you can keep your coffee cup and notebook at a safe distance. There is also some elegance that comes with a thin laptop, that is, if you fancy that. However, note that you may be foregoing horsepower and screen space. Now, if you are always at home or the office and you rarely take your laptop outside, a larger unit offers more power for the dollar. Similarly, if you are going to use the laptop for games, a larger and bigger machine may be a good option. But remember, the extra weight and bulk may be a turn-off.