I want a fast coding laptop (don't care about gaming)

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CausticDuality

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Jul 5, 2011
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I am having some problems finding a good laptop. I do a lot of coding in C++ and Python and would like my programs/scripts to run as fast as they can (they do a lot of number crunching).

So I presume I'll probably need a solid state, plenty of RAM, and a good CPU?

Can anyone recommend a good laptop that fits the bill?

Budget: $2k max, but I'd like to aim much lower than that if it's possible to get what I'm after for less
 
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snoylekim

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Sep 30, 2012
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Have you checked out any of the Lenovo W series Thinkpads or Dell Precision Laptops ?? We've used both pretty successfully for developers/engineers . Don't know if your graphics needs are basic ( sounds like no need for special 3D/commercial graphics stuff) , so you could configure with basic graphics, an I7 mobile processor, and 8-16 g of RAM . SSDs tend to be expensive options, but , for the Lenovo at least , it's easy to swap your own in . They also typically come mostly 'bare metal' sans crapware, which makes it easy to configure the software for your own uses ..
I know some developers that love the MacBook Pro 15" Retina ..it blazes ..but that's outside your budget ..
 
lehtv

lehtv

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Dec 8, 2010
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snoylekim

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Sep 30, 2012
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<<Only problem is I'm not sure if any mobile chipset/board for a 3rd gen i7 supports 8GB modules. If so, even this Dell would do:

I believe they do .. The Mac Retina w/ I7 and 16 G uses 2 slots w/ 8 G each .. Refurb and swap is an excellent idea ..
 
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CausticDuality

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Jul 5, 2011
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CausticDuality

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Jul 5, 2011
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The last refurbished laptop I bought wound up having a faulty screen hinge (the screen wants to crack every time you try to close it) -- how can I tell if a refurb is going to be as good as a new? Should I just buy new?

edit: This is my current laptop

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230202

so I'd want to make something that bests this


edit2: I don't understand the 2x RAM thing? That refurbished laptop posted earlier already has 8 GB which I presume is its max?
 
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lehtv

lehtv

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Dec 8, 2010
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Refurb is never as good as new, but in most cases you can't find any fault in them unless you're really nitpicking about cosmetic faults. Refurbs do have a short warranty in case you find actual damage or malfunction.

Of course if you want your PC to have proper resale value and long warranty, buying new is the better option.
 
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CausticDuality

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Jul 5, 2011
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My current laptop is a refurb and it's already pretty busted -- the one I had before that was a refurb, too, and it died in less than a year. (I am very careful / I take good care of my hardware, too, before anyone asks)

I know it's a bad idea to appeal to Gambler's Fallacy here but I feel like I'd be more comfortable getting something new.
 
Torn Mind

Torn Mind

Lifer
Nov 25, 2012
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You can try cloning your new laptop's HDD to the SSD before you boot into the OS for the first time. Then boot from the SSD. Then you should be able to go through Window's OOBE and everything should be fine afterwards. Make sure Windows doesn't get a chance to boot before doing the cloning, as it will detect and configure Windows for the hardware.
 
JackMDS

JackMDS

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Oct 25, 1999
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Concentrate on the screen size and core speed that you need.

Get the least expensive Brand name New laptop that is comfortable to you to work on (Enthusiast philosophy many time is Not necessarily the best solution).

Make sure that what you get is Not one of these New Unibody that can be upgradable.

Then it takes about $200-250 to upgrade to 256GB SSD and 8 GB RAM.


:cool:
 
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snoylekim

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Sep 30, 2012
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You can configure a Lenovo W530 , which is an enterprise level laptop , with everything you need less the SSD and extra 8 G of memory for 1429.00 .. This has the 3rd Gen I7 processor , and no crapware ..
 
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Sleepingforest

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 2012
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CausticDuality said:
I admit I am feeling pretty lost right now. I have no idea what to do. :(

Is it not possible to get a laptop that is light, not clunky, has a wicked fast CPU and solid states, lots of RAM, and doesn't cost $2k?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834200671
Click to expand...

If we're talking Macbook Pro thin, then yes, it is impossible. You're looking at workstation laptops (the kind with a "wicked fast" CPU), which are so slow, so think, and have such low battery life that they're basically moderate portable desktops.

You could go to Dell Outlet since they have an unusually good warranty policy (same as new!). Each item is graded by the cosmetic damage had on the unit, if you care about that kind of thing.
 
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Sleepingforest

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Nov 18, 2012
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T_Yamamoto said:
You can't combine fast and cheap into the same sentence.
Click to expand...

You're probably thinking of a variant on the project management triangle. In this case, the constraints would be between the qualities of "cost, power, and mobility." You can have 2 of the above qualities at best--the PC may be cheap and powerful (but hard to move around), powerful and mobile (but expensive), or cheap and mobile (but weak).

On the Dell Outlet, I can find a "Dell Outlet New" (so no cosmetic blemishes) 15R with an i7 (turbos up to 3.2 GHz) and room for at least dual channel memory for $910. Factor in $90-100 for 16GB RAM and another $200 for a 256GB SSD. So if you wanted, you could get "pretty light, not too expensive, and reasonably powerful" if you were willing to go refurbished.
 
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