Find the best laptop for developers in 2024

A good laptop for software development would feature several important characteristics:

1. RAM - at least 16GB for demanding IDEs, containers and virtual machines
2. Powerful CPU - compiling large projects require lots of resources
3. High-quality screen and keyboard

How to choose the best laptop for software development:

1. CPU - Processing Power Matters: Opt for at least an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor. Look for high frequency and multiple cores (quad-core or higher) for multitasking efficiency.
2. RAM: Go Big or Go Home: Aim for a minimum of 16GB RAM. Working on complex projects would require 24GB or more. Consider buying a laptop with lower amount of RAM and upgrading it yourself. You can save a lot by going this route.
3. Storage - Speed is Key: Choose SSD over HDD for faster boot times and snappier performance. A storage capacity of 512GB or higher is recommended.
4. Display Quality: The quality of the display matters more than resolution, but 2K resolution and larger screen is helpful. Look for display without PWM-dimming, as you will be looking at it for long hours and flickering may strain your eyes. Consider a matte finish to reduce glare during long coding sessions.
5. Keyboard: Opt for a laptop with a comfortable, responsive keyboard. Many engineers swear by Lenovo keyboards, but other manufacturers have gotten better recently. Backlit keyboards are beneficial for late-night coding sessions.
6. Portability vs. Power: Developer laptops are not as chunky as gaming ones, but they still tend to be heavy. Consider lightweight ultrabooks for travel and more powerful laptops for intensive tasks.
7. Connectivity is Key: Ensure the laptop has sufficient USB ports and other necessary connections. USB Type-C is valuable for versatility, while having an HDMI would be helpful during presentations.
8. Operating System: Most developers lean towards Linux for versatility, however Windows and MacOS are also viable. Choose based on your development needs. Ensure compatibility with the software and tools you use.
9. Consider Future-Proofing: Invest in a laptop with upgradeable components if possible. Future-proofing ensures your laptop can handle evolving software requirements.
10. GPU: Usually not very important: Integrated graphics are often sufficient for coding tasks. Dedicated graphics are necessary only for graphics-intensive work or gaming.

The ideal laptop for software development depends on your specific needs and preferences. Prioritize processing power, RAM, and display quality.