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10 Best Laptops for Programming In May 2024 [Ok’d By Devs]

Laptops for Programming
  Written By: Manpreet Singh
Updated On: 12/01/2023
Est. Reading: 18 minutes

If you are a programmer, then you know that having the right equipment is essential. A good laptop can make your job a lot easier, while a bad one can slow you down and make your work more difficult.

In this blog post, we will discuss the top 10 best laptops for programming. We will look at both Windows and Mac laptops, and we will consider factors such as price, speed, and portability. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Programming can be a demanding job, and when you need a new laptop to help with your work, you must find one that fits all of your needs. Luckily, there are many different options available on the market!

Read on to learn more about what makes these laptops great choices for programmers and how they measure up against each other in terms of price and quality.

Best 10 Laptops For Programming In 2024

If you want to purchase a laptop for programming, you should know some tips and tricks about notebooks that will help you find the best laptop. Make sure that you are selecting the right laptop for programming.

IMAGE LAPTOP BUY NOW
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MSI Katana
  • CPU: Intel i7-12650H
  • Graphics: RTX 3050 Ti
  • Display: 15.6 FHD
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HP Pavilion 15
  • CPU: Intel i7-1255U
  • Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
  • Display: 15.6 FHD
Dell Inspiron
  • CPU: Intel i7-12700H
  • Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
  • Display: 14″ 2.2K
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Apple MacBook
  • CPU: 8-core M2 chip
  • Graphics: 10-core GPU
  • Display: 15.3″
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ASUS ROG Strix G16
  • CPU: Intel i7-13650HX
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4060
  • Display: 16″ FHD
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Lenovo Legion 5
  • CPU: Ryzen 7 7840HS
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4060
  • Display: 16” WQXGA
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ASUS TUF Dash 15
  • CPU: Intel i5-13500H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4050
  • Display: 15.6″ FHD
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Acer Predator
  • CPU: Intel i7-13700HX
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4070
  • Display: 16″ QHD
HP Pavilion x360
  • CPU: Intel i5-1235U
  • Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
  • Display: 14″ FHD
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HP Victus
  • CPU: Intel i5-12500H
  • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3050
  • Display: 15.6 FHD

If it’s about gaming, then go to purchase laptops for gamers. Today, in this article, we will tell you the top ten best laptops in the market that have all types of specifications like CPU, GPU, RAM, Storage, etc. So, let’s begin without wasting much time.

1. MSI Katana

MSI Katana GF76

Screen: 15.6 FHD, IPS-Level 144Hz, 45% NTSC | CPU: Intel Core i7-12650H | Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU | RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz | Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD Gen 4×4 | Ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x RJ45 LAN, 1 x HDMI(4k@60Hz), 1 x Audio combo jack, 1 x DC-in | Speaker: 2 x 3w speakers, Hi-Res Audio | Weight: ‎4.8 pounds

The MSI Katana has been an impressive addition to my tech array this year. Priced at $999, this formidable machine provides a slew of features that make coding a breeze.

It boasts a 15.6-inch screen with Full HD, IPS-Level at 144Hz, and 45% NTSC color coverage that gives a beautiful display quality and is easy on the eyes during those marathon coding sessions.

Underneath the hood of the MSI Katana, it runs on an Intel Core i7-12650H CPU working in conjunction with the NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU. Paired with its 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM, it allows me to run multiple heavy programs effortlessly, perfect for any developer jumping between various projects.

Storing my codes is seamless too, thanks to its spacious 512GB NVMe SSD Gen 4×4. Furthermore, the laptop comes equipped with a series of ports, including USB-C and HDMI(4k@60Hz), giving me flexibility for multiple peripherals.

Now, let’s talk about portability. Weighing just under 5 pounds at ‎4.8 lbs – which by no means is feather-light but not bulky per se – it’s still very convenient for carrying along to work or coffee shops, given its top-notch performance capacity.

The sound quality does compliment my enjoyment levels during brief game time-outs or while catching up on Netflix; credits to its dual 3W speakers certified Hi-Res Audio.

like anything else in life, the MSI Katana is not without flaws. I noticed a few users raised concerns over some initial speed issues and device resets. But take note: These glitches seem to be isolated incidents rather than consistent faults in these models.

Our Verdict

I believe that despite minor setbacks that some users might face initially, the MSI Katana holds its ground as an efficient programming laptop category.

Pros And Cons

Pros
  • High-quality display
  • Incredible processing power
  • Good storage capacity
  • Sound card quality
CONS
  • Occasional slow start-up
  • Possible software glitches causing restarts
  • Relatively heavy for carrying around

2. HP Pavilion 15

HP Pavilion 15

Screen: 15.6 FHD, IPS-Level | CPU: Intel Core i7-1255U | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe | RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz | Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD Gen 4×4 | Ports: 2 x USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Kensington Lock, 1 x AC smart pin, 1 x USB Type-C, 1 x 3.5 mm Combo Audio | Speaker: 2 x stereo speakers | Weight: 3.86 pounds

First off, let’s talk about my experience with HP Pavilion 15. As a programmer, I was looking for a laptop that could handle my multitasking needs without glitching. Trust me, jumping between databases and code editors can be pretty heavy stuff for a regular laptop.

But here’s where the HP Pavilion 15 came in handy. Seeing its Silver chassis for the first time was a pleasant experience – it had an elegance that many laptops lack these days.

The 15.6” Full HD display was generous enough to allow me to keep several windows open at once, which is handy while debugging codes.

The keyboard deserves special mention (And oh boy, do I love talking about keyboards!). It’s got a full numeric keypad – quite useful when you’re quickly plugging in numbers or manipulating data sets.

More than just being practical, it has this particular feel to its keys which makes typing simply enjoyable.

Under the hood, we’ve got an Intel i7-1255U CPU coupled with 16GB DDR4 RAM. That’s enough horsepower for running IDEs like PyCharm or juggling with Unity Engine like it’s no big deal.

And believe me, when I say this – With its Intel Iris Xe graphics and a zippy 512GB SSD storage, this machine puts other laptops in this range to shame.

Apart from these, the number of ports available was quite satisfying, too. We’ve got 2 USB Type-A ports alongside HDMI inputs and even an AC smart pin! It also sports a fingerprint scanner for fast login which personally made my life easier.

However, life isn’t all rainbows and unicorns with this one though. There were a couple of instances where the screen glitched. Nothing that couldn’t be fixed with a swift reopening of the laptop’s lid though.

Our Verdict

The one major setback I had with this laptop was its internet speed. Despite being hooked onto a reliable network, I found certain common tasks like email checking to be slower compared to running the same on my smartphone.

While this isn’t a deal-breaker for me, given all the other benefits it provides, you must be mindful of it. And for those really annoyed by small-sized keys – keep in mind HP Pavilion’s font size on keys can be a tad bit too tiny for your liking.

All said and done, would I recommend investing $734 in an HP Pavilion 15 laptop? Absolutely. Its robust hardware capabilities and thoughtful design certainly outweighed the few shortcomings that came with it, at least in my case.

Pros And Cons

Pros
  • Strong CPU performance
  • Spacious RAM and storage
  • Convenient numeric keypad
  • Lightweight
CONS
  • Inconsistent Wi-fi connectivity
  • Screen glitches occasionally
  • Small font size on the keys

3. Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7420

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus 7420 Laptop 6

Screen: 14″ 2.2K | CPU: Intel i7-12700H | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe | RAM: 16GB DDR5 | Storage: 1TB M.2 CL35 M.2 SSD | Ports: 1 x Audio jack, 1 x Micro SD card reader, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A,1 x Power jack, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) | Speaker: 2x2w Stereo | Weight: 3.7 pounds

Ah, the Dell Inspiron 7420, a laptop that navigates the middle ground between budget-friendly and hardware-rich quite handily. This laptop’s price point is surprisingly refreshing for the quality and performance it delivers.

This machine powers through like a beast with an Intel i7-12700H processor. To complement that, Dell has armed it with 16GB DDR5 RAM, offering you smooth performance even when running resource-heavy applications or multitasking. Storage-wise? You’ve got 1TB M.2 CL35 M.2 SSD at your service!

Let’s talk about its screen now. The 14″ 2.2K display packs in plenty of pixels and can produce vibrant colors despite some users finding it a tad smaller than their preference.

I appreciated the broad range of ports this laptop offers: from your standard USB-A and HDMI ports to the forward-thinking Thunderbolt 4 it has you covered. However, its placement might have you scratching your head.

Let me touch on the build quality of a mixed bag it is! I found it decent for daily operations; however, I must admit it did leave me wanting more on occasion.

Our Verdict

At $875, if you are looking for a laptop boasting powerful internals but are okay with a slightly soft chassis give the Dell Inspiron 7420 some consideration.

Pros And Cons

Pros
  • Value for money
  • Powerhouse processor
  • Generous storage
  • Variety of ports
CONS
  • Soft chassis prone to scratches
  • Awkward placement of ports
  • Mediocre battery performance

4. Apple MacBook

Apple MacBook 2024

Screen: 15.3″ Retina | CPU: 8-core M2 chip | Graphics: Apple 10-core GPU | RAM: 8GB Unified Memory | Storage: 256GB SSD | Ports: MagSafe 3 charging port; 3.5 mm headphone jack; Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports with support for Charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40Gb/s), USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s), USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10Gb/s | Speaker: 4 speakers with Spatial Audio | Weight: 2.7 pounds

Let me take a moment to discuss the fantastic Apple MacBook Air that I recently got a chance to experience firsthand.

With a price of just $1,049, the Apple MacBook Air offers a lot of value. It comes packed with an 8-core M2 chip CPU – talk about speed and efficiency! That, paired with 8GB Unified Memory, ensures smooth programming and multitasking experiences.

One feature that caught my eye was its sleek 15.3″ Retina Display, which provides beautiful imagery and color clarity that can take your breath away.

Accompanied by impressive hardware like Apple’s 10-core GPU, it manages to give top-notch performance all around.

The laptop is armed with 256GB SSD Storage, providing ample space for various software installations and fast loading times.

The port selection on this machine is bountiful as well, from MagSafe 3 charging port to Two Thunderbolt/USB4 ports supporting both Charging and DisplayPort.

Are you working late into the night with some code? The four speakers equipped with Spatial Audio will ensure you enjoy every bit of your music playlist in pristine quality.

Weighing just around ‎2.7 pounds, it never tires out your lap or backpack, either.

Taking user feedback into account, many have praised its fine screen resolution & sound quality while getting to grips with Apple’s eco-system seems straightforward even for Android users, something they warmed up to pretty swiftly.

Though some pink flags were raised regarding the smaller frame size as compared to other competitors such as HP, it hasn’t deterred users from appreciating the overall quality & design of the MacBook Air.

Our Verdict

Suppose you’re willing to put aside a few gripes like the slightly misleading size metrics coupled with the minor caveat of limited CPU details.

I believe the MacBook might be one ace piece of equipment for programmers looking forward to reliability, efficiency & longevity.

Pros And Cons

Pros
  • Stunning Retina Display
  • Impressive CPU Performance
  • Good port selection
  • Robust Battery Life
CONS
  • Smaller frame size
  • Limited CPU details
  • Slightly higher price

5. ASUS ROG Strix G16

ASUS ROG Strix

Screen: 16″ FHD | CPU: Intel i7-13650HX | Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4060 | RAM: 16GB DDR5 | Storage: 512GB SSD | Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port, 1x Thunderbolt 4 1x full HDMI 2.1 port, 1x Ethernet port, 1x DC-in port & 1x headset jack | Speaker: 2 x 4 Dolby Atmos | Weight: 5.51 pound

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 undoubtedly stands tall as one of the great options for programmers. Priced at $1,281, this laptop offers a punch with its powerful hardware specs and performance.

The ASUS ROG Strix G16 features a 16″ FHD screen for razor-sharp visuals packaged with a sturdy and stylish design.

This machine is powered by an Intel i7-13650HX CPU allied with an NVIDIA RTX 4060 Graphics card, which promises smooth operation even during the most demanding programming tasks.

A one-upper, with its whopping 16GB DDR5 RAM, multitasking is a breeze on this laptop. Plus, the built-in 512GB SSD storage ensures lightning-fast boot times and short load times for your various software and applications.

Weighing in at 5.51 pounds, it may not be the lightest programming laptop out there, but it’s not overly heavy either. It balances performance and portability quite well.

When we talk about connectivity options, the ROG Strix G16 has got you covered – it boasts multiple USB ports (both Type A & Type C), a Thunderbolt 4 port, HDMI 2.1 port, an Ethernet port, a DC-in port, of course, a headset jack ensuring you can connect all necessary peripherals without any hassles.

It was smooth sailing in terms of performance right from the start, with this machine providing flawless operation even when testing out some heavy-duty functions like 3D scanning after upgrading to 64GB RAM (the initial hiccup was solved after following some troubleshooting steps).

The Dolby Atmos speakers offer satisfying sound quality that adds to the overall experience.

However, there were moments when the laptop heated up exceedingly when left idle or in sleep mode due to heavy CPU activity caused by background programs.

The built-in cooling system managed to dissipate the heat promptly. The workaround seems to be shutting it off completely when not in use.

Our Verdict

Perfect for those seeking an above-par performance, ensuring you’re equipped with software and hardware that’s ahead of the curve.

Pros And Cons

Pros
  • Powerful CPU & Graphics
  • Substantial Storage
  • Ample Connectivity Options
  • Upgradable RAM
CONS
  • Overheats During Sleep Mode
  • Weights a Bit Heavy
  • Expensive Price Tag

6. Lenovo Legion 5

Lenovo Legion 5 2024

Screen: 16” WQXGA 2.5K | CPU: Ryzen 7 7840HS | Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4060 | RAM: 32GB DDR5 | Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD | Ports: 2 x USB Type-C Port USB 3.2 Gen 2, Thunderbolt 4, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Port, HDMI 2.1, Headphone Jack, RJ-45 | Speaker: 2 x Stereo | Weight: ‎‎‎‎5.29 pounds

My personal take on the Lenovo Legion 5 begins with the notable emphasis on performance. The heart of this machine is its robust Ryzen 7 7840HS processor and NVIDIA RTX 4060, providing superior processing power. Tackling demanding tasks like coding is a breeze with it.

Its most defining feature, in my opinion, is the 32GB DDR5 RAM. It’s an absolute dream to handle professional programs, video editing software, or even some heavy-duty gaming sessions.

The storage capacity, too, doesn’t leave room for complaints with its generous 1TB PCIe SSD. A major upside of this is you rarely face issues regarding lags or delays, making coding a smooth and pleasurable exercise.

No more squinting at dense lines of code thanks to a wide 16” WQXGA 2.5K screen, which provides crisp and clear visuals. The vibrant display makes for hours of comfortable work (or play).

Boasting multiple connectivity options – including USB Type-C Ports, HDMI ports, and more – doesn’t hurt either, especially when you need various devices connected simultaneously.

The laptop, however falls a wee bit short in terms of battery life – but for me, it’s hardly enough to eclipse its well-rounded performance otherwise.

A minor gripe some might have is the lack of RGB lights on the keyboard – it only features white backlighting – and while that doesn’t affect the laptop’s operations like coding or gaming, we can all appreciate a little extra splash of color every now and then.

Let me assure that this beast packs quite an audio package as well: with stereo speakers that deliver high-quality sound whether you’re tuning into your favorite tracks or diving into immersive gaming worlds.

Tipping the scale at about 5.29 pounds makes it moderately portable, not ultra-light, but nothing to worry about while carrying in your backpack either.

Our Verdict

I’d say Lenovo Legion 5 stays true to Lenovo’s ethos of delivering robust, high-performance devices. Its few minor shortcomings are easily overshadowed by its hefty list of impressive specifications and capabilities. Indeed, a worthy contender on your shortlist of programming laptops.

Pros And Cons

Pros
  • Power-packed performance
  • Immense storage
  • Sharp display
  • Multifaceted connectivity
CONS
  • Lesser battery life
  • White-backlit keyboard only
  • Moderately heavy

7. ASUS TUF Dash 15

ASUS TUF

Screen: 15.6″ FHD | CPU: Intel i5-13500H | Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4050 | RAM: 16GB 3200MHz | Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD | Ports: 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Type-C (Gen2), 2x USB 3.2 Type-A (Gen1), 1x HDMI 2.0b, 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack, 1x LAN | Speaker: 2.1 stereo, DOLBY ATMOS | Weight: 4.8 Pounds

As a programmer, I get asked all the time about what laptop to buy. One that consistently catches my eye is the ASUS TUF. This model is definitely not your regular laptop. With an impressive 15.6″ FHD display, it provides crisp and vivid visuals that aid in those long coding sessions.

The heart of this beast is the Intel i5-13500H CPU coupled with NVIDIA RTX 4050 Graphics. I found this combination to offer a seamless and hiccup-free coding experience even with hefty codebases.

The laptop’s solid performance also came in handy when unwinding with some AAA games after a long day of work.

The ASUS TUF comes with 16 GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD storage, which means you can multitask and store large files without breaking a sweat.

We all know how precious our ports can be – this one won’t let you down either! Offering a variety of ports from Thunderbolt 4 to HDMI 2.0b, it caters just about every peripheral needs.

A pleasant surprise was the audio quality delivered by its 2.1 stereo speakers, boasting DOLBY ATMOS – movies and music were quite enjoyable on these.

Looking at its weight (4.8 pounds), carrying it might be just slightly daunting but certainly worth the trade-off for its power-packed performance.

But no laptop is perfect right? I experienced some fan noise during non-intensive tasks though nothing disruptive but something to keep in mind before buying.

Our Verdict

On balance, considering its affordable price ($1,099), speed capabilities, smooth graphics card and adequate storage space all packed in one well-built body; it’s safe to say that the ASUS TUF does hold its own among the best laptops for programming in 2024.

Pros And Cons

Pros
  • Robust Performance
  • Vibrant FHD Display
  • Variety of Ports
  • High-quality Audio
CONS
  • Noticeable Fan Noise
  • Slightly Heavy
  • Average Battery Life

8. Acer Predator

Acer Predator Helios 16 2024

Screen: 16″ QHD | CPU: Intel i7-13700HX | Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4070 | RAM: 16GB DDR5 | Storage: 1TB Gen 4 SSD | Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Ports, Thunderbolt 4, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A Ports, HDMI 2.1, Headphone/Speaker/Line-out Jack, Ethernet (RJ-45) | Speaker: 2 x Stereo | Weight: 5.73 pounds

Off to a fantastic start on our list is the Apple MacBook Air, recently revamped and released with stellar specs. With a price tag of $1,049, it’s an investment worth considering for anyone serious about programming.

Under the sleek aluminum hood of this machine lies an 8-core M2 chip. This processor is solid – it effortlessly handles tasks from simultaneous coding on multiple platforms to video processing.

The MacBook Air flaunts a 15.3″ Retina display that’s truly easy on the eyes. The screen resolution is vibrant, providing precise and sharp visuals – qualities surely appreciated in detail-oriented tasks like programming or video editing.

With two USB 4 ports capable of hitting up to 40Gb/s, data transfer speeds definitely will not hamper your workflow. As for charging, the MagSafe 3 port ensures no more contending with bent or mismatched adapters.

Weighing just 2.7 pounds, the MacBook Air slips conveniently into most bags and can be easily carried around all day.

Equipped with 4 speakers supporting Spatial Audio, the sound output is immersive – perfect for meetings or leisure time streaming sessions.

Despite these amazing features, the MacBook Air isn’t without some shortcomings. While the transition was smooth for some users from Windows to macOS, a bit of adaptation time will be necessary for others due to software compatibility issues.

The narrow frame size at around 13 1/2 inches wide might be an issue if you prefer larger displays. Also note: despite having spectacular performance abilities, the specs do not list specific CPU details, which might be confusing for some buyers.

Our Verdict

If you’re seeking a high-performance laptop sleek enough to fit snugly in your backpack yet powerful enough for heavy-duty programming tasks, this model might just be your next best investment, despite its few cons.

Pros And Cons

Pros
  • Powerful Processor
  • Vibrant Display
  • Portability
  • Fast Charging
CONS
  • Adaptation Time
  • Smaller Frame Size
  • Unclear CPU Specification

9. HP Pavilion x360

HP Pavilion x360 2024

Screen: 14″ FHD | CPU: Intel i5-1235U | Graphics: Intel Iris Xe | RAM: 8GB DDR4 | Storage: 512GB SSD | Ports: 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C 10Gbps signaling rate, 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate, 1 HDMI 2.0, 1 AC bright pin, one headphone/microphone combo | Speaker: Audio by B&O | Weight: 4.02 pounds

The HP Pavilion x360, priced at a relatively affordable $626, is a robust machine that offers substantial value for programmers.

This laptop boasts of a 14″ FHD screen for sharp and vibrant visuals and an Intel i5-1235U CPU coupled with Intel Iris Xe graphics, promising strong performance.

The 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD storage not only support smooth multitasking but also offers substantial room for all your programming files.

As for connectivity, we have versatile options with 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C, 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, an AC bright pin, and a headphone/microphone combo jack.

The speakers are by B&O, offering immersive audio experience. It’s fairly lightweight too at just ‎4.02 pounds.

However, what won me over was the speed of repairs when I experienced slowdowns in Chrome. The support team was quick to send tech help my way, demonstrating excellent after-sale support.

Additionally, I must mention my pleasant surprise at the laptop being considerably smaller than expected. I previously owned a Dell 15″, which was cumbersome in comparison to this compact alternative.

On the flip side, though, I realized that contrary to what was advertised, this model does lack backlit keys – something critical for low-light coding sessions.

While we’re discussing areas for improvement, let’s talk about another underwhelming aspect – the absence of an active stylus pen, which some users may prefer.

Another important point to note is that in my early days with the Pavilion x360, there were some unexpected software issues necessitating frequent reboots and engagements with HP’s tech support team.

Our Verdict

The HP Pavilion x360 seems calibrated toward programming needs on a budget, considering its specs and reliable customer service response time.

Potential buyers might want to note the reported software trouble, lack of backlit keys and an active stylus pen.

Pros And Cons

Pros
  • Affordably priced
  • Compact Size
  • Satisfactory customer support
  • Ample connectivity options
CONS
  • No Backlit Keys
  • Frequent software difficulties
  • Lacks Stylus Pen

10. HP Victus

HP Victus Gaming Laptop 1

Screen: 15.6 FHD, IPS-Level | CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H | Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3050 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz | Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD Gen 4×4 | Ports: 1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C 5Gbps signaling rate; 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 1 HDMI 2.1; 1 RJ-45; 3.5mm combo, 1 SD media card reader | Speaker: 2 x 2w speakers, Audio by B&O | Weight: ‎5.04 Pounds

Digging into the world of portable powerhouses, one laptop that’s caught my eye is the HP Victus. It’s a relatively new addition to HP’s lineup, but boy does this baby manage to pack a punch within its budget-friendly price point of $849.

The Victus features a 15.6” Full HD screen that may not be the most vibrant out there, but it does the job for exacting code work.

I didn’t find the colors very vibrant, but once I used the Intel Display Center app to fiddle around with the color settings such as brightness, saturation, and contrast, things improved markedly.

Underneath its hood, you’ll find an Intel i5-12500H CPU coupled with a robust NVIDIA RTX 3050 Graphics card. This combo made my gaming experiences smooth and enjoyable while ensuring the efficient running of my coding apps and software.

However, be prepared for a bit of heft. The Victus weighs in at around 5.04 pounds – not exactly designed for ultra-portability but manageable if you’re okay with that extra weight in your backpack.

Sadly, though, some programmers might be disappointed with its limitation on USB-C ports – it has just one! But there are two other SuperSpeed USB Type-A ports plus an HDMI 2.1 port available.

Onto memory and storage – simmering at 16GB RAM along with a zippy 512GB SSD makes multi-tasking breezy even on heavy-duty applications without any lag.

A word of caution here from my own experience as well as others shared online: longevity seems to be a gremlin haunting a few units of Victus as some users reported their devices turning non-functional within a year.

And warranty coverage? Well, it’s date-stamped from the factory ship-out date, not your purchase date, so keep that in mind.

Our Verdict

The HP Victus offers good value for budget-conscious programmers in terms of power and performance, though the not-so-vibrant display and weight are something to consider before making your final pick.

Pros And Cons

Pros
  • Good for gaming
  • Decent performance
  • Reasonable price
  • Adjustable display settings
CONS
  • Display quality
  • Heavyweight
  • Limited warranty coverage

Things to Consider While Purchasing The Best Laptops for Programming

CPU

The processor is going to be one of the most important things you should look at when purchasing a laptop for programming. Generally, if you are using your PC for gaming, coding, or watching movies, having an i7 or i5 processor will suit all of your needs.

These processors are often more expensive than the usual dual-core, but they also have higher processing power and can reduce frustration when it comes to compiling your code.

Look for higher clock speeds, as they will translate to a snappier experience while you are coding.

GPU

For programming, you will not need a powerful graphics card. Many of the common software development kits do not require any specific hardware.

Some languages can take advantage of a GPU for faster processing speeds, but these are typically used for more complex applications and games.

You should be able to find a good laptop for programming that has an integrated graphics card without spending too much money. However, if you want dedicated graphics, then you will need to be willing to spend a bit more.

The RTX 30-series from NVIDIA is a great option if you have the budget for it.

RAM

RAM is an important factor to consider when purchasing any laptop, but especially so if you plan on using it for programming. Many coding languages can take up a lot of RAM, particularly when you are working on larger projects.

Ideally, it would be best if you looked for a laptop that has at least 16GB of RAM. This will ensure that you have enough memory to run all of the programs you need without any lag. If you can find a laptop with 32GB of RAM, then that would be even better!

Storage

Since you will be working with a desktop, your laptop doesn’t need to have an extremely high storage capacity. However, if the project requires extra space and memory to work properly, then having at least 256GB of SSD space would come in handy.

If you are working with larger projects, consider getting a 512GB SSD drive.

It’s my personal preference not to get a hard drive because they are much slower than SSDs. You will feel lag when trying to compile your code if you are using a hard drive, and that can be frustrating.

Display

When it comes to the display, you will want to make sure that it is large enough for you to see what you are doing. I would recommend getting a laptop with at least a 15-inch display.

The resolution is also an important factor to consider. A higher resolution will make it easier for you to see your code and help you catch any errors. I would recommend getting a laptop with at least a 1080p resolution.

in 2024, there are many different laptops on the market that has QHD or even UHD resolution, and these would be great for programming. However, they are often more expensive than laptops with a lower resolution.

Wireless Connectivity

The thing that any programmer needs is Fast internet when trying to debug their code or complete projects on time. Make sure that wherever you go has fast internet so that surfing the web and downloading files doesn’t take too long.

So for programming, you should have Wi-Fi 5(802.11ax) or Wi-Fi 6E(802.11az), both of which are very fast on laptops. You will be able to do your work with ease and not have to worry about a slow internet connection.

Plus, Bluetooth is a must for any laptop so that you can connect your wireless devices.

Battery

If your laptop is low in battery stamina, then you can’t code for a long time without charging the device again and again, so if you want to work more hours with your laptop, it’s better to go for devices that have at least 6 hours of battery life.

This will be helpful when coding or debugging some issues

Conclusions

This blog post will hopefully be helpful to your future purchase. It’s important to note that there are a lot of things we need when it comes to choosing laptops, and they depend on how much work we’ll be doing with them.

Any of the laptops on this list would be a great investment, but make sure to do your research before you buy anything.

There are a lot of different laptops out there, and it’s important to find the one that fits both your needs and your budget.

Share our blog about the best laptops for programming to help others understand how to choose the most suitable one.

Author

  • Manpreet Singh

    I'm Manpreet Singh, Head of Content & Chief Product Reviewer at OfzenandComputing.com. Born in India and now making waves in Canada, I merge my Computer Science background with a passion for content. Whether it's an in-depth product review or a tech guide, I'm committed to making tech relatable and enjoyable for all. Outside work, Canada's nature and food are my playground. Dive into my world and let's demystify tech together!