Ask HN: Developer laptop that doesn't suck in 2024 and it's not Apple silicone

I’ve been very happy and impressed with the Framework AMD edition. I’d steer clear of their Core Ultra Intel edition since that’s Meteor Lake. I use mine for open source development things I do on my own time.

If work supplied me with one of them I’d happily use it. Support has been great and they live up to their upgradable promise.

Can I ask why developers would prefer a laptop over a desktop? I know it's off topic, but I see this question on HN an awful lot and I scratch my head each time.

Desktop PCs are:

- Cheaper

- More repairable and upgradable

- More options for hardware

- Better thermals

- A full monitor(s), keyboard, and mouse, instead of a rinky-dink keyboard and trackpad

I have a Dell Latitude 7490 (2019), bought secondhand from ebay. Works great for me, but I put Linux on it and I've been able to trim it down to only the essentials (Alpine Linux with Sway). Barely warm and the screen is 157dpi so nice enough for text.

If you're going with Windows, you can have much more recent hardware with no worry about compatibility (I'd take the Surface for the 3:2 screen ratio). But these days, I tend to use a desktop as I'm spending most of my time on my desk with a good keyboard and a nice 4k 24" screen (I ssh from the laptop when I'm on the couch).

Depends on what you're developing and what you want. I got a mid-level AMD based Acer. I don't even remember the specs but something like 6-8 cores and 16-32GB RAM, and probably on yhe lower end of that range. After removing the bloatware, it works just fine. It cost about $450 from ANTonline. I do smaller personal projects on it, with the most resource intensive being some Android dev with emulation, or maybe some "small" big data analysis. If you were running multiple large servers for a single project and running performance tests, then I'd probably get something beefier. Anything graphics intensive would benefit from a discrete graphics card. At that point, you might be better off setting up a desktop or workstation and just remoting in from a cheap refurbished thinkpad.

If you already know Macbook M1 and want a competitive laptop in same range and better features in terms of Build Quality, OS integration and Reliability go for the Zephyrus G14 range. They are the best, if you have any questions simply ask on r/G14 sub reddit, there are a lot of users with unparalleled info on computers. I'm personally using one they're also highly upgradable, except for framework which provides more upgrades than anyone right now.

I personally love my Vivobook. It doesn't get too hot or loud and was a good price.

I actually built a tool to compare laptops that you might find useful: https://comparelaptopprices.com

I have a Lenovo Legion 5 laptop and I love it. I use it for all kinds of dev work running Windows 11 and WSL. It's technically a gaming machine but the appearance is understated. It has a very nice keyboard and the nicest touchpad I've ever used. Also I was looking at Lenovo business laptops to run Linux. In comparison with those, you get so much more for your money with the gaming machine. It's very powerful and expandable, with extra hard-drive and memory slots. Also the display is top notch.

Please define "doesn't suck"

If you want a long-lasting laptop with great build quality, you might want to consider "business grade" laptops.

Example: Lenovo Thinkpad (T16 or X1-Carbon), Dell Latitude, HP Elitebook, Acer TravelMate etc.

I'd personally go for a framework Ryzen, but also heard good things about LG gram.

The framework has a few disadvantages one of which is the bad speakers.

My personal wishlist for framework:

  Coreboot support
  Better speakers
  ECC RAM support
  LPCAMM2 support (modern RAM to save power and space)

Thinkpads, Dell XPS or Precision.

I’ve had great luck with the Thinkpad P14s range with AMD CPUs. Cost around 30-40% of a MacBook and get me around 6-7 hours as my daily driver

I like my hp spectre. Not sure if they still make them, but I had no issues with it. Use lenovo carbon for work and can recommend them too.

Framework is most configurable, but I have no personal experience.

I've been happy with a Dell XPS 15, basically maxed-out on specs when it was new 3+ years ago. No problems to speak of.

I like my Dell Inspiron 16, the anti-reflective coating makes it really easy to use in direct sunlight

Renewed Lenovo Thinkpads are around $200 or less on Amazon.

anything with an amd pro cpu, and ram slots. then buy the slow crappy true ecc sodim marketed to NAS boxes sold at obscene premium.

AMD Framework 13 works great!