It is hard to find a laptop for coding without overspending. However, there are some laptops available that offer performance, speed, and portability at a cost of less than $800. This article identifies the best laptops for coding under $800, providing a balance of affordability and key features.
It is helpful to know what makes a laptop good for coding before looking at specific models. Developers need a machine that can handle multiple things at once: running a code editor, compilers, virtual machines, or debugging tools without slowing down.
Processor (CPU): A fast processor, like Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5, is recommended for efficient multitasking.
RAM: It needs to be minimum 8GB so that it does not cause any lag and lags while doing work on larger codebases as well as working on multiple apps.
Storage: Opt for Solid State Drive since it boots quickly and files can be accessed pretty fast. Aim for at least 256GB SSD for your laptop.
Display: For a comfortable window-based work with multiple windows, a 15-inch Full HD display would be pretty fine.
Battery Life: Good coding laptops must have decent battery life, and preferably it must last 6-8 hours on a single charge for good portability.
Acer Aspire 5 - Acer Aspire 5 is a great performer for the money. It has the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U and 8GB of RAM, so projects run smoothly with coding tasks. Projects can also be stored on the 512GB SSD storage. The 15.6 Full HD display also gives clear views. This one also has up to 8 hours of battery life, great for developers who are always on the go.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3: The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is another good choice for developers on a budget. Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, it's more than powerful enough to run coding environments without a hitch. The 256GB SSD means it boots up fast and gets to files in a flash. The IdeaPad 3 is an extremely thin laptop with a 15.6-inch screen, so it's an excellent portable powerhouse for coding work.
ASUS VivoBook 15: It is the ultimate fusion of style and performance. It is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Thus, it can perform all the coding without any lag. The 15.6-inch Full HD display and compact design make this an extremely portable device. Furthermore, the VivoBook 15 comes with a fingerprint sensor, which gives another layer of security to users who are handling sensitive information.
Dell Inspiron 15 3000: The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 is designed to be productive. Having an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM means that this laptop will be quite smooth in handling programming sessions. The 256GB SSD lets users get files easily, so there's more than enough workspace with the 15.6-inch display. The Inspiron 15 has a simple, sturdy design, providing good value for those on a budget.
Convertible laptop: Best in this category is offered by HP Pavilion x360. This highly capable 2-in-1 laptop has a 14-inch touchscreen display. It's fine for coding, among other informal applications, but it's a bit overkill with its Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD storage. The Pavilion x360 is excellent for developers who appreciate flexibility and portability, as its design makes it act like a tablet. Despite its small size, this is a machine that offers very solid performance for any and all everyday coding tasks.
For budget-conscious developers, there are certainly more than a few options in looking for the right coding laptop at $800. Here are some: the Acer Aspire 5, Lenovo IdeaPad 3, ASUS VivoBook 15, Dell Inspiron 15 3000, and HP Pavilion x360. These laptops keep the essential features in coding without trading off any speed or storage. Given one of these models, developers can code without problems while remaining in budget.