Best Laptops for Programming in 2022

One of the ways you can be among the top dogs in your line of work is by using the best quality equipment. For programmers, the latest models of laptops are what they need. Are you a Professional Programmer or do you aspire to become one? Keep reading through this article to find out some of the best gadgets that would aid your work efficiency.

What is Programming ?

In simple terms, Programming or Computer Programming involves inputting instructions into your computer which it then follows to achieve a specific result, for example, creating a 3D version of the Monalisa.
These instructions that you give your computer are called programs or codes so you’ll be right to say another name for programming is coding. Now, codes are written in the form of programming languages. Examples are C, Python, BASIC, and JAVA. There are 5 kinds of programming languages:

• Procedural Programming Language
• Functional Programming Language
• Scripting Programming Language
• Logic Programming Language
• Object-Oriented Programming Language

The one you use depends on the task you want to perform.

Why do you need a laptop for programming ?

Laptops are not the only gadgets you can use to code. However, they are the best options. With a laptop, you can write code anywhere. Desktops can’t afford you that privilege.

What are the things to check when getting a new laptop for programming ?

Processor :

You’ll need a laptop with a fast processor. New processors are released every 12-18 months and the higher the number, the later the model and the more efficient the processor will be. 2 of the best quality processors are Intel and AMD processors. A laptop that has an Intel Core i7, Intel Core i9, Ryzen 7, or Ryzen 9 processor is your best bet. However, such a laptop will be pretty expensive so if you’re operating on a tight budget, you could go for one with an Intel Core i5, a Ryzen 3, or a Ryzen 5 processor. If you’re into video games development, get a laptop with either an Nvidia GeForce GTX or an AMD Radeon processor. However, this doesn’t apply to all Apple laptops because, in 2020, Apple replaced Intel chips with its custom-made M1 chip in all its products.

Memory Capacity :

This depends on your area of specialty. For basic programming, a 16 GB RAM and 256 GB ROM laptop will be enough but for complex projects like video games, you’ll need a 32 GB RAM and 512 GB ROM laptop.

Battery Life :

You’ll need a laptop that can run for a long time, say between 10 and 12 hours at a stretch. Of course, you can choose to go for the ones that last longer. Laptops with light batteries are normally light themselves and can be carried about easily so you might want to get those.

Display :

13 or 14-inch display laptops are the easiest to carry around.

Resolution :

The last thing you would want while going through the stress of writing codes is to strain your eyes because of unclear images on the screen. The 3840×2160 a.k.a 4K resolution displays very high-quality images. If you can’t afford that, you could settle for a 1080p (1920 × 1080) resolution.

Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (2021)

The MacBook Pro comes with a custom-made Apple M1 processor. With it, your apps can operate smoothly and you can write codes fast. Its keyboard is cozy to the touch. There’s a touch bar above the keyboard where you can easily open your programming tools and access shortcuts hence increasing your work rate. Bonuses are its strong, long-lasting battery and its pocket-friendly price.

Below are its specifications :

• Processor : M1 chip,8 core CPU, and 8 core GPU.
• Memory Capacity : 8 GB RAM, 256 GB ROM (Upgradable to 16-24 GB RAM, 512GB-2TB ROM) or 8GB RAM, 512 GB ROM (Upgradable to 16-24 GB RAM, 1-2 TB ROM)
• Battery Life : 17-20 hours
• Display & Resolution : 13.3 inches, 2560×1600.

MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)

This is currently the hottest Programming Laptop on the market. This model is an upgrade from the MacBook Pro of 2019 which was a 15-inch make and ran on an Intel Core i7 processor. It has 2 versions: one that has an M1 pro and another with an M1 max processor. Compiling and running codes is a piece of cake for this machine but that’s not all. It is compatible with simulation devices and that enables you to see how your code operates on other gadgets. This laptop is suitable for all coding projects, both simple and complex. It features a ProMotion Adaptive Refresh Rate. For those who don’t understand, it means this laptop can load as many as 120 images in a second, which gives you a wonderful scrolling experience. Its comfy keys and the long-running battery will help you enjoy your work while you’re at it.

Specifications :

• Processor : M1 Pro Chip with 10-core CPU and 8-core GPU, M1 Max Chip with 10-core CPU and 32-core GPU.
• Memory Capacity : M1 Pro- 16 GB RAM, 512 GB ROM (Upgradable to 32 GB RAM, 1-8 TB ROM), M1 Max- 32 GB RAM, 1 TB ROM (Upgradable to 64 GB RAM, 2-8 TB ROM)
• Battery Life : 14-21 hours
• Display & Resolution : 16.2-inch, 3456×2234.

Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

It’s a bit of an upgrade to the 2019 version. First, they removed the intel processors and replaced them with M1 chips. Then they used a higher screen resolution. It may be as expensive as the previous model but getting its revamped features at the same price as the old model serves as compensation. It packs a combo of being lightweight and having a strong battery which makes it the perfect fit for those who move around frequently.

Specifications:

• Processor : Intel Core i3 (Upgradable to Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7)
• Memory Capacity : 8 GB RAM, 256 GB ROM (Upgradable to 16GB RAM, 2TB ROM).
• Battery Life : 11-12 hours while in operation and 30 days while on standby.
• Display & Resolution : 13.3-inch, 2560×1600.

Razer Blade 17 (2022)

If you’re a game developer, Congratulations, you just found your game changer. This laptop matches the high reputation of Razer, which is a household name in the Video game industry. It is powered by a highly functional GPU, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti which runs on a core speed of 975-1590 Hertz helping you compile your gaming code in a flash. Although the laptop is specifically designed for gamers, it can also be used for multiplex non-gaming coding purposes. It shouldn’t be used for small projects because you’ll just be wasting all that processor power.

Despite its high efficiency and great functionality, there are a few cons to Razer Blade 17. It costs a fortune, has a terrible battery life and the keyboard is not exactly complete (the Numpad is missing). If you’re loaded with cash and you have access to constant electricity, you can get the laptop.

Specifications :

• Processor : Intel Core i7
• GPU : Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
• Memory Capacity : 16 GB RAM, 1 TB ROM (Configurable to 64 GB RAM, 2 TB ROM).
• Battery Life : 6 hours
• Display & Resolution : 17.3-inch, 2560 ×1440.

Google Pixelbook Go

This is the best Chromebook at the moment. Against the norm, it is cheaper than the previous make, Google Pixelbook. Along with the features of the Pixelbook some of which are the strong battery and an amazing Backlit Keyboard, Google PixelBook Go is also compatible with other Operating Systems like Linux. The bottom has a sleek, wavy design which gives you a firmer grip on the laptop. If you’re someone with a fetish for working in a silent environment, then you might like this next feature. Google introduced the Hush keys in this version. These are keys that cancel out the noise made by typing.

Specifications:

• Processor : Intel Core M3, i5 or i7
• Memory Capacity : 8-16 GB RAM, 64-256 GB ROM.
• Battery Life : 12 hours.
• Display & Resolution : 13.3-inch, 4k resolution.
• Operating System : Chrome OS

ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022)

Made by Asus, the ROG Zephyrus G14 has the unusual combo of lightweight and Super functionality. Its processing speed can be credited to the AMD Ryzen 9 chip which runs at a speed of 3300-4900 Hz. The Zephyrus G14 has high memory storage which makes it one of the best laptops for coding Complex Video Games out there. The only problem with this laptop is that its keys are soft and the backlighting is poor in daylight.

Specifications :

• Processor : AMD Ryzen 9
• Memory Capacity : 32 GB RAM, 512 GB- 1 TB ROM
• Battery Life : About 10 hours
• Display & Resolution : 14-inch, 2560×1440

Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)

This is one of, if not the most, powerful 2-in-one laptops in existence. But then, it’s Microsoft. What else should you expect? Surface Book 2 serves the dual function of a laptop and a tablet. It is powered by an Intel Core i7 chip that runs at a mind-blowing speed of 4200 Hz. It can be used for any coding task at all, from small creative projects to highly intense ones.

Specifications:

• Processor : Intel Core i5-i7 or Ryzen 5-7
• Memory Capacity : 8-16 GB RAM, 256 GB- 1 TB ROM
• Battery Life : About 17 hours
• Display & Resolution : 13.5 inches, 3000×2000.