A true developer is defined by the quality of his equipment. And when we talk about equipment, what we see first is our computer. However, the wide variety of offers available on the market is confusing.
For several months, manufacturers have continued to show imagination in the design of laptop computers. The news on this subject is updated every month, which makes the choice even more complex. Manufacturers recently announced the birth of new, even more efficient models thanks to their new Intel Tiger Lake processors.
We remember very well the latest releases from Dell, Asus, Acer, HP... which have such a characteristic. Is this aspect enough to choose the best laptop when you are a developer in 2020? Certainly not !
To see things more clearly, we have designed a buying and comparison guide for the best laptops on the market and particularly on the Amazon online store.
In this article, we give you advice for choosing a computer made for you, whether you want to try out Html, CSS, Javascript and other languages. But before we get there, here is our comparison of the best laptops for developers in 2020.
Comparison of the best laptops for developers in 2020
Since choosing the best laptop for developers is not as easy as it seems, we have made the selection of the best ones. So, you will no longer have to waste a lot of time choosing a laptop suited to your needs. Discover our selection!
1. HP Specter x 360 (2020), an ultra-portable computer, designed for nomads
Features and Reviews
HP raises the Specter x 360 (2020) in its high-end category. So far, this is the best laptop HP has ever made. Through its features, it can be said that the Specter x 360 has enough to surpass its predecessors as well as its competitors. After testing this laptop for coders and developers, we can assure you that it is of revolutionary quality. For its price, it offers more than enough. We tell you everything down to the smallest detail.
Design and design
The HP Specter x 360 rises to the top and has nothing to envy of other computers of its generation. From the moment we unboxed the product, it only took us a few seconds to understand that the computer is made of high-quality material. The HP brand is prized for the luxury and beauty of its laptops.
The HP Specter x 360 laptop will be no exception. Clad entirely in black aluminum, the HP Specter x 360 laptop has a faux leather pouch provided. Its 360° golden hinge makes it a convertible computer. With its excellent backlighting, the keyboard offers better visibility, even at night.
A screen with undeniable readability
The HP Specter x 360 screen is available in a 13.3-inch format; a sufficient size to be able to work on texts, play games, watch high definition films. It is a touchscreen and extremely fast IPS screen. The screen is also provided with an ultra HD 4K version and a Full HD definition of 920 x 1080 pixels.
Its thinness and thickness of 0.4 cm give it a transportable and nomadic character. We admit that this screen is not the best on the market, but its contrast rate is acceptable. Its color temperature can go up to a reference of 7475K.
Options and Features
This HP Specter x 360 ultra-portable computer thrives with an Intel Core i7 processor. Its 8GB storage capacity is perfect for storing large-scale jobs.
Its RAM memory rises to 8 GB and its SSD to 1 TB. The device is equipped with a rechargeable battery through a Usb-C port as well as a Usb 3.1 input. The HP Specter x 360 is the best compromise to keep you company on all your travels.
Thanks to the articulated hinges, you will be able to use your computer in stand mode or tent mode. Furthermore, when it comes to its duration of use, the ultra-portable computer excels. It can be used for 12h02 if you use it intensely with a brightness of 200 cd/m2.
We deplore the fact that the Specter x 360 falls short in terms of sound quality. But this is not surprising, since this is a negative point that all laptops encounter. Likewise, if you are looking for an ultra-quiet computer, this one is not for you. The fan produces noise when it spins, producing 33.5 decibels.
2. MAK Book Air (2020): a new wind
Features and Reviews
Lighter and more powerful, Apple offers its new Macbook which arrives with quite a few improvements. It breaks the mold with its new keyboard which is unanimously appreciated by consumers. In short, Mac Pro Air seems to tick all the boxes. The computer is intended to be ideal for developers and programming work. Apple is known for its thin, light and easily portable computers. The featherweight Mac Pro Air 2020 offers easy storage and makes it a computer that can easily be slipped into a bag. In addition to its unprecedented power, Apple's lightest computer benefits from exceptional finishes. The good news is that its price is ultra-low.
Design, Screen and Keyboard
When it comes to its finishes, Apple has never been lacy. Like Macbook Air 2019 and 2018, Apple offers the 2020 model with a design in raw aluminum, gray or space gold. Without frills, the Macbook Air 2020 offers a compact finish with a width of 30.4 centimeters as well as a depth of 21.3 cm. Its thickness is 1.6 cm on the high side and the lowest has a thickness of 0.4 cm.
Furthermore, its light weight of 1.29 kg makes it an ultra-portable device to take with you everywhere, without having to hurt your shoulders or arms. When it comes to the Macbook Air 2020 screen, Apple hasn't made any big changes. Its 13.3-inch Retina screen offers a definition of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels.
The panel is not as bright as that offered by the Macbook Pro. But, we make do with screen borders with a significant width. On the Macbook Air 2020 developer computer, we find the TouchBar function as is also the case for Macbook Pros. But, this function comes in a combination of classic keys. A Touch ID feature has fingerprint functionality for added security.
Autonomy and performance
Battery life and performance are essential aspects to consider when choosing a laptop for programmers and developers. Apple raises the bar by improving the performance of the computer to make it an ultra-portable product. We thus go from 2 to 8 cores for the Macbook Air 2020.
This model benefits from a quad-core Intel Core i5 processor coupled with 8 GB LPDDR4X RAM. If the computer can be used comfortably for office work, it will also be at ease with coding work. That's why we included it in our selection of the best laptops for developers in 2020.
3. ASUS Zenbook UX434FLC-A5179T: Ultra-nomadic and super convincing
Features and Reviews
Asus is a well-known brand in laptop design. The brand offers all product ranges. With its ZenBook models, it has enjoyed a solid reputation on the market for several years. Zenbook UX434FLC-A5179T is one of the most popular computers among developers. Its main novelty is to be found in the ScreenPad 2. Gadget for some, disruptive element for others, is this screen in the form of a touchpad enough to stand out in the face of numerous competition in this segment?
Construction and design
Seen from the outside, the ZenBook Ux434FLC 2020 developer computer is almost similar to the previous models Zenbook UX434FL as well as UX434FN. However, it is important to specify that 3 notable elements distinguish the test product from the latter.
The new UX434FLC 2020 model is offered in silver or blue, which is not the case for the 2019 models which were only displayed in royal blue color. Furthermore, Zenbook UX434FL benefits from a fairly large ScreePad, but does not interfere with everyday use options.
Third, the other change is on the bottom of the device. Here, the manufacturer has redesigned the air grilles and opted for a larger intake above all the hardware. This change significantly improves the performance and thermals of the product. In addition to its elegant side, this computer has a compact appearance which remains the argument on which Asus relies to sell its product.
Performance and Features
Our Asus Zenbook UX434FL is equipped with a 10th generation Lake Intel Core U. The product sports a Core i7-10510U processor. We are of course a more efficient model than the 2019 devices which integrated a Core i7-8565U process. What's more, it features Intel UHD 620 and Nvidia MX250 2GB graphics with Optimus. There is also 16 GB of RAM.
Thanks to the 10th generation processor, this device can achieve slightly higher Turbo Boost speeds in a number of situations, so an i7-88565U configuration will perform the same in all cases. This feature gives the Asus Zenbook UX434FL a privileged position in the developer laptop market.
4. Microsoft Surface Book 3
Features and Reviews
The Surface Book 3 laptop is to Microsoft what the Macbook Pro is to Apple. This device from Microsoft's Surface range, released in early May 2020, is a hybrid product of the manufacturer's most advanced models. The Surface Book 3 laptop PC combines elegance and power.
Specially designed for geeks, it comes in two variants: 13 and 15 inches, respectively accessible at a price of 1799 and 2599 euros. When we unpacked the package, we noticed that it contained a computer of course, a user guide, a charging cable as well as a power supply block.
Design and ergonomics
The third model in the Surface Book range allowed Microsoft to play the continuity card. No reason to condemn the brand on this level, since it straddles the design style. The Surface Book 3 PC has an elegant design and its materials are of excellent quality. Clad entirely in magnesium, the device translates into indescribable minimalism. There is nothing to complain about in terms of the quality of its finishes and the device is offered with a 15-inch screen.
Its dimensions are 343 mm x 251 mm x 15 mm-23 mm and its weight is 1905 g, which makes it a behemoth, like Apple's Macbook Pro 16. If its size is quite imposing, this offered the manufacturer the possibility of including a variety of connections for better comfort of use.
The manufacturer has the luxury of equipping the Surface Book 3 with an 8-inch rear camera, capable of filming in HD. It is positioned on the upper right side of the computer. In addition to this, a front camera is also available and has 4 Megapixels.
A 4K screen for greater user-friendliness
Microsoft did not include a panel during the design of the Surface Book 3 PC. But this lack is excusable, since the computer screen can also act as a tablet. So, it goes without saying that most of the components are located at the top of the device, but also around the screen.
What's more, the screen displays exceptional characteristics (3:2 screen, 4K – 3240 x 2160p). If the screen is suitable for photo editing, creative software, gaming or editing, it will be unsuitable for watching movies.
Performance and autonomy
If Microsoft offers this Surface Book 3 model with a hybrid design that appeals to more than one person, its design required the manufacturer to integrate its main components at the back of the screen. The model incorporates an Intel Core i7-1065G7 chip, which reduces the risk of heating during intense use.
The manufacturer plays it very delicately when it comes to the quality of the graphics card. The computer features an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q card with 6GB GDDR6 RAM.
5. HP EliteBook x 360 1040 G5
Features and Reviews
If you're looking for a professional laptop, the HP EliteBook x 360 G5 PC is for you. It is priced at €1499 for the basic models and €2349 for the most advanced versions. For this price, the user will be able to enjoy everything that a core i7 can offer. The device features a touchscreen keyboard as well as high-performance speakers. With an aluminum chassis, the EliteBook x 36O 1040 poses as a developer-friendly laptop although it offers a somewhat blurry display.
Design and design
For its Elite Book x 360 1040, HP only offered in silver. This color is the polar opposite of models from Dell and Lenovo, which most often offer more conservative dark gray colors. Its unibody design makes it a device with a minimalist and elegant design.
Its satin finish, its clean and well-defined lines with a good balance of curves and delicately machined beveled edges. Additionally, the manufacturer has installed quite a few ports on the HP Elite x 360 1040 G. It has two Thunderbolt 3 connectors, one full-size HDMI port, two Usb 3.1 Gean 1 Type 1 ports, one 3.5mm audio connector as well as a power supply button.
Features and performance
Despite the fact that this laptop's power is limited, it did not fail to deliver spectacular scores. With a power of only 15W, its performance has been optimized thanks to its number of cores compared to previous models.
As for its performance, this computer lasted a few minutes to less than seven hours in our YouTube video test, playing a 10-hour video on maximum brightness with maximum performance settings, turning off all power-saving features. power and leaving the laptop running until it turns off.
As for the laptop's speakers, they are very, very good; much better than you would expect from a business laptop. The audio quality is full-bodied, punchy and has plenty of character, whether you're playing jazz music or action movies.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Developer Laptop?
Choosing a computer for developers is based on taking into account several elements. Indeed, the characteristics of computers vary according to users. If you are a programmer or coder, you will need a high-performance computer for all of your needs. Whether for coding, development or programming, choosing the best computer is not at all easy, as there are so many features to consider. Fortunately, we have taken the care to write the lines below to help you choose a computer suited to your needs.
Your needs and your budget
It is based on your needs and your budget that you can choose a suitable developer computer. If you cannot put into words your real needs, you will simply choose a computer that does not meet your needs.
What type of development are you doing? Do you develop mobile applications for iOS or Android? Are you a web developer? By answering these different questions, you will be able to choose a very specific device that suits you. It's a fairly simple task for experienced developers, but it's not always the case for newbies to choose a quality computer. When you know what you will have to do with your computer, you can define your budget. Even if it is possible to get by with basic machines, know that you will do much better with the most innovative computers on the market with very fast 4K screens.
Which operating system to choose with a developer's computer?
Here, the choice still depends on your activity. That said, people called upon to develop Windows applications can opt for a computer with a Windowsoperating system. However, if you are developing web or mobile applications, your choice will depend on your personal preferences. In the market, you will find 4 main operating systems namely Microsoft Windows, Linux, Apple MacOS and ChromeOS.
Processor and Hard Drive
The processor is a piece of equipment found at the heart of a laptop computer. There are several types of processor on the market. And since you are a developer, it would be better to look at an eighth or 10th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 chip .
With such a chip, you will be able to benefit from the best possible speeds. Furthermore, this characteristic will provide a certain fluidity during coding. Honestly, any 64-bit processor can do this job, but be aware that processors of this capacity are not created equal.
When it comes to the hard drive, you need to consider its speed and size when choosing a laptop for developers. Indeed, when you code, you are required to store all the files of your project on your computer, at least in many cases. You may also need to run a few development VMs for testing purposes. This means you will need a lot of storage on your disk.
The speed of the hard drive is just as essential as its size, since during your work you will have to open several applications simultaneously. This is why you will need a fast hard drive. In this regard, you will find on the market, the hard drive itself and the SSD. If a drive has the mechanical and moving parts, an SSD stores data on the microchips like a memory card. For your case, a 7200 rpm drive will do the trick.
RAM
A self-respecting developer must have a good quality computer with impeccable RAM quality. RAM for high-performance computers ranges from 8 to 32 GB. From 8 GB, which is the most common RAM size, you will already be able to perform many tasks. Machines with 16 GB RAM are considered the standard for high-end machines. Gaming machines or gaming PCs offer this amount of memory. 32 GB is the largest amount of RAM in today's highest-performance computers.
Screen: size and resolution
Display is essential for any developer. Either way, you need a laptop with a large display size. This will allow you to view whatever you want to view. The 13-inch screens are hardly recommendable. However, it is preferable to opt for screens ranging in size from 15 to 17 inches to develop software, web and mobile applications.
As for resolution, you might be tempted to save a few dollars by opting for a 720p screen, but I wouldn't recommend it. This is because you need a lot of screen space to be able to read all of the code. You need to develop your test environments and demonstrate your application. You'll find that everything will seem cramped if you choose a low resolution. This is why many developers prefer Full-HD 1080p resolution at a minimum, although you may also want to consider a 4K display.
Chart
Wondering which type of graphics to choose for your developer laptop? Your choice depends on the work you have to do. Graphics are not necessary if you are building standard desktop applications or doing lightweight web development.
The graphics won't be that important, which means you should be fine with only using an integrated graphics chip on the laptop. On the other hand, if you are doing work requiring significant graphics development, you will need to ignore any computer with integrated graphics. The dedicated graphics will be useful to you. An Nvidia 10-series graphics card will come in handy in this case.
Best Laptop for Developers: The Final Word
Thank you for reading this article until the end. We have compiled a comparison and buying guide for the best laptops for developers. To make your task easier, we have had the pleasure of offering a top 5 of the best laptops for development and programming. We hope that our selection has allowed you to choose a suitable model, both adapted to your needs and your budget. At least, we hope that our buying guide, through the reflections we have carried out, will have helped you get there. If you liked this article or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to give us a like or send us a comment.
