7 ms·

Ask HN: What is the cheapest laptop I can buy for development

44 points by umen 4y ago

I like to be able to develop with : (of course) linux/android os gcc/g++/gdb minimal OS GUI Web browser with graphical gui and normal browsing (chrom /firefox) Vim acreen size can be 11" the site to buy from should be able to send the laptop worldwide im not from the USA Thanks alot

weitzj 4y ago
Thinkpad x250 with full hd ips panel. You can add an additional ssd if needed and 16gb of ram. It has a nice docking station, you can exchange batteries
ris58h 4y ago
Any used business-line laptop: Lenovo Thinkpad, Dell Latitude, HP Probook/Elitebook. Please don't by a consumer-line laptop - they are terrible except of Macbook.
- ra 4y ago
  My previous computer was a Thinkpad e-series. Great keyboard, great everything really. They're the cheapest Thinkpads.
- pyb 4y ago
  This. People usually say "get a used Thinkpad", but any of these laptops will also do. There are many options.
jacknews 4y ago
I'll also vote old thinkpad. I run T430 with xubuntu as a side machine, and startup and shutdown is near instant. Compared with my macbook pro 2016 - which, although it throws something up on screen very quickly, then spends 30s before it's actually responsive - yes, apple cheats.
Saphyel 4y ago
I use slimbook they are very nice
GianFabien 4y ago
On recent ChromeBooks you can enable developer mode, which turns them into a low-cost Linux notebook. https://au.pcmag.com/linux/89550/how-to-install-linux-on-your-chromebook https://au.pcmag.com/linux/89550/how-to-install-linux-on-you... There are several retailers on Amazon that sell suitable notebooks. Would that work for you?
viraptor 4y ago
Check out the compatibility first, but for quite a long time as a student I was using bargain bin laptops. Usually the components are common/old enough to work out of the box with Linux. If you're happy with performance, it's... ok. The hardware improved enough that as long as it's got 8gb of ram and runs... You should be fine for minimal dev work.
- qbasic_forever 4y ago
  Do a bit of research on whatever you plan to buy though and see if someone has successfully gotten Linux to work on it. There was a recent period of time where the bargain bin laptops had totally bizarre configurations like a 64 bit OS support but 32 bit BIOS, or bleeding edge Intel SOCs with bad Linux support. I think things are better but still can't hurt to double check.
farseer 4y ago
Does it have to be new? Buy a used 7-8 gen+ intel laptop from your own country, i.e. used office stock from US and Europe is regularly available around the world. For around 300$ bucks you can get something very usable.
wiktorcie 4y ago
look for second hand thinkpads, models from x220 to x270 should fill all your needs. Screen size is 12". best you can get for 100-300$. Should come with 8gb of ram and decent CPU.
__lazybyte 4y ago
I’d say an older gen Thinkpad. They’re usually the best value for your money if you’re looking for a bargain. You can find sellers who might be willing to ship internationally on eBay. You also have to factor in taxes or levies your country may charge on electronic imports.
- cookiengineer 4y ago
  There's the German Thinkpad Wiki [1] which helped me choose a model, because they list every component/spec/variant there with all their hardware details, bugs and typical problems (with firmware versions that usually just need to be updated before you install Linux). (A quick side note: Current mesa has issues with Haswell and Broadwell CPUs due to the (now still) incomplete Vulkan migration. Just as a heads-up) [1] https://thinkwiki.de/ThinkPad-Modelle https://thinkwiki.de/ThinkPad-Modelle
  - type0 4y ago
    there's English one as well https://www.thinkwiki.org https://www.thinkwiki.org
- I_dev_outdoors 4y ago
  This is the same advice I'd give, but I'd also assume that the laptop is going to break within 2 years or so in a way that's worth just buying a new one (or another used one). Just an antidote, but that's about how long they last me.
28304283409234 4y ago
What is cheap to you?
- umen 4y ago
  100 - 150 $
  - Markoff 4y ago
    I think you will need to add more to find decent thinkpad shipped from US ebay (preferably there should be local company selling used thinkpads in your country), decent configurations start at 150-200USD.
jarenmf 4y ago
Older Thinkpads, in particular Thinkpad x230 is an overall a good powerful machine selling for around 150$ second hand. It also has good screen and really awesome keyboard.
- midislack 4y ago
  My T25 died, hinge failure (they're mounted in plastic) so it's back to the X220.
  - OJFord 4y ago
    Not going to win when cost is the primary factor, but my Framework hinges failed, and I could just replace the hinges and keep using it :). (I say failed, that would be quick since it's fairly new, it was actually a manufacturing issue - but the solution's the same, they sent me replacement hinges to fit, no need to scrap or even return the whole laptop.)
    - midislack 4y ago
      Too bad they didn't make a trackpoint and used Intel. Otherwise I'd buy.
danielEM 4y ago
HARDWARE SIDE: The cheapest will be to ... not buy laptop. You can go for 2 in 1 and use your Android phone (if you have one) or buy one. Any Android phone will do the job, but best look for one with USB3.1 (these will support display port on phones USB socket) as it carries video signal as well. Here you have phones released in 2021 and 2022 supporting it: https://www.gsmarena.com/results.php3?nYearMin=2021&sFreeText=USB%20Type-C%203.1&nOrder=1 https://www.gsmarena.com/results.php3?nYearMin=2021&sFreeTex... If you want to go for used phone feel free to refine search and set older years. Portable screen you can get on Chinese websites for as little as 80-150USD (with shipping including) Then get yourself bluetooth keyboard with trackpad (there are even foldable ones), or BT keyboard and BT mouse (whatever you like) and you should be already good. Nice to have is also USB-C hub with HDMI output, so you can plug any wired USB devices or output via HDMI to regular screen or TV, these will cost 10-20USD with shipping Optionally: You might also want a better control over your Android OS, or be able to receive updates way longer than vendor ships them - if so I will recommend to go for one of the phones supported here https://download.lineageos.org/ https://download.lineageos.org/ (most modern hardware with USB3.1 is supported by OnePlus, but you might find other brands and models that does the job) SOFTWARE SIDE: First you need install Termux on Android, it is kind of linux shell for Android linux kernel (all you basically need to start any development) Once you'll have this, you can head for gcc, clang or whatever you need Last piece is IDE, I use this one: https://github.com/coder/code-server https://github.com/coder/code-server
- danielEM 4y ago
  What the heck, why did get -1 ????
  - ostenning 4y ago
    Not entirely sure but op wanted advice on a laptop, not a phone
    - danielEM 4y ago
      Remind me then please since when our conversations on HN are so strict? ;-)
midislack 4y ago
You can get any laptop made in the last 15 years, easy. Probably a free one.
- umen 4y ago
  free ? where ?
  - type0 4y ago
    Only if you have a computer charity organization nearby that can give you that
johnchristopher 4y ago
I'd go for a second hand latitude.
deleted 4y ago
[deleted]
LeoPanthera 4y ago
The "eBay Deals" page often has discounted refurbished laptops: https://www.ebay.com/deals/tech/laptops-netbooks https://www.ebay.com/deals/tech/laptops-netbooks The advantage of buying from the deals page is that eBay has vetted the sellers in advance.
highwaylights 4y ago
Any Windows laptop older than 4 years should be obtainable for a song and work fine.
JonathanBeuys 4y ago
Sounds like a use case for a ChromeBook. You would have to check which Chromebooks let you install Linux. Also some of the cheaper Windows laptops would do. In my experience, they all let you install Linux. What is your maximum budget? You can get refurbished ones for less than $100. If you are willing to pay $200, you can even get new laptops with up to 15 inch screen size: https://www.productchart.com/laptops/for_less_than_200 https://www.productchart.com/laptops/for_less_than_200
- umen 4y ago
  what agreat site!
- FerretFred 4y ago
  ^ THIS! I installed Linux on a cheap Chromebook and it was great. I ended up ditching the Chrome part altogether. Powerful enough, great screen and battery life.
  - umen 4y ago
    what type chromebook ? what linux you installed
- toast0 4y ago
  If you're getting a chromebook, it's worth checking if it's on the list of models supported by Mr. Chromebox[1], an alternative firmware that gets you mostly normal UEFI booting with no mandatory waits or loud noises or chance of accidentally wiping. Chromebook ram and storage can be pretty small and newer models have both soldered, so shop carefully, but like for like, chromebooks tend to be a bit less expensive than windows laptops. [1] https://mrchromebox.tech/#devices https://mrchromebox.tech/#devices
otabdeveloper4 4y ago
Rent the cheapest server from Hetzner or equivalent, and get whatever laptop is capable of running ssh. (Which is all of them.)
- yonrg 4y ago
  Reminds me of working for about a year on an odroid. Of course ssh was no issue, but also Firefox was working quite well.
blakblakarak 4y ago
Where are you based ?
hnsch2412 4y ago
buy some cheap thinkpad, put on programmer socks and install arch. im joking but this is actually a pretty good idea for very cheap
- puyoxyz 4y ago
  i love programmer socks :3
merpkz 4y ago
I bought Thinkpad T440p for about 200 eur used. It was actually pawned by someone so I bought it locally no shipping was needed. It is an excellent device and hardware wise very powerful - i5-4300M, 8GB of RAM, 250GB SSD. Got lucky and it had battery with still 85% capacity left so that makes it run for about 2 hours, which is great. Only drawback it has is low resolution screen.
- ChuckNorris89 4y ago
  >hardware wise very powerful - i5-4300M, 8GB of RAM Maybe 8GB of RAM can be dealt with, if you're always careful to close apps and tabs but managing RAM or hitting the SWAP or OOMkiller is something I don't want to worry about if I'm doing work. Especially if you get in to spinning up VMs. 16GB minimum would be recommended from my end. And the i5 4300M is a pretty slow chip. I had a i5 6600M and it's noticeable slower at web browsing than options from the last couple of years. I'd say 8th gen would be the lowest bar.
- umen 4y ago
  what OS do you run on it ?
tetek 4y ago
I just bought 12" ThinkPad x270 for $170. (i5 7gen, 8GB ram, 256 ssd). I'm very happy with it, it even has usb-c and works with my LG Ultrafine. Nice price to value ratio, I think the screen is the biggest downside, but that's only in comparison to my MacBook.
- umen 4y ago
  where did you buy it? what os you running on it?
Markoff 4y ago
Refurbished Thinkpad T or X series (don't buy other letter) cost nothing and it's reliable. First digit is display size, second digit is year of release, so T440 is 14" released in 2014.
mpalfrey 4y ago
Old T or X series Lenovo gets my vote. Good machines, although I'd question if they're the best bet right now as some are getting kind of old (e.g. I had a quick look at a T430, cheap but it's a 3rd gen CPU). Could a consumer machine be a better bet at the expense of ruggedness? Might be quicker.
dazc 4y ago
Plenty of refurbished ThinkPads available in A1 condition for less than half price of a new machine. I would recommend you buy from a specialist retailer rather than ebay though. You may pay a bit more but you are more likely to get a good quality, ex-corporate machine that has been properly checked and with some sort of guarantee.
deleted 4y ago
[deleted]
weinzierl 4y ago
I got me an Acer Chromebook (Acer Chromebook CB314-1H-C2KX 14) for 129 EUR on Prime Day this year. I used it for developing a game app, teaching my daughter programming over the summer holidays. The machine did pretty well for this purpose, running all the applications we required decently. Even Blender runs and can be used for simple tasks but I wouldn't want to work with such a heavy app nine to five on the little machine. Godot for a 2D game is absolutely fine though, we haven't used 3D much but that was OK too. A nice thing was, that we could open and analyze competing Android games on the same machine. We couldn't have done this on a pure Linux machine. I'd say Chrome Books are a very good fit for your stated requirements if you can live with the privacy implications of owning a Google device.
puyoxyz 4y ago
There are some great refurbished ThinkPads that come with coreboot/libreboot/osboot and support the creator of those, at https://minifree.org/ https://minifree.org/
cpr 4y ago
Can't some HN folks just get together and send you $100 each so you can buy a great laptop? Happy to on my part...
- umen 4y ago
  thanks , but no need you can collect and send your money to more needט folks
sam_lowry_ 4y ago
I still use a T420S Frankenpad with a better quality 1600x900 screen panel and maxed-out memory / ssd. The keyboard is great, both batteries are OKish, although not original of course. It has that gorgeous 7-row keyboard... um...

44 points by umen 4y ago

weitzj 4y ago

Thinkpad x250 with full hd ips panel. You can add an additional ssd if needed and 16gb of ram. It has a nice docking station, you can exchange batteries

ris58h 4y ago

Any used business-line laptop: Lenovo Thinkpad, Dell Latitude, HP Probook/Elitebook. Please don't by a consumer-line laptop - they are terrible except of Macbook.

ra 4y ago
My previous computer was a Thinkpad e-series. Great keyboard, great everything really. They're the cheapest Thinkpads.
pyb 4y ago
This. People usually say "get a used Thinkpad", but any of these laptops will also do. There are many options.

jacknews 4y ago

I'll also vote old thinkpad. I run T430 with xubuntu as a side machine, and startup and shutdown is near instant. Compared with my macbook pro 2016 - which, although it throws something up on screen very quickly, then spends 30s before it's actually responsive - yes, apple cheats.

Saphyel 4y ago

I use slimbook they are very nice

GianFabien 4y ago

On recent ChromeBooks you can enable developer mode, which turns them into a low-cost Linux notebook. https://au.pcmag.com/linux/89550/how-to-install-linux-on-your-chromebook https://au.pcmag.com/linux/89550/how-to-install-linux-on-you... There are several retailers on Amazon that sell suitable notebooks. Would that work for you?

viraptor 4y ago

Check out the compatibility first, but for quite a long time as a student I was using bargain bin laptops. Usually the components are common/old enough to work out of the box with Linux. If you're happy with performance, it's... ok. The hardware improved enough that as long as it's got 8gb of ram and runs... You should be fine for minimal dev work.

qbasic_forever 4y ago
Do a bit of research on whatever you plan to buy though and see if someone has successfully gotten Linux to work on it. There was a recent period of time where the bargain bin laptops had totally bizarre configurations like a 64 bit OS support but 32 bit BIOS, or bleeding edge Intel SOCs with bad Linux support. I think things are better but still can't hurt to double check.

farseer 4y ago

Does it have to be new? Buy a used 7-8 gen+ intel laptop from your own country, i.e. used office stock from US and Europe is regularly available around the world. For around 300$ bucks you can get something very usable.

wiktorcie 4y ago

look for second hand thinkpads, models from x220 to x270 should fill all your needs. Screen size is 12". best you can get for 100-300$. Should come with 8gb of ram and decent CPU.

__lazybyte 4y ago

I’d say an older gen Thinkpad. They’re usually the best value for your money if you’re looking for a bargain. You can find sellers who might be willing to ship internationally on eBay. You also have to factor in taxes or levies your country may charge on electronic imports.

cookiengineer 4y ago
There's the German Thinkpad Wiki [1] which helped me choose a model, because they list every component/spec/variant there with all their hardware details, bugs and typical problems (with firmware versions that usually just need to be updated before you install Linux). (A quick side note: Current mesa has issues with Haswell and Broadwell CPUs due to the (now still) incomplete Vulkan migration. Just as a heads-up) [1] https://thinkwiki.de/ThinkPad-Modelle https://thinkwiki.de/ThinkPad-Modelle
- type0 4y ago
  there's English one as well https://www.thinkwiki.org https://www.thinkwiki.org
I_dev_outdoors 4y ago
This is the same advice I'd give, but I'd also assume that the laptop is going to break within 2 years or so in a way that's worth just buying a new one (or another used one). Just an antidote, but that's about how long they last me.

28304283409234 4y ago

What is cheap to you?

umen 4y ago
100 - 150 $
- Markoff 4y ago
  I think you will need to add more to find decent thinkpad shipped from US ebay (preferably there should be local company selling used thinkpads in your country), decent configurations start at 150-200USD.

jarenmf 4y ago

Older Thinkpads, in particular Thinkpad x230 is an overall a good powerful machine selling for around 150$ second hand. It also has good screen and really awesome keyboard.

midislack 4y ago
My T25 died, hinge failure (they're mounted in plastic) so it's back to the X220.
- OJFord 4y ago
  Not going to win when cost is the primary factor, but my Framework hinges failed, and I could just replace the hinges and keep using it :). (I say failed, that would be quick since it's fairly new, it was actually a manufacturing issue - but the solution's the same, they sent me replacement hinges to fit, no need to scrap or even return the whole laptop.)
  - midislack 4y ago
    Too bad they didn't make a trackpoint and used Intel. Otherwise I'd buy.

danielEM 4y ago

HARDWARE SIDE: The cheapest will be to ... not buy laptop. You can go for 2 in 1 and use your Android phone (if you have one) or buy one. Any Android phone will do the job, but best look for one with USB3.1 (these will support display port on phones USB socket) as it carries video signal as well. Here you have phones released in 2021 and 2022 supporting it: https://www.gsmarena.com/results.php3?nYearMin=2021&sFreeText=USB%20Type-C%203.1&nOrder=1 https://www.gsmarena.com/results.php3?nYearMin=2021&sFreeTex... If you want to go for used phone feel free to refine search and set older years. Portable screen you can get on Chinese websites for as little as 80-150USD (with shipping including) Then get yourself bluetooth keyboard with trackpad (there are even foldable ones), or BT keyboard and BT mouse (whatever you like) and you should be already good. Nice to have is also USB-C hub with HDMI output, so you can plug any wired USB devices or output via HDMI to regular screen or TV, these will cost 10-20USD with shipping Optionally: You might also want a better control over your Android OS, or be able to receive updates way longer than vendor ships them - if so I will recommend to go for one of the phones supported here https://download.lineageos.org/ https://download.lineageos.org/ (most modern hardware with USB3.1 is supported by OnePlus, but you might find other brands and models that does the job) SOFTWARE SIDE: First you need install Termux on Android, it is kind of linux shell for Android linux kernel (all you basically need to start any development) Once you'll have this, you can head for gcc, clang or whatever you need Last piece is IDE, I use this one: https://github.com/coder/code-server https://github.com/coder/code-server

danielEM 4y ago
What the heck, why did get -1 ????
- ostenning 4y ago
  Not entirely sure but op wanted advice on a laptop, not a phone
  - danielEM 4y ago
    Remind me then please since when our conversations on HN are so strict? ;-)

midislack 4y ago

You can get any laptop made in the last 15 years, easy. Probably a free one.

umen 4y ago
free ? where ?
- type0 4y ago
  Only if you have a computer charity organization nearby that can give you that

johnchristopher 4y ago

I'd go for a second hand latitude.

deleted 4y ago

[deleted]

LeoPanthera 4y ago

The "eBay Deals" page often has discounted refurbished laptops: https://www.ebay.com/deals/tech/laptops-netbooks https://www.ebay.com/deals/tech/laptops-netbooks The advantage of buying from the deals page is that eBay has vetted the sellers in advance.

highwaylights 4y ago

Any Windows laptop older than 4 years should be obtainable for a song and work fine.

JonathanBeuys 4y ago

Sounds like a use case for a ChromeBook. You would have to check which Chromebooks let you install Linux. Also some of the cheaper Windows laptops would do. In my experience, they all let you install Linux. What is your maximum budget? You can get refurbished ones for less than $100. If you are willing to pay $200, you can even get new laptops with up to 15 inch screen size: https://www.productchart.com/laptops/for_less_than_200 https://www.productchart.com/laptops/for_less_than_200

umen 4y ago
what agreat site!
FerretFred 4y ago
^ THIS! I installed Linux on a cheap Chromebook and it was great. I ended up ditching the Chrome part altogether. Powerful enough, great screen and battery life.
- umen 4y ago
  what type chromebook ? what linux you installed
toast0 4y ago
If you're getting a chromebook, it's worth checking if it's on the list of models supported by Mr. Chromebox[1], an alternative firmware that gets you mostly normal UEFI booting with no mandatory waits or loud noises or chance of accidentally wiping. Chromebook ram and storage can be pretty small and newer models have both soldered, so shop carefully, but like for like, chromebooks tend to be a bit less expensive than windows laptops. [1] https://mrchromebox.tech/#devices https://mrchromebox.tech/#devices

otabdeveloper4 4y ago

Rent the cheapest server from Hetzner or equivalent, and get whatever laptop is capable of running ssh. (Which is all of them.)

yonrg 4y ago
Reminds me of working for about a year on an odroid. Of course ssh was no issue, but also Firefox was working quite well.

blakblakarak 4y ago

Where are you based ?

hnsch2412 4y ago

buy some cheap thinkpad, put on programmer socks and install arch. im joking but this is actually a pretty good idea for very cheap

puyoxyz 4y ago
i love programmer socks :3

merpkz 4y ago

I bought Thinkpad T440p for about 200 eur used. It was actually pawned by someone so I bought it locally no shipping was needed. It is an excellent device and hardware wise very powerful - i5-4300M, 8GB of RAM, 250GB SSD. Got lucky and it had battery with still 85% capacity left so that makes it run for about 2 hours, which is great. Only drawback it has is low resolution screen.

ChuckNorris89 4y ago
>hardware wise very powerful - i5-4300M, 8GB of RAM Maybe 8GB of RAM can be dealt with, if you're always careful to close apps and tabs but managing RAM or hitting the SWAP or OOMkiller is something I don't want to worry about if I'm doing work. Especially if you get in to spinning up VMs. 16GB minimum would be recommended from my end. And the i5 4300M is a pretty slow chip. I had a i5 6600M and it's noticeable slower at web browsing than options from the last couple of years. I'd say 8th gen would be the lowest bar.
umen 4y ago
what OS do you run on it ?

tetek 4y ago

I just bought 12" ThinkPad x270 for $170. (i5 7gen, 8GB ram, 256 ssd). I'm very happy with it, it even has usb-c and works with my LG Ultrafine. Nice price to value ratio, I think the screen is the biggest downside, but that's only in comparison to my MacBook.

umen 4y ago
where did you buy it? what os you running on it?

Markoff 4y ago

Refurbished Thinkpad T or X series (don't buy other letter) cost nothing and it's reliable. First digit is display size, second digit is year of release, so T440 is 14" released in 2014.

mpalfrey 4y ago

Old T or X series Lenovo gets my vote. Good machines, although I'd question if they're the best bet right now as some are getting kind of old (e.g. I had a quick look at a T430, cheap but it's a 3rd gen CPU). Could a consumer machine be a better bet at the expense of ruggedness? Might be quicker.

dazc 4y ago

Plenty of refurbished ThinkPads available in A1 condition for less than half price of a new machine. I would recommend you buy from a specialist retailer rather than ebay though. You may pay a bit more but you are more likely to get a good quality, ex-corporate machine that has been properly checked and with some sort of guarantee.

deleted 4y ago

[deleted]

weinzierl 4y ago

I got me an Acer Chromebook (Acer Chromebook CB314-1H-C2KX 14) for 129 EUR on Prime Day this year. I used it for developing a game app, teaching my daughter programming over the summer holidays. The machine did pretty well for this purpose, running all the applications we required decently. Even Blender runs and can be used for simple tasks but I wouldn't want to work with such a heavy app nine to five on the little machine. Godot for a 2D game is absolutely fine though, we haven't used 3D much but that was OK too. A nice thing was, that we could open and analyze competing Android games on the same machine. We couldn't have done this on a pure Linux machine. I'd say Chrome Books are a very good fit for your stated requirements if you can live with the privacy implications of owning a Google device.

puyoxyz 4y ago

There are some great refurbished ThinkPads that come with coreboot/libreboot/osboot and support the creator of those, at https://minifree.org/ https://minifree.org/

cpr 4y ago

Can't some HN folks just get together and send you $100 each so you can buy a great laptop? Happy to on my part...

umen 4y ago
thanks , but no need you can collect and send your money to more needט folks

sam_lowry_ 4y ago

I still use a T420S Frankenpad with a better quality 1600x900 screen panel and maxed-out memory / ssd. The keyboard is great, both batteries are OKish, although not original of course. It has that gorgeous 7-row keyboard... um...