Choosing a laptop (computer) for front-end development
Here are only subjective assessments on how to choose a laptop or computer, what I focus on when I advise buying a computer for programming.
I have been doing frontend development for over 6 years. I have assembled several personal computers in parts, and also dealt with buying and choosing laptops. Setting up a personal PC and its maintenance. Therefore, I will describe certain hardware characteristics that are necessary for work and what you need to pay attention to.
If you are just starting out, then in order to understand whether this is your dream job or not, the computer or laptop that you have is quite enough. Next, I will describe what you should do when you have few resources, but want to study.
About the GPU
For front-end development, the integrated video core is quite enough, but if you plan to play computer games, then consider without it, because it will be cheaper and more productive
But it is better to compare processors and read reviews, YouTube is full of videos with this or that processor in games. But this does not mean that if you buy a powerful processor and a weak video card, then your game will fly. The processor and video card work in tandem.
Monitor
If a laptop – the main means of work and will not connect an external monitor and often work outdoors (where the miniature size of the laptop is important), then consider laptops with a diagonal of 15.6 and 16 inches. These are the optimal sizes for work. Laptops with a smaller diagonal are suitable for a narrow circle of people who know for sure that they need it. And with a larger diagonal there is no point in taking it, it is better to connect an external monitor.
For stationary monitor I was comfortable working on a 24-inch monitor, but I wasn't comfortable with a 27-inch monitor because I had to twist my neck. But you can always go to a store or to your friends and see what it's like to work on a 27-inch monitor. I don't recommend buying one with a smaller diagonal because you'll get tired faster. But if your monitor is at least 21 inches, you can use it for now.
I don't consider a TN display for work, because the display distorts colors at different viewing angles. But for a gaming PC, this may not be so critical.
You already select the matrix type for your tasks, but if you don’t want to bother and need to work comfortably, take IPS. But for those who choose for graphic tasks (designers), then you need to approach it wisely.
Keyboard
Choose the keyboard type that is comfortable for you.
If we talk about mechanics, it is noisy, but it is like a “typewriter”, it gives its own experience of use.
If you want easy and quiet typing, use a membrane keyboard for desktop PCs or a scissor keyboard.
On laptops you don't really have a choice, you choose the one that you like when you press it (but this shouldn't be the main thing when choosing a laptop).
Also, when buying a laptop, I paid attention to the fact that there was a backlight on the keys, because I sometimes worked with the lights off in the dark.
Mouse
I like the M650 L mouse, L here means large, not for left-handed. There is also a left-handed version, so be careful when buying.
I chose this mouse because it has a quiet mouse wheel and keystrokes.
It is also wireless, which is convenient for working on a laptop.
Camera
If we are talking about laptops that have a camera built into the keyboard, then do not consider such laptops, because it will not be very convenient and comfortable during the interview.
Other
Avoid buying laptops from little-known brands.
Don't buy HP laptops in the price segment up to 100 thousand, they are very economical.
Don't buy laptops that are too easily soiled, because you will use them often, they will get dirty faster, and you will get tired of cleaning them. Although it is advisable to wipe the display and keyboard once a week.
Do not buy Apple laptops for development, because there are problems with the Russian layout and with the remote desktop. You must constantly remember that the hot keys on Mac and Windows are different. If you connect to a virtual Windows desktop on a Macbook, the hot keys will not work in one of the languages.
Low power computer
1. RAM
If you have 4GB of RAM or even less, check that you have Windows 7 or Linux-like systems installed, which require less RAM. Unfortunately, modern Windows 10, 11 already require at least 8GB of RAM for comfortable office work.
2. Long-term memory
If it so happens that you have an old hdd, then you will have to wait at least 2-3 times longer to load both the operating system and the programs themselves. You can check the speed of long-term memory using the CrystalDiskMark program.
It is optimal if:
Bad sectors
In addition to speed, it is also important how stable your drive is, these are bad sectors, you can notice this when your files “disappear” or the system boots with errors. After restoring system files, the system can temporarily be restored. Also, bad sectors can lead to the loss of user files over time. You can check the drive for bad sectors using special programs, instructions for checking can be found on the Internet.
If you don't have such “magic” when working on a PC, then you don't need to run diagnostics for bad sectors.
But if you find that you have bad sectors, I recommend transferring important data to an external drive, because sooner or later your information will be damaged or the drive will fail completely.
And also replace the drive, unless of course you are planning to buy another computer or laptop.
But if your speeds are lower and you notice that your computer is slowing down, I recommend that you develop your code on third-party services, such as codepen.io, jsfiddle etc.
3. Processor
A dual-core processor is quite enough here to dive into the world of front-end development, but if you are planning a purchase, consider 4 cores.
If you have a choice between 2 cores and 2 threads and 2 cores and 4 threads, choose the latter, as it will allow more processes to run in parallel.
Low-price segment laptop buyers:
For example, laptops with amd 5600u or 5700u:
Consider an SSD no less than 256GB. Here you choose for yourself, the choice is large. Taking into account the recommendations above and your preferences.
But if you found 40 thousand, then you will probably pay another 20 thousand to buy a laptop in the middle segment. If you are not a programmer, then at least you will have a reserve for the future.
If buying a laptop is not essential for you, for example, you are not a student, you have a stationary workplace, then consider mini pc. They are cheaper and more powerful than laptops, because laptops need a display, battery, keyboard, etc. But this is for those who do not plan to play computer games or want to limit themselves from this addiction. I did not recommend buying a monoblock, because it is limited in terms of upgrades and there are more components for failure in one device.
What to do if you have a weak PC
For example, it is inferior to HUAWEI MateBook D 15 on Ryzen 7 5700U, then use services for code development such as codepen.io, jsfiddle.
Also, keep an eye on open programs, delete unused ones. If your RAM is less than 4GB, consider an extension.
If you plan to develop locally, buy a good ssd (install the operating system on it and the projects you will develop), if the current one is inferior in speed to the recommended 2000 MB/s for reading and 1000 MB/s for writing. And use the old hdd for things that are not demanding in speed, video, photos, documents, etc.
At first, you can get by with 4GB of RAM (if you have Win7) and a weak HDD, using the code development services listed above. And also a dual-core processor. The main thing is to show interest in development and practice. Over time, you will have orders, then you will buy a laptop with the money you earned.
Medium power computer
It's easier here, we take a 512GB SSD, 16GB of RAM. I also don't see the point in overpaying for a discrete video card if you only plan to work.
Applicants for purchasing laptops in the mid-price segment (if you have been working in your specialty for more than a year):
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Gen 8 on AMD Ryzen 7 7730U
MateBook D 16 on Intel Core i5-12450H
Honor MagicBook X 16 with AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS
ASUS X1504ZA-BQ1150 on Intel Core i7-1255U
AMD Ryzen 7 5800U
And ssd from 512gb. With RAM 16gb. Look, so that there is an IPS display. It's better to buy a new laptop under warranty. Buy it. no more than 60-70 thousand rubles. Monitor the price, dns, ozone or another store where it is more profitable.
Conclusions
I shared what I think about how you can start a career in front-end development, or for those who have little understanding of hardware. I have tried many laptops, so I have something to compare with. But on the other hand, I do not see the point in buying expensive laptops that will be too much for the tasks set for a front-end developer.
If you have any additions or questions, I am ready to answer them.
