Problems Developing now with: Surface Laptop (2017), need Advice.

OldManSpock · March 21, 2019

It's been nearly about 1.5 years with my Surface Laptop, and while I enjoy some aspects of the laptop, I've noticed quite recently that I am always feeling a bit constrained with the screen. I just began coding nonstop and splitting the screen between two windows on the 3:2 screen feels a bit cramped. Also the keyboard, although amazing when it comes to its tactileness, is very small and it feels like my hands are a bit closer than for comfort. In general, I have come to dislike the cramped feeling of having this computer, especially with the fact that since all the components are shoved into a small, cramped chassis, heating and fan noise has never been worse.

I just did a bit of research and the LG Gram 17 that just came out recently seems to be recieving great reviews, with its large screen, nice keyboard and decent specs seem like a compelling switch to solve my issues. However my question is this: is it worth switching? I am currently a HS Sophmore and once I go to Junior year soon, I will be taking a bit more computer-centric classes like AP-Compsci and Engineering. Furthermore, I have a workflow between my home rig and this current laptop via my Onedrive where I model in Maya. Should I try selling this laptop on r/hardwareswap and get the money to buy the Gram 17, or should I wait until college (2 more years) for a better upgrade? Another question: with the rate at which new laptops are releasing for the past couple of years, if I wait an additional 2 years to get a different laptop for college, will I hypothetically get a drastic performance increase in comparison to getting the Gram 17 now, or the less?

Thanks

EDIT: Did a bit more research and found that the Dell XPS 15 is a great contender, and has dedicated graphics. A guy is selling a near mint xps 15 for 1100$, should I go for it?