Looking for a Laptop for Software Engineering

[RayDaHero]

I'd like some recommendations of laptops i should consider purchasing as a work laptop for Software Engineering in Uni. Any advice is appreciated, especially those who know what specs are needed for coding and other software based programs. Ik theres a tradeoff between performance and battery life, but hopefully theres a machine out there that has a good balance which would allow me to work through out the day. Some people have suggested MacBook Pros but since ive never used a Mac i have no clue on the pros and cons. Some final prefferences include 8th gen processors and an SSD. So far ive had my eye on the XPS 13

 

Thanks in Advance.

 

[Theguywhobea]

I use an XPS 13 at work and I absolutely love it. I can go basically a full day at work without needing to plug in, which is great for days when I'm on a job site. However, if you're planning to use it seated at a desk for extended periods of time I'd recommend also having a full size display to connect it to, as the small size can get pretty straining on the eyes.

[Unimaginative Name]

4 minutes ago, RayDaHero said:

I'd like some recommendations of laptops i should consider purchasing as a work laptop for Software Engineering in Uni. Any advice is appreciated, especially those who know what specs are needed for coding and other software based programs. Ik theres a tradeoff between performance and battery life, but hopefully theres a machine out there that has a good balance which would allow me to work through out the day. Some people have suggested MacBook Pros but since ive never used a Mac i have no clue on the pros and cons. Some final prefferences include 8th gen processors and an SSD. So far ive had my eye on the XPS 13

 

Thanks in Advance.

 

For school, I would 100% recommend a thin and light. Especially if you are hauling it to and from classes. The XPS line would do fine as would the LG Gram or Razer Blade Stealth. There's also a thin and light line from Asus (although I can't place it). They all have new 8th gen processor options. As long as you get AT LEAST 8gb of ram, it should be a serviceable computer for a few years. Obviously, something with a discrete GPU would be nice but will add to the weight and lower battery life, even the Max-Q variants.

[Theguywhobea]

6 minutes ago, Unimaginative Name said:

For school, I would 100% recommend a thin and light. Especially if you are hauling it to and from classes. The XPS line would do fine as would the LG Gram or Razer Blade Stealth. There's also a thin and light line from Asus (although I can't place it). They all have new 8th gen processor options. As long as you get AT LEAST 8gb of ram, it should be a serviceable computer for a few years. Obviously, something with a discrete GPU would be nice but will add to the weight and lower battery life, even the Max-Q variants.

Uh oh, you said the R word

[Unimaginative Name]

1 minute ago, Theguywhobea said:

Uh oh, you said the R word

REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE?

[Theguywhobea]

2 minutes ago, Theguywhobea said:

Razer Blade Stealth

 

1 minute ago, Unimaginative Name said:

REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE?

Don't let the others hear that you mentioned this in a recommendation. 

[Unimaginative Name]

Just now, Theguywhobea said:

 

Don't let the others hear that you mentioned this in a recommendation. 

I will fight for my questionably reliable hardware tooth and nail.

[RayDaHero]

Seems like XPS line up it is. IS the jump from i5 to i7 worth the drop in battery life?

[genexis_x]

Budget? Any special requirements?