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Resolved Question

Will this laptop perform well for programming?

May 25, 2015 4:22AM PDT

Hello, I am a second year college student majoring in Computer Science. I'm learning C++ now, and will soon be learning HTML and Python. I have a good desktop setup, so power really isn't a huge issue. However, for being on the go so often I need a portable laptop for writing my programs, and doing the usual, simple school work and note taking.

I found a Dell 14 3000 Series pre-loaded with Ubuntu, which I think would be a nice addition for my programming, and it is a very cheap deal ($249). It has an:
-Intel Pentium N3540, 2M Cache, 2.66 GHz Processor
-4GB Single Channel DDR3L Memory
-500GB 5400 rpm HDD

I absolutely understand this is not a powerhouse machine, but what I'm asking is will it do the job well? I don't want a terrible machine that will only anger me as I try to work efficiently, but I sure won't be gaming or video editing on this. Thanks for all the advice you can give me!

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MatthewDumler has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Iffy.
May 25, 2015 4:37AM PDT

I'd check with your school. I've seen folk get by with less but at 250 yes it's OK. However I find many struggle to compile code on Linux. I'd like to see folk learn all that but many need to start easy like Visual Studio (which has a free Express version for folk in school and more.)

You can bump the RAM later for a little boost. It's not a terrible machine.
Bob

PS. http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Pentium-N3540-vs-Intel-Core-i3-4005U pegs it close to the i3. I see a 250 buck offering with Windows that would ease the frustration level for a beginner.

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Thanks, and...
May 25, 2015 5:02AM PDT

That answer was exceptionally helpful. That little Acer in the link you posted actually caught my eye! Of course, it's a ChromeBook, so how does writing code on that even work (IDE's, Compilers, Notepad???)? Like I said my desktop is great for me, so I really don't need that much storage on my laptop. I will check out the Acer Aspire too!

Back to the Ubuntu Dell. I have worked on Ubuntu before, and while programming I used Qt Creator to write and compile my programs. How would you go about writing simple programs on Ubuntu?

Thanks once again!

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Checked it. Windows.
May 25, 2015 5:07AM PDT

"Windows 8.1 with Bing, 7-hour battery life"

As to code on Chrome, it's possible but I didn't list a Chromebook.

I have yet to write simple programs on Linux. All have been huge things for DVR systems. The work is proprietary and I have to pull out my cheat sheet to work on the project. I know one person that can do the work without the cheat sheets but they are how do you put it nicely? Borderline manic depressive.
Bob

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Thanks one more time!
May 25, 2015 5:45AM PDT

Yes I saw the Windows 8.1 Aspire, but I was also given a link to this:
http://www.amazon.com/Acer-C720-3404-11-6-Inch-Chromebook-Granite/dp/B00KOUIZBC%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAI62SSPLIHX7AR6PA%26tag%3Dsnapsort-622-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB00KOUIZBC

The i3 and SSD on that sound so nice! I love the idea of this, but I don't know that a Chromebook is even worth my time?

Anyway, I'll take your advice about staying away from Ubuntu. With that in mind, there is a Dell equivalent of what I initially posted, but it is loaded with Windows 8.1 for only $30 more. If the Pentium really will do me well then I will likely go with that.

Lastly, there is another almost identical Dell laptop for $379, so a bit more, but it instead it has an i3 and a slightly largely screen. At the cost of a $100+ price increase am I going to be drastically happier with this laptops performance?

I have asked a lot of questions, and I really want to thank you for your extensive help, Bob!

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Sorry
May 25, 2015 5:56AM PDT

I didn't look at the other item. Chromebooks are not viable for programming majors UNLESS you are writing apps for Chrome/ChromeOS.

http://www.amazon.com/Acer-Aspire-ES1-512-P84G-15-6-Inch-Diamond/dp/B00TQ843VO is quad core, the usual 15 inch screen, and about right for a budget programmer job.

For programming, for me, I wont' go below 15. And if you want to learn programming on Linux, good for you but many shops go for Visual Studio.
Bob