Doesn’t matter how good a programmer someone is, they can get confused with the sheer range of options available. There are different models, each having a set of specs different from the other.
So, which one do you need? Be it Mac, Windows or Linux, you can write code on most of them, but not one size fits all. Your productivity and the choice of machine depends on the tools you are going to use.
Whether you need it for processor-intensive tasks, or vibrant graphics, following are the five mistakes which you shouldn’t make.
Choosing a size bigger or smaller
Laptops come in different sizes. From the compact 11” to more common 15.6” screens, they have a variety of purpose. While the bigger ones are apt for multi-tasking, they are not very travel-friendly.
If you’re more of a nomad, consider getting yourself a 13” or 14” laptop. They may cost a little higher, but hey, you always can go for refurbished ones. Read further to know why a refurbished MacBook may perform better than a new Lenovo (or Dell).
Ignoring the ports
You may need your beast only for aggressive coding but not looking into the available ports is another careless thing people do.
Most of the laptops come with three USB ports, but some have two. And that extra port can make a lot of difference if you use many peripherals or external storage devices. Then, there are HDMI, VGA and Ethernet ports to look for.
Inadequate RAM
Programming tools, virtual machines and similar ones use up a lot of processing power. But you also need sufficient space to load the files into memory.
Many people opt for laptops with 4GB RAM, but to be on the safe side, you need at least 8. If those laptops don’t fall in your budget, go for the refurbished ones. A refurbished device costs less but works the same as a new one.
Inadequate Storage System
Another aspect of laptop buying is checking whether it has an HDD or SSD. While laptops with a rotating Hard Disk Drive come cheaper, Solid State Drives are faster. And when performance is the prime concern, you can’t neglect it.
You can get a good deal with 256 GB SSD laptop. However, the codes use up storage fast, so go for higher numbers.
Paying Too Much
Yeah, people end up paying for latest high-end specs, when they may not need them. Buying a laptop with 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD, when all they need is 8 GB (and 256 GB), is one of the examples.
Moreover, you get a good price during sales and also for the refurbished devices. OK, why are the refurbished devices cheaper? Are they the defective ones? No.
What are refurbished devices?
Refurbished devices are as good as new, except that they are not new.
Many times, users realize that it’s not what they wanted. Thus, they return their devices after a few days of use. So, what the seller/manufacturer does is re-test (and repair, if needed) the product, and put it up for selling as a refurbished one. Since the product isn’t new, you get it at a discounted price.
If you’re saving for a MacBook, there’s a good chance that you can get a refurbished MacBook Pro right in your budget. You are entitled to a product free of any dents or scratches and all the accessories that come with the new box.
Unless you get it from a shoddy website, the laptop will work as long as a new one should. However, you may not get the full warranty.
With a refurbished device, you get your dream specs within your budget and also save a few pennies. So, why not go for it?
Author Bio:
The article is contributed by Jeremy Hill, who is associated with JemJem as an editor. JemJem is the top online retailer of cheap refurbished iPhones in the USA. He enjoys creating, uncovering and disseminating new and interesting perspectives on technology and mobile phones.
