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Any suggestions for cheap but decent laptops for coding? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)
submitted 2 years ago by to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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I'm currently learning how to code (currently Python, then maybe JavaScript), but I'm not always around my desktop, and learning on my phone is not always an option (also, it can be quite cumbersome at times). Therefore, I'm looking into purchasing a laptop just for learning how to code and stuff.

I don't want to get a Chromebook because I want to be able to wipe the drive and install Linux on it (probably Linux Mint). Maybe it's changed since 2013, but the last time I had a Chromebook, it was a pain in the ass to install even bog-standard Ubuntu on it.

Problem is, I'm also heavily limited by space & budget: no more than 11 in (280 mm) total laptop width and 330 USD base price.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Please forgive me if this is not the right space for this kind of question. Lemme know if it is and I'll delete it. :)

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[–] 8 points 2 years ago (5 children)

Steam Deck. I'm half serious if you got a wireless mini keyboard with touch pad. You can play games on it too BTW ;)

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  • [–] [S] 4 points 2 years ago* (4 children)

    Lol, that's kind of intriguing honestly. Are Python interpreters even available on whatever fork of Linux that SteamDecks use? Haha.

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  • [–] 13 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    Yes. Steam Deck is based on Arch linux. I even have PyCharm installed.

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  • [–] 6 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    steam deck is NOT a proper replacement for a work desktop, ymmv

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  • [–] 2 points 2 years ago

    For a desktop yes. You can dock it and forget that it's not a regular Linux desktop. Especially if it means Python and JS, you don't need much power for that.

    For a laptop not so much, because you'll need to bring screen+keyboard+mouse and everything to plug them so the portability aspect seriously suffers.

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