Screen size is something we all consider before buying a laptop. The 15-inch and 17-inch screen sizes make little difference but make a big difference. These two inches screen laptops define the overall experience of programming.
15 VS 17-inches screen laptops are two popular choices you can get on the market. This article discusses the pros and cons of a 15 inches laptop vs. a 17-inch laptop for programming needs.
Here are the pros and cons of 15 and 17-inch laptops
15-inch laptop
17-inch laptop
How is the screen size measured?
Laptop displays are measured from one corner of the screen to the other with a diagonal length starting at the bottom edge and ending at the top. As a result, a 15-inch laptop will have a display that is 15-inch wide by a diagonal same goes for 17 inches screen.
Which is the best 15 VS 17-inch Laptop for Programming in 2022?
Programming requires a good laptop that works efficiently and has sufficient capacity to support your work. The ideal laptop should be lightweight and portable. Given that you’re not a game developer writing code for demanding video games, a 15-inch notebook is your best bet.
A 17-inch screen laptop delivers a more brilliant resolution and space to open multiple tabs. You want to enjoy a clear view with little or no distortion while doing everything.
Likewise, since programming applies much typing, the enormous keyboard with a 17-inch screen-sized laptop will make your life easier. You can view the code at once on larger screen size—no need to drag the page up and down every second.
The second advantage of a 17-inch laptop is that it adapts adequate specifications that include better RAM and a larger battery size. A vast and powerful notebook will save you a lot of work by compiling your code faster.
But even these features can’t beat the convenience of carrying a 15-inch laptop. No one wants to take a heavy, bulky Programmers laptop.
And since most programmers have external monitors to compensate for their small screens, 15-inch laptops have a clear advantage over 17-inch ones. Also, most programming languages don’t require the highest specs of a gaming laptop.
Along with the screen size, there are a few other things to consider when buying a laptop for programming. Let’s see this.
How to choose a laptop for programming?
Choosing a good laptop for a specific purpose can make things even more complicated. If you choose a computer with programming in mind, you need a powerful CPU, a significant amount of RAM, and a fast solid-state drive (SSD). However, for the best experience, a proper screen and keyboard are also important.
How much RAM do you need for programming?
A laptop’s RAM capacity is significant for programming. This is especially true when dealing with larger projects or running multiple programs simultaneously. 8 GB of RAM is essential for most programming needs, but 16 GB is usually a superior configuration.
More intensive programming tasks such as game development and machine/AI learning may require a minimum of 16 GB to an additional 32 GB. Working on programming on 4GB of RAM isn’t a problem, especially for light coding, web development, or hobbyists.
However, be aware that if you deal with memory-intensive IDEs, emulators, or virtual machines, there is a noticeable impact on performance and compilation speed.
SSD or HDD?
Choosing the correct hard drive for your device is much simpler. A decent SSD can dramatically improve your workflow. With an SSD, everything from booting a device to compiling code is much faster.
The amount of storage you need depends entirely on the size and scope of your project. A reasonable starting point is 256GB, which provides ample space for your assets, operating system, and personal files.
Most laptops with SSDs can be easily upgraded if you need more storage space. If not, many great external HDD and SSD options are also available.
Which CPU is best for programming?
Your laptop’s CPU is significant for compiling projects quickly and keeping multiple applications running smoothly and efficiently. If there’s one component to omit when deciding on your next machine, it’s not the CPU.
You’ll want to choose a laptop with at least a quad-core CPU and the highest possible clock speeds within your budget for most programming needs.
There is debate about which laptop CPU is the best, and each CPU has unique strengths. Aside from device understanding AI programming, the Intel Core i5/Core i7, AMD Ryzen 7, and Apple M1 chip families can handle most programming tasks.
Full HD or 4K?
Your laptop’s display may not seem important to remember when looking for a new device to program, but don’t underestimate its impact. Screen space is significant when juggling multiple windows or supervising larger chunks of code. Most 15-inch screens are good enough for programming, but looking for a 17-inch larger screen isn’t bad.
The FHD 1080p panel delivers sufficient screen space and clear, easy-to-read text. 4K panels offer more excellent resolution and potentially more screen space. However, 4K panels cost more and drain the laptop battery much faster.
Conclusion
All in all, a 15-inch laptop is a good choice for most people, but some may prefer a larger screen size than a 17-inch laptop. 15-inch screen laptops are cheaper than 17-inch laptops, while 17-inch laptops have a larger screen size, allowing programmers to view the code simultaneously. So choose the one that suits your need.
If you are a student with little budget to buy a new laptop you should check our post: best budget Laptop for programming student.
