What Laptop Features Do Programmers Need Most?

Laptops for Programming: Top Features to Consider

(toc)

Having the right laptop can make all the difference in your productivity as a software engineer. But with the sheer number of options out there, how do you find the laptop of your coding dreams? 

 

Don’t sweat it because today on MykeEducate, we’ll go over the top 7 features to look for in a programming laptop in 2025.

Display

As a developer, it’s crucial to consider the screen resolution of your laptop to ensure optimal readability of your code and that the display is easy on your eyes. So, what should you look for in a laptop's display?

First, you want to ensure it has a high resolution, ideally 1080p or higher. This will give you a sharp, crisp image to read your code without straining your eyes. A 13-inch laptop is the minimum for coding, but a 15-inch laptop would provide more space and be more comfortable to work on. You won’t feel like you desperately need an additional monitor.

If your laptop comes with a 4K UHD screen, that would be the best. If you are constantly near a power outlet, it is a great trade-off even if it will cost you a lot more and shorten battery life. Additionally, look for a display with an anti-glare coating to reduce eye strain, because you know it: you’ll be staring at your screen for long hours for many years.

Keyboard

As a fellow developer, I know how much time we spend typing away on our laptop keyboards. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a laptop with a keyboard that is both comfortable and efficient for our work.

Here are the essential keyboard features to consider when buying a laptop:

• Key Travel: The distance that keys travel when pressed. To prevent finger strain and provide tactile feedback, look for a laptop with sufficient key travel.
• Key Layout: A standard key layout that feels comfortable for you to use is important. Non-standard key layouts, such as crammed keys, can make typing more challenging.
• Backlighting: Backlit keyboards can be a lifesaver when working in low-light environments. Look for a laptop with adjustable backlighting so you can customize the brightness and color of the keys.
• Build Quality: A high-quality laptop keyboard should be durable and able to handle frequent use. Look for a laptop with a sturdy keyboard that uses quality materials. For external keyboards, be mindful of switch types and keycaps. Test them out before choosing to ensure the best fit for your typing needs.

Battery Life

Let’s face it: programming can be time-consuming, and it’s not uncommon to spend hours upon hours working on a single project. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a laptop that dies halfway through your work.

If you frequently work on the go or in locations where power outlets are scarce, look for a laptop with a battery life of at least 8 to 10 hours. This will give you plenty of time to work without worrying about your laptop dying. On the other hand, if you primarily work in locations with easy access to power outlets, you can get by with a laptop with a shorter battery life. In this case, a laptop with four to six hours of battery life might be sufficient.

Storage

As a programmer, a laptop with insufficient storage can slow down your workflow. Even worse, it can lead to data loss if your hard drive gets full. Traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) are cheaper and have larger storage capacities but are slower than solid-state drives (SSDs). SSDs are faster and more durable but typically more expensive and have smaller storage capacities.

If speed is a priority for you, go for an SSD. The amount of storage you need depends on your individual needs, but as a general rule of thumb, you should aim for at least 256GB of storage. This will give you enough space for your operating system, development environment, and basic files. For heavier needs, you can get a larger-capacity drive.

Operating System

The operating system brings a whole new difference in coding. Knowing what sort of work you’ll be doing on your system and what OS is needed to support it is essential. If you’re developing software for Mac systems, it’s pretty clear that you’ll want to work on macOS. Conversely, if you need Windows, you’ll want to stick to laptops running Windows 11 at least. And if you’re a Linux enthusiast, you can practically install it on any device. Alternatively, configure a multi-boot setup that enables you to run Windows and Linux or Linux and macOS on the same system.

RAM

As said more RAM, better performance. This is especially true for developers, as you’ll need enough memory to support memory-intensive tasks like running virtual machines or emulators. Running them all simultaneously can take a toll on your laptop. At a minimum, look for laptops with 8GB of RAM. If your budget is enough, go for 16GB or even 32GB. This way, you’ll be able to work on multiple coding projects simultaneously without experiencing any performance lag.

7. Processor

When considering a laptop for programming, the processing speed of the computer’s processor is a critical factor. You want a laptop that can handle the demands of compiling and running code without slowing down or freezing. Look for a processor with a high clock speed, multiple cores, and a good cache size.

For this reason, we recommend laptops with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. These processors are powerful enough to handle most programming tasks without breaking the bank. If your budget allows, consider a laptop with an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor for even more processing power. Examples include the Acer Swift 3, Dell XPS 13, or MacBook Pro 16.

By hitting all these features, you’ll be set for the next three to five years—and possibly more if you take good care of your device.