10 Best Cheap Laptops For Programming (2024 Update)

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As a programmer, you might be looking for a laptop that can handle your coding needs without breaking the bank. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the right laptop that fits your budget and requirements. In this article, we'll provide you with five key points to keep in mind when searching for cheap laptops for programming.

Firstly, it's important to consider the processor. A laptop with a powerful processor will enable you to run multiple applications and programs simultaneously, making your coding experience smoother. Secondly, the amount of RAM is crucial for multitasking and running heavy applications. Therefore, look for a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM.

Thirdly, the storage capacity of a laptop is also important. A laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) will provide faster boot times and application loading times compared to a traditional hard drive. Fourthly, the display size and resolution should be considered, as it affects your coding experience. A larger display will provide more workspace and higher resolution will enable you to view more lines of code at once.

Lastly, battery life should be considered, especially if you plan to work on-the-go. A laptop with a longer battery life will ensure you can code for longer periods without needing to find a power outlet. By keeping these five key points in mind, you can narrow down your search for a cheap laptop for programming that meets your needs and budget.

10 Best Cheap Laptops For Programming

1. Elecrow Raspberry Pi Laptop, Crowpi2 Programming Sensor Kit For Raspberry Pi 4 – Advanced Kit – Gray

The ELECROW Raspberry Pi Laptop, Crowpi2 Programming Sensor Kit for Raspberry Pi 4 – Advanced Kit – Gray is an all-in-one kit for learning advanced programming skills with Raspberry Pi 4B. It is compact and well-designed, making it easy to carry around in a laptop bag.

The kit includes a Raspberry Pi 4B 4GB, which can be used as a small personal computer for learning or advancing programming skills. The kit also includes 22 kinds of sensors and modules, making it a great choice for computer labs and classes that want to control a clean environment.

The Crowpi2 advanced kit includes 76 lessons and 20 creative projects that teach users how to start coding. In addition, there are face recognition and speech recognition lessons that teach users how to build AI projects. Minecraft lessons and 18 small games are also included for users to explore.

While the kit can also be used with Raspberry Pi 3, Raspberry Pi 3b, or Raspberry Pi 3 b+, the manufacturer recommends using Raspberry Pi 4B for optimal performance.

The Raspberry Pi Laptop is exceptionally well-planned, designed, and manufactured. Its build quality is excellent, making it a durable and reliable choice for learning and programming.

The manufacturer also offers comprehensive after-sales service. If users have any technical questions or product suggestions, they can contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Overall, the ELECROW Raspberry Pi Laptop, Crowpi2 Programming Sensor Kit for Raspberry Pi 4 – Advanced Kit – Gray is a great choice for those who want to learn advanced programming skills with Raspberry Pi 4B. Its all-in-one design and comprehensive lessons make it a convenient and effective learning tool.

2. Lenovo's 2022 Ideapad 3 Laptop Features A 15.6" Hd Touchscreen, 11th Gen Intel Core I3-1115g4 Processor, 8gb Ddr4 Ram, 256gb Pcie Nvme Ssd, Hdmi, Webcam, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, And Windows 11 Home In Almond.

Lenovo has released its newest Ideapad 3 Laptop model for 2022, featuring a 15.6" HD Touchscreen display and an 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor. With 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, this laptop is designed to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once, while allowing for fast bootup and data transfer.

The 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Dual-Core 3.0GHz Processor, with 6MB Intel Smart Cache, can reach up to 4.10GHz, providing powerful performance for various tasks. The laptop is also equipped with Intel UHD Graphics, ensuring smooth visuals and seamless multitasking.

The 15.6" HD Touchscreen display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 allows for a clear and immersive viewing experience. Users can interact with the screen by touching it for a more intuitive and efficient operation.

The laptop includes a range of ports such as 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, and 1 x Combination Audio Jack, enabling users to connect different devices and peripherals. The laptop also features a multi-format SD Media Card Reader and Wireless-AC Wi-Fi 5 + Bluetooth Combo for easy and seamless connectivity.

The laptop comes with Windows 11 Home as the operating system, providing a user-friendly interface and a range of features to enhance productivity and entertainment. The laptop's sleek and stylish design in Almond color adds a touch of elegance, making it a perfect choice for both work and entertainment.

In summary, the Lenovo 2022 Newest Ideapad 3 Laptop offers a powerful and efficient performance with its 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD. Its 15.6" HD Touchscreen display, multiple ports, and connectivity options make it a versatile choice for different tasks and activities. The laptop's Windows 11 Home operating system and sleek design add to its appeal, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and stylish laptop.

3. Havit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard With Red Switches And Number Pad – 89 Keys, Compact And Wired For Pc/laptop (Black)

The Havit Mechanical Keyboard is a wired compact keyboard that is perfect for both office typing and gaming. This keyboard has 89 keys, including a number pad, which can be locked and unlocked by pressing Fn+Backspace. The numpad lights up only when it's unlocked, while the rest of the keys don't have lighting.

Constructed from unique and high-quality durable PBT keycaps, the Havit mechanical keyboard has an excellent touch experience and long serving time. The colorful keycaps can bring a more pleasant mood during games or work, decorate your space and enhance your life.

The keyboard features Red Switches, which are perfect for different needs. It frees up your desk during work, and after working sessions, you can enjoy the keyboard for gaming, or bring it with you as the size is compact and easy to carry out.

The design of this mechanical gaming keyboard is based on ergonomics. The two keyboard kickstands provide a comfortable angle for typing and effectively reduce the burden on the wrist.

This 89 key mechanical keyboard is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows VISTA, and other systems. However, for Mac OS and Chrome OS systems, the Num Lock function is not available. Therefore, the number pad is unable to be locked and will stay on.

Overall, the Havit Mechanical Keyboard is a great choice for those who are looking for a compact keyboard with a number pad. Its red switches, colorful PBT keycaps, and ergonomic design make it a versatile and comfortable option for both work and play.

4. Acer Predator Helios 300 – Intel I7, Rtx 3060, 15.6" Fhd 144hz, 16gb Ddr4, 512gb Ssd, Killer Wifi 6, Rgb Keyboard.

The Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S Gaming Laptop is a high-performance device that is designed to help gamers crush the competition. With an 11th Generation Intel Core i7-11800H processor, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, this laptop is capable of dividing and conquering any task or running even the most intensive games with ease.

The laptop also features the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB dedicated GDDR6 VRAM) powered by award-winning Ampere architecture, with new Ray Tracing Cores, Tensor Cores, and streaming multiprocessors supporting DirectX 12 Ultimate for ultimate gaming performance. The device's 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS LED-backlit display with 16:9 aspect ratio also boasts an incredibly fast 144Hz refresh rate and 3ms Overdrive response time, providing gamers with the best visual experiences possible.

Internally, the Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S Gaming Laptop has 16GB DDR4 3200MHz memory (2 DDR4 Slots Total, Maximum 32GB), and a 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD (2 x PCIe M.2 Slots/1 x 2.5" Hard Drive Bay Available). Intel Killer DoubleShot Pro with Ethernet E2600 and Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i lets users use Wi-Fi and Ethernet at the same time, and have total control over priority traffic to maximize speed, throughput, and control.

The laptop also features a 5th Generation AeroBlade Fan with 89 blades designed to increase air intake and keep the system at a nice, cool temperature. This allows users to maximize their performance by reducing throttling for better sustained performance.

With Alexa Show Mode, users can use their PC as a full-screen interactive experience that features rich visuals and lets them talk to Alexa from across the room. Additionally, DTS:X Ultra enhances favorite games, movies, and music with high-end surround sound through the dual speakers, providing an authentic audio experience when users use their favorite headphones.

The Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S Gaming Laptop also features ports for all accessories, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (Thunderbolt 4 and USB Charging), 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Power-off Charging), HDMI 2.1 with HDCP support, Mini DisplayPort 1.4, Headphone/Speaker/Line-out Jack, Ethernet (RJ-45), and DC-in for AC Adapter.

Measuring 14.31" W x 10.04" D x 0.90" H and weighing 5.07 lbs, the Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S Gaming Laptop is the right fit for gamers who need a high-performance device that is portable and easy to carry. The device comes with a One-Year International Travelers Limited Warranty (ITW) and has up to 6 hours Lithium-Ion Battery Life (Battery life was tested using video playback).

In conclusion, the Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S Gaming Laptop is the perfect device for gamers who demand the best performance and visual experiences possible. With its powerful processor, impressive graphics card, and fast display, this laptop is sure to provide gamers with an immersive gaming experience.

5. Codakid Roblox Coding For Kids With Online Mentoring, Ages 9+, Learn Lua And Video Game Programming (Pc & Mac)

CodaKid Roblox Coding is an award-winning educational software that teaches kids aged 9 and above the basics of computer programming and code fun games using Lua and video game programming software for PC and Mac. With over 100 hours of interactive student projects, CodaKid's Roblox Lua coding software is designed to engage and educate children, helping them become creators in their own right.

The software is designed to teach real Lua coding and video game design using the Roblox Studio game creation engine. Bite-sized lessons that take only 8 to 10 minutes fit into the busy schedule of kids. CodaKid's approach to learning Lua coding is fun, easy, and engaging, and students learn transferable skills that can help them with college applications, future careers, and life in general.

The box contains a registration card that provides 12 months of platform access with unlimited live mentor assistance and round-the-clock support. This makes it an ideal choice for young Lua programming students aged 8 and above. With 19 modules and counting, plus 53 quests and 161 challenges, CodaKid's Roblox coding for kids course provides clear progression and a rewarding experience for learning coding, creativity, and logic skills.

CodaKid's Roblox coding software is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for kids to navigate and understand. The software is designed to teach kids the basics of coding in a fun and engaging way, providing them with a solid foundation to build on. Through this program, kids learn how to design their own video games and develop real-world skills through hands-on experience.

In conclusion, CodaKid Roblox Coding is an award-winning educational software that provides kids with the tools they need to become creators in their own right. With its user-friendly interface, engaging bite-sized lessons, and unlimited live mentor assistance and support, CodaKid's Roblox coding software is an excellent choice for parents looking to help their kids learn to code and develop real-world skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

6. Elecrow Crowpi2 Raspberry Pi Learning Kit With Sensors – Basic (Rpi Not Included) – Gray.

The ELECROW Raspberry Pi Laptop, Crowpi2 Raspberry Pi 4 Programming Learning Kit with Sensors – Basic Kit (RPI Not Included)- Gray is an excellent tool for individuals who want to learn programming. The kit comes with 76 lessons and 20 creative projects that teach programming skills, including face recognition and speech recognition lessons that help build AI projects. Furthermore, it includes Minecraft lessons and 18 small games for exploration.

The Crowpi2 Raspberry Pi 4 Programming Learning Kit is designed for those who want to learn programming in a fun and interactive way. It is an all-in-one board kit that includes 22 kinds of sensors and modules. This feature makes it ideal for computer labs or classes that require a clean environment.

The Raspberry Pi Laptop is exceptionally well-planned, designed, and manufactured. It is compact enough to fit in a laptop bag and can be taken anywhere. The kit is compatible with Raspberry Pi 3, Raspberry Pi 3b, and Raspberry Pi 3 b+. However, the Raspberry Pi 4B is recommended for optimal performance.

The Comprehensive After-Sales Service is available to assist with any technical questions or product suggestions. The team is committed to resolving all issues and ensuring customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, the ELECROW Raspberry Pi Laptop, Crowpi2 Raspberry Pi 4 Programming Learning Kit with Sensors – Basic Kit (RPI Not Included)- Gray is an excellent tool for anyone interested in learning programming. With comprehensive lessons and creative projects, users can gain valuable skills in a fun and interactive manner. The all-in-one board kit is designed for optimal performance, and the product's build quality is exceptional. Additionally, the after-sales service ensures that customers receive the support they need to fully utilize the product.

7. Lenovo Legion 17" Gaming Laptop Bag With Double-Layered Protection And Dedicated Storage, Black.

The Lenovo Legion 17" Armored Backpack II is the ultimate gaming laptop bag that offers a double-layered protection system and dedicated storage pockets. It is designed to fit gaming laptops up to 17.3 inches in size and has perfectly placed pockets to provide quick access to your tools when you need them.

The backpack is built with unbeatable durability in mind, featuring an ultra-tough, high-density EVA molded front shield that is lined with water-resistant PU fabric. This ensures that your favorite gear is protected from bumps, scratches, and the elements, making it ideal for gamers who are always on the go.

Comfort is also a top priority for the Lenovo Legion 17" Armored Backpack II. It comes equipped with back padding, ventilation, and adjustable shoulder and chest straps that provide comfort that never quits. You can wear it for hours on end without feeling any discomfort or strain on your back or shoulders.

Sleek style is another aspect of the Lenovo Legion 17" Armored Backpack II that sets it apart from other gaming laptop bags. With its neat and sleek design, it beautifully combines gaming performance with style that fits any situation. You can take it with you to your next LAN party or use it as your everyday backpack, and it will look great wherever you go.

The backpack also has dedicated gear storage pockets that are designed to hold your keyboard and palm rest, mouse, headphones, water bottle, and more. This ensures that your gaming accessories are always within reach and organized for easy access.

In conclusion, the Lenovo Legion 17" Armored Backpack II is the perfect gaming laptop bag for gamers who are always on the move. With its double-layered protection system, dedicated storage pockets, unbeatable durability, and sleek style, it is the ultimate backpack for anyone who wants to take their gaming gear with them wherever they go.

Best Cheap Laptops For Programming FAQs

Are there any affordable laptops that are suitable for programming and coding tasks?

Yes, there are several affordable laptops that are suitable for programming and coding tasks. Some of the best options include the Acer Aspire E 15, Lenovo Ideapad 330S, HP Pavilion 15, and Dell Inspiron 15 5000. These laptops are equipped with powerful processors, ample RAM, and dedicated graphics cards that can handle complex coding tasks.

When choosing a laptop for programming, it is essential to look for features like a comfortable keyboard, high-resolution display, long battery life, and sufficient storage space. Additionally, it is crucial to consider the operating system as some programming languages work better on specific platforms.

Overall, a good programming laptop should be fast, reliable, and offer excellent performance without breaking the bank. With the right research, it is possible to find an affordable laptop that meets all the requirements for programming and coding tasks.

Are there any reliable brands that offer affordable laptops for programming and software development?

Yes, there are several reliable brands that offer affordable laptops for programming and software development. Some of these include:

1. Lenovo: Lenovo laptops are known for their high performance and durability, and they offer a variety of models that are suitable for programming and software development. Their ThinkPad line is particularly popular among developers.

2. Acer: Acer offers a range of laptops that are designed for programming and software development, including the Aspire and Swift series. These laptops are affordable and offer good performance for their price.

3. Dell: Dell is another well-known brand that offers affordable laptops for programming and software development. Their XPS and Inspiron series are popular among developers.

4. HP: HP also offers a range of laptops that are suitable for programming and software development. Their ProBook and EliteBook series are particularly popular among professionals.

Overall, when looking for an affordable laptop for programming and software development, it's important to consider factors such as processing power, memory, and storage capacity, as well as the brand's reputation for reliability and durability.

Can I find a budget-friendly laptop that can handle programming languages like Python, Java, and C++?

Yes, you can find a budget-friendly laptop that can handle programming languages like Python, Java, and C++. Look for laptops with a minimum of 8GB RAM and an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. The laptop should also have a dedicated graphics card, although an integrated graphics card can also work.

Some good options include the Acer Aspire 5, Lenovo IdeaPad 3, HP Pavilion x360, and Dell Inspiron 15 3000. These laptops all come with reasonable prices and specifications that can handle programming tasks.

However, it's important to note that if you plan on working with large datasets or running complex algorithms, you may need a more powerful laptop. But for basic programming tasks, any of the above-mentioned laptops should suffice.

What are the best cheap laptops for programming that offer good performance and specifications?

I can provide an answer to your question. When it comes to programming, a laptop with a good processor, RAM, and storage is essential. The Acer Aspire 5 is a good budget option with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. Another option is the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 with an AMD Ryzen 5 Processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. Both of these laptops offer good performance for programming tasks without breaking the bank. If you are willing to spend a little more, the Dell XPS 13 is a popular choice among programmers with its 11th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. Ultimately, the best laptop for programming depends on your budget and specific needs, but these options offer good performance and specifications for their price range.

What are the essential features to look for when buying a low-cost laptop for programming purposes?

When buying a low-cost laptop for programming purposes, there are some essential features to consider. Firstly, the laptop should have a powerful processor such as an Intel Core i5 or i7, which is necessary for running programming software. Secondly, it should have a minimum of 8GB RAM to ensure smooth multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. Additionally, the laptop should have a decent battery life, as programmers may often work on the go. A Full HD display and a comfortable keyboard are also important for long hours of coding. A laptop with a dedicated graphics card is not necessary for programming but may be useful if the programmer intends to do some gaming or video editing. Finally, ensure that the laptop has enough storage, either in the form of a large hard drive or a faster solid-state drive (SSD). Considering these features will help you make an informed decision when buying a budget laptop for programming.

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