Top 10 Laptops for Learning Python

Do you want to learn Python? Great decision! But you need the right equipment for it. In this article, I am going to show you a variety of laptops for learning Python, from budget ones to high-performance machines designed for professional use. Here is my list of the best laptops for learning Python.

Looking for the right laptop for learning Python can give you a headache. There are so many different models with various specifications and details; it is difficult to choose the one that is right for you.

When you browse through deals on Amazon, you notice laptops differ in price. It reflects several things like brand, quality of workmanship, and durability.

In this article, I will help you with the choice. I will show you what to look for in a perfect laptop for your needs and which elements are the most important for learning and working with Python. You want a machine for developing your applications. After all, that's what you learn Python for, right?

The laptop is now also an entertainment center. Between the hours of learning Python, it’s fun to play a video game or watch something on Netflix. Maybe you want to retouch photos from the holidays or edit a clip for your YouTube channel. I will help you find a suitable laptop that will meet your expectations and help you achieve your goals.

Some professional programmers tell you to buy a professional workstation instead of a laptop. That’s like if you were to start learning to play the guitar and immediately bought a Gibson Les Paul Supreme signed by Slash. It would be an overkill. My guess is that when you choose a laptop for Python, you are guided by its specs, but you also have a limited budget.

After all, you're just getting started with Python. For big expenses, wait until you start earning with your new skills.

You also care about mobility and the ability to work anywhere. It's hard to travel with a giant box and cables.

So, a laptop it is. What features are important for learning Python?

Learning Python? Check Out These Laptop Features

Display

The screen is the first thing we look at when opening the laptop. Here, size really matters! Try writing a few hours of code on a small screen (under 14 inches) and you'll know what I mean.

When choosing your laptop, opt for a screen not smaller than 14 inches and with a resolution not lower than Full HD (1920x1080). Also, choose a matte display. It is much better in the sun; you want to be able to use your laptop while sitting by the window or on a park bench.

CPU and RAM

Sophisticated Python code and the applications you build later require a solid CPU. It's the heart of the computer after all.

I recommend Intel i5 and i7 processors, especially 8th, 9th or 10th generation. I9 is rarely found in laptops; it's just too expensive. The weaker i3 is not worth considering, especially since it is not much cheaper. Alternatives are the CPUs from AMD (Ryzen 5 and 7).

What about the RAM? I’d say 8GB is the absolute minimum. I know people who work with 4GB of RAM, but it's like peeling a coconut with a teaspoon. It can be done, but it's annoying. If you can afford it, get 16GB.

Graphics Card

Do you need a graphics card to code and learn Python? Well, the one integrated with the CPU is enough. However, if you want to use the laptop also for games and photo processing, you should choose dedicated graphics cards.

I have been using NVIDIA cards in my computers for years – GeForce and Quadro (for video processing). There are great AMD cards on the market. These are all very similar to each other when it comes to performance.

Battery Life

You decide to buy a laptop and not a desktop computer because you want to be mobile. In the era of remote work, you can write code and learn Python from anywhere. You can't always connect the charger, so pay attention to the battery capacity. It's very simple here – the bigger the better.

Storage

SSD drives have been the standard for data storage for several years. However, there are a few options here.

Older laptops may have SSD drives connected via the SATA interface. Newer ones are usually equipped with modern M.2 disks with an NVMe interface. There are no major differences in basic applications, but with large files, you do experience a significant improvement in data transfer.

An M.2 SSD (connector on the motherboard) with a capacity of 240 or 512GB is enough for learning Python. You can easily fit the operating system and all the necessary programs in it.

If you're running out of space, you can always buy an external drive for your data and stuff.

Keyboard

You may not think so, but the humble keyboard is a very important element. You'll be typing a lot, so the buttons must work without problems and the whole process should not be tiring. Your hands should lie naturally on the keyboard.

Operating System

This depends on what you want to do. Some people cannot imagine working on anything other than Windows. Many professional developers, however, choose Linux distributions. They are open source and easy to modify.

If you want to start working with Linux, try the Ubuntu distribution – it’s the most popular. You can download and run it in Live mode if you’re not ready to make a full switch; you won't need to install anything. See if you can leave Microsoft and join the rebellion.

If you choose a Mac, you'll work on OS X. More and more people are using the OS from Google, Chrome OS. You'll find it in one of the laptops on my list. It's very simple, and you don't think of it for professional programming. However, it is good enough for learning Python.

Which Laptop to Choose for Learning Python

Below are my laptop suggestions for anyone learning Python. They’re based on my personal experience and insights. I want you to see real product prices, so I’ve included links to Amazon in the title.

1.   Google Pixelbook Go

This is the equipment for the less demanding. If you just need something that allows you to browse the Internet, write, or watch YouTube – this is for you.

It is an ultra-mobile machine. The screen size is only 13.3”, but it is a well-working touchscreen. The battery can last up to 12 hours of work without recharging. You can learn Python anywhere. The computer is light and very well made for the price.

Inside, you find Intel Core m3 CPUs specially designed for these machines. For several dozen dollars more, you can have a full-fledged i5 or even i7 (but why in a laptop?). You can have 8GB or 16GB of RAM.

The laptop runs on Chrome OS. This is Google's software, in development for ten years, which in theory is to give the user everything he/she needs – unless, of course, he/she has big needs. It's a really powerful browser.

That's enough to start. After all, you don’t start by writing pages of code for a huge application on the first day. You start with an interactive Python web course.

Not sure which one to choose? I recommend this one: Learn Programming with Python. It contains a lot of useful knowledge and even more hands-on exercises. You will be programming online with the platform; you don't need to install or set up anything else. It’s perfect for someone with no experience.

PRICE: $540-1,399 (depending on the configuration).

2.   ASUS VivoBook

I have to admit I’ve been a fan of ASUS for years. The company has a reputation for making great computers and components, and the ASUS VivoBook 15.6’’ is one of them.

This laptop is based on the solutions from AMD. There’s an AMD Ryzen 7 processor paired with an integrated Radeon Vega 10 graphics system. This is an interesting alternative to the Intel cards.

The screen is 17.3 inches, which provides a pleasant viewing experience when writing Python code. Add to this the 8GB of RAM, a super-fast, new 512GB SSD, and good-quality finishing elements, and it’s quite a package. If you're an AMD fan, don't hesitate; this is for you. Even if you’re not, consider it anyway because it really is a decent laptop for the money.

PRICE: $500-1,000 (depending on the configuration).

3.   HP 15s-eq0017nw

This is an interesting offering from Hewlett Packard. It has a nice 15.6’’ IPS Full HD display. It has a brilliant keyboard. You have to get used to it at first, but then it’s great. It's a real big plus for this model.

This particular laptop has a new Intel i5-1035G1 processor and 8GB of RAM. Added to this is a 256GB SSD and integrated graphics. According to HP’s engineers, it has an exceptionally good set of microphones (yes, there are two); teleconferences and brainstorming on Zoom or Google Meet will be an even better experience. That’s always a plus.

PRICE: $550-790 (depending on the configuration).

4.   Lenovo ThinkPad E15

This series of laptops is already a legend. It has been on the market since 1992 and is not going anywhere. What's more, it still looks quite similar to the first model, but ThinkPad lovers do not mind.

In the past, ThinkPad, especially when it was still part of IBM, was associated with IT professionals. Today, they are Lenovo laptops, but still brilliant machines. I must admit, I love how they are made and how they look, especially next to an Apple or an HP. I'm a nerd and I'm not ashamed of it.

But let's go back to the specs. Here, I would choose one with the 11th gen i5 CPU, a 15.6-inch FHD (1920x1080) IPS display, 16GB of RAM, and a huge 1TB super-fast M.2 SSD drive.

PRICE: $1,000-1,400 (depending on the configuration).

5.   Apple MacBook Pro

My list would not be complete without an Apple laptop. The engineers from Cupertino did a great job. I must admit I am not a fan of the MacBook, but the latest performance tests of these devices are real – it is brilliant.

The main reason is the brand-new Apple M1 processor and the dedicated M1 graphics card. This is a completely proprietary Apple design. Plus, you get tons of RAM and a super-fast, one-terabyte SSD with a PCIe interface.

MacBooks are beautiful and have a great Retina display that is far ahead of the display quality of the other laptops in this comparison. It is no coincidence that it is often a work tool for graphic designers and video editors.

The only major downside: the price!

PRICE: $1,300-3,500 (depending on the configuration).

*A little hint: previous versions of the MacBook Pro are still available at much cheaper prices.

6.   MSI GS75 Stealth

As Monty Python used to say, “... and now for something completely different!” No more business moderation and calm design. Here's something for people who like to play games – and very much so!

The new MSI GS75 is a performance monster. There’s an Intel Core i7-11800H eight-core processor. The image from the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 16GB GDDR6 graphics card is displayed on a brilliant 17.3” FHD display that dazzles the eyes. It has a 2TB NVMe SSD and 64GB of RAM with an extremely fast DDR4 at 3200MHz.

This is no joke. You can do almost anything on this thing. Of course, you have to pay a lot. Can you afford it? Then have fun. Just remember to learn Python between the new Halo and The Witcher.

PRICE: About $3,500

Next Steps for Learning Python

These are the top laptop models I recommend if you want to take Python more seriously. The choice of the specific model is up to you. However, remember the learning process is more important than equipment.

At LearnPython.com, you need nothing more than a web browser. You don't need to install or set up anything. Just log in and start any Python course immediately.

For rookies, I recommend the Python Basics track, a great set of Python courses that introduces you to the world of programming. And what’s next? Maybe you should consider our All Forever plan? Get lifetime access to all our present and future Python courses.

Why wait any longer? Start learning today!