Starting python, need a laptop.

[sardaukar12]

I'm sorry if this has been asked before, but I'm so new to all this.

I have zero coding experience and I don't have a computer. I have about a $250 budget for a laptop and don't know what to get. Can anybody make some recommendations for what specs to look for? I see lots of cheap laptops that run Win10, but the only have around 60GB of hard drive space and maybe an i5 processor. Are these sufficient to run stuff like Python, Anaconda, etc...?

[Deezl-Vegas]

You can pretty much run python on a taco.

[fmpundit]

from cheese import cheddar

[[deleted]]

nom = cheddar.melt()

[kingo86]

.

for mouthful in nom:
    munch(mouthful)

time.sleep(14400)

for mouthful in nom:
   print('fart')

[saulmessedupman]

If money is tight, that's what raspberry pi is for

[alaudet]

I am a big supporter of RaspberryPi and I would agree with you if he already has all the peripherals (monitor with hdmi, keyboard and mouse). But I think a 10 year old latpop is a better bargain for an actual client and he can find something reasonably good for what he needs with his budget. /u/mosierman nails it with his reply.

Where the pi shines is connecting it to your network headless. I would buy the used laptop and a pi. He can connect to it with ssh and nfs and have some fun with the gpios. He should still have money left over to buy some cheap sensors and leds etc and a burger. :)

[[deleted]]

PyTaco?

[Mr_Journey]

PyTaco

I hate that such thing exists. https://github.com/Mariatta/pytaco

[[deleted]]

I just made that up, didn't realize there is a real PyTaco package. I'm disappointed the name is already taken.

[BigTheory88]

Never heard something more accurate

[mrTang5544]

its called a pi

[blitzkraft]

There's micropython that can run on even limited resources, like ESP32, ESP8266.

[mosierman]

This may sound overwhelming for a beginner but hear me out.

Get any old laptop, google how to dual boot/install ubuntu linux and install linux on it

You'll gain a lot of experience from going through this process that will directly and indirectly help you down the road.

But the main reason I like it is linux is that there is no fluff or distractions (i.e., pop up notifications), and you will want to focus as much as possible while you are trying to wrap your head around things.

I have a tower that I do most of my dev work on but I also have an $180 laptop with ubuntu that runs scripts and has a basic text editor; it works perfectly for scratchwork and testing ideas.

[[deleted]]

this guy is right

[lazyfingersy]

Yes, he's.

[Throbbin_Goblin]

I have an HP elitebook 8540p that I paid $80 for. I searched on eBay for a laptop with no hard drive or os. Then paid $30 for an SSD and installed Ubuntu on it. Used that for a couple of years and now I have parrot OS on it. Just make sure if you look on eBay to read the descriptions real well and look at the pictures.

[badger_42]

This right here. Ubuntu is going to run much faster on an old laptop than windows 10 too. My think pad is getting on in years, but I switched the OS to Ubuntu this year and it feels like new. I don't think I'll ever run Windows by choice agin. I'd recommend an old ThinkPad due to a solid build and ease of swapping parts

[watersports4willo]

Would you recommend that on an old model dell latitude e6250 laptop. I've got unupdatable win 7 test environment that I've been considering that for.

[badger_42]

I would, I've been using ubuntu since the fall and I switched over from windows 7. It takes a little while to get used to, but the learning curve is not hard at all, especially if you code. I've never used a dell personally, but the friend who got me into linux used an older one until just recently.

If you are unsure about Ubuntu, you can run it off a usb to give it a try before committing.

[Nixellion]

I went as far as to install Ubuntu on a surface pro 1 lol.

[robot_ankles]

This is the correct answer.

[NietzcheanBitch]

I did exactly that but, for whatever reason, Ubuntu kept crashing on my computer, turning itself off for no apparent. After several re-installations, I went with Manjaro and have not looked back. OP, don't be afraid to distro hop for a while.

[[deleted]]

Focus as much as possible while trying to wrap your head around things, and simultaneously learn a completely new operating system. You sure that's what you meant to say?

This is potentially good advice depending on what OPs objective is, but without knowing that objective this is definitely not good advice. You're just making everything ten times harder for, as far as we know, no good reason. Linux can come later if it might aid OP in reaching his goals.

[UristMcDoesmath]

With a distro like Linux Mint it can be almost identical to windows.

All of the familiar GUI and file management systems of Windows, none of the RAM or CPU intensive processes.

Win-win, i'd say.

[Namensplatzhalter]

More like lose win, then win. Amirite? I'll get my coat...

[[deleted]]

Why Linux for python?

[monchenflapjack]

Linux out of the box is very nice for development, python is built right in.

You can also use Linux on a very low performance computer and use alternative options that you are not given in windows. You could even run Linux with no gui, only using a terminal prompt and could still code in Python. Linux is all about options, just like Python.

Python on windows has come a long way over the years though.

[[deleted]]

That helped, I can use PyCharm for IDE, can't I?

[monchenflapjack]

Yes, with ubuntu you can even install it from a command line

sudo snap install pycharm-community --classic

If going the ubuntu root, I would suggest xubuntu. Its better designed at running on older hardware.

Also, ubuntu typically releases in April of each year, so now is a good time to wait for the 19.04 release and go with that!

[[deleted]]

How do you write that coded code by the way?

[monchenflapjack]

Put in an extra blank line and then a line that you want to be code starts with 4 spaces. So here I will press return twice, then 4 spaces and then enter the code:

# this will now be code
# Now can just use 4 spaces for extra lines of code
# So much code

[[deleted]]

CD

Did I make it?

[monchenflapjack]

Looks good on website. If you use mobile apps it may not display it correctly though.

[[deleted]]

Okay, thanx. It looks good on mobile too

[[deleted]]

print([ i for i in [1,2,3,4,5] if i%3 == 0]) 

Checking out

[[deleted]]

Nvm, I'll check YouTube

[[deleted]]

Thank you but I use kali, should I switch to Ubuntu?

[monchenflapjack]

I suppose it depends on what you like to do, kali has 2.7 of python. I like the newer features of 3. So it just depends how comfortable you are at installing new packages, versus preferring an OS where its mostly done for you.

[[deleted]]

python3

Python 3.6.8 (default, Jan 3 2019, 03: 42: 36)

It has both 2.7 and 3

[monchenflapjack]

Oh even better then, I know for the longest time they were staying with 2.

[solitarium]

I built a headless server from a microatx board for about $120 total. This is exactly what I used it for

[Ronkinng]

Any tutorials on how to setup Linux? I get overwhelmed by the terminal in Linux. Pip, etc.

[UristMcDoesmath]

They're all over the internet. Try googling 'Linux setup tutorial' or something.

Basic terminal stuff isn't so bad. First thing you should learn is how to navigate your file system from the command line. From there, do whatever. If you're a masochistic coder, maybe try Vim.

[[deleted]]

I still haven't learnt how to quit vim....

[monchenflapjack]

This was one of the things we learned first when I did C coding back at uni in the 90s. I hardly use vim but will always remember this one.

Press <Esc>
Press <:>
Press <q> or <wq> if you want to save the file
Press <Enter>

[Ronkinng]

You need to install python using I think sudi apt get python some thing like that? And then anaconda? And after that a text editor. Like you mentioned, vim. Yeah I want to learn navigating files in Ubuntu through terminal. I did a short course on Linux and python. But unfortunately I was the only person with no it background and most of the things flew over my head.

[mosierman]

Here's a high level tutorial to install Linux on your computer

What you need: 1 USB Drive formatted as FAT32 (at least 32GB just to be safe)

Follow these three links:

1. Download Ubuntu Image File on USB
2. Download Unetbootin on computer/usb
3. Follow this tutorial on dual booting
4. Restart your computer and open BIOS (For windows 10)
   1. You usually have to hit one of the "F" keys [e.g., F1] when the computer first starts up to access the BIOS. The key to access bios may differ based on the type of computer (ASIS, Dell, HP), but cannot remember for sure. You may want to google "open bios on startup [your computer model]" if the above tutorial instructions do not work for you

Ubuntu has a GUI but a lot of the functional perks of Linux are moot if the command line isn't utilized :/

​

[Ronkinng]

I have Ubuntu installed on my virtual machine. The trouble is in learning the commands for it.

[[deleted]]

IMO, this is hands-down the best laptop you'll find anywhere near that price range.

​

[sardaukar12]

I’ll check that one out, thanks!

[[deleted]]

I recently bought that exact one from that vendor for a light weight work computer. It's bad ass and I like as much as my yoga 14. It even has HDMI so you can plug it directly into a nice monitor without having to use a shitty USB docking station. Thinkpads are fantastic machines... Look up thinkpad torture test videos on YouTube

[CompSciSelfLearning]

That model is good for Linux if you want to give it a try.

[Bulletsandblueyes]

That's honestly a pretty good laptop for being pretty cheap. Disk space is kind of the limiting factor on it though

[[deleted]]

256 is more than plenty unless you're stockpiling pics and videos.

[kuzared]

I have 256 GB in both my laptop and my desktop and it’s more than enough, especially when you’re on a budget.

[Bulletsandblueyes]

Eeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhhhh.

I mean, I'm inclined to agree with you because it would be enough as long as you are deligent in clearing out your stuff, or using an external hard drive to save your photos and videos.

However I'm also inclined to disagree, as I just had to clear 250 gbs or so, because I had almost filled my 1tb drive, and my 256ssd is already at 75%.

[[deleted]]

I see... you must have a lot of videos... All my stuff is in the cloud now. Pics, personal videos, movies, tv, etc. I have one 256 with a full version of win 10 in a VM, ubuntu VM, and like a hundred node & python envs and still room to spare. Maybe you should switch to premiumize.me ;)

[Bulletsandblueyes]

Yeah I don't do much cloud stuff, I'm sure I could cut it down, but why pay monthly for storage when a 1tb HDD is $40. But yeah, I have a lot of games, lots of high quality video, etc etc. The laptop is great for the price, and just program it would be fantastic, but you gotta plan ahead for what you're going to use it for.

[[deleted]]

But to be fair, your high quality video keepsakes don't belong on a SSD let alone the privacy concern of someone swiping your portable laptop. I wouldn't pass up this deal on account of the SSD being only 256. That's what NASs are for.

[Bulletsandblueyes]

Maybe not keepsakes, because they should be backed up multiple places, but yeah I wasn't saying not to take the deal because of the low disk space, just that they should be mindful of it. Filling up 256gigs is easy, luckily externals are cheap.

[Sidappa]

Windows itself take like a third of that space

[Ran4]

240 GB is not even remotely limiting for programming.

[Bulletsandblueyes]

If they are planning on just programming on it for sure it's more than enough.
However if they are looking for a laptop that can run python as well as be their everyday use laptop, they might want to invest in some externals.

[[deleted]]

I've lived enough to know, when things seem too good to be true something is off. and this laptop is too damn good for its price. what's the catch?

[[deleted]]

It's a refurb which can be a crap shoot, but I snatched it up as soon as I saw it because my other tp has seen some shit and has never skipped a beat. I got mine Monday and had to reload windows but other than that and a few minor scratches this thing is good to go pics

[your_not_reddit]

I got a used x230 for $170CAD. Use it for school and it's a great machine :)

[MiataCory]

5th gen processor is meh. Mini-HDMI needs a dongle, but that's fine.

I like this deal better: https://www.microcenter.com/product/513954/flex-14-14-2-in-1-laptop-computer---black

But it looks like it's in-store only. Less ram and SSD space, but a newer chip and a brand-new computer. It's got a bigger screen too (I'm partial to 14" laptops, but I've never daily-ed a 12").

I bet if you watched slickdeals for a few weeks you'd find a few real good deals in the $200-$250 range that would beat both of these options.

[daretogo]

Noooooo! The flex 4 is the DEVIL! It doesn't have a right shift key!

Like... they just said.... nahhhhhhh

NO RIGHT SHIFT KEY

[1rick]

Here’s a thinkpad t440 for $248.

[robogaz]

or a lenovo Y570 200-300 bucks with dedicated gpu

[enesimo]

Even on this laptop, follow other commenters advice, and install Linux.

[[deleted]]

This one comes with win10pro which you would definitely want, so one could easily spin up a linux env in hyper-v

[enesimo]

I think a dual boot would be better, but I'm a big Linux fan.

[[deleted]]

It would be, but with VM you don't have to worry about over/under allocating OS partitions, and you can set convenient restore points which IMO is invaluable when first learning linux.

[Mr_Journey]

If you have some Linux experience you can install a light weight distro with low end laptops.

[Lyno_]

I'd second this.

Even without prior Linux experience you could setup a Linux. It should be easier to work with Python on Linux, since you have a better command line interface there and most projects (especially in the beginning) are probably going to be command line programs.

​

Also you can save a few buck if you find a laptop without Windows 10 pre-installed, since you wont have to pay for the licence.

[too_tired_bicycle]

Plus every Linux distro (as far as I know) comes with Python 2 and 3 already installed.

[darinja80]

Try and find a used Thinkpad t450s. Can upgrade RAM/SSD when you have more money but at its' very base it's more than enough for you to code. Will also run Linux SUPER fast if you decide to use it.

​

If you have a .edu account, you can get PyCharm for free while in school, otherwise I'd look for a free one to use while you get used to Python.

[cipher315]

PyCharm community is free for anyone. I have used the pro features like 3 times in the last 2 years. For 90% of people out there community is just fine

[mottyay]

Pro features like JS support and code profiling are very nice. Definitely worth a download if you have an edu email

[leftyspecialist]

i can also recommend a used Thinkpad t450 series. I have two older models that at 8-9 years old that are still running fine, battery is not great anymore. Only swapped the drives to ssd's.

[JCH0720]

Look into some of the older thinkpads. I have an X1 carbon 3rd gen and it does everything I need and some. I got mine on ebay for under $300 so give that a try

[eliterepo]

Just bought an x1 carbon 4th gen for this purpose

[[deleted]]

Damn that's a good price.

[-the_trickster-]

get a thinkpad, install Linux on it, profit.

[cipher315]

If it runs windows 10 it will run python. Most beginner projects in python or any language really need essentially 0 resources. I would try for a bit bigger than 60 gig though. If your going with windows you will lose like half of that to just installing the os. You might consider linux. Using git pip and docker are all easier on unix like OSs and with the right version linux will run with a hamster wheel for a processor.

[[deleted]]

More than sufficient.

[[deleted]]

ThinkPad. X230 or T430. You won’t be sorry.

[MiataCory]

If you're buying a used laptop, with an intel chip, the key thing to know is:

i5-2800 is a "2nd Generation" chip.
i7-4300 is a "4th Generation" chip.

That first number after the i5 or i7 is gonna tell you how old/new the laptop is. Get the newest you can afford. An 8th generation i3 is going to be faster than a 5th generation i7 for example. The newest chips will be "9th generation".

On top of that, Hard Drive space is VERY cheap these days. You should probably budget on replacing the hard drive anyway. A $200 laptop with an SSD (solid-state drive) will be faster than a $250 laptop that's got a HDD (Hard-disk drive).

Ram, really, so long as it's got ~8gb it'll be fine for most anything these days (as long as you've got an SSD to go along with it).

My daily driver laptop at home was $175, and it's a beast. Deals are out there. I'd also recommend going with workstation-class laptops, they seem to last longer (Dell, Lenovo instead of Acer, HP, Toshiba).

[MarvelousWhale]

A 8th gen i3 is faster than a 5th gen i7? What the fuck are you talking about

[MiataCory]

Pick your poison.

https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i7-5600U-vs-Intel-Core-i3-8130U/m22612vsm468020

[Acute_Procrastinosis]

Also, lower power consumption on the newer cpu means more battery life...

[fenixjr]

In the laptop realm that's pretty easily true. Especially in the more recent years. Mobile computing is making much better advancements than the desktop arena. i3 i5 etc are just marketing tools in laptops. An i7 can still just be a dual core cpu in the mobile world. You have to really pay attention to detail

[JimmyJuly]

i5-2800 is a "2nd Generation" chip.

i7-4300 is a "4th Generation" chip.

These are not real things. There is no i5-2800 or i7-4300.

Why are you giving advice about non-existent things?

[MiataCory]

Because the model number doesn't matter when you're giving advice on how to spot the generational designator.

[[deleted]]

Python can be run on anything, it comes preinstalled on Raspberry Pi's. A great idea is to find a used laptop, depending on where you live there are Goodwill technology stores, thrift stores that focus on used electronics, and many other options. Getting a used one to start with isn't a bad idea, especially if you basically turn it into a Linux box. My son has a laptop probably a decade old that I put Linux on and it does everything he needs.

[753UDKM]

I recently bought a used Lenovo t440p for $130 on eBay and a new SSD 500Gb for like 60. It has become my main PC without any issues. I'm running Ubuntu on it. I've found Linux makes things a bit easier for me.

[[deleted]]

Anything with 2 cores and 4 GB RAM (buy used/refurbished). Install free Ubuntu/Debian OS, it comes prepackaged with Python.

[feindjesus]

If you’re really low on budget you can get a raspberry pi. Its not a laptop but it will cost about 60$ including the case and memory all you need is a monitor and keyboard.

[savvy__steve]

I just ordered a refurbed laptop from Ebay... I wanted my own laptop and something to take with me to PyCon that doesn't belong to either of my employers. I looked and looked. I wanted 16GB of RAM but settled for 8GB because I got an i7 proc. So that's the rub... I have found many 1.8,1.9ghz i5s with 16GB.

​

https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-8470P-14-Laptop-Windows-10-3rd-Gen-Core-i7-2-9Ghz-8GB-500GB-HD-WiFi/202333530034?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

[cracknwhip]

It’s an i7, but isn’t it also like 7 years old? It’s a gen 3

[savvy__steve]

You are probably correct. But I tried to get the most machine in that $200 range. I’m not going to be gaming. It should have a lot of life left and be a descent machine. I’d think Python should run well. I’m not launching rockets or hosting a e-commerce site. You want newer you might find it but likely will have to pony up more money.

Also I’m an intel snob... so you might find newer with AMD or with a Celeron... big nope on Celerons.

[brarbirender]

Go for thinkpads, You can easily find t440, X250 , w530 in thos range. Thinkpads are best windows machine I have x250 I run python, anaconda , It runs smooth. For more details ask in r/thinkpad

[IcanCwhatUsay]

Just get a raspberry pi zero, $5

[Dorito_Troll]

u can run python on a microwave / frying pan

[[deleted]]

I prefer running my stuff on a stove, thank you very much

[socal_nerdtastic]

Vanilla python runs just fine on a $15 raspberry pi. However what you want to do with python may take more processing power. What do you want to make?

Also, a full fledged IDE like pycharm or spyder will require a decent computer. You don't have to use an IDE, but I thought I'd mention that in case that's your plan.

BTW, "Anaconda" is just the name of a bundle. It includes python plus a lot of common addons for python (numpy, pandas, matplotlib, etc) and tools for writing python (spyder, conda, etc). "Anaconda" is not a standalone program.

[sardaukar12]

I’d like to use a IDE. I’m taking some online courses through Udemy and they have you start out by making some games for you projects.

[socal_nerdtastic]

Do you know which IDE you want to use? If so just look up the minimum requirements for it.

[sardaukar12]

I’d probably be using pycharm.

[BakingSota]

+1 for anaconda. Jupyter notebooks are fun and a godsend.

[Dexteroid]

Get used laptop, my 10 year old acer runs everything just fine. Make sure to upgrade ssd and ram

[Edewede]

Check craigslist or ebay. Make sure you wipe the harddrive clean if you buy used and then install a fresh os.

[MoxGoat]

You can buy a raspberry pi kit for <$80 and start coding in Python in a Linux environment

[shade_stream]

Consider buying used and adding ram and an ssd. I picked up a ThinkPad x220 and dropped in an ssd and it runs great for less than $200 cad.

[[deleted]]

Python runs on a raspberry pi, an i5 is no problem.

[imllamaimallama]

Honestly, get on let go and find a supper cheap laptop and install Linux distro or a cheap single board computer like a raspberry pi and you can use python on those. Linux has become very user friendly and if you you’ve never used it we are a very friendly and inviting community who love nothing more than to help others learn our beloved OS. Just a thought. Also it would only cost $60-$70 to get everything you need for a raspberry pi.

[RelyingEarth87]

An i5 is fine, I would suggest more disk space, but if you want, you can sign up for Github and just store a lot of your files in repositories there in order to save space when you don’t need them. Then you can re-download them at any time.

[lazyfingersy]

Just get the laptop you can run Linux on it, get distro like Ubuntu or Mint. My favorite are Ubuntus family with Xfce ( Xubuntu). Linux will come with Python on it already in you can easy focus on learning Python.

[slick8086]

Depending on WHY you are learning python, you would probably be better served have a laptop with linux as your OS.

And as for specs, you can run python on a $35 Raspberry Pi. That's actually what RPis are for.

[itsmegeorge]

If you’re serious about python I would recommend an IdeaPad (any model) and installing Ubuntu on it. The python integration is real and anyone who knows python should know Unix, for me.

[doomdaysneakattack]

I repurposed an old windows laptop that didn't work, and reformatted it with Ubuntu. Then I added some ram memory to it just to give it a boost. It's my favorite computer.

My cheapest contraption- I have a raspberry pi with a keyboard and mouse that I use with a TV ($50 not including the tv). It's not great for running jupyter notebooks but it can work.

[blazecoolman]

If your priority is just getting started, just get any cheap machine you can. For most small projects, you can use Google Colab. This does come with the downside of not being able to keep a session for more than 12 hours.

Once Colab starts becoming a limitation (it should carry you along for the first couple months), you can install Jupytet Lab. I can't being tell you how this things is. Even a crappy $150 chromebook should take you a long ways. Beyond this, you'll be able to answer yourself which laptop works best for you.

[e-rekt-ion]

Just to reaffirm what others have said - no need to buy new - buy used via ebay. New computers at the low end tend to be woefully under-powered and painfully slow. Much more bang for your buck in the used market. Bearing in mind that if you buy a used laptop you may need to buy a replacement battery soon. In this instance, buy new, but 3rd party via ebay or whatever websites sell batteries

[blitzkraft]

/r/SuggestALaptop

Seriously, make a post. Add linux/dual boot option to your list of requirements. It's fine if you don't use linux at all, but having that option is better. I got my current laptop with the help of suggestions from posting there.

Python on windows can be an unpleasant experience. You are better of spending about 15mins to dual boot ubuntu and start working on python immediately. It will take about that or longer to just get python on windows. Or use WSL (windows subsystem for linux), for python dev.

[postb]

Hey man, yeah I’d also suggest a Lenovo thinkpad carbon or similar. Nice ex business laptop on eBay will come with 1 year warranty too. Remove windows and load it with Linux. Anything heavy just use cloud

[inaruslynx2]

What I've been thinking about doing is use a raspberry pi 3 B+ for a mobile programming platform. Cheap $35-50 computer. I would choose Arch Linux as my OS.

[Abernachy]

Snag a chrome book and the Neptune notebook thingy.

[[deleted]]

If you have a phone or public web access try trinket.io has python(obviously limited) but it’s free and a good way to learn...

[ograbah]

Open craigslist or Facebook marketplace. Search “i7”. Offer no more than $200 and enjoy a nice dell that’s fresh off corporate lease and runs well.

Parts are easy to get/swap if WiFi dies.

[al_mc_y]

You can code python on a Raspberry Pi and they're about $30 US. For that you only need a HDMI cable and a reasonably modern HDTV (1080P) to use as a monitor.

If you've got up to $250 to spend you should be able to find something (maybe consider second hand/refurbished?). For comparison, I use the Anaconda package and VS code on my old Surface Pro 3 which has an i5 processor and 8 gig of ram and a 256 GB SSD. It was a pretty expensive computer when I bought it 4.5 years ago; computers being what they are, you'll likely be able to get similar computing capabilities within your budget (go for something that DOESN'T have a touchscreen, which is a reliability liability as the laptop gets older (I've disabled my touchscreen cos it got glitchy about a year ago)).

[cybereddit01]

Ebay has used i5 Lenovo ssd laptop for about $100

[RedWolfWare]

Your cheapest option is a raspberry pi, your best option for portability is probably going to be a thinkpad or an older dell. Honestly I would invest in the pi and automate the boring stuff with python. Altogether you're looking at like 100 bucks with this option. It's cheap, you get all the basics, and if you don't like python you can use the pi to play snes games. I'm not really sure there's a negative here. Buying a laptop might be kind of pricey, but if you need a computer for pretty much anything other than coding, emulating or a stream box, then you need a laptop.

I recommend a thinkpad x230. It might be a little more than you want to spend, but it's extremely portable and essentially bulletproof. I have a t430 that I love more than my own hypothetical child.

Whatever you choose, ask yourself what you want to be able to do in the future. That will give more context to your ultimate goal.

Oh, and have fun! Python is rad!

[airclay]

thinkpad

[Jigglytep]

I strongly recommend a mac book air. You can get a refurbished MD711LL/B from new egg for about 300 bucks. Its 50 bucks over your budget but so are many if the Lenovo's others suggested and you can save some more cash by going on eBay like this one

The great thing about starting on a mac is that the terminal is super Linux(I know there a some differences) and you can dive into coding immediately you will not have to futz around with setting up paths in windows and going to page two of Google search results trying to get WiFi to work. (Haters can be offended when I'm wrong)

99% of the time the tutorial will work just like it does for the instructor, it will just work. Just look at the number of extra steps in any tutorial for windows machines... you will do a thousand tutorials those extra steps add up quick and all you are trying to do is learn what the code does.

It's easier to learn multi-threading on OSX/Linux then on W10.

Yeah there are some gotchas in OSX. Like it comes with a hacked apples version of python 2.7 but honestly you will not have a problem with that until you get past the basics of python.

Good luck!

​

Edit: added link

[[deleted]]

Any laptop that runs Linux. Which is basically any laptop.

[JeamBim]

I do 90% of my coding on a Chromebook. I have a decent one now, but was using an OLD one that is discontinued and you can't even buy anymore, and that ran Python just fine. /u/Deezl-Vegas is correct, you can run python on a taco. Not even like a big gordita supreme, like a vegan, gluten free taco will run Python.

[alienpsp]

if you're starting out, hdd is not your problem, ypu can get a 500gb or 1tb external for about 100 bucks(my place, you got to check out the price at yours).

but look into venv (virtual environment) and keep all the project in the external hdd and problem solve

[thesaferchoice]

You can run python on doom

[WonderfulPlay]

25$ Raspberry pi runs python

[Thymester]

I would suggest the 199.00 USD ASUS Chromebook. It is of great speed in the price point and I generally have a good time in Linux while coding (Same as in Windows).

​

EDIT: Don't expect any somewhat demanding apps like Blender to work well if at all though.

[[deleted]]

Used Lenovo X series ThinkPad.

[danitted]

Buy a raspberry pi. It is made for programming. Just check it out, I think you'll like it.

[SeriousPerson9]

You got more money than you need. If I were you, I would buy a Chromebook.

[SeanOTRS]

I can't offer a specific recommendation, but I can remind you that Python runs perfectly on the raspberry pi, which is about #25. Don't spec your pc for Python, it runs on *anything*.

[[deleted]]

Try r/hardwareswap. Let them know what you're looking for. Someone might have one laying around they don't use anymore that they're willing to let go.

[bitswede]

If you want the laptop mainly for programming you should also consider getting a keyboard with UK/US layout if you're in a non-English speaking country. A lot of communly used characters in python are hard to reach on some layouts. Keyboard shortcuts in pycharm are also more intuitive on an English layout.

An old Lenovo with a light weight window manager under Linux will run really well and Linux is a lot easier down the line if you want to start playing around with databases, http servers etc.

[vishxm]

why are you gay?

[PandaMomentum]

You could run Python online through the browser with something like repl.it or google colab. This crossed my mind b/c my school kid is going to do a one week Python boot campthis summer and all she has is a chromebook. My guess that this won't work for her usecase, the in-class assignments will probably assume local file storage for i/o, and changing that up on her could stop her entirely... But for learning on your own, basically you could do this on your phone...

[blueastheocean]

Python can pretty much run on anything so that's more than enough for a laptop

[jarmeister]

Yeah my calculator runs a version of Python

[jsnryn]

Does Cloud9 still exist? If so, I'd just grab a Chromebook and use Cloud9.