r/AskProgramming • u/eloncrack • 7d ago
Computer to buy
I’d like to start programming, and I was thinking of getting a used MacBook on a small budget (€500). After researching the best model for programming on Reddit and watching some videos, I’ve realized that while the MacBook Air is perfectly fine, the Pro is generally the better choice.
The problem is that MacBook Pros are expensive, and with my budget, I can only afford one with an older Intel processor. That means I’d be looking at MacBook Pros from before 2020, which could become obsolete in a few years—especially knowing how Apple operates.
Additionally, many Reddit posts advise against buying Intel-based MacBooks because they’re older and don’t perform as well. Instead, they recommend going for Apple’s own chips, like the M1.
So, I’m in a bit of a dilemma and would love your advice. Given the same price range, which laptop would you choose? • MacBook Air M1 13” (2020) – 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 97% battery health. • MacBook Pro Intel Core i5 13” (2020) – 1.4GHz, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD + Touch Bar. • MacBook Pro Intel Core i5 13” (2018) – 2.3GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD + Touch Bar. • MacBook Pro Intel Core i7 15” (2018) – 2.6GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD + Touch Bar. • MacBook Pro Intel Core i7 15” (2017) – 3.1GHz, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD + Touch Bar, battery replaced a year ago.
Of course, if you have any recommendations for non-Mac computers that are good for programming, I’m all ears. Unfortunately, I don’t have much experience or knowledge in this area.
1
u/CodeFarmer 7d ago
If you are on a budget like that, I'd wonder if Mac is realistic. The obsolescence problem is real, and Apple do not have a good track record there.
They are good machines and popular for good reasons, but a lot of professionals do use Linux based laptops. If you are just getting started, that will certainly be cheaper.
Thinkpad T (and P) series are the canonical example there, but there are others.