9 Best laptops for programming

If you are a computer programmer, you need to know the best laptop for programming. If you were a coder, you would know that it is an indispensable tool for the trade. If you have an external monitor and every other peripheral device, the laptop can be an ideal replacement for the desktop PC. This helps you save money and gives you more flexibility and convenience.

A lot of coders can spend close to twelve hours per day on their laptops. To this end, it is always essential to choose the right laptop that meets your programming needs.

Some of the essential features to lookout

Laptops for programming are not just your run-off-the-mill computers. They are a machine, and a means to an end. Therefore, it is quite essentials that you set out to buy the right equipment for whatever you need it for, such as programming and coding. The following features should be inspected in your new programming laptop:

The Central Processing Unit (CPU): Some people could be thinking that they do not need a robust CPU for their coding work. After all, coding involves a bunch of text written in a white space. Do not fall into the group of people that follow this assumption. After the coding part is over, you will want to compile the project and run it. If you have a sound Intel core i7 or core i5, you can do this without any glitches.

This is where the CPU power of your PC would be essential. Furthermore, any coding work that includes emulation, virtual machine, sophisticated graphics, or real-time compilation will undoubtedly need every gigahertz you can get. It is highly recommended that you get the best CPU that you can buy. You could get an intel core i7 or i5. You should also check if it contains the Intel quad-core. This quad-core is an essential part of a laptop for programming.

Memory: You will need a system with lots of RAM unless you are one of these tech whizzes that can write system codes without looking at a source. Currently, the bare minimum memory is about 8GB. If you have anything lower than this, the laptop can malfunction.

This malfunction will lead to a considerable slowdown of their system. It is preferable to get a 16 GB memory, which is just the right memory for advanced coders. Whereas, it is most likely that 32 will be perfect for coders. A gen intel PC will give you a good RAM.

Storage: If you were a programmer searching for the best PC in the game, you should choose one with an ample amount of storage. SSD is everything when buying a laptop for programming. When it comes to the best laptops for programmers, there is somewhat a decent amount of them with ample SSD storage capacity.

However, the bottom-line here is that if you were considering a PC for your programming tasks, the storage capacity is one of the features you should check out for. You can buy a 512GB SSD system or higher. However, 512GB SSD is the most recommended storage capacity.

The system display: Graphics is everything for a programmer. Suppose you conclude your programming tasks for a particular application, you will still need to view your programming elements’ output. This is where the system display and graphics come into play. In terms of the system display, you will need a programming system with a relatively bigger screen.

This is because coding and programming involve much multitasking. To achieve excellent accuracy and faster turnover times, you will need a 13 inch and full HD screen display. Furthermore, a 13 inch and full HD display makes reading texts and codes less tiring. If you purchase a 13 inch and full HD screen system, you can work on your programming sessions on more extended periods without significant eye fatigue.

Input Devices: If you were going to be getting the best laptop for your programming activities, you would need one with decent input devices. Apart from a 13 inch and high-quality display, your keyboard and mouse devices have to be top-notch.

When it comes to purchasing input devices for programming, the price tag isn’t as crucial as selecting high-quality ones. It is essential to get a good programming laptop with a top-quality mouse and keyboard. These two components will ensure that commands are sent to the system with the faintest effort.

The best laptops for programming in 2024

The following are the best laptops for programming in 2024.

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1) Dell G7 17

This has got to be one of the best laptops for programming in 2024. While this may not have the recommended 13-inch display, its 17.3-inch display is a massive bonus for programmers. With the Dell G7 17, visibility is everything. This colossal screen size allows you to open multiple windows simultaneously and fit them all into your screen to enable multitasking.

Among some of this programming-ready laptop’s essential feature includes the Windows 10, Intel Core i7, a RAM size of 16 GB, a storage capacity of 512 GB SSD, Gen intel, a GPU of 6GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti.

Furthermore, it is essential to state that this little programming machine’s battery can last for a maximum of 7 hours. The Dell G7 17 does only one job – to provide top-notch configuration for game developers and developers.

Due to the PC’s giant specifications, it is considered one of the best laptops for programming. Most programmers fancy the machine because of such specifications as its Windows 10, its display, its RAM, graphics card, 512 GB SSD, its core processor, which is Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660, Retina display function, HD, and several other functions.

While the laptop may not be easily portable because of its size, its excellent performance makes it one of the best laptops for programming in 2024.

Giant and reliable GPU and display ensure that you get the necessary display needed for programming and game development.

While the price tag may be something of a concern, you should know that this beast comes with Intel Core i7, which justifies the price tag. The processor can handle any programming tasks. Furthermore, this Dell programming PC  comes with a 512 GB SSD and not a 256 GB SSD.

Therefore, programmers have sufficient storage for their programming files. The top-quality i7 processor is efficiently paired with a reliable 16GB DDR4 2666 MHz RAM. This combination enables the Dell G7 17 with the speed and ability to access applications and programs easily.

In terms of the display, you neither been offered either a 13 inch or a 15 inch, but instead, you get a 17.3-inch HD screen to help you with an excellent viewing experience while programming.

Due to the extended time that the average programming professional spend working, this system comes with a large IPS display that is valuable to programmers.

The graphics of this decent laptop for programming are helped with the robustness of the Nvidia GeForce GTX. This feature enhances the performance of the machine amongst the several alternatives of programming laptops. The system comes with the best core to perform 3D rendering tasks, using Adobe Photoshop, SketchUp, and Adobe XD.

Its graphics and display are ideal for people whose job function includes developing and viewing graphics. Its RAM size also makes it the right solution for both web and graphic designers. However, we must say that this system’s keyboard may not be of a high-quality; it is safe to say users will like its RGB backlit properties.

If you slightly tweak up the laptop’s sound, you may fall in love with the audio. The laptop’s battery life comes at an average of 7 hours. This value means that you have to compromise such features as the RAM, the GPU, and its processor. With such properties as Intel Core, it is good to say this middle range laptop for programming.

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2) New Apple MacBook Pro

The New Apple MacBook is most comfortable with the best laptop for programming if you consider certain specifications. This beast comes with a Windows 10 operating system, an Intel Core i7, a RAM size of 16GB, a 512 GB SSD storage, a Gen Intel, a GPU made of AMD Radeon Pro 5300M.

This MacBook Pro luckily comes with a 16-inch screen size, meaning that programmers have enough display size to optimize their graphics.

Furthermore, with a battery life of close to 11 hours, programmers can go through any programming session without worrying about their power limits. This Apple MacBook Pro is a result of customer feedback from the earlier models.

Therefore, MacBook Pro is safe to say that this programming laptop has a great RAM, an excellent Intel Core processor, a brilliant display, excellent graphics, and a reliable battery life. This laptop is one of the best machines for programming in the market.

The Apple MacBook Pro is a laptop that takes over some of the best features of Previous Apple MacBook Pro versions. It is gorgeous, sleek, and thin. It was ergonomically designed to cater to most needs of the programming professional.

MacBook Pro comes with a slender bezel, making sure that the 16-inch display screen seamlessly fits into the laptop. Due to the large size of the display, this laptop is equipped with the Two-Tone Technology and Retina display to enhance the laptop’s programming capabilities.

Along with the display, the retina display function provides the laptop with intense and crisp image quality.

If you were going to get the best laptop for programming, you should choose one such as this with a robust 6-core Intel Core i7 processor. This distinct feature ensures that you get the best laptop for programming.

The laptop comes with a fantastic 512GB SSD storage capacity. The 16GB DDR4 RAM also supports this. Both these RAM and storage properties make this Apple MacBook Pro a formidable and powerful programming tool. It is simply the best among the best.

The MacBook Pro was built to weigh less to ensure portability. It comes with a one-off GPU that enables the system to provide crisp images. The machine is excellent for programming, android development, and video editing due to such features as its Intel core, Nvidia GeForce GTX, etc. This makes the Macbook one of the best laptops for any programmer.

One good to note with the MacBook Pro laptop is the keyboard keys. It does not become unresponsive when dirt collect in-between its keys.

Once the MacBook Pro got made slim, the key travel got enhanced. Furthermore, such properties like battery life, its 16-inch screen, its Intel Core, graphics, RAM, display easily make the MacBook the best laptop for programming with improved features.

Furthermore, the MacBook as a programming laptop comes with a six-speaker audio system. Noise-canceling woofers further complement these speakers. The specifications alone improve the audio experience of programmers. There is also a boon for programming experts and developers.

This MacBook is fully equipped with a long battery life, which programmers and developers will find quite interesting. The MacBook is easily the best laptop for its performance.

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3) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme

If you need the best laptop for programming with speed and reliability, look no further than the Lenovo ThinkPad. This programming laptop is among the best due to some of its unique features.

It comes with an impressive Intel Core i7, a 15-inch screen display size, RAM size of 16GB, a 512 GB SSD storage capacity, 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, a unique GPU for excellent display, and an excellent battery life of close to 8 hours.

This laptop is known officially is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme. It is among the most recent versions of the X-series. This laptop is a programming wonder with a 15-inch screen display, unique Intel Core, good RAM, an excellent battery life, and decent storage.

The Lenovo ThinkPad is one of the best programming laptop machines. Whether you are a game developer, a web developer, or just a coder, you have the best option with this new machine from Lenovo.

The Lenovo ThinkPad weighs just 6.35 pounds and comes with a slender design. Its ergonomic and minimalist design ensures performance and portability.

This laptop is a programming beast when you combine its Intel Core i7 processor, 512GB SSD internal storage to its 16GB DDR4 RAM. It merely becomes an ultrafast and powerful device.

With the Lenovo ThinkPad, you get no lapses when switching between apps. This property is best suited for game developers and programming experts. The laptop comes with a maximum battery life close to 8 hours and functionality. The laptop can operate numerous programs without encountering any glitches.

It is safe to say that the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme comes with a top-quality keypad with a 1.7mm key travel. The laptop comes with well-spaced keys to ensure excellent typing and input during programming sessions.

Traditionally, the Lenovo ThinkPad comes with a decent touchpad and has that iconic red sticking point in the keyboard’s middle part. This iconic feature of any Lenovo ThinkPad laptop is used to track movements accurately.

Furthermore, the Lenovo ThinkPad’s display is a laptop that has the best screen features in the 15-inch range of laptop. The Lenovo ThinkPad’s 15-inch display has an excellent 4K HDR IPS touch screen, which comes with a 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution.

The laptop’s colors are excellently vivid, and it has awe-striking details for one of the best laptops for programming. The laptop has a dedicated GPU of 4GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX, making it useful just for any professional.

Whether you are a programming expert, a graphic designer, a game developer, or just a business professional, the ThinkPad is your best laptop. Its graphics card makes its display and graphics a programmer dream laptop for 2020.

But one thing about this laptop is the fact that it can have issues with heating.

If you need the best laptop for programming, you should look no further than the Lenovo.

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4) Microsoft Surface Pro 6

The Microsoft Surface Pro is one of the best 8th generation laptop that can be used for any tasks that involves extensive programming.

Some of the features that come with this machine include Intel Core, a RAM size of 8GB, and a 13-inch display. Deviating from the usual storage capacity of 512 GB SSD, this laptop from Microsoft comes with a simple storage capacity of 256 GB SSD.

Other features include a crispy display enabled by the Intel Core Ultra HD 620 GPU and an excellent battery life of close to nine hours.

The Microsoft Surface Pro is a versatile and ultralight programming laptop that can be used with various tasks. The Microsoft Surface Pro is a sleek looking machine and comes with a matte-black finish. This laptop is best suited for creative people due to its ability to be easily converted into three modes: the studio, the laptop, and the tablet modes.

The Microsoft Surface Pro is among the best laptops for programming professionals due to its versatility and portability. If you like to complete your programming tasks while on the go, then this is easily one of the best laptops for you.

The Microsoft Surface Pro comes with a high performance due to its core i5. It comes with an Intel Core i5 processor blended with a mesmerizing Ultra HD 620 GPU. With this laptop, it is best to multi-task when you think of the integrated 8Gb LPDDR3 1866 MHz RAM and an internal storage capacity of 256 GB SSD.

Furthermore, people like this best laptop for programming because you get to switch between apps without experiencing any lag.

The 13-inch PixelSense screen display and the graphics card makes it a top contender among the best laptops for programming.

It comes with a bright and vivid resolution of 2736 x 1824 as a top-notch laptop that comes with a color scheme that inspires the little creative giant in every one of us.

Whether you are into programming or graphic design, the Microsoft Surface Pro is simply the best laptop for programming.

The Microsoft Surface Pro comes with the best keyboard and Touchpad technology. The glass Touchpad makes switching in between apps a breeze without having to get clicky and loud.

Programming professionals will have to fork out extra money should they need to buy the Surface pen of this programming laptop. The pen is useful for drawing and sketching purposes. While it is best suited for artists, programming experts will also find the Surface Pen useful.

One of the key highlights of this programming laptop is its battery life. The laptop was built with the best battery life for programming experts, and it gets used non-stop for close to nine hours.

If you are a gamer, developer, or a programming genius, the Microsoft Surface Pro is one of the best laptops for programming.

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5) Dell XPS 13 9360

One of the best things we love about the Dell XPS is that it is one of the best laptops for programming in 2024. Whether you are a programming guru in Silicon Valley or just a start-up company based out of Bengaluru, this programming laptop was developed to cater to you.

The Dell XPS comes with an 8th generation Intel Core i5 to ensure programming accuracy. Also, its RAM size of 8GB ensures that users have enough memory to execute multiple programming functions and tasks simultaneously.

We were expecting a storage of 256GB SSD for the XPS, but we get 128GB SSD instead. However, this storage space restriction isn’t much of a problem since you can always supplement this with your external storage.

Hard disk drives. It comes with a HD and 13-inch screen display, which allows for some of the best programming commands. The display is further supported by a GPU of Intel HD Graphics 620. The graphics card also boosts the display of the XPS.

Finally, it comes with a decent battery life of about ten hours, meaning you get to hold extended programming sessions without worrying about your Dell XPS battery.

It is fantastic to know that Dell launched the XPS to compete with programmers’ laptops. With such massive features, it is sure the best laptop for programmers. Besides, other experts find the XPS suited to their professions too.

Compared to the previously launched Dell XPS models, this new version doesn’t come with many changes. Aluminum was used to produce this laptop. Super-thin bezels surround the display of this laptop.

This machine is suited for professionals on the go because of its portable and minimalist features.

The XPS comes with the Thunderbolt 3 feature. This thunderbolt 3 allows users to charge their laptops. It also connects to USB-C ports.

Furthermore, the Dell XPS has a 13 inch full HD display screen with various viewing angles and rich color. This machine comes with luminous intensity and is ideal.

The keyboard comes with a key travel of 1.2mm. This feature allows users to have a pleasant typing experience while you comfortably rest your palms on the device. Due to the 1.6 GHz Intel Quad-core i5-8250U, the speed of the turbo clock has increased significantly. The system comes with Kaby Lake Refresh, which is Intel’s 8th Generation Core processor.

The laptop can rapidly respond to command during online activities, thanks to its 128GB SSD storage and 8GB 1866MHz LPDDR3 RAM. This added feature comes as a boon for programmers.

The PC comes with a fantastic display enabled with the Intel HD Graphics 620 and a capable graphics card. With a battery life of close to ten hours, you are sure of extended periods of coding.

The Dell XPS is a 13 inch PC machine that is certainly among the best laptops for programming. It comes with an excellent quad-core functionality made possible by Intel’s 8th generation core i5 technology.

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6) Acer Aspire ES 15

Who else thinks of the Acer Aspire is a programmer dream for 2020? This little monster is packed full of some of the most outstanding features. It ditches the typical Intel Core i5 for the 2.3GHz Intel Core i3-6100U.

Its RAM size is about 4GB and comes with an ample storage size of 1TB HDD. This machine comes with a decent 15″ display, which is just about the ideal size for programmers. Its GPU is comprised of an Intel HD Graphics 620 and a typical battery life of about 6.5 hours.

The Acer Aspire is used by students that are young in the field of computer. The system is also suited for budding professional developers who prefer to get a top-notch machine on a budget.

The Acer Aspire is a top-notch machine that caters to most business and creative professionals. The laptop comes with a weight of 5.29 pounds. This feature is a slightly heavy specification for people who prefer to work while on the move. Fortunately, the configuration of the machine compensates for this shortfall.

It is accompanied with the Intel Core i3 processor. It is configured with a RAM of 4GB DDR3L. It further comes with an internal storage of 1TB. These features get boosted further by the Intel HD Graphics 520.

The system display is the top notch and competes with other top range notebooks out there. The screen comes with a 1366 x 768 resolution, which produces clear image quality. But it does not offer wide viewing angles.

The keyboard of this machine works decently and comes with a highly responsive touchpad, which allows numerous inputs. This feature is the reason why the keyboard is used comfortably. It also offers tracking accuracy. The Acer Aspire is also known to produce the sound of average quality.

The laptop is also famous for the fusion connectivity tools it has. Besides the Ethernet port, the DVD drive, and the HDMI port, the device also has an SD card reader, a Kensington lock port, 1 USB 3 port, 2 USB 2 ports, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack. Further features include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and other top-notch features.

In the final analysis, this PC’s battery life lasts for about 6.5 hours, which is below the usual expectations for programmers and gamers. In summary, the system offers good performance, a massive internal storage capacity, a multi-touch keypad, and impressive connectivity. A combination of these features gives it worth its investment.

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7) Huawei Matebook 13

The Huawei Matebook 13 seems to be competing with the MacBook Air when it comes to the best programming laptops out there. It is safe to say that these two come almost neck-to-neck with similar features in terms of the laptops for programming.

It is armed with the Intel Core i5. Its RAM size its 8GB with a storage of 256GB SSD. Furthermore, its 13-inch display screen is just the screen display size for programmers and graphic designers. Also, its graphic is boosted with a GPU made of Intel HD Graphics 620.

Moreover, this device comes with eight-hour battery life, so it is just the right amount of battery needed by programmers to engage in extended programming sessions.

The manufacturers of this PC, Huawei are popular as globally known smartphones; however, their laptop series are just on a different level. The Huawei Matebook 13 Signature edition evidences this. With this new programming laptop, the brand can demonstrate its technical prowess.

The Huawei Matebook 13 is targeted for both professionals and students alike.

It is essential to state here that this rivals the MacBook Air. But, this machine packs quite some punch with its Intel Core i5 processor. This Intel Core i5 processor is used to improve the system’s performance if used along with HD Graphics 620 GPU.

The feature comes along with an SDRAM size of 8GB and a 256 GB SSD internal storage. This storage capacity offers programmers with some of the space to execute their programming routine. Furthermore, the machine comes with a price range that competes with Apple’s MacBook Air.

This notebook only comes in with a weight of 2.86 pounds. This weight consideration means that the portable PC can be used when on the move.

Due to its thin body and size, the laptop can be fitted into the tray table of an Aeroplane without much problem. It will undoubtedly boost the productivity of its users, such as developers, gamers, and programmers.

In terms of its display, this MacBook Air replica is equipped with a 13-inch screen display. This screen also has a touchscreen feature that offers the user a Full View 2K experience with 2160 x 1440 pixels. The keyboard of this programming device functions accurately.

Furthermore, the power button is located at the top right-hand side of the device. Furthermore, it also works as a reader for fingerprints, which supports Windows Hello. However, this device comes with larger bezels, which inhibits portability.

Then again, with just only dual USB-C outlets, it looks like Huawei missed out on including the Thunderbolt 3 feature with the machine. Once more, the battery life of this machine is restricted at just six hours.

While the speaker systems technically need more work, the Bluetooth connectivity capability ensures that all sound problems are eradicated. Like the MacBook Air from Apple, this Huawei Matebook is the best laptop for programmer due to its ultrafast performance. One good thing about this system though, is its affordability.

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8) Lenovo Yoga 710-15

The Lenovo Yoga 710-15 is a useful programmer’s choice. This monster is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, a RAM size of 8GB, storage space of 256GB SSD, and a 15-inch size display. Furthermore, its GPU is powered by Intel HD Graphics 620. It has an average battery life of close to 8 hours.

For programmers they would view this Lenovo Yoga as an enhanced laptop with 2 in 1 functionality. Furthermore, it comes with a decent and meet the needs of regular developers.

The 15″ laptop is minimally designed with luxurious and robust finishing and materials. The system weighs a mere 4.45 pounds. This means that the 2 in 1 PC is the best laptop for a programmer for programmers on the move.

Furthermore, the laptop can be converted to a different configuration to change its appearance.

The hinges of the 2 in 1 laptop offers 360-degree flexibility. With this flexibility, the Lenovo Yoga can be used in four different modes, like the stand, tent, tablet, and laptop modes. These flexible modes ensure that programmers remain productive for the entirety of the day.

The system comes with a 2.5GHz Intel Core i5 processor, complemented by 256GB SSD storage capacity and 8GB DDR4 RAM. The screen is enhanced with a 1080 full HD touchscreen in terms of the display, which enables a crisp picture quality. The system comes with an excellent RGB color collection and sufficient luminous brightness, which is incredible.

The 15.6-inch display on Yoga 710-15 is laced with a 1080 Full-HD touchscreen that allows designers and developers are colorful components to their concepts. The sRGB color gamut and luminous brightness are excellent on the 2 in 1 Lenovo Yoga 710-15 machine, making the convertible laptop stand out.

Programmers and other experts will find the keyboard of this Lenovo Yoga highly responsive. The key has strong tactile feedback while providing users a most comfortable typing experience. The device comes with a Touchpad that is easily used for seamless navigation.

The Touchpad also provides such gestures for Windows like switching applications by using three fingers and activating the desktop screen by swiping down.

Lenovo Yoga also is suited for those who love their music. Dolby-assisted audio on enhanced speakers ensures that users get the top sound quality ever. This machine offers up to eight hours of uninterrupted use between charging sessions in terms of battery life.

Moreover, this machine can be used for extended periods without any such fear of overheating. It comes with cooling fans to dissipate heat when working. But, one setback of the Lenovo Yoga is that it has a low-quality webcam.

However, seeing that programmers do not use webcam for their tasks, it is safe that the Lenovo Yoga 710-15 is suited for programmers and other professionals.

This machine comes with a fingerprint identification reader. Furthermore, one of its primary features is the True block privacy shutter, which guarantees users’ privacy.

Moreover, the system comes with a superfast charging that tops up approximately 80% of the battery under an hour.

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9) MSI GP73

 If you had the best laptop, programming would feel like a breeze. This means that if you want your programming sessions to be professional and accurate. It would be good if you had an excellent laptop. In terms of certain features, the MSI GP73 is the top laptop for a programmer.

The machine comes with Intel Core i7, RAM size of 8GB, a 1 TB HDD storage capacity, and an FHD 17-inch display. For its GPU, the laptop makes use of the NVIDIA Geforce with a battery love of five hours.

For its GPU, this little monster uses the Nvidia GeForce 1060. The battery life holds up for an average time of 5 hours.

If you into gaming or programming, you should choose this laptop. Some of the specifications of this machine includes an intel core i7 processor and the Nvidia GeForce GTX.

The MSI GP73 comes with 1TB HDD for its internal storage. It is configured with a RAM of 8GB DDR4, which gamers and coders alike will find more than sufficient for their computing requirements.

The Windows 10 machine weighs just 6 pounds and is relatively portable. Both tactile feedback and Touchpad response are incredible in this machine. There is also the advantage of multiple key inputs with the machine. The keyboard is controlled by RGB lights, which is such a remarkable feature also.

The keyboard comes with a complete numerical pad while the keys are well-placed for smooth use. Furthermore, the keyboards have several vital media keys where functions such as brightness, sound, volumes, and mouse pad activity can be reached easily through the keyboard.

This PC’s display function is a Full HD 17-inch screen with a brilliant resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This is sufficient for the gaming and programming graphics.

One such thing we love about the MSI laptop is its ability to be kept cold when it is heavily underused. With one command, you shall have both fans on full blast, which eliminates any overheating concerns.

One major drawback of this PC is its short battery life. Five hours is typically not sufficient for this machine to cater to the high-power demand usually needed by programmers or game developers.

Furthermore, we know that this MSI laptop is not sufficiently strong, which can be a problem for some users.

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