Best ~R25k laptop for software development

P

Pada

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Hi guys,

I'm looking for some options in terms of laptops in the R25k price range that can be used for software development.

So they key requirements would be like: Core i7 Quad Core, 256GB+ SSD, 15.6"-17", 16GB+ RAM, supporting at least 2x external DVI/HDMI screens - bonus if a third would require DisplayPort & 3yr next business day warranty.

So far the best that I've seen is the of Dell Latitude E6540 (i7 4800MQ, 256GB SSD, 15" @ 1920x1080) @ ~ R23.5k + 16GB of replacement RAM for ~R2k.

It is actually pretty shocking, but like the MacBook Pro's aren't priced that badly when you have a look at their specs compared to the laptop above :(

Otherwise I'll just settle for a monster desktop PC (i7 4770k, 480GB SSD, 32GB RAM) instead:
http://i.imgur.com/uJYq63C.png

* I'm just curious about the options - I won't actually be getting a new PC/laptop right now.
 
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F

froot

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I've got that same Dell laptop for work. Really worth it hey.
 
biometrics

biometrics

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I've got a Lenovo X230 i7 with a 240 GB SSD and 16 GB RAM. It's fast! Came with a docking station so I don't use the screen much as I have a 24" screen and keyboard and mouse at the office connected to the dock. Beauty of this thing is it's only 1.4 kg. Was around R20k.
 
xera

xera

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I'm wondering about buying a Retina MacBook Pro after selling my old MacBook Pro. ( to be mainly used for dev )
It's unfortunate it's so expensive, but I would still really love to get one.

It supports 2x 2560x1600 external screens via DisplayPort, whilst still having the Retina screen on! (That's better than my Dell M6400 which only supports the same 2x externals, albeit with dock) Only problem is if you want gigabit ethernet, you have to sacrifice one of the DisplayPorts :wtf: Or is Daisy Chaining possible here?

Unfortunately I need a Mac for XCode, otherwise my options wouldn't be so limited...

Other weakness is no support for 32GB RAM yet, and still only 2 USB ports, sigh.

I still very much enjoy my Desktop though (see spec), and use it for 95% of my work. Though I am considering packing it in a small case for portability sake, but still nothing beats a laptop at that.
 
DominionZA

DominionZA

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I use a Dell XPS 15 L521X for dev. Fantastic machine. Best J have owned. Powerful, good looking, and nice and light to lug around (just makes it into the ultrabook spec).

At home, I code on an XPS 13. Love this machine almost as much as the XPS 15.

After using the above 2, I really don't care for anything else.
 
Kosmik

Kosmik

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I have a Dell 17r Inspiron. i7 quad, 16 Gigs of Ram, 256Gb ssd, 1920x1080 17" screen. Second monitor runs of HDMI but can't run a third. Laptop screen is fine though as it matches resolution. A person can always add a USB expander to the system. Laptop and SSD came to about 18K
 
DominionZA

DominionZA

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Damn you guys spend a lot of notebooks (unless company does it).

My XPS 15 ultrabook - 16GB RAM, Gen 3 i7, 120GB mSata and 1TB secondary, 1080p screen, 3 x USB3, HDMI, Bluray, aluminium clamshell design, backlit keyboard - R9k!

My XPS 13 ultrabook, similar spec but minus secondary drive and i5, no optical drive and non 1080p screen. Basically a little brother to the XPS 15. R3.5k!

Last time I dropped a load on a laptop was my Alienware M17X R4 3D which was R12k.

EDIT: If you need 2 external screens and notebook unable to accommodate, then get this http://targus.com/US/universal-usb-3_0-dv-docking-station-with-power-acp71usz. Works well. Paid about R2,400 or something locally.
 
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Hamish McPanji

Hamish McPanji

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Mike Smit said:
Damn you guys spend a lot of notebooks (unless company does it).

My XPS 15 ultrabook - 16GB RAM, Gen 3 i7, 120GB mSata and 1TB secondary, 1080p screen, 3 x USB3, HDMI, Bluray, aluminium clamshell design, backlit keyboard - R9k!

My XPS 13 ultrabook, similar spec but minus secondary drive and i5, no optical drive and non 1080p screen. Basically a little brother to the XPS 15. R3.5k!
Click to expand...

Purchased at the traffic light?
 
DominionZA

DominionZA

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hereticangel said:
no unless you buy clevo laptops , they make laptops with desktops cpu in them.
they super expensive and not sold here.
Click to expand...

I understand some of the Mecer laptops to be rebranded Clevo laptops. Got one for the office.
 
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rorz0r

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Mike Smit said:
Damn you guys spend a lot of notebooks (unless company does it).

My XPS 15 ultrabook - 16GB RAM, Gen 3 i7, 120GB mSata and 1TB secondary, 1080p screen, 3 x USB3, HDMI, Bluray, aluminium clamshell design, backlit keyboard - R9k!

My XPS 13 ultrabook, similar spec but minus secondary drive and i5, no optical drive and non 1080p screen. Basically a little brother to the XPS 15. R3.5k!

Last time I dropped a load on a laptop was my Alienware M17X R4 3D which was R12k.
Click to expand...

Would definitely not mind those at that price. XPS 12 can feel a bit limiting sometimes and I basically never use the touchscreen/flip. Awesome for travelling though.

My work laptop is an HP EliteBook Folio 9470m and it's a good size, nice and light but the display isn't even FHD and it costs a packet. i7,8gb,1600x900 and prob over 30k (couldn't find this spec on any SA websites but it's $2800+ on US site). I don't do dev though, just outlook and a bit of word and excel.
 
P

Pada

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Thanks for all the feedback guys.

@Xera:
If you need to code in XCode, then consider getting an i5 or i7 MacMini and add a SSD. The MacMini's aren't priced badly at all.

Mike Smit said:
Damn you guys spend a lot of notebooks (unless company does it).

My XPS 15 ultrabook - 16GB RAM, Gen 3 i7, 120GB mSata and 1TB secondary, 1080p screen, 3 x USB3, HDMI, Bluray, aluminium clamshell design, backlit keyboard - R9k!
Click to expand...
The company is going to pay for the laptop, but they really don't want to spend nearly that much. Many people objected when the one employee wanted an expensive MBP - where as the others had to settle for MacMini's.

Did you buy your ultrabook 2nd-hand, because I see no other way of getting that kind of spec for that cheap!
 
DominionZA

DominionZA

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Pada said:
Thanks for all the feedback guys.

@Xera:
If you need to code in XCode, then consider getting an i5 or i7 MacMini and add a SSD. The MacMini's aren't priced badly at all.


The company is going to pay for the laptop, but they really don't want to spend nearly that much. Many people objected when the one employee wanted an expensive MBP - where as the others had to settle for MacMini's.

Did you buy your ultrabook 2nd-hand, because I see no other way of getting that kind of spec for that cheap!
Click to expand...

Yes - I pretty much get all my tech pre-owned. As long as there is balance of warranty life is good.

EDIT: Had a contact at Dell for a while. Picked up some real good deals while he was there. Alienware was one of them.
 
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