Best ~R25k laptop for software development

[Pada]

@OP, where do you work btw?

I work in Technopark, Stellenbosch.

 

[HavocXphere]

We got issued Latitudes a while back too. They've got a solid feel to it & I love the keyboard (esp the page up and page down next to the cursor keys - for Excel at least that is a truly inspired idea).

Looking at that image though...not a fan of that integrated num pad. I haven't used one like that but I just can't see that ending well. The full dell latitude keyboard I've got is a comfortable size...can't image it being any smaller though.

Bit surprised at the price 25k...pretty sure mine was sub 14k retail (i5 though). I guess the ZAR/USD is really raining on everyone's parade.

 

[Yotch]

You can save a lot of money if you are prepared to purchase a secondhand machine. Take a look on Bidorbuy or Carbonite to see what is available. Here is an example of a secondhand Lenovo W530 (suggested earlier) which appears to be selling for ~R9000 less than the usual retail price. You could probably arrange to view it first as this regular seller is in CT. Just look for something with two or more years remaining on the warranty.
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/1417...B_SSD_2GB_NVIDIA_3G_HSDPA_FULL_HD_SCREEN.html
http://www.shoplenovo.co.za/lenovo-w530.html

 

[froot]

You can save a lot of money if you are prepared to purchase a secondhand machine. Take a look on Bidorbuy or Carbonite to see what is available. Here is an example of a secondhand Lenovo W530 (suggested earlier) which appears to be selling for ~R9000 less than the usual retail price. You could probably arrange to view it first as this regular seller is in CT. Just look for something with two or more years remaining on the warranty.
http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/1417...B_SSD_2GB_NVIDIA_3G_HSDPA_FULL_HD_SCREEN.html
http://www.shoplenovo.co.za/lenovo-w530.html

And before you transfer cash, make sure you're not being taken for a ride. Those seem to be a common occurrence on BoB and CB lately.

 

[kolaval]

IMHO, go for something that has a proper warranty, and a big screen
You don't want to be spending R25k on something with a one year, take-in warranty.

I have a Fujitsu LifeBook N532 (i7, 16GB RAM, SSD + HDD, 17.3" screen @ 1920x1080), with a port replicator
With a clean install it booted in about 8 seconds to windows.
We also have 3 year, on site warranty, and only in exceptional circumstances will the laptop be send in.

In my experience IDE panels take up a lot of space (visual studio, eclipse etc) and then 1366 x 768 is a no no.