I need a laptop for coding and running virtual machines

Hardware Hub Laptops & Netbooks
1

I just got the minimum specs for a laptop i need for school:
OS: Windows
CPU: intel i5/i7 (needs to be able support virtualisation)
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: needs to have an SSD, total storage of the laptop needs to be at least 250 GB
Screen: 14 inch or bigger
WIFI: dualband
ODD: not needed
GPU: not needed

I will need to be able to run virtual machines and do some programming (i don’t know what languages). i don’t need to game on this machine, but if a GPU could significantly impact vm preformance than i would prefere to have one. i don’t mind if the laptop is big, bulky and/or heavy, aslong as it doesn’t have a screen larger than about 17 inch or so. good battery life and a 1080p screen is also a great bonus.
I have about 1000 euro to spend.
Is there a latop that hase these specs for this price? Or is this to much to ask for at this price point?
Please let me know!

2

If you like a solid matte black w/ red logo here my pick:
Dell Inspiron
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015PYYDMQ?pc_redir=T1&tag=pcpapi-20
Silver look
Hp Elite
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SQFYTHG?pc_redir=T1&tag=pcpapi-20

1 Like
3

just saw your post after i ordered one... but thanks for the reply!

4

Virtualization requires hyper-threading if I'm not mistaken so make sure your processor has that. TBH I'm not sure if that is standard nowadays.

5

I love my HP spectre. I've got passmark scores if you're interested.
What do you plan to DO with the virtual machines? Most computers should be able to run a virtual machine. My old HP DV9000 ran Ubuntu in Virtual Box amazingly well.

6

generally speaking, Intel i7 processors have hyper threading. check ark to be certian as always.

7

Nope. Not even a little bit.

You need a system that has Intel VT-x extensions for virtualization. Google the processor and chipset at Intel ARK to verify. Also, you need RAM. As much as you can afford. You can get 32GB these days on laptops. It's usually cheaper to buy memory aftermarket, and remove the old memory. Save it in case there is a problem or you have to send it in for service.

About Intel Virtualization extensions:

8

Whatever has an 8 thread CPU and a ton of RAM

9

If you're happy to use used hardware, see if you can get a Toshiba Satellite L850 with a i7 3610QM (Quadcore with hyperthreading, 2.3 base, 3.0-3.3 turbo). You'll need to buy an SSD for it probably, but it supports SSD's fine and once you get one in there it's super baller.
Also has a GPU. It's not the most powerful thing (Radeon 7670M) but it's good for light gaming or GPU accelerated tasks.
Unfortunately, it's only single-band wifi.

More info on the CPU: http://ark.intel.com/products/64899/Intel-Core-i7-3610QM-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_30-GHz

10

You can't go wrong with a think pad. Easily upgradable. And there's loads of second hand ones as well as there's lots of ex corp ones sold If you want something a little cheaper.

11

i use an x220 for exactly this use case. i have the i5 version with 16gb ram and a 250GB ssd. the ssd is small for vms "but" i also have the docking station with 2 screens plugged into it a keyboard mouse and 1tb nas with nfs mounts. which effectively turn it into a desktop at home and the small size is glorious when moving around campus...

edit-- i dont use wangblows as the primary os. its a vm in the ssd.