How small is too small (of laptop for a programmer) [closed]

How small is too small (of laptop for a programmer) [closed]

Im thinking of replacing my HP Pavilion dv5-1004nr with Acer Aspire AS5738-6444, I'm a CS student... so im torn between screen size (liking the 15in and decent gpu.. but it weight nearly 8 pounds and battery can barely last 2 hours in power saver mode) and wanting something portable to carry to classes/take notes ect (3 pounds and up to 8 hour battery life of the acer)

Asked by: Guest | Views: 268

Total answers/comments: 2

Comments display order:

bert [Entry]

"Any thoughs on an external monitor, keyboard and mouse? My default configuration is a large LCD (24"", 1080p) and a wireless mouse and erogo keyboard.

For programming, this is ideal since I can have a large IDE with all the debug windows, a keyboard with extensible macros and a mouse that I can actually controll.

When I'm on the road, I can still program, but usually end up in one-note or word/excel anyway, so the small screen doesn't affect me as much."

bert [Entry]

I have been using an Acer Aspire 4720Z for hobby/evening programming. It's perfectly capable for web development and serious Java coding, including running up my application engine and GUI interface. But I find the keyboard too cramped and a little frustrating - I use a split type keyboard in my office and for work. It also had a real virtual RAM thrashing problem until I put in 2GB of RAM.
I have been using an Acer Aspire 4720Z for hobby/evening programming. It's perfectly capable for web development and serious Java coding, including running up my application engine and GUI interface. But I find the keyboard too cramped and a little frustrating - I use a split type keyboard in my office and for work. It also had a real virtual RAM thrashing problem until I put in 2GB of RAM.