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Ask HN: What is the best all-around laptop for a platform agnostic?

2 points by adamweld ↗ HN
I'm a computer engineering student and currently split my time between my Windows desktop and 1st-gen Chromebook Pixel.

I use my desktop for CAD modeling (Solidworks), photo editing (Lightroom, Photoshop) and occasional gaming. I use my chromebook for web browsing in ChromeOS, and also run Debian with Crouton side-by-side for programming and CLI usage.

Overall I've been quite happy with the Chromebook, but it's starting to show it's age and I want something with more capability.

My priorities (roughly in order of importance):

* Battery life

* Future-proof specifications and performance

* Stability

* Ability to run all the programs I need (Solidworks especially)

* Native support for unix/linux CLI

I ask here because I know there is a diverse audience of developers and techies, and because I really don't have a definite preference of platform/operating system. I'd love to hear laptop recommendations of any sort, including "wait for xxx product to come out". Price is not an issue; I want to get the best possible product.

Currently considering:

* Chromebook Pixel 2015 LS

* Microsoft Surface Book

* Waiting for the next release of Apple MBP

What do you use, and why?

6 comments

[ 3.9 ms ] story [ 23.4 ms ] thread
LarryMade2
If Linux is on the list I usually work from the GPU/CPU outward. Less hassle and best graphics performance linux-wise if you get an nVidia powered notebook, then next would be the CPU, beefy enough to do whatever job.

I'd get the best I can on those two specs. You can always throw in more memory/storage later on. Other "can't change things" to consider if using on the go is keyboard, mouse input (trackpad/nub), display size/resolution, and battery.

siquick
My 2013 MBA is probably the best piece of tech I've ever bought.
senjindarashiva
Id recommend the Dell xps13 developer editions, I've been using the first version for a bit more then a year now, being extremely satisfied. And the only issue I ran into, a broken power supply was replaced within 24 hours due to the pro support included in the price.

It's been working great with both windows and Linux while being both portable and powerful (for a small laptop.

The new version does seem to be better in every way, but you could probably get away just fine with a refurbished "old" one.

gibatronic
I own a MacBook Pro and it's just perfect. Work in OS X, with all the advantages of unix environment and great apps. Play games with bootcamped Windows.