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Best Laptops for Programming in 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: March 18th, 2024

💻Hey there! If you're diving into the world of coding or are already a seasoned developer, you know that the right laptop can make all the difference. After digging deep into the reviews and performance metrics, we've rounded up the best laptops for programming in 2024.

No matter what your budget or needs are, there's something here that'll fit you like a glove.

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Overall Best: Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Pro)

(CTO) Apple MacBook Pro 14-in - M3 Max 14C CPU - 30C GPU, 36GB, 2TB, 96W - (Fall 23) Z1AU0029Z - Space Black

The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Pro) stands out as our top pick for programming in 2024. Powered by the latest M3 Pro chip, it delivers unparalleled performance for intensive coding tasks like compiling large projects and running multiple virtual machines seamlessly. The MacBook Pro’s Mini LED display offers stunning visuals, reducing eye strain during long coding sessions. With a spacious, comfortable keyboard and precise touchpad, it's tailored for serious programmers. Moreover, its all-day battery life ensures you can code on the go without constantly reaching for the charger. It's the ultimate portable powerhouse for any developer.

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More Answers

Still curious about the MacBook Pro 14" M3 Max (Fall 23)? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What is the battery life like on the MacBook Pro 14-inch with M3 Max?

Wondering about the battery life for the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip? According to our research, it can last up to 18 hours on a single charge. Of course, that might vary depending on what you're doing. If you're doing heavy stuff like video editing or gaming, you might notice the battery draining faster. But overall, it's still a solid performer compared to some older models. The MacBook Pro with the M3 Max is really meant for high-performance tasks, thanks to its 14-core CPU and 30-core GPU. It's great for intense workloads like graphic processing or software development, so if that's your jam, it should work nicely. Oh, and the design doesn't disappoint. The 14-inch Pro looks sleek, especially with the new Space Black option, and the quality feels up there as you'd expect from Apple. The Liquid Retina XDR display is pretty impressive too—perfect for anyone who needs sharp and vibrant visuals. Just keep in mind, this machine is a bit of an investment, but if you're looking for top-notch performance and those cutting-edge features, it might just be worth it. Just make sure this aligns with what you need out of a laptop.

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Is the MacBook Pro 14-inch with M3 Max good for gaming?

So, the MacBook Pro 14-inch with the M3 Max chip might not be what you'd first think of for gaming, but it's worth a look. Macs haven't always been seen as gaming machines, especially compared to laptops designed specifically for that purpose. Still, the M3 Max model has some perks for those wanting a versatile device. From what we've seen, the M3 Max delivers pretty impressive performance, both in terms of speed and graphics. It's got a 30-core integrated GPU, which is pretty solid and can even hold its own against some high-end desktops. This setup means the MacBook Pro can handle modern games and demanding video tasks without hiccups, maintaining good frame rates even at high settings. Take, for example, '[Shadow of the Tomb Raider](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DShadow%2Bof%2Bthe%2BTomb%2BRaider%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20).' Our research showed it runs smoothly on this MacBook, even at high settings. Just a heads up—when the going gets tough, the fans can get a bit noisy as the laptop works to stay cool. The display is another highlight. It's a Liquid Retina XDR screen that offers really sharp visuals and vibrant colors. According to our insights, it's great for rendering clear, bright images, and it supports HDR, which gamers will definitely notice and appreciate. While the battery life is decent for everyday use, gaming can drain it faster. So if you're thinking of long gaming sessions, you might want to keep it plugged in. Overall, for casual to moderate gaming, this MacBook Pro does the job well. Its price and some challenges like battery life and fan noise might deter hardcore gamers, who might lean toward traditional gaming laptops. But if you're after a machine that can juggle different tasks and still squeeze in some gaming, the MacBook Pro 14-inch with M3 Max is a strong contender. It shines in performance across the board, ideal for someone who needs versatility with occasional gaming on the side.

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How does the M3 Max chip in the MacBook Pro 14-inch compare to previous models?

So, you're curious about the M3 Max chip in the MacBook Pro 14-inch? In terms of performance and efficiency, it's definitely a step up compared to the older [M1](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dm1%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [M2](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dm2%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) models. From what we've gathered, the M3 Max is built on a more advanced architecture, which means it's more power-efficient and faster overall. This makes it perfect for heavy-duty tasks like video editing, software development, and graphic design. The graphics performance has also improved. If you're into gaming or any graphics-intensive work, you'll notice it runs a lot smoother with the M3 Max. This is great for creative pros who need that extra oomph in performance. The keyboard still has that backlit [Magic Keyboard](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmagic+keyboard%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) with [Touch ID](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dapple+touch+id%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which Apple fans have come to expect. According to the product description, it continues to offer a comfy typing experience, especially useful in low-light conditions. As for the build quality, it's the same high standard you'd expect from Apple. Some folks say it's not a total overhaul from previous models, but for those who need top-notch mobile hardware, the changes are quite significant. Overall, if you're searching for a laptop that can handle just about anything, the MacBook Pro 14-inch with the M3 Max chip is worth checking out.

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Runner-up: Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1

Dell Latitude 9000 9440 14" Touchscreen Convertible 2 in 1 Notebook - QHD+ - 2560 x 1600 -Core i7 13th Gen-1365U Deca-core 1.80 GHz - Intel Evo Platform - 32 GB Total RAM - 32 GB, 0.56" x 12.2" x 8.5"

The Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1 is our runner-up, offering an excellent blend of performance and versatility. It features an Intel i7-1365U processor and 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, effortlessly managing demanding programming tasks. The 14-inch QHD+ touchscreen provides plenty of screen space, while the 2-in-1 design allows it to double as a tablet, adding flexibility for different use cases. With over 11 hours of battery life, it's reliable for long coding marathons. Whether you need a laptop or a tablet, the Dell Latitude 9440 2-in-1 is a versatile option that won't disappoint.