this post was submitted on 25 Sep 2024
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Linux + ARM laptop: good enough for programming? Or should I get a MacBook? (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 month ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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I'm a software developer with a platform-independent stack (java / postgre / mysql / intellij / docker), I use a Linux distro. I have a workstation, but would like to be able to work away from home. Good battery life, small size, staying cool under load are the priorities; I don't need a lot of power. So I thought maybe I should try ARM?

My first idea was to get a [refurbished] MacBook Air and learn how to use MacOS, although I'd love to support something... less proprietary and more open. I've never used an ARM Linux distro or ARM laptops, and I'm not sure how good they are for my application.

What is your experience?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Have been a longtime MacOS user. Have used Parallels/VMWare to run Windows and multiple flavors of Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Kali, Arch).

Have also used it for professional development targeting multiple platforms, including web, iOS, Android apps, AOSP, Windows, Linux, and hardware like Arduino, FreeRTOS, and Raspian. Docker desktop and K8 lets you build, test, and deploy just about anything anywhere. If you plan to run ML and do training stuff, I'd invest in something beefier than a MBA.

If hung-up and religious on open-source OS, then would avoid. But if you just want to get shit done, it works really well.