Best Budget Laptops for Python Coding in High School?

Honestly, you can code on pretty much anything! A 20-year-old laptop would do the trick if it can run a text editor. If you're on a budget, look for something used on Craigslist for under $500. If you want a Mac, they’re popular among developers, especially if you use Apple products. If you're into modular machines, check out the Framework 13" – you can easily swap parts later. I learned Python on an old junker that could hardly run Windows, but once I switched to Linux Mint, it worked like a charm!

Consider checking out refurbished ThinkPad laptops. Aim for one with at least 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. You don’t need to go for high-end models; a 14-inch one could be perfect since you already have a desktop. They'll be solid performers for your Python classes without breaking the bank.

Stick to your budget, but definitely look for a laptop with an SSD. Even cheaper old machines will boost performance significantly with an SSD. If it doesn’t have one, you can buy an SSD separately and install it yourself. That's usually the best upgrade for the price!

Providing a budget would help, but I snagged a used ThinkPad P52 with a broken fan for $250. Fixed it up for about $50 total. It's a solid machine and handles everything I throw at it. If you're up for a little project, fixing a used laptop can save you loads compared to buying new!

If you're looking for something cheap, an Intel Core i3 laptop should be sufficient. You can find these for around $300 or less. I did some Python scripting on an old Pentium from 2013, and it handled it easily with Ubuntu. So, don’t worry about max specs for basic coding!