this post was submitted on 23 Aug 2026
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Best laptop hardware? (programming.dev)
submitted 2 days ago by Moussx@programming.dev to c/linux@programming.dev
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Hello! For work (where I'm compiling a big Rust monorepo in a loop), I'm on a Thinkpad T14 Gen 4 and it's getting a bit annoying.

My only constraint is that I'd like a 13-14 inch device

The AI memory situation is probably to blame, but after sending a LLM fetch specs and GeekBench results, it seems that for sustained multicore performance, the only thing that comes close (within 10% but still lower) of a M5 MacBook Pro (currently ~3200 EUR), is the HP Elite G1a (ARM linux is OK), but its list price is much higher (up to 4900 EUR for 64G memory and 1TB disk) for arguably worse speakers and battery on top.

So right now it's hard to justify not getting a MacBook and that makes me sad...

Is there a laptop you're using right now that comes close enough to a MBP in long compilation jobs, but runs Linux and doesn't somehow cost more ?

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[โ€“] rozodru@piefed.world 4 points 1 day ago (1 children)

yeah this is why I have a server for compiling. would never compile on my rigs, would take forever. I mean you can score an offsite server for cheap if you shop around. A LOT cheaper than buying another machine that's for sure.

[โ€“] rimu@piefed.social 5 points 1 day ago

Yes. There is no "best laptop for compiling Rust", with a reasonable price tag.

All laptop CPUs are extremely weak versions of desktop CPUs and rust is famously heavy on CPU during compilation.

The winning move here is to not use a laptop.