Laptop for Linux stuff and programming mainly for around 50k

[K_akash_i]

Bg: I finally got a job (only three weeks now)
as a system support ( because i had rhcsa, company does, infra support related activities).
Now that i got the job, even though the salary isnt really great, i have to get a laptop for my personal growth. The job i have although uses linux, is very manual, and mostly revolves around monitoring. I was doing my bash+go (backend) monitoring project while i was doing my job hunt with my pc. I have to either get a travel friendly mini tower and move my setup or get a laptop.( i moved to TVM which is quite far from my district)
I was making a monitoring tool, just to understand how it is created from the ground up (using /proc and /sys mainly). I would like to enter into SRE ( i've heard of toolsmith position, which i really liked). So i would like to learn topics and build projects to make me a good candidate. My final aim is HPC, which is deep into linux, but thats not something i will achieve immediately( very thin chance also) . Anyway i want to go deep into linux, also build some tools/projects to deepen my knowledge in the free hours after my work.

i was learning golang.
would like to run atleast two vms, for other tools learning.

1) What is your budget? INR 50000.00
wiggle room around 5k, (Tho still i have to buy it through EMI)


2) What size & weight consideration (if any) would you prefer?

14" i prefer mostly. I like the portability factor.


3) What are the primary tasks you will be performing with this notebook?
Some programming, 100% linux use and learning related topics and tools.
- Some seniors told me to learn ML as well, but i dont know. I am more into linux stuff atm.

5) Any typical configuration in your mind you're eying for ?
i find r5 7535hs to be the minimum starting point.
16gb ram or more, 512gb ssd or more.
Yea also HDMI 2.1.
Any good H series that you think will suffice will be enough. I need atleast 12 threads so that i can run some vms here and there.

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
a. Like: lenovo, dell or any laptop brand with good linux support.
b. Dislike: none


6) Anything else you would like to say?
Might get it from India or UAE.
I find thinkpad e14 with r5 7535hs , 16gb as a good choice. Also thinkbook with similar specs

Acer also has swift go 14 ( not sure about linux support)
Core ultra 125h looks great on paper, but i guess it requires more green papers.
Also 225h ( wow, but she's way out of my league)

i dont need windows, if that cuts the prices down, Great.

 

[Desmond]

Thinkpads are generally good with Linux support. See if you can customize one of the E-series so that it comes with some linux distro like Ubuntu pre-installed. By default you will get one with Windows 11.

 

[K_akash_i]

Uh, sry but what if i place my pc parts inside a case like ant esports mini tower with the handle, and then also buy a good surge protector(like belkin or something)?
Do i still need to buy a UPS?
Could give me alot more room to buy a better device later.
My current specs are 5600g with an matx mobo
And 16gb Ddr4.
Moving to a different accomodation may be a hassle.
Also i would need to buy a better monitor.
Is this better than getting a laptop and in effect be more convenient, and hassle free?

 

[Vyom]

You seem to be confused between a laptop and desktop. First decide what you want.
Laptops are ultra portable, hence the higher cost associated with it.

However if you want a desktop and are ok with used components, I would suggest a Tiny PC (like the image of one attached with this post).
You can get a used one from sites like recyclekart. Only issue is that you are limited to 8th gen intel (as of now). But if running linux and that too for educational purpose, it's more than sufficient. However if you can get access to markets like Nehru Place (Delhi), you can even get 10th gen or AMD equivalent and a new monitor for under 50k.

If laptop, the market like Nehru place also offers various old Lenovo ThinkPads for every reasonable prices. Only concern is that you might get scammed so you will need to check thoroughly or take someone who knows about hardware with you.

Side note: My friend is rocking such tiny PC since years now running linux, and my friend recently got one 7th gen Core i5 tiny PC for under 10k. I bought one for myself too, 8th gen Core i5, 512 NVME SSD and 32 GB RAM, for under 15k.