In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 to 10 best lightweight laptops for software development and gaming in 2023. We’ll provide detailed information on each laptop and offer our final suggestions to help you make an informed decision. The laptops we’ve selected weigh between 1 to 1.7 kg, making them easy to carry around.
When it comes to buying a laptop, it’s important to consider what you’ll be using it for and what you want to achieve with it. This simple step can save you time and money, especially since laptop prices are expected to continue rising in 2023. By clarifying your needs and preferred specifications, you can ensure that you’re investing in a laptop that will truly meet your needs.
So let’s start with the first laptop on the list.
1. Lenovo Intel Ideapad 5 Laptop ( 1.66kg ).
The Lenovo Intel IdeaPad 5 Laptop is an excellent choice for software developers who need a reliable and efficient machine for their work. With its powerful 11th Gen Intel Tiger Lake Core i5-1135G7 processor, clocked at 2.4 GHz (Base) – 4.2 GHz (Max), and 16 GB DDR4-3200 RAM, this laptop can handle multiple tasks and programs with ease. It also features a 512 GB SSD for fast and reliable storage, allowing you to access your files and data quickly.
The laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home, which you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free when it becomes available. It also includes MS Office Home and Student 2019, giving you essential tools for your productivity needs.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 has a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with 300 nits of brightness and anti-glare technology, making it ideal for working on your code and applications for extended periods without eye strain. It also comes with a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX450 2GB GDDR6 graphics card, which enhances your productivity and ensures the smooth running of graphics-intensive software.
The laptop is slim and lightweight, weighing only 1.66 kg and measuring 1.79 cm thin. It has an aluminum material top that provides durability and an elegant look. The IdeaPad 5 also features a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader, making it easy and secure to log in to your device.
In summary, the Lenovo Intel IdeaPad 5 Laptop is a powerful and reliable machine that can handle multiple tasks, making it an excellent choice for software development. With its fast processor, ample RAM, and dedicated graphics card, you can be sure that you’ll have a smooth and efficient coding experience. Additionally, its lightweight and slim design, coupled with a long battery life of up to 8 hours, makes it a great option for developers on the go.
2. Lenovo Ideapad Slim 5 11th Gen Intel Core i5 15.6 ( 1.66kg )
If you’re in the market for a laptop that can handle software development, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 might just be the right fit for you. This laptop comes with a 15.6-inch full HD IPS display, which is anti-glare and has a brightness of 300 nits. The display also uses IPS technology, providing a wider viewing angle and more accurate colors, making it perfect for software developers who need to work with multiple windows and applications at the same time.
Under the hood, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 is powered by an 11th Gen Intel Tiger Lake Core i5-1135G7 processor, which has a base speed of 2.4 GHz and can reach up to 4.2 GHz. This processor is supported by 16 GB of DDR4-3200 RAM and a 512 GB SSD, providing enough power and storage space for most software development needs.
In addition, this laptop comes with some additional features that are particularly useful for software developers. It has a built-in fingerprint reader for easy and secure login, a backlit keyboard that makes typing in low-light environments a breeze, and an anti-glare screen that reduces eye strain during long coding sessions. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics card is not a dedicated graphics card, but it provides a good enough performance for basic photo and video editing and light gaming.
Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful, reliable, and portable laptop for software development. It comes preloaded with Windows 10 Home and Microsoft Office Home and Student 2019, and a free upgrade to Windows 11 is available when it becomes available. So, if you’re a software developer looking for a laptop that can handle your workload, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 is definitely worth considering.
Note:
The specifications of the above two laptops are different.
The first laptop, Lenovo Intel IdeaPad 5, has a larger hard disk size of 1 TB, a dedicated graphics card with an NVIDIA GeForce MX450 2GB GDDR6, and a faster CPU speed of 2.4 GHz. It also has a built-in camera, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 has no mention of a camera.
On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 has a smaller screen size of 15.6 inches, but it has a higher resolution display with 1920×1080 pixels, a special feature of a built-in fingerprint reader, and a lightweight design of only 1.66kg. Additionally, it has integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics and comes with pre-installed MS Office Home and Student 2019.
3. MSI Modern 14 ( 1.3Kg )
If you are looking for a lightweight laptop that is easy to carry around and powerful enough for your software development needs, then the MSI Modern 14 B10MW-639IN is a great option to consider. With a weight of just 1.3kg, this laptop is perfect for people who are always on the go.
Powered by Intel 10th Gen i5-10210U processor, this laptop is capable of handling demanding tasks with ease. The processor can go up to 4.2GHz speed which ensures smooth and fast performance. The laptop comes preloaded with Windows 10 Home with lifetime validity and a free upgrade to Windows 11* when available.
The MSI Modern 14 B10MW-639IN has 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB NVMe PCIe Gen3x4 SSD storage, which means you can store all your software and data without any issue. The laptop features a 14″ FHD (1920×1080) 60Hz 45%NTSC IPS-Level panel that provides a clear and crisp display with excellent viewing angles.
The laptop has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics card that ensures a smooth and lag-free experience while using graphics-intensive software. Additionally, the laptop comes with a backlit keyboard that makes typing in low-light environments easier.
In terms of design, the laptop has a sleek and stylish carbon grey finish that gives it a professional look. The MSI Modern 14 B10MW-639IN is an ultra-thin laptop that you can take anywhere, and it won’t weigh you down.
In the box, you will get the laptop and an adapter. The MSI BurnRecovery, MSI Battery Calibration, MSI Help Desk, Norton Internet Security (trial 60days) Norton Studio (Metro) (permanent free), Nahimic 3, MSI Center are some of the pre-installed software.
Overall, the MSI Modern 14 B10MW-639IN is a great option for software developers who need a lightweight and powerful laptop for their daily needs.
4. HP Pavilion 14 11th Gen Intel Core i7 ( 1.41kg )
The HP Pavilion 14 14-dv0058TU is a sleek and powerful laptop designed to meet your computing needs. With a 14-inch FHD micro-edge anti-glare display and a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, it delivers vivid and clear visuals with excellent color accuracy. The display is also equipped with IPS technology that ensures wide viewing angles, so you can enjoy your favorite movies or work on your projects without any discomfort.
Under the hood, the laptop is powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor with a clock speed of up to 4.7 GHz, 12 MB L3 cache, and 4 cores. This powerful processor, coupled with 16GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM, makes multitasking a breeze, and you can easily switch between multiple applications without any lag. The laptop comes with a 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, providing ample storage space for your files, documents, and multimedia.
The HP Pavilion 14 comes with an integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics card that delivers excellent visual performance, making it suitable for video editing, gaming, or other graphics-intensive tasks. The laptop also features a backlit keyboard that allows you to type comfortably even in low-light conditions. The laptop’s special anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare, making it easier to work for longer periods without eye strain.
The HP Pavilion 14 14-dv0058TU runs on pre-loaded Windows 10 Home with lifetime validity, and comes with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2019 and Alexa Built-in. With a weight of just 1.41 kg, it is portable and easy to carry around, making it ideal for business or personal use. The laptop also comes with a fingerprint reader, ensuring secure and hassle-free logins. In case of any product quality-related issue, HP provides customer service support to help you seek resolution.
5. Honor Magic Book 15 ( 1.54kg )
The HONOR MagicBook 15 is a sleek and stylish laptop that offers a great combination of performance and portability. With its premium aluminum metal body and slim design, it is a perfect fit for those who are always on the go. The laptop has a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS anti-glare display with TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification and flicker-free certification, ensuring that your eyes are protected from fatigue during extended use.
Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, the HONOR MagicBook 15 provides lightning-fast speeds for all your office and study needs. The laptop comes with 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB PCIe SSD, and an AMD Radeon graphics card, making it perfect for multitasking and running demanding applications.
The laptop also comes with a 2-in-1 fingerprint power button that saves you the trouble of entering passwords every time you need to log in. The HD camera is hidden on the keyboard button, ensuring your privacy when not in use.
The HONOR MagicBook 15 comes with pre-installed Windows 11 Home 64-bit, offering the latest features and security updates. The laptop has a large battery capacity of 56 Wh, which can power local video watching for about 11.5 hours. The 65W Type-C fast charging capability can supplement about 65% battery capacity for HONOR MagicBook 15 in just one hour.
Overall, the HONOR MagicBook 15 is an excellent laptop for those who value both style and performance. It offers a great combination of portability, functionality, and security, making it perfect for office and study use.
6. Acer Extensa 15 Laptop Intel Core i3 N305 8 Core Processor ( 1.7 kg ).
The Acer Extensa 15 Laptop is a powerful and sleek device that is perfect for your everyday computing needs. With its stunning silver finish and ultra-slim design, this laptop is sure to turn heads wherever you go. It boasts a 15.6″ Full HD display with Acer ComfyView LED-backlit technology, providing you with crisp, clear visuals that are easy on the eyes.
Powered by the latest Intel Core i3 8-core N305 Processor with Intel UHD Graphics, the Acer Extensa 15 is capable of handling even the most demanding applications with ease. With 8 GB of onboard LPDDR5 system memory, multitasking has never been smoother or more efficient. Plus, with a 256 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, you’ll have plenty of room for all your important files and documents.
One of the standout features of the Acer Extensa 15 is its T-Type HD camera with 1280 x 720 resolution. This camera delivers 720p HD video at 30 fps with Temporal Noise Reduction, ensuring that your video calls are always crystal clear and free of distracting background noise.
Weighing in at just 1.7 kg, this laptop is incredibly lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. Plus, with its long battery life, you can work or play for hours on end without having to worry about running out of power.
In addition to its impressive hardware specs, the Acer Extensa 15 also comes pre-loaded with Windows 11 Home and Microsoft Office Home and Student, giving you access to all the tools you need to stay productive and organized. With its thin profile and powerful performance, the Acer Extensa 15 is the perfect laptop for anyone looking for a device that can keep up with their busy lifestyle.
7. Dell Vostro 3425 Laptop ( 1.48Kgs )
The Dell Vostro 3425 Laptop is a powerful and reliable device that is designed to cater to the needs of modern-day professionals. This laptop is equipped with advanced features that make it a great choice for work and play.
The Dell Vostro 3425 Laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen3-5425U processor that can clock up to 4.10 GHz, with an 8MB L3 Cache and 4 cores. This powerful processor ensures that you can run multiple applications simultaneously without any lag or slowdown. The laptop comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM that runs at 3200MHz, which can be expanded up to 16GB via the two DIMM slots. This means you can store a large amount of data, files, and applications on the laptop without worrying about running out of storage space.
The laptop is equipped with an integrated Radeon Graphics card that delivers exceptional graphics performance. This makes it perfect for those who want to work on graphic-intensive applications, play games, or watch movies. The 14.0″ FHD WVA AG Narrow Border 250 nits display delivers clear and vibrant visuals, making it easy to work for long hours without straining your eyes.
The Dell Vostro 3425 Laptop comes with a standard keyboard that is comfortable to use and allows for easy typing. The laptop is designed with a Carbon Black color scheme that gives it a sleek and professional look. The laptop is also equipped with a hardware-based TPM 2.0 security chip that ensures that your data is safe and secure.
The laptop comes with a variety of connectivity options, including 1 USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C port, 1 USB3.2 Gen1 port, 1 USB 2.0 port, 1 Headset jack, 1 HDMI 1.4 port, 1 Flip-down RJ 45 port 10/100/1000 Mbps, and 1 SD 3.0 card slot. This allows you to connect to different devices and peripherals easily.
In addition, the laptop is preloaded with Windows 11 Home and Office H&S 2021, ensuring that you can get started with your work right away. The laptop also comes with a 15-month McAfee antivirus subscription that keeps your device safe from online threats.
Overall, the Dell Vostro 3425 Laptop is an excellent choice for professionals who need a reliable and powerful device to work on. With its advanced features, you can enjoy exceptional performance, fast computing, and seamless multitasking.
8. Dell Inspiron 7415 AMD R5 5500U 14 inches(35cm) FHD Touch Display 2 in 1 Business Laptop. ( 1.5kg )
The Dell Inspiron 7415 2-in-1 is a sleek and powerful business laptop that comes with a host of features to help you stay productive on the go. It features a 14-inch Full HD touch display with narrow bezels and a pebble metal color finish that gives it a premium look and feel.
Under the hood, the laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U 6-core/12-thread mobile processor with Radeon Graphics that delivers snappy performance and smooth multitasking. It comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a fast 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe solid-state drive that provides ample storage space and speedy boot times.
The laptop runs on Windows 10 Home Single Language operating system, which comes preloaded with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2019 for all your productivity needs. It also includes a 15-month subscription to McAfee Security Center to keep your system protected against online threats.
One of the standout features of the Dell Inspiron 7415 2-in-1 is its versatility. It can be used as a traditional laptop or as a tablet thanks to its 360-degree hinge that allows you to flip the display all the way around. It also includes an active pen that lets you take notes or sketch directly on the screen.
Other features of the laptop include a fingerprint reader for secure logins, a backlit keyboard for typing in low light conditions, and a 4-cell 54Whr battery that delivers long-lasting battery life. It also has a range of connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Type-C, HDMI 1.4, and a micro SD-card slot.
Overall, the Dell Inspiron 7415 2-in-1 is a great option for business users who need a powerful and versatile laptop that can keep up with their demanding workloads. With its premium design, robust performance, and range of features, it offers excellent value for money.
9. Lenovo Ideapad 3 11th Gen Intel Core i3 15.6 FHD Thin & Light Laptop ( 1.7Kg ).
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a lightweight and thin laptop that is perfect for people who are always on the go. It comes in a stylish platinum grey color and boasts an 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor that can reach a speed of up to 4.1 GHz. It has 2 cores, 4 threads, and a 6MB cache that can handle everyday tasks with ease.
The laptop has a 15.6-inch FHD display with TN technology and anti-glare properties that ensure that you get clear visuals even in bright environments. It has a brightness of 220nits which ensures that the colors are vivid and accurate. The laptop also has a memory of 8GB DDR4-2666 RAM, which is expandable up to 12GB, and a storage of 512 GB SSD, which is more than enough for your files and documents.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes with Windows 11 Home 64 pre-installed, which is the latest operating system from Microsoft. It also comes with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2021 pre-installed, which includes all the necessary applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. You also get a three-month subscription to Xbox GamePass Ultimate, which gives you access to over 100 high-quality games on your PC.
This laptop features an integrated Intel UHD Graphics card that provides smooth and clear visuals. The laptop has a slim design of 1.99 cm and weighs only 1.7 kg, making it easy to carry around wherever you go. The 45Wh battery provides a battery life of up to 7 hours and supports rapid charging, which charges the laptop up to 80% in just one hour.
The laptop also comes with a range of ports, including 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 2.0, 1x Headphone/microphone combo jack (3.5mm), 1x HDMI 1.4, and 1x 4-in-1 media reader (MMC, SD, SDHC, SDXC). It has a built-in HD 720p camera with a fixed focus and privacy shutter for your convenience. The laptop also features smart learning features like Lenovo Aware, Whisper Voice, and Eye Care that help you stay productive and comfortable while using the laptop for extended periods. Lastly, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes with a 2-year warranty that ensures that you are covered in case of any hardware issues.
10. HP Victus Gaming Laptop AMD Ryzen 5 5600H 15.6 Inch(39.6cm) FHD IPS Gaming Laptop( 1.7kg )
The HP Victus Gaming Laptop is a powerful machine designed for gamers who demand high performance and stunning visuals. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor and 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, this laptop is capable of handling even the most demanding games with ease. It also has a 512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD for fast storage and load times.
One of the standout features of the HP Victus Gaming Laptop is its AMD Radeon RX 6500M graphics card with 4 GB of GDDR6 dedicated memory. This powerful graphics card delivers incredible visuals and elevates your gaming experience to the next level.
The laptop also features a 15.6-inch diagonal FHD micro-edge display with anti-glare technology and a resolution of 1920 x 1080. This ensures that you can enjoy crystal-clear images with vivid colors and sharp details. The dual speakers by B&O provide an immersive audio experience that complements the stunning visuals.
The HP Victus Gaming Laptop runs on Windows 11 Home, which offers a rejuvenated Start menu and new ways to connect. It also comes with pre-installed Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021, so you can create better and explore more.
This laptop has lightning-fast ports including 1 USB Type-C, 1 USB Type-A, 1 AC smart pin, 1 HDMI 2.1, 1 headphone/microphone combo, and 1 RJ-45. The USB Type-C port supports a 5Gbps signaling rate (DisplayPort 1.4, HP Sleep and Charge), while the USB Type-A port supports a 5Gbps signaling rate (HP Sleep and Charge).
Overall, the HP Victus Gaming Laptop is a perfect choice for gamers who want a powerful machine that can handle even the most demanding games with ease. With its stunning graphics, immersive display, and lightning-fast ports, this laptop is a must-have for any serious gamer.
Final Suggestion:
It’s difficult to say which laptop is the “best” in terms of performance as it largely depends on your specific needs and requirements.
If you’re looking for a powerful gaming laptop, the HP Victus Gaming Laptop would be a better choice as it comes with a dedicated graphics card, AMD Radeon RX 6500M, and a higher refresh rate of 144Hz. The Ryzen 5 5600H processor with Turbo Boost Technology also makes it a great option for gaming and other resource-intensive tasks.
However, if you’re looking for a laptop that’s more focused on productivity and general use, the Dell Inspiron 5406 2in1 would be a better choice. It comes with a 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it great for multitasking, running multiple applications, and general productivity. The 2-in-1 form factor and touchscreen display also make it versatile for use in various scenarios.
Ultimately, the choice between these laptops depends on your specific needs and budget.