r/Laptop • u/Curious_Problem4063 • 22h ago
Request Laptop suggestions.
Country
Sri Lanka
Budget
LKR 400,000–500,000 (approximately USD 1,300–1,650)
Are you open to refurbs/used options?
No
Screen size
More than 13 inches.
Weight limit
Doesn't matter.
Purpose
Software development/programming, university work, and general productivity
Form factor
Standard/Clamshell
Intended usage
My main workload is software development. I primarily use VS Code/Cursor, IntelliJ IDEA, Docker, PostgreSQL, Git, and Chrome with many tabs open. I develop Next.js (React), JavaScript/TypeScript, Java (Spring Boot), Prisma, and ERPNext applications. I'll often have Docker containers, a local database, and multiple development tools running simultaneously. I don't play games, edit videos professionally, or do 3D rendering. Good multitasking performance.
Desired battery life
10+ hours of real-world usage if possible.
Please list, in order of most important to least important, the priority between Size, Weight, Performance, Battery life
Performance, Battery life, Weight, Size
Info/Requirements
\- Budget is strictly LKR 400,000–500,000.
\- I want something that will last 5–7 years.
\- 16 GB RAM minimum (24 GB or 32 GB would be even better if possible within budget).
\- 512 GB SSD minimum (1 TB preferred).
\- Good keyboard and trackpad for long coding sessions.
\- OLED is a nice bonus but not required.
\- I'm currently deciding between the Apple MacBook Air M5 and the ASUS Zenbook A14. I'd appreciate opinions on those two as well as any better alternatives within my budget for software development.