If you're really strapped for cash but really, and I mean really, mean it, get a cheap Chromebook for less than $300 and run Linux on it. You'll be able to run everything you need to learn things like Javascript, Node, Ruby, and Python which can land you a job. Once you have a job, you can get yourself that awesome power station. ;)
(Edit) Great article, BTW! I strongly agree that our consumerist culture profits off the illusion of spend to not have to learn.
There are great older laptops available on eBay (or other similar marketplaces) that can easily handle any web development workload. Make sure there are at least 8GB of RAM and an i5 of 3rd, 4th generation or newer. If the storage is an HDD, swap it with an SSD for a massive boost in performance. Pick a trusty seller and you're done.
I have a Lenovo Thinkpad X230 that I've upgraded with an SSD and it works like a dream. It's a former business travel model, with reinforced chassis. Dell has similar models. I would pick a laptop like this over any new Chromebook of similar price. CPU power, RAM capacity, storage... they are all superior.
I've bought my corporate out of warranty laptop with similar specs for less than 200 dollars, installed Linux and couldn't be any happier. It runs butter smooth.
Another option, if you don't really need mobility, is to get yourself a desktop. Again, the market is flooded with office Dells and HPs with more than decent specs for less than $200. Add a decent display and you're done.
If anyone needs advice on picking up a PC or building one, reach out to me. I'd be happy to help.
If you're really strapped for cash but really, and I mean really, mean it, get a cheap Chromebook for less than $300 and run Linux on it. You'll be able to run everything you need to learn things like Javascript, Node, Ruby, and Python which can land you a job. Once you have a job, you can get yourself that awesome power station. ;)
(Edit) Great article, BTW! I strongly agree that our consumerist culture profits off the illusion of spend to not have to learn.
There are great older laptops available on eBay (or other similar marketplaces) that can easily handle any web development workload. Make sure there are at least 8GB of RAM and an i5 of 3rd, 4th generation or newer. If the storage is an HDD, swap it with an SSD for a massive boost in performance. Pick a trusty seller and you're done.
I have a Lenovo Thinkpad X230 that I've upgraded with an SSD and it works like a dream. It's a former business travel model, with reinforced chassis. Dell has similar models. I would pick a laptop like this over any new Chromebook of similar price. CPU power, RAM capacity, storage... they are all superior.
I've bought my corporate out of warranty laptop with similar specs for less than 200 dollars, installed Linux and couldn't be any happier. It runs butter smooth.
Another option, if you don't really need mobility, is to get yourself a desktop. Again, the market is flooded with office Dells and HPs with more than decent specs for less than $200. Add a decent display and you're done.
If anyone needs advice on picking up a PC or building one, reach out to me. I'd be happy to help.
I've read before that linux cannot be installed on some Chromebooks because of hardware limitations. So, I'd check that first before committing to it.
Chrome OS is based on the Linux kernel so it's very unlikely that a Chromebook wont run Linux. However, some Chromebooks have ARM processors.