I recently snagged a refurbished Surface 3 from Reboot Computers, and I’m thrilled to share how I transformed it into a powerful dev machine. This little guy, while not the newest on the block, has become my trusty companion for coding on the go.
Here’s the breakdown of my setup:
Software Essentials:
Windows 11 Pro: While it’s older hardware, the Surface 3 handles Windows 11 Pro surprisingly well. The familiarity of Windows makes it easy to navigate and manage my projects. Visual Studio Code: My go-to IDE, VS Code offers a lightweight yet feature-rich environment, perfect for my development needs. Git: Version control is a must, and Git integrates seamlessly with VS Code, allowing me to track changes and collaborate efficiently. Google Cloud SDK: For projects requiring cloud infrastructure, the Google Cloud SDK lets me interact with Google Cloud services directly. Azure: Similarly, Azure’s tools provide a comprehensive suite for managing and deploying applications to the cloud. The Benefits:
Portability: The Surface 3’s compact design makes it incredibly portable. I can easily take my coding projects with me wherever I go. Cost-effective: Refurbished hardware offers great value for money, allowing me to get a capable machine without breaking the bank. Customization: Windows 11 Pro provides ample flexibility to customize my development environment, ensuring it meets my specific needs. While the Surface 3 might not be the most powerful machine, it’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need top-of-the-line hardware to be a productive developer. With a little ingenuity and the right tools, even a refurbished device can become a powerful development platform.
So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective and portable development solution, don’t underestimate the power of a refurbished device. You might be surprised at what you can achieve