Developer laptop build suggestions

[Tyer]

Hey everyone!

So I do some programming and tinkering but generally don't program for android but need some help. My brother is getting started in android app development. I have some old laptops lying around. I was going to make one into a developer laptop as a gift for him.
Right now I was planning on putting Linux (they are older laptopa so I need an OS that is lighter than windows.) And android sdk. He doesn't have internet at his house so I want to preload as much as I can.

Does anyone have any suggestions for other programs I should preload for him?

 

[lvt]

I won't start a Linus vs Windows debate but why can't he have an Internet access at his house?

Not even a cellphone with unlimited 3G or 4G?

 

[Tyer]

I won't start a Linus vs Windows debate but why can't he have an Internet access at his house?

Not even a cellphone with unlimited 3G or 4G?

Well my little brother's Dad (my ex-stepdad) is a little weird about stuff like that. If he could live in a cabin in the woods without electricity and the government never knowing he existed, he would.

He can get internet at the library, school, or a friends, so he is not living in the 90's, but I just want to make it as offline capable as possible to make it easy for him to work when he wants.