Here is what I use: MacBook Air for OS X, an old Toshiba u505 for Linux, and an HP stream 11 for Windows (really cheap, light weight and good battery life so it is good for travel).

All of my laptops have Java 8, IntelliJ, lein (for Clojure and Clojurescript), git, ssh, Chrome, Ruby, and Python installed.

I mostly write my books using markdown and a text editor.

It doesn't really matter which of my laptops I am using. Living in IntelliJ and Chrome makes OS choice not so important.

Edit: I just used the HP Stream 11 exclusively while travelling, and Windows 8.1 is working well for me. I am thinking of switching to a Surface 3 because I like the form factor. One requirement: all of my laptops can connect to a large monitor on the desk in my home office.