What laptop is best for me?

Question

I am a civil engineering student and I need a new laptop. I will be getting AutoCad and I need a lot of memory to store all my projects, plus, I am a big music and movie fan so I would be downoading and storing a lot of stuff. I want something that is fast and reliable. I like the new dell laptops but I am just unsure what specs I need. Any help would be great!!! Thanks

I would also like to add that I would like to spend €1000 (preferably less!)

Answer 1

Hey- I'm an engineering student too (electrical) so I've done some research already.

One thing you'll need is some serious processor power for all those drawings and renderings in CAD. Go for at least a 2.0 GHz dual-core processor. Also go for at least 2 GB RAM- though more wouldn't hurt.

For hard drive space- a 100 GB, maybe 120 GB, would do just fine. If you think you'll need alot, go for a 120, then buy an external, so your laptop doesn't get bogged down by all that clutter.

If you need anymore info, let me know.

Answer 2

All of the Acer models are terrific values. You should be able to find an Acer duo core AMD x2 with 2GB RAM, Vista and 160 GB HD at a local Fry's, Best Buy or Circuit City for about $700. Most other comparable machines will run you that price, but you'll only get 120GB HD and 1 GB RAM for the money. The Acer runs quietly and doesn't generate a lot of heat. Battery life on most laptops is usually between 2 and 2.5 hours depending on usage. The case is well constructed, and very light. The only drawback is the video card for that price is on the weaker side. Still a bargain, though... just don't plan on playing World of Warcraft, though. Works great for MS Office and internet, though, and it has built-in wi-fi (802.11g/n).

Acer just bought Gateway, so they market under both names. I had an HP and an IBM ThinkPad before. The HP was ok, but heavy. The ThinkPad was nice, but ran a bit slow and they have a very small screen size. No larger options are available for the ThinkPad line. I've had a few Dells, and aside from being extremely noisy, they have been less than adequate machines. For their specs, they were slow and the machines were heavy. Poor construction and ventilation made them run hot.

If money is no issue, Toshiba and Sony make some fantastic laptops... but you'll easily spend upwards of $1500.

Answer 3

If you're looking for less than $1000 (or was it € or £ you meant), then you won't be able to get a Macbook. You can also get better specs for a cheaper price if you go PC rather than Mac.

You definitely want dual-core for the CAD stuff, and I'd recommend Intel at the moment who seem to have the edge on dual-core technology. You want to be looking at something with an Intel Core 2 Duo, at least 2GB of RAM and a huge hard drive. And although Dell can have some decent deals, their customer support is awful.

I reckon something like this:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/133387
looks like the kind of thing you want. Only thing it's lacking is processor speed perhaps, but it has 2GHz. And it has a hefty hard drive - 250GB! And only £500. EBuyer is a good place to look around anyway for good deals (it would be good if we knew what country you lived in to recommend appropriate websites!)

If you do want to get a Mac, make sure you get it via the Apple Education store to get your student discount or via a reseller to get a better deal :)

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I would definately use the Internet rating to compare abilities--like Best Buy or Tiger Direct. Tiger has good prices. Stay away from Dell and Gateway. They use too much custom stuff and service is bad.

If you are near Fry's go there and talk to the sales guys. The Fry's service is great--I bought a three year plan on a laptop and when it died one month shy of 3 years, I got a latest laptop version--much better.

Answer 5

If you are wanting to use AutoCad I would personally stay away from MAC's and go for a traditional laptop.

If you want value for money, then go for an ACER.

Dell are an excellent make and they are well built, but obviously you pay a little more for this.
I'd go for somethign in the XPS range.

Answer 6

The Dell XPS series will do just about anything you can demand of it, and then some. Look over the specs again on Dell's website.

Answer 7

Go for a good brand of notebook.... Toshiba, Sony, HP, etc
You need one with a fast processor, (dual core) and a large Hard drive. (over 100GB)

Ideally, as soon as you get it, take off Microsoft Vista, and install Microsoft Windows XP, it will run much faster.

Answer 8

Get a Macbook Pro with 4 GB's.

Answer 9

Hi There,research all the most popular brands and purchase the absolute maximum in power,ram,hard drive capacity and processer speed that you can afford.then you will be happy with your new laptop.check this link for the latest from HP-IBM AND SONY..I would choose the ibm or sony but hp has the best prices at the moment..
http://www.cheaphomepc.com/
good luck with your future studies..

Answer 10

I have an Acer.
It has worked three months in the last 12 since new.
Acer warranty sucks.
They have had it in five times and can't fix it.
STAY AWAY FROM ACER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!