Solid SSD laptop for engineering student???

Sslongmuir

Estimable
Sep 27, 2014
3
0
4,510
I am currently on a Mac and want to be back on PC because the software im needing to run is all for PC. (solidworks, autocad, Ect.)

1. What is your budget?
$1200,

2. What is the size of the notebook that you are considering?

15.6"

3. What screen resolution do you want?

1920 x 1080 would be nice but negotiable

4. Do you need a portable or desktop replacement laptop?

I am a student so portability would be nice but not a deal breaker

5. How much battery life do you need?

As much as possible but again not a deal breaker for good performance

6. Do you want to play games with your laptop? If so then please list the games that you want to with the settings that you want for these games. (Low,Medium or High)?

I wont be doing much gaming on the laptop but more design programs and may get into more advanced rendering


7. What other tasks do you want to do with your laptop? (Photo/Video editing, Etc.)

It will be my everything laptop so movies and video editing


8. How much storage (Hard Drive capacity) do you need?

Im not so much concerned with space as i am with having and SSD (250GB would be fine for the OS and frequently used programs) and maybe a 500GB mechanical for things i don't use as often.

9. If you are considering specific sites to buy from, please post their links.


10. How long do you want to keep your laptop?

I am hoping it lasts me through college and internships so 5-6 years


11. What kind of Optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer,Bluray ROM/Writer,Etc ?

It would be nice to have for that one time someone has something you need on a disc but not a huge concern

12. Please tell us about the brands that you prefer to buy from them and the brands that you don't like and explain the reasons.

No preference. Just good cooling to maintain component integrity is my main concern

13. What country do you live in?

US

14. Please tell us any additional information if needed.

-Want at least 8GB ram but preferably 16 if i can get it in the right package.
- SSD
-Good cooling
-Well known longevity
-Good keyboard and speakers
-Dedicated graphics 2GB

I know its a pretty tall order but there are so many out there i am overwhelmed. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Solution


Still the T540p - just add more options. The W540 can have a faster CPU and graphics, etc. - but an optioned out T540p should be fine in your price range. (<$2K)

There are smaller models if you want a smaller screen.

awolfe63

Distinguished
Nov 10, 2007
11
0
18,570


Thinkpad T540p. Get one with a 1080p display. To meet your price target, you will need to add 3rd-party RAM and a third-party SSD.

You don't need dedicated graphics - the Intel graphics are fine for engineering work - but if you want it they have it.
 

Sslongmuir

Estimable
Sep 27, 2014
3
0
4,510
Well there is a refurbished ideapad y500 local to me that is only a year old with the I7 2.4ghz and 16GB ram for $800 and i could get a 250GB for 129$ and was thinking that would make a good deal already having the ram and dedicated graphics but i am hesitant to buy used even though it was the techs personal laptop. Would the t540p have any benefits over the y510?
 

awolfe63

Distinguished
Nov 10, 2007
11
0
18,570
Thinkpad build quality tends to be better - but at a price and with fewer whiz-bank features. y510 does not have a high-res display. Y500 does have it.

I would be cautious about a used gaming laptop - sometimes they get beat on. Refurbished Lenovo machines from Lenovo are a good deal though - I have bought many.
 

Sslongmuir

Estimable
Sep 27, 2014
3
0
4,510
I never looked at the thinkpads until now but they appear to be better built and more professional than the gaming ones Ive been looking at. If i were to spend a little more is there a thinkpad that anyone would recommend?
 

awolfe63

Distinguished
Nov 10, 2007
11
0
18,570


Still the T540p - just add more options. The W540 can have a faster CPU and graphics, etc. - but an optioned out T540p should be fine in your price range. (<$2K)

There are smaller models if you want a smaller screen.
 
Solution