<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>I'm looking for a powerful, capable laptop that will have he graphics and processing power to handle engineering programs like AutoCAD and such. </p>
<p>Graphics are important - but I just want something that will get the job done without being too taxing on my eyes.</p>
<p>Processor/overall computer performance is a primary concern - I want something that will handle engineering programs and yet still be able to watch movies well.</p>
<p>Portability is a pretty big concern too because I want to be able to bring it around the campus and to/from my classes and the library.</p>
<p>An optical drive would be nice. I don't mind thickness and weight - I care more about the physical size of the laptop. Price-wise I'm willing to spend up to $1500 or so if it means I will get a very fast, powerful, and portable laptop.</p>
<p>So far, I'm considering buying a smaller, more mobile laptop and then buying a large monitor for use in my dorm. I'm just worried about the processing power if a 13-14" laptop.</p>
<p>Please give me any suggestions/recommendations and why. I would greatly appreciate the help!</p>
<p>High performance laptops right now aren’t going to be SUPER thin.</p>
<p>You can look at [url=<a href=“Computers, Monitors & Technology Solutions | Dell USA”>Computers, Monitors & Technology Solutions | Dell USA]this[/url</a>] laptop if you want a high quality business machine.</p>
<p>I’d recommend one of the higher-end Lenovo Thinkpad T-series and Dell Latitude E-series.</p>
<p>Here’s what to look for:
1080p or WSVGA+ screen – you’ll want a lot of screen real estate to do your work
Discrete Graphics (preferably professional grade) – AutoCAD uses professional grade graphics cards to assist with rendering
RAM (>4GB) – AutoCAD / Solidworks / math programs do a lot of number crunching!</p>
<p>The laptop series I recommended above are both business-line laptops, which are built more durably than most consumer laptops. They’ll actually be able to handle the abuses of a college student who carries it in a backpack several days per week. Additionally, they have professional-grade instead of gamer-grade video cards, which AutoCAD / Solidworks can utilize to heavily increase performance.</p>
<p>Expect to spend ~$1200.</p>
<p>If you’re willing to wait a couple more months, you can purchase a Lenovo y480p (14") or y580 (15.6"). Both are performance laptops with high end graphics. I currently have a lenovo y470p, and it is great for my engineering programs and simulations. Nice comfortable keyboard, plenty of RAM and it has the ability to support an SSD drive additionally.</p>