<p>I am attending the University of Tennessee next year and a laptop is required for all engineering students. Specifications required are: CPU-Intel Compatible, RAM-4GB, Hard Drive-160GB, Wireless Internet Access-802.11b wireless capability, OS- Windows 7,8(is it that bad?), MAC OSX, or Linux, and Office- 2010 Professional or higher. I've heard I should stay away from windows 8 because it blows but any advice is appreciated. I would like to stay under $700. What do you think about the toshiba satellites?</p>
<p>Do they say what software you are going to run? Stuff like Solidworks (a CAD program) would be likely. Look up the requirements for running the software and don’t get just the minimum requirement. </p>
<p>I don’t have a Windows 8 machine but I’ve used one. Takes some getting used to the new interface. I don’t like it. Heard that Microsoft is coming out with their “classic” or whatever version of 8. Sounds a lot like the Coke “classic” fiasco.</p>
<p>I agree with HPuck35, it’s all about having a machine than can support software that you’ll be using. It’s as simple as that, but you’ll have to know WHAT software you’ll be using.</p>
<p>I personally HATE windows 8. I have windows 7 on my desktop, and my girlfriend has windows 8 on her laptop. I wont even touch her laptop, but then again if one was to get used to it it may not be so bad. It’s just so much different. When 2000 went to XP and then to Vista and then to Windows 7 the functionality still remained pretty much the same. In windows 8 things are much different.</p>
<p>Windows 8 can be really nifty if you have a touchscreen, but otherwise, I don’t think there’s anything that compelling. Windows 7 is a fine option that will be supported (by MS/application developers) for years to come.</p>
<p>They require Office? I don’t think much of your school. I think they are getting paid by Microsoft and probably hardware manufacturers to require these things.</p>
<p>It’s not about getting paid by Microsoft. It’s about being able to offer tech support to their students. If they were on the books with Microsoft they wouldn’t allow OS X or Linux. That said, doing Microsoft Office on Linux is a real pain. You can get it to work, e.g. using Wine, but it is really odd. I’d just use LibreOffice of possible in that case.</p>
<p>Tech support? It’s office, not an STM. Word processing and spreadsheets. At my school I just use a computer lab (I have my pick) if I need to use Excel.</p>
<p>Maybe they are trying to downsize their labs.</p>
<p>I would assume these specifications are set to ensure that we can run these programs right? And, yes, I will need to be able to run CADD. Any suggestions of actual laptops that meet these specs and can run software such as CADD smoothly?</p>
<p>Running CAD software is a matter of having enough CPU power, graphics resolution and graphics processing power. Hard drive space is also critical but these days hard drive space is cheap and any computer I’ve seen advertised recently (except for those with solid state drives) had more than enough space. More is always better. </p>
<p>Each program will usually specify a minimum of these qualities. Having the minimum usually means the program will run, barely. That is why YOU need to find out what software you are going to run and the specs on it.</p>
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<p>You say that but you would be surprise how many people don’t know what they are doing. Seriously, they are not on a Microsoft payroll. I would put it at a 90% chance that the reason they have those specific requirements is that it is still the industry standard and then they actually can afford to offer tech support as needed since there is a standard set of programs.</p>
<p>I would install some extra RAM in the laptop ( probably cheaper to buy it separately and install it yourself). You could go to 8 for an extra $50 (or less). Also you will need a good Graphic’s card if you are running solid works or other graphics and want to run it well. Some laptops can be upgraded easily others no. So check the software requirements well. You do not need to buy all the bells and whistles, just the ones you need. Once you know check the Dell website and see how much it will be to add only what you need.</p>
<p>Ram, ram, ram.</p>
<p>Ram. (ram)</p>
<p>RAM is super duper cheap right now. No need to skimp on it if you can afford not to. Just this morning I bought 16 GB of DDR3 1600 for $99. Now I just have to sit and wait for it to get here.</p>
<p>DD1’s architecture laptop is a Lenovo T420 with the Nvidia graphics. As long as you’re not rendering the Burj Khalifa at 1080p 
it’s pretty good. You can’t believe the build quality of the thing - lightyears ahead of the usual Dells etc. Ok battery life. Lenovo gives some pretty decent educational discounts. Mrs. Turbo’s also lugging a T420 for work, the thing is on 12-16 hours a day, very good.</p>
<p>If graphics is not much of an issue (or as much of an issue) check out the Lenovo X230… Our industrial designers use the X220 for field work and it’s awesome. Built in Intel 4000 graphics tho, no NVIDIA.</p>
<p>What about this one? [Amazon.com:</a> Toshiba Satellite U945-S4130 14-Inch Ultrabook (Ice Blue with Fusion Lattice): Computers & Accessories](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Satellite-U945-S4130-14-Inch-Ultrabook/dp/B00AY1FHZS]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Satellite-U945-S4130-14-Inch-Ultrabook/dp/B00AY1FHZS)
I know it only has 4GB of RAM but I can always add more.</p>
<p>Check upgradability, don’t assume it.</p>
<p>If it says “4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1600 MHz; 16 GB maximum)” does that mean its upgradeable?</p>
<p>It’s upgradability will depend on how many SO-DIMMs are used for that 4GB an how many SO-DIMM slots are available. If not all are used then upgrading is a matter of just putting another module in. If they are all used, you basically have to do a wholesale memory swap to upgrade, which will be a little more expensive.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if its an elitist or quality thing, but engineers really like Apple!</p>
<p>This link from the RPI website has a very good spec and recommendation for a Lenovo. It’s a bit pricer than $700 when you price it out online but the spec itself is a good one. [Rensselaer</a> Mobile Computing Program - Laptop Specs](<a href=“http://www.rpi.edu/laptops/laptops12/specs12.html]Rensselaer”>http://www.rpi.edu/laptops/laptops12/specs12.html)</p>