<p>
</p>
<p>That is quite a generalization. Maybe a larger percent of engineers like them than the general public, but at the same time, a larger percent also like Linux and a larger percent actually know what they are doing with Windows. It is pretty evenly distributed with the plurality still using Windows.</p>
<p>Still trying to figure this upgradeability thing out. I’m not really that tech savvy.</p>
<p>“Memory5
Configured with 4GB DDR3 1600MHz (max 16GB)
2 main memory slots. Both slots are occupied”</p>
<p>Does this mean you can add memory because it has two slots and a max of 16GB but both are being used for only 4GB? And if you want to add the memory you can just buy and stick to put in or does it have to be a specific type?</p>
<p>That means that out of the two slots available each currently has a 2GB stick in it. You can, down the road, replace one of the 2GB w/a 4 GB stick and thus give you 6GB…or any combo you like up to a maximum of 8GB in each slot. You just need to be sure you buy the proper “type” memory (in this case DDR3). Only downside is that you have to dump a 2GB that you already paid for.</p>
<p>If this is a Dell unit you can always chat with them online and they can answer any other questions or call Toshiba (etc.) if your unsure.</p>
<p>I just bought a Lenovo w530 but is a little bit above what you want to pay. My son school is sticking with Windows 7. The Inspiron 15r special edition has some good options and the latitude too. The problem I am finding is battery life x performance. I would try to stay above minimum requirements. Look for the processors and graphic card performance benchmarks before buying. It makes it a lot easier to compare. Also ask for student discount. All makers offer them and they go on top of other discounts. On my son’s Lenovo computer I got a Memorial Day discount + a 20% student discount on that model (still expensive at the end but allowed for good upgrades). Finally pay attention to battery life. Some 6cell batteries only give you a 2-3 hours at low performance. Good luck!</p>
<p>[HP</a> ProBook 4540s Notebook PC - 3rd generation Intel Core i5-3320M 2.6GHz, 8GB DDR3, 500GB HDD, DVDRW, 1GB AMD Radeon HD 7650M, 15.6 Display, Windows 7 Pro 64-bit / Windows 8 Pro 64-bit (C9K41UT) at TigerDirect.com](<a href=“TigerDirect Sunset”>TigerDirect Sunset)</p>
<p>This is one we finely purchased for a budding ChemE student.</p>
<p>Great option for an i5. But at my son school they want an i7. I do not know if in practicality it makes a huge difference for a student, but the price can’t be beat.</p>
<p>Is it recommended to get such a powerful laptop the first year? Or possibly wait until the second when the classes will be more pertinent to engineering?</p>
<p>TBH I do not think they will start with a lot of Solid Works designs the first year, however, I think that choosing a good computer now will avoid having to upgrade in a couple of years ( what is perfectly fine too). In my case one of the biggest drawbacks of cheaper models will similar CPUs (with Windows 7) was battery life. The majority had a non upgradable 6 cell battery that lasted 2-3 hours ( even less when working at full processing speed). I guess I broke my own rule of never spending more than $1000 for a laptop (except maybe for a MAC) but sometimes is hard to resist that FHD screen or that really cool 2G dedicated video card.</p>
<p>When you’re buying a laptop for school, forget all the flashy stuff. Just look for good quality ‘business’ laptops. There’s nothing in undergraduate engineering that you do that needs a high-end model. Reliability and battery life is far more important. </p>
<p>ddahwan, did the school literally say that they “want an i7”? Or is that what your son “thinks” he should buy?</p>
<p>FWIW my HP Pavilion dv7 has been perfect fit for me the last three years and it is certainly affordable.</p>
<p>Mark77 they actually said in the specs that a i5 was acceptable but that they recommend an i7.You are right regarding business computers, but one has to always ask about battery life. He is getting Windows 7 so we are saving some money on the touchscreen, but I do agree with the comments that a one can get a perfect reliable laptop for engineering for a reasonable price (if you can resist the bells and whistles).</p>