Help me choose a laptop for engineering!

<p>I've been looking into some different options for computers next year and have been unable to decide what I really need. I prefer Windows, even though Mac can run Windows (after all, wouldn't that eat up quite a bit of space/processing power?) - I also don't want to find myself unable to run an engineering-related program on a Mac that is unable to run such a program, even in Windows mode. I want something relatively small - I'd prefer a 13-14" screen, but might be convinced to purchase something as small as 11" or as big as 15".<br>
Should I pursue options at Dell or look further into Lenovo or HP, for example? I'm having trouble finding a powerful computer that isn't huge (17", for example); I'd like a long battery life and considerable memory.</p>

<p>what matters is processor + ram + vid card</p>

<p>i recommend looking at newegg’s great deals. you can find something good for under 500$</p>

<p>Premier schools will most likely view the mismatch between</p>

<p>Dell XPS Studio 13 for $1200 - 64 bit OS, 4 GB RAM, 256 video. Engineers need to get acquainted with the Penguin. Get netbook with Linux for less than $300 to carry around campus and perform lightweight tasks. To run Parallels effectively on the Mac you are going to spend at least $2000.</p>

<p>only thing about dell is that their keyboard sucks…does the XPS have chiclet style? i know the cheaper models dont</p>

<p>I was gonna suggest the XPS too; yeah they keyboard does kind of suck, but other than that its one of the most powerful computers for its size/price.</p>

<p>look into dell’s business laptops. i’m in engineering and i just got one. the business ones, well at least the latitude like i have, have the “rendering” video cards, unlike the regular video cards that come in an xps. plus, i like the keyboard, dunno why you guys dont like dell keyboards</p>

<p>^^ To me: there’s no numberpad (integrated into letterpad), clickers on touch pad are soft (I like a hard click), and the keys are pretty thick, and soft as well. In general I just like my keypad to be a little more strong and concentrated; its hard to put into words but if you ever use one you’ll know what I mean.</p>

<p>well if you want a separate numberpad, it usually is gonna be 17" or more</p>

<p>Look into Lenovo ThinkPads - W if you can afford it, T or R if you can’t. You won’t regret - they are highly durable & capable machines. As long as you get something with a large enough hard drive & RAM, don’t worry about picking out something specifically for engineering as there aren’t too many requirements. Get a USB numpad if you think you really need it.</p>

<p>When back at the home base I plug in a full usb keyboard; about $20, for ease of use and efficiency. The Dell Latitude line, targeted at businesses, is rock solid if you don’t mind substance over style…I have mine configured for Ubuntu, Vista, and Windows RC7.
Also have a mini 9 for the road; smaller than all my books…</p>

<p>i actually think my latitude is quite “stylish” haha</p>

<p>looks better than those gaudy “gaming laptops” with flames and crap all over or hp laptops with all their metallic crap</p>

<p>only macs beat this laptop in terms of looks</p>

<p>but then again, i like things simplistic</p>