<p>Major. Mech. Engineer.
Cost. 1550$.</p>
<p>Seems like a hell lot of money compared to other models that sell for 700$ without the software of course. The computer doesn't look all too impressive. Is it really worth the money?</p>
<p>Most software is free to students anyway, but you might like the laptop for the 3 year warranty (they are very liberal with repairing things… I went in because of some overheating issues and got nearly half of the parts replaced).</p>
<p>That said, the battery isn’t under the 3 year warranty and lenovo has been known to make batteries that fail within a week after their 1 year warranty expires (happened to me). Replacement costs are on the order of $150, so that’s something to keep in mind.</p>
<p>The laptop is worth it in my opinion just for the lack of worry you’ll have with software compatibility and repairs. Some course required software is offered only for pay (at student prices which is still ridiculously high). A friend of mine had a mac and got absolutely sticked in a biomechanics class we were both taking because we were required to have a specific modeling program which was available thru the rpi laptop program, but was not compatible with macs. </p>
<p>There’s also the occasional spilling orange juice on your laptop, the help desk is very great at repairing laptops quickly.</p>
<p>Regarding the battery, the simple solution to the 1 year warranty is simply making sure your battery is busted before the 1 year warranty is completed. A battery that conveniently is missing the leads is able to be replaced.</p>
<p>We didn’t buy it-but after my husband took a good look at the deal-(you get a computer carry case as well)-he said it wasn’t a bad deal-(He’s a system design engineer.
Also they will fix other computers on-site-just not under their warranty obviously</p>
<p>My son feels it’s a good deal. It comes with the iClicker; a lock; the backpack is, “the best backpack ever–it’s huge;” they give you a loaner while they fix it if you have a problem. “For a MechE major the CAD software is very expensive if purchased separately,” says son.</p>