<p>You’re right; they aren’t much different for most engineering majors, but choosing a laptop that fits your needs is an extremely important aspect of life at a uni. Make sure you browse around and research all possible purchasing choices to the fullest extent. </p>
<p>In regards to your questions…</p>
<p>I can agree with the 6gb of RAM and the decent processor. If I were you, I’d go for an i5. An i7 offers too much processing power, an i3 too little, and chances are it’ll fit your budget nicely. Don’t get anything more than 8gb of RAM though, you most likely won’t need it.</p>
<p>Since you won’t be gaming, disregard your graphics card, as it won’t matter for much. An integrated graphics card will work (Like the Intel HD4000), just remember that it’s going to go out of date fast because it’s integrated and somewhat behind the trend. It’ll fit everything else though.</p>
<p>As for your hard drive, discard any ideas you had regarding 256gb SSD. I’m assuming you aren’t necessarily aware of the prices for an SSD these days; a typical desktop (DESKTOP, mind you!!), SSD of that size goes for roughly 150+. For a laptop, chances are that price is going to reach into the 200+ range - if you can find one that works with your laptop and you’re willing to go through the process of switching out the old drive with the new one. An SSD, especially when you aren’t gaming, screen-capturing or film rendering simply isn’t worth the price right now. If you care that much about boot up time, get a 7200 RPM hard drive. Trying to find an SSD that comes with the laptop as is will easily bust your price bracket. I reiterate, DON’T BUY AN SSD! Save your money with a disc drive!</p>
<p>Given the price bracket, I’d recommend a PC. They’re cheaper, can easily go toe to toe with a $2000 Mac at half the price, and most importantly, are more compatible with any programs you’ll be using in engineering. Although engineering classes aren’t as computer heavy as, say, a computer science class (for obvious reasons) you’ll still be taking some computer based classes, especially in your intro classes. You will be using some programs later on when you get into classes more specific to your degree and having a computer that will fit these programs (which are usually made for Windows based PCs) is important. </p>
<p>As for the $1000+ question, it really depends on the manufacturer. I know with some select brands (like Lenovo) you can get an amazing computer in the sub $1000 region, but for others (like Asus) you may end up going somewhere beyond that - nowhere near $1600 though. I couldn’t imagine your needs requiring a PC greater than $1200-$1250 in price (you could easily get away with $700-$800 for a laptop though). When forced to stick a general price range for computers, I’d have to say they tend to appear the most around the $900-$1100 region (but remember, don’t automatically assume all computers will fit in this region - some will be above, some will be below, SO DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!). </p>
<p>I’d also recommend checking your University’s policy. If they say Mac, go Mac. If they say PC, go PC. If they say Unix based, go Unix based. If they don’t specify, then the decision’s yours (though I recommend PC). </p>
<p>Hope I helped!</p>