What Laptop Should I Get? (Engineering Major)

<p>Great price on amazon for the Envy 17-1011NR…I don’t think you can get it for less.</p>

<p>[Amazon.com:</a> HP ENVY 17-1011NR 17.3-Inch Laptop: Computer & Accessories](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/HP-ENVY-17-1011NR-17-3-Inch-Laptop/dp/B003L780XS]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/HP-ENVY-17-1011NR-17-3-Inch-Laptop/dp/B003L780XS)</p>

<p>Ah thanks for the clarification. I’m still a little iffy on Core 2 duos though, since I want my next computer to last as long as possible. I’m probably going to go with 32nm processors to future proof it a bit.</p>

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<p>Usually I’d be saying “You don’t need that sort of power, you’re better off with an i5 or an AMD Phenom II”, but seeing as how you’re an engineer using CAD, go for it!</p>

<p>You probably already know this, but you should definitely consider OCing your CPU and getting an Nvidia GTX 285 or GTX 480 (for CUDA acceleration on CS5 if you’re using it).</p>

<p>Well it’s impossible to find a 13-inch laptop with an nVidia GTX 285 or 480. I think an i5 is good enough for me at this point. The quad cores just don’t have the battery life right now, so I’ll save high-power processors for a future desktop.</p>

<p>I do recall that AutoCAD isn’t as graphics intensive, but rather CPU and RAM intensive.</p>

<p>Ah, thought you were talking about desktops.</p>

<p>And yep, AutoCAD is CPU intensive. However certain programs use Nvidia’s CUDA PhysX to compliment the CPU, making for better performance. It’s also why only Nvidia’s cards will work with this method, and not ATI’s (who do not have physics acceleration on their cards).</p>

<p>Myself personally, if I need that kind of power, I’d invest in a midrange notebook and put the rest in a good desktop. But that’s just me :)</p>

<p>Check out this great computer
[Newegg.com</a> - Acer Aspire AS7551G-5821 NoteBook AMD Phenom II Quad-Core N930(2.0GHz) 17.3" 4GB Memory DDR3 1066 500GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650](<a href=“Are you a human?”>Are you a human?)</p>