<p>DS does not have a laptop but his dad has this one that he doesn't use. Will this one work for engineering or should we get him a different one? Or are there easy inexpensive upgrades to make this one work? We don't have a lot of extra spending money but don't want the kid to struggle either with having a subpar laptop.</p>
<p>If this will work, where do we get the software for engineering programs and what are they? Cad? and Matsomething? </p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any help..here are the specs:
Key Features
IceCool Technology keeps palm rest and typing surfaces cool even after prolonged use
Intel Pentium B970 processor with built-in Intel HD Graphics for faster more energy-efficient computing
ASUS Palm-Proof Technology prevents accidental input by distinguishing between palm and finger contact on track pad
Huge 500GB hard drive capacity means more music, games, videos and files you can store
Specifications
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Display: 15.6" HD (1366 x 768)
Processor: Intel Pentium B970 (2.3GHz)
Graphics: Intel GMA HD
Wireless: 802.11 b/g/n
LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
Memory: 4GB DDR3 (1333 MHz SDRAM, 2 x SODIMM socket for expansion up to 8GB SDRAM)
Storage: 500GB 5400RPM
Optical Drive: DL DVD±RW/CD-RW
Camera: 0.3 megapixel
Speakers: Altec Lansing speakers
Card Reader: 4-in-1 card reader : SD+MMC+MS+MS PRO)
Input/ Output:
1 x Mic-in
1 x Headphone-out
1 x VGA port/Mini D-Sub 15-pin for external monitor
1 x RJ-45 LAN
1 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x USB 3.0 port
1 x HDMI port
Battery: 4-cell
Dimensions: 15.1" x 10.2" x 1.4" (W x D x H)
Weight: 5.72lbs (with 4-cell battery)</p>
<p>If he’s using CAD you should try and find a computer with a dedicated graphics card. Also, that pentium processor is a bit dated. You should get a computer with an Intel Core i5 processor (i7 is better but more expensive).</p>
<p>Look into gaming laptops (gaming laptops don’t have to be used for gaming). A decent gaming laptop will have all the features he needs to run engineering software. If money’s an issue, Asus and Acer are 2 very affordable yet reputable brands.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply. It’s what I expected but I was hoping we could make this one work. I’ll look into those brands and post back before we purchase one to make sure it is up to the job!</p>
<p>Where do you get that special software? Does one buy it or do students get it from school or ? What exactly are the engineering programs called? It would be great if we could get them ahead of school so he would have a chance to try them ahead of school starting?</p>
<p>Thanks again for your help!</p>
<p>There are a lot of different CAD programs, most of which you will be able to access on a school computer with that dedicated graphics capacity. I wouldn’t worry about it unless you are explicitly told otherwise - these programs are seldom available to students anyways.</p>
<p>MATLAB you will almost certainly use at least once. If your son is interested in programming, he might want Visual Studio (C++). Both are very expensive programs that you might be able to download for free from the school. If your school has a list of free programs available, you might want to download MATLAB. </p>
<p>I think that computer is fine. You don’t need CAD; many CAD developers don’t even sell to individuals.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply, Neodymium. So you think this computer is fine? There isn’t any information about computers or programs on the school’s webpage so I don’t know what is available or required. I’ll have to research this more for specifics that apply directly to his school. Thanks again!</p>
<p>Yeah, looks fine to me as far as processing power goes (you can run the applications you need). The only thing I’d be concerned about is the battery life, which can be easily solved by carrying around a charger.</p>
<p>Thanks again. I went to the college computing area and looked at the available downloads and there are a lot of them that are free including the Matlab one but there are no cad ones just like you predicted. I think I’ll try to download the matlab and see how it works with this existing computer. Someone told me to “de crapify” the computer first so I’ll try that too.</p>
<p>He isn’t interested in computer science but he is required to take one beginning course but I didn’t see the program you mentioned on the downloads page either. Yes, DS could care less about computers which is why I am now researching a purchase after asking him to look into it for months and getting nowhere! He loves his desktop and does play games with it so maybe he can use this laptop for class and somehow get his desktop there too. Seems problematic since we are flying cross county though.</p>
<p>I’ll keep looking and researching so thanks again for your help!</p>
<p>I would think the laptop you have should be fine, and if it isn’t the shortcomings will not appear until a year or more down the line when he hits more computationally-intense coursework. Don’t replace it or upgrade it yet, give him a chance to use it first.</p>
<p>As to the software, do not worry about it yet. Schools will either make the needed software available in computer labs and/or make it available for sale themselves, often at a reduced price. No reason to pay full price for a program that would be cheap or free on campus.</p>
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<p>I believe Visual Studio is free for students through Microsoft’s Dreamspark program (you just need a .edu email address). A general rule of thumb is to not buy any software until its required, because its typically offered at a discounted rate by colleges.</p>
<p>Some Engineering schools will post the minimum requirements for student computers. The processor of your laptop is a bit slow for today’s standards but it will work for most of programs out there. I do not think that you will need to run the store quite yet. Keep in mind that most companies offer special discounts for students but you have to ask. A Engineering student will not need the latest in computer technology specially at the beginning. A dedicated graphic’s card is good to run 3D imaging but do not go crazy since they shorten the battery time and are expensive.</p>