Laptop for engineering school

[dumplingqc]

Hi,

I am currently studying in construction engineering and I am looking for a laptop for the school. I know I will have to use some software like AutoCAD and Visual Studio and more… So, I am looking for a laptop that can run theses software smoothly. I would like a pc around 500$ CAN or the cheapest possible.

edited: by cheapest possible I mean if it cost more than 500$ I want it to be the closest to 500$.
I would like many suggestion if possible.
Thank you

 

[Ralston18]

Two immediate suggestions:

1) Check the system requirements for AutoCAD and Visual Studio. Go beyond the "minimal requirements".

2) Check with the school's Engineering Department. They may be able to provide some recommendations and guidance. Find out what laptops they use.

Ask other students.

And if you are going to be carrying the laptop around, as I expect you will need to do, then the laptop must be rugged and able to withstand some bumps and bangs. No matter how careful you may be. A good carrying case/bag is mandatory.

"Cheapest" is unlikely to be a good choice for the long run.

 

[dumplingqc]

Two immediate suggestions:

1) Check the system requirements for AutoCAD and Visual Studio. Go beyond the "minimal requirements".

2) Check with the school's Engineering Department. They may be able to provide some recommendations and guidance. Find out what laptops they use.

Ask other students.

And if you are going to be carrying the laptop around, as I expect you will need to do, then the laptop must be rugged and able to withstand some bumps and bangs. No matter how careful you may be. A good carrying case/bag is mandatory.

"Cheapest" is unlikely to be a good choice for the long run.

I have found some laptop not sure which one to choose
I have selected them to have the requirments for the sofware and a bit above to keep the laptop for a long run.
Are they overkill ?
Do I need to pay a bit more if I want to keep it for like 3-4 years ?

Note : All the others students have high ends laptops or MAC and they have no idea what can be good.
The department don't know either because we already have pc in school which have all the requirements ++ because they are also use for the other programs (software engineering ... ) who need better specs for the software they use

Laptops found
1) https/www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834234757
2) https/www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=1B4-005K-001W7
3) https/www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=1B4-005K-00239CVF (cost more but is it worth ? )
4) https/www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/acer-aspire-es-15-6-laptop-office-365-bundle-intel-pentium-n4200-1tb-hdd-french/b0008560.aspx?icmp=fly-WDH-BB-2017-11-24-B0008560 (will be in sale for 400$)
5) https/www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/portable-de-15-6-po-de-hp-argente-core-i5-7200u-d-intel-dd-1-to-ram-8-go-windows-10/11558159.aspx?icmp=fly-WDH-BB-2017-11-24-11558159 (will be in sale for 600$)
6) https/www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/portable-de-15-6-po-x555qa-d-asus-noir-argente-a10-9620p-amd-dd-1-to-ram-8-go-windows-10/11558810.aspx?icmp=fly-WDH-BB-2017-11-24-11558810 (will be in sale for 470$)

 

[Ralston18]

Start by researching laptops within your $500 budget.

Look at the reviews, User Guides/Manuals, manufacturer forums and FAQ's. Learn as much as you can about each candidate laptop.

You should be able to find or identify a laptop choice that seems appropriate to you.

In today's world there are no real guarantees. You can may make a good choice. However the selected product (e.g. for you, a $500 laptop) can still fail.

Keep it simple. Do not install lots of junk software. And delete the junk software that is likely to be installed.

Goal is for you to minimize whatever risks, as applicable to you, may exist with the laptop selection.