Work Laptop [~$1200]

rica235 · November 22, 2019

Hi everyone,

I am currently looking for a laptop. While thought I had my mind made up, I'm currently having lots of doubts regarding this purchase.

I'm an engineering student constantly on the move, so I don't own a desktop PC. Currently using a 6yo Clevo laptop with a 4710HQ + 860M, but it's way too heavy for me to fly or travel with.

I am looking for a new laptop to compliment my work (lots of CAD and CAE software used - pretty big models too). I'd love to get the best I can for less than $1000. but I know these will be extremely heavy and thick. So I'm looking for a machine that should be able to handle the modelling work I throw at it with ease, while being extremely thin and light. Ideally 14" would be perfect, but I know it's hard to find a laptop with a GPU for this price and size, while retaining good performance. So I'm currently looking for 15" options and I'm sure these will be portable and light enough for what I'm looking for.

I don't play any games whatsoever, so that's a non issue for me. I just use lots of Inventor, Abaqus, FEMAP, SolidWorks and NX.

Should I be considering a smaller laptop (XPS 13 or something), and since I don't game will run fine my software, or is a GPU essential for me (then I'll go for 14"-15").

Obviously looking for a bit of advice and suggestions, and more importantly the best laptop that you think would fit me. Completely open to refurbs too!

Thank you so much! :)