Laptops suggestion

[Silverhorse]

Hi everyone,

 

I’m starting my first year in Environmental Engineering this fall and need to buy a laptop under $1500 CAD. I’m not 100% sure yet which specific programs I’ll be using, but I know engineering software tends to be CPU-intensive (and possibly memory-heavy).

 

Here’s what I’m looking for:

• Budget: under $1500 CAD (before tax if possible)
• Priority: Strong CPU performance for simulations, modeling, and potential GIS/CAD work
• Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry between classes
• Battery life: Long-lasting to get through a full day on campus without charging
• Preferably new and not refurbished 
• OS: Windows preferred (since most engineering software is Windows-based)

If anyone in environmental engineering (or similar fields) can share what software you use most and what laptop specs worked for you, please also kindly share specific models, that would be super helpful!

Thanks in advance

[Timme]

The new Zenbook 14 is a pretty nice option. Powerful, light, and with a great battery life.

[Commodus]

3 hours ago, Silverhorse said:

Hi everyone,

 

I’m starting my first year in Environmental Engineering this fall and need to buy a laptop under $1500 CAD. I’m not 100% sure yet which specific programs I’ll be using, but I know engineering software tends to be CPU-intensive (and possibly memory-heavy).

 

Here’s what I’m looking for:

• Budget: under $1500 CAD (before tax if possible)
• Priority: Strong CPU performance for simulations, modeling, and potential GIS/CAD work
• Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry between classes
• Battery life: Long-lasting to get through a full day on campus without charging
• Preferably new and not refurbished 
• OS: Windows preferred (since most engineering software is Windows-based)

If anyone in environmental engineering (or similar fields) can share what software you use most and what laptop specs worked for you, please also kindly share specific models, that would be super helpful!

Thanks in advance

On top of the Zenbook (I've used last year's S14, it was slower but still solid), I'd look at the Lenovo Legion 5 Gen 10. It'll have solid performance, including a decent RTX 5050 GPU, and the battery life is apparently fine (though I'd definitely use a low-power mode when you're just taking notes in class).