New Laptop/ Setup for Computer Engineering Major!

[ChristmasCat]

Howdy, all! I am hoping to pick your brains for a recommendation on my computer situation for this fall. I will be entering the University of Washington as a Computer Engineering major, and will be entering with junior status as far as my classes go. While I know my current setup cannot come with me, I am struggling to find the solution which best fits my needs. Here is what I am looking for:

 

1.) I REALLY need something to bring with me; to classes, for notes, and to work in various places around campus for group work, or in case my dorm room is too noisy. 

2.) I would consider myself a casual gamer, so I would love something with the capacity to play games for the lifespan of the device, although if I had to compromise in one area, this would likely be the one.

3.) Solid inputs (Keyboard, trackpad)

4.) Enough battery to make it through at least most of my day, and quiet enough to be inconspicuous in a quiet classroom or library

5.) I don't need a miracle here, but if possible, I would prefer something as portable and light as possible. (15" screen size would be best)

 

Here's my dilemma: there is more than one way to get all that I need. I could:

-Just get a laptop that can do everything, with a compromise or two,

-Try a thin-and-light with an external GPU that stays in my dorm, or

-Just build a desktop, and buy a seperate ultrabook for portability.

 

Other things to consider:

-Price isn't an issue, as long as I can get something that will last a few years. 

-My dorm is very small, so if possible, I would prefer not to have a desktop, both for the space it takes up, and the heat it puts out in such a small space.

 

Thank you for your input!

[genexis_x]

5 minutes ago, ChristmasCat said:

-Price isn't an issue

-My dorm is very small

Ultrabook+eGPU

 

Most 15 inch laptops aren't light, however you can consider LG Gram 15 2018 (though the build quality is OKish)

[ChristmasCat]

2 minutes ago, ZM Fong said:

Ultrabook+eGPU

 

Most 15 inch laptops aren't light, however you can consider LG Gram 15 2018 (though the build quality is OKish)

I've been considering this option, too. Maybe a blade stealth or something similar with an rx 580 or Vega externally, to run games and 3d design software?

[Starelementpoke]

8 minutes ago, ChristmasCat said:

I've been considering this option, too. Maybe a blade stealth or something similar with an rx 580 or Vega externally, to run games and 3d design software?

I want a picture of you bringing your External GPU case into class. 

[genexis_x]

31 minutes ago, ChristmasCat said:

blade stealth

No Razer laptops pls. They are trash

24 minutes ago, Starelementpoke said:

I want a picture of you bringing your External GPU case into class. 

eGPU will usually sit in dorm

[ChristmasCat]

8 hours ago, Starelementpoke said:

I want a picture of you bringing your External GPU case into class. 

lol, that would be hilarious! But ya, if I went for that option, I would leave the GPU in my dorm, and travel with the laptop.

 

8 hours ago, ZM Fong said:

No Razer laptops pls. They are trash

eGPU will usually sit in dorm

If I went for this option, maybe like an X1 carbon, LG Gram, or XPS 13?

[Starelementpoke]

1 minute ago, ChristmasCat said:

lol, that would be hilarious! But ya, if I went for that option, I would leave the GPU in my dorm, and travel with the laptop.

 

1

No balls. Do it

[genexis_x]

1 hour ago, ChristmasCat said:

If I went for this option, maybe like an X1 carbon, LG Gram, or XPS 13?

I would suggest Thinkpad T series

[Watson221]

This is super weird... These are exactly my questions and exactly my concerns. I'm even going into computer engineering!

 

So what did you end up getting? I was thinking about 1x Carbon Yoga, Yoga 920, and maybe the HP x360. All that coupled with the AORUS GTX 1070 Gaming Box. My total budget is around $1,600. So that leaves around $1,000 for a laptop (since the costs around $600). I'm leaning towards Lenovo because my Dad works for a company that offers their employees a 30% discount on Lenovo products.