Pick my next computer

[wrtbak]

Please forgive me if this isn't the right place for this; I'm new.

 

I am going back to school for my master's this fall and I need a little personal laptop for that.

 

• Budget: $800
• Need-to-have:
  • zippy performance for web browsing, downloading, document editing, video conferencing, multi-tasking, etc.
  • competency for light CAD (AutoCAD or, more likely, DraftSight), MATLAB, database applications, etc.
  • SSD
• Nice-to-have:
  • light gaming chops (I have a separate gaming PC, so this won't be my go-to or primary experience)
  • Thin-and-light
  • IR Camera (for Windows Hello)
  • PCIe SSD (never had one, just curious)

I attached my "short" list, but I'm having trouble prioritizing. What would you get? Again, this isn't a primary gaming machine, so I'm more interested in all-around value and quality.

 

Thank you!

Laptop Short List.xlsx

[Shimejii]

Not going to be very good for the price, should start out with saying its laptops only

[Brooksie359]

I would probably get one with a 1050 in it. Makes it light enough for being on the go but not so weak it can't do some light gaming and more power hungry gpu applications. I feel like laptops with a 1050ti usually have to make design sacrifices to allow for one. 

[Biggerboot]

Personally I think from your list the Dell G3 is the best overall.  It's not too thin or too beefy.  It's a well rounded system that has good specs and form factor for the $.  I know a co-worker who's happy with their's.

As a side note, colleges should have plenty of power outlets in the open.  Don't worry too much about having something 'ultra light' or '10+ hours of battery'.  That may be my preference, but especially if youre a resident on campus (or spend all day on campus), and this is your main computer, you'll appreciate the performance more.  That being said, I think the G3 should still last long enough to make it through a day unless you're using 3d apps hard.

[genexis_x]

Could you list out ALL 8250U/8550U/8300H/8750H laptops that are within your budget?