Submitted by Cold-Jackfruit6368 t3_yo4y2x in BuyItForLife
I’m going to be an engineering major so idk which laptop would be suitable? Thx
Comments
jmp242 t1_ivcc5rw wrote
With no other info, a Lenovo P15 gen2 with the Xeon and Quadro card. It'll cost around 4100 usd, but will do CAD etc pretty well, you can do 32GB ram and up to like 128GB or more depending on money. Get it with the nvme / m. 2 disk, shoot for 512GB or 1TB if you can afford it.
It's a mobile workstation. Get 4 years of Premier support and you will be gtg for college and potentially beyond if you don't drop it or something.
AndMarmaladeSkies t1_ivcdss0 wrote
I have three kids in college. All their schools list recommended models. The engineering schools in particular seem to have strong recommendations. Their IT departments have on-site warranty service for certain makes/models.
Finally, if you won’t start college until next autumn: wait. Technology changes of course, but more importantly you probably want a warranty to span your entire time in college.
Cold-Jackfruit6368 OP t1_ivcebmn wrote
Like 1500$
Blu_E92 t1_ivcedu7 wrote
I’d go for the Dell XPS15
Cold-Jackfruit6368 OP t1_ivceid4 wrote
This might be dumb questions so sorry. But model? Is that a specific computer or like brand?
AndMarmaladeSkies t1_ivcerww wrote
Example: Dell is the manufacturer but Inspiron, Latitude, XPS, and Precision are some of their laptop model lines.
PickAPikachu t1_ivcf6fd wrote
Check out the Lenovo yoga slim pro, 2022 AMD version. I bought it a month ago for 1100€ and it's perfect for me. I'm a student too but in finance so our needs might not be the same (for me it's mostly note taking and excel) but the build quality is excellent and lasts almost two days on one charge (again light use, on battery saving and roughly 50% brightness)
Gnarlodious t1_ivcgg7t wrote
Macbook Pro, my last one went 10 years. Not a lifetime but about the best you could expect.
PublicCommenter t1_ivcicw3 wrote
If you’re a Windows user, check out the newly released Microsoft Surface. If you’re a Mac user, either the new M1 or M2 MacBooks. I’ve used both an older Surface and previous MacBooks and have gotten more than four years out of each.
i_am_kaffee t1_ivcikze wrote
P53 lenovo.
Geistbar t1_ivcjaam wrote
Macs aren't good recommendations for engineering. Engineers need specific software to run. If there's no Mac port of their software then they're stuck going to a computer lab.
For someone that knows what software they need through experience and being told, that's less of a problem. But OP is going to be starting school and will lack that experience and there's always a risk of the school missing a piece of software or a misunderstanding when looking things up.
For non-STEM this is less of a worry. Most other industries that need specific software for students are in the "creative" space which tends to be very well supported on Macs. Less software driven studies also don't have that issue for obvious reasons.
FLTDI t1_ivcknyj wrote
I would go the exact opposite. Have your personal device portable while in college and if you need a workhorse go to a lab. Even 15 years ago when I was in school those with desktops struggled compared to those with laptops
mad_cyber_scientist t1_ivcnys3 wrote
Lenovo, I’m a fan of the Legion line- it’s overkill- think pads are what I use for work and have had no problems there either, ssd, at least 16 gb ram, AMD Ryzen 7 processor- NOT one of the U line, current generation.
Wooden_Bed377 t1_ivcp5lg wrote
If in engineering anything with a little processing power, and not a Mac will be fine! I really recommend a cheap 1080 24 or 27" monitor as well, you'll want duel screen minimum with your laptop as one of them.
Wooden_Bed377 t1_ivcpbh4 wrote
^this. Anything Math or Science related for a degree get a Windows computer OP. Makes life waaaaay easier
IBeTanken t1_ivcvm6n wrote
I would say a Lenovo Thinkpad (not their consumer models as the Thinkpads are high quality and being without a laptop even for a week on campus is not fun).
Integrated graphics are pretty okay now a days and can do some basic collage level modeling. If they need more a computer lab will be available.
Personally I like something that can be used as a tablet with a pen as I found that effective to write and take notes on powerpoints.
As long as it functions, to be honest most any laptop "will do" anything above and beyond is a bonus.
​
I would NOT get a Mac as with the new M1 and M2 processors, running windows emulation is a real pain and most dedicated windows software will not work (especially for engineering). Before when you could bootcamp it was a different story.
stereolithography t1_ivcxj3k wrote
Ehhhhh, depends. A good chunk of my CS/SE homies and I used nothing but cheapo laptops (usually ThinkPads) running some flavor of Linux with no problems. Now, if you gotta run some bullshit like Matlab (sorry for your loss) or Excel then yeah, just run Windows.
MW0112 t1_ivcxr8h wrote
Probably don’t want to get an apple computer for engineering. There are certain programs that aren’t made for mac and there’s not a reliable way to run windows on the m1/m2 machines yet
Wooden_Bed377 t1_ivczskv wrote
Linux as well, but taking some inferences I'm assuming the person asking isn't that technical, at least not yet :). But my biggest point, dual monitors is a necessity in my opinion.
aintnobodytriller t1_ivd1ikn wrote
Framework laptop.
Certain-Object3170 t1_ivd3buf wrote
Panasonic toughbook. They last a long time!
Only-Insect-5660 t1_ivd55zq wrote
The XPS 15 is the way to go. I've had mine for a few years now and have had zero issues. I work on it and do schoolwork with ease. It also runs great with a thunderbolt and duel monitor display. In my experience so far, Macs are not great for schooling, most instructors are using windows and can't help troubleshoot macs.
unlmtdammo t1_ivd6imk wrote
Dell; I work in an Enterprise IT environment and although you’ll likely end up with a different model than the ones we use, their warranty is worth it
1 year standard warranty gets you parts AND labor with a tech that will come on site to do the work (your home or wherever you happen to be) if there is an issue
This is huge if you need to mitigate down time
Aggressive-Ad-7888 t1_ivd7kp7 wrote
ThanksPads are built for Buissness and they last for a long time. Mine is 12+ years and still the best machine I’ve had.
Cold-Jackfruit6368 OP t1_ivdi8fj wrote
Yess I’ve heard they r good but r pricy. Question, why do they have less ram but cost more than other computer with More ram and storage?
oscarito2019 t1_ivdjgdq wrote
Something lightweight so you can easily carry it to class, study group, library, etc.
Mysterious_Still_662 t1_ivdod9g wrote
No tech is gonna be BIFL. Imagine if someone was still using tech from a generation ago. A different sub would probably be best.
[deleted] t1_iveszzc wrote
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FLTDI t1_ivetf9y wrote
Not being able to take their computer to class, group work meet ups, labs, library etc
ResponsiblePen3082 t1_ivf0t2w wrote
Framework.
Snuggledtoopieces t1_ivfeivm wrote
Surface pro, all the engineers I know love them.
The 9s nice makes sure you get the keyboard and stylus.
WhySuchALongName t1_ivg3q0k wrote
100% agree with the dual monitors.
Moved from a single 13" MacBook Pro screen -> a PC with a 27" monitor -> dual monitors -> triple monitors (43" + 32" +27").
I can't believe I ever did work on a single laptop screen as a student. Although likely overkill for a student, a triple monitor setup has increased my productivity at work tremendously.
I have considered a 4th monitor but I don't think it's necessary. Sometimes I have to alt-tab while working, but not enough to justify a 4th at the moment.
Artaois t1_ivgb6xi wrote
That's a terrible choice.
Snuggledtoopieces t1_ivgcu9j wrote
Really, literally 50+ mechanical engineers love them and have requested them through 4 generations.
So sorry you don’t like them.
[deleted] t1_ivhlz8l wrote
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HeyItsTimeToShine t1_ivj5cyg wrote
As an engineer, my recommendation is to get any laptop with a good processor + good dedicated gpu since they will need to use specific applications (AutoCAD/SolidWorks...etc).
I wouldn't recommend Macbooks, they are very good don't get me wrong, but as an engineer I prefer Windows over MacOS any day.
aintnobodytriller t1_ivjtu44 wrote
I suggest you research the matter on the framework subreddit.
I'd imagine it is due to the modularity.
I'm happy with the build quality and it reminds me of working on first gen MacBook Pro.
gunner7517 t1_ivquprv wrote
I made sure my boss at the time bought all of our engineering companies we did IT for P series thinkpads. And when i asked some of the people that did CAD work how they liked the machines they said the loved them. A P53 is exactly what i would recommend as well. They were using solidworks if that makes the decision any easier for OP.
SecretConspirer t1_ivtctjw wrote
Depends on what you're doing with them. They're nice for taking notes and general coursework, I loved mine in Uni. But, they're not great for any actual processor or hard drive dependent heavy work.
Brandon3541 t1_ivugz39 wrote
Not if they have to do any simulations / CAD / coding they won't.
2 in 1 laptops are pretty weak in general and are for little more than taking notes.
BornAgainSpecial t1_ivvbhm8 wrote
This is the "buy it for life" reddit, and you're telling someone to buy an extended warranty laptop you think will die within 4 years.
BornAgainSpecial t1_ivvca6b wrote
You need something with a big screen so you can see what you're engineering, and all the computer companies got together and made a consensus that they would no longer allow you to have that. Get a used LG Gram with a 17" screen for about $500. Rip out the camera and microphone and any other junk that's not supposed to be in there and sell it to recoup some of the cost. Maybe resell the battery too since anywhere that has a desk also has a power outlet.
BornAgainSpecial t1_ivvd5hs wrote
The idea is supposed to be that you're allowed to upgrade parts, so the computer is supposed to be a big hollow shell that will allow you to fit any motherboard including itx, plus a screen with a non-proprietary connector instead of the usual lvds and edp, and also a trackpad and keyboard that are usb instead of, once again, proprietary connections. But no, all you get is tiny 12" screen to ensure you can't fit anything other than the custom adaptor modules for everything that only the company sells.
i_am_kaffee t1_ivvxe83 wrote
P53 is real G of heavyweights.
deeleelee t1_iw0za0i wrote
same reason people recommend Darn Tough and Patagonia, warranty is part of what you buy.
if you think ANY laptop will last you for life, I don't know what else to tell you.
AbsurdOwl t1_iwiqeuj wrote
It sounds like you haven't used one in a few years. That was absolutely true 5-7 years ago. The Surface Pro 8 and 9 (Intel, not ARM) are extremely capable laptops. I just sold my 8 recently, not because it couldn't* serve as my main dev machine, but because I just didn't love the form factor. The keyboard was surprisingly solid, but the inability to pick it up easily with one hand is what finally pushed me back to a clamshell style laptop.
Hardware wise though, the Pro 8 was one of the best PCs I've had, and the 9 is supposed to be even better.
Edit: a word
AbsurdOwl t1_iwiqppy wrote
This isn't really accurate for the SP8 or 9. I used an 8 as my daily driver for dev work for 8 months, and it handled everything I threw at it, including building a monolithic repo I have to deal with at work with dozens of projects inside, something my Surface Laptop 3 struggled hard with.
plo_ska t1_ixutmdv wrote
All I can say is don’t get a Mac. I grew up using em and they really only lay for a few years until they get slow as heck and really shitty. My bf has a Dell laptop that’s over 8 years old and it STILL runs faster with a longer battery life than my 4 year old MacBook Pro.
MarranoPoltergeist t1_ivcbso9 wrote
MacBook m2