Engineering student laptop?

[chenchen94]

So I'm going into first year engineering this fall. I'd really like a computer that will last at least two years. My budget is around $1400 but it's pretty flexible. I'd like a fairly portable computer, nothing more than 6lbs and a 15" screen. All I'd be using this laptop for is surfing the internet, occasionally some engineering programs like Solidworks, watching movies, programming(specifically with Eclipse), and occasional photo editing since I like to do graphic design as a hobby. I'm not a gamer at all(unless Tetris counts) so I don't have any requirements for graphics card or anything. Also, I'd really REALLY like a computer that doesn't have a noisy fan or heats up easily.

I've been leaning towards buying a macbook pro for the past few months since I've had bad experiences with windows computers my entire life, but I'm a little wary since you can't open it up and add or remove hardware. I wouldn't mind not being able to open up my computer, but I'd have to be sure that the $1200+ for a 13 inch macbook pro is TRULY worth it. Also, if I get a mac, I'm gonna want it to last all four years of school. If I get a PC, two years is enough, since they're cheaper and modifiable.

I'm also pretty flexible so if you have any recommendations that are different than what I've specified above, please tell me about them

[navdeepz]

.... The only reply you gonna get for this post is... "PLEASE FILL UP THE FORM" .. which you can find HERE

[chenchen94]

Oh. sorry. I'm new to this forum...

1) What is your budget?
$1400 give or take

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen

3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator.
US

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Dislike: HP

5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?
no

6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
Programming with eclipse, occasional photo editing, watching movies, occasional engineering programs like Solidworks, skyping

7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
both

8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games?
Tetris? Just kidding. I'm not a gamer

9) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Around 5

10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?
I'd be ok either way

11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
I'm open to all three

Screen Specifics

12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer? Keep in mind screen size in conjunction with resolution will play a large role in overall viewing comfort level. Everyone is different. Some like really small text, while others like their text big and easy to read. Click here for Screen resolution information.

1440x900 or 1600x900

13) Do you want a Glossy/reflective screen or a Matte/non-glossy screen?
Doesn't really matter. As you can tell, I'm not too picky about most things.

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
It sounds superficial..... but I'm a sucker for pretty laptops. So yes, kind of.

15) When are you buying this laptop?
July or earlier

16) How long do you want this laptop to last?
2 years if it's a windows-based computer. It HAS to be 4 years if it's a mac-- I want my money's worth.

Notebook Components

17) How much hard drive space do you need; 80GB to 640GB? Do you want a SSD drive?

Around 500GB of hard drive should be enough for me, although I would prefer to have an SSD.

18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD Burner, Blu-ray Reader or Blu-Ray Burner?
Not necessary, but again, it'd be a plus.

[navdeepz]

... there are so many options ... you could go with lenovo Y480 or Sony S series ... or wait for the Lenovo Y580 ( yet to be released) ...

Dont like Mac book ... so i wouldnt want to comment on it :P

[chenchen94]

Dont like Mac book ... so i wouldnt want to comment on it :P

Would you mind saying why you don't like the macbook? I'd like the pros and cons. You won't hurt my feelings if you say anything bad lol

[navdeepz]

well i just feel MAC book is over rated and over priced ... its like luxury ... you spend more but get less ...

[frodoz737]

For SolidWorks, Autodesk and most CAD/CAE programs, I think you will find Windows is the best option. Based on your specs, consider the Dell M4600 or Lenovo W520/530, unless you really only just need a laptop for Office apps and surfing. My only do over would have been a single 512GB SSD (Samsung 830) over what's in signature, but cost is a factor.

[pepper_john]

thinkpad W520 is very cheap now that W530 has come out.