Laptop for college?

Ivan Offlcockitch

Hey, Im doing engineering in college and im wondering about getting a laptop. Ive 2 in mind; Dell XPS 15 L502X (http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/dell-xps-15-sandy-bridge.aspx) or HP Pavilion dv6-6176sa (http://www.pcworld.ie/Product/HP-Pavilion-dv66176sa-156andquot-Laptop-Steel-Grey/306726/301). I prefer the HP as I've heard bad things about Dell but it only has an i3 processor and the college said I need one with an i5 (like the Dell one). So I'm just wondering do I really need an i5 processor to run CAD and that or will an i3 do.
Also, let me know of any other reason I shouldnt get one of the above laptops if ye have one.
Thanks a lot

Supertech

What version of CAD do you intend to run ? I have an i3 processor and it's fine but I'm running an older version of AutoCad Lt on it and only operating in 2D. The newer versions may be different.You should also check that the version of CAD you intend to use is compatible with the operating system. I had that problem when I got mine, and it was a choice of either an upgrade for the CAD program or a downgrade for the OS. Option 1 was too expensive, so I went with Option 2 (it was XP versus Vista)

The software manufacturer normally list the requirements for that particular application on their websites, and I'd also pay specific attention to the graphics card specification.

I'd suggest that a 15" screen is a little small if you're going to be doing a lot of work on it - 17" might be better depending on the size of drawing you're going to be working on as thee are toolbars and properties boxes to consider the on screen location of as well as the drawing.

bennyineire

I have that Hp, I bought it in pc world and I'm running AutoCad 12 with no problems, however if you can get a 17" screen it would be better for drawing but if you can't stretch it the 15" will get you out for a few years