Super Awesome Laptop!!!

Bluefoam

I want to replace my desktop with a Laptop, but still need to use my 28" monitor and BT mouse.... I work in an Architectural Interiors Firm, but I don't work extensively in intensive programs... I mostly need email, acrobat pro, office, photoshop, but need to be able to open and do some light work in AutoCAD, Sketchup, Coreldraw etc... I also need to take it to client meetings and present visual documents... sometimes on the laptoip screen, but mostly on the clients TV or projector.

• price around e1000
• work with my desktop setup
• use windows comfortably
• portable... was thinking a 15.6" screen, but considering 13" if I go for macbook
• HDMI is necessary for presentations at other offices
• should look good in front of a client. Projecting success is a positive...

I'd love an Alienware, but they are outside of budget.
Gaming machines seem to make some sense, but many don't look professional. Big bezels etc...
Am considering a 13" MacBook, as it presents the right image, but is it capable? can I still use it on my desktop? Will it function with the apps I require? Mac OS isn't necessary, just windows.

Looking for some advice, Please...

D0NNELLY

https://www.apple.com/ie/shop/product/FF839B/A/refurbished-133-inch-macbook-pro-27ghz-dual-core-intel-i5-with-retina-display

and bootcamp.

or this is in budget if you can claim the vat back as a business purchase.

Bluefoam

D0NNELLY wrote: »

https://www.apple.com/ie/shop/product/FF839B/A/refurbished-133-inch-macbook-pro-27ghz-dual-core-intel-i5-with-retina-display

and bootcamp.

or this is in budget if you can claim the vat back as a business purchase.

I'm looking at the new macbook pro 13"
https://www.apple.com/ae/shop/buy-mac/macbook-pro?product=MPXT2AB/A&step=config#

The Dell definitely looks interesting. Their site is down here at the moment, but I'll definitely look into it.

Joseps

Alienware might be close to your budget going for refurbished (on eBay, with full Dell guarantee), but I won't suggest it. I've owned a 15" for years and I have now a brand new top specs 13 R3, and both are too gaming oriented: bulky, loud when running 3D, heavy, short battery life and way too flashy (the 13 is slightly more discrete).

As a matter of fact I'm now writing from my Lenovo x260 13" laptop from work instead of the Alienware; the screen is way worst, but it is much much better to carry and the battery life belongs to a different universe. Suited with a docking station is a really nice office device, but sadly I cannot suggest it: lacks a discrete graphic card so Autocad will probably struggle with any complex task.

The Mac13 is imho a much better device in a business environment, with a massive improvement in all those aspects and an nvidia card -if I'm not wrong-, but I'm not sure if they can fit all your requirements. Hopefully some owner will give you more information.

Bluefoam

The Mac actually seems like a reasonable option... Q? will the 8GB RAM be enough or do I need to spec 16GB?

D0NNELLY

Bluefoam wrote: »

The Mac actually seems like a reasonable option... Q? will the 8GB RAM be enough or do I need to spec 16GB?

but need to be able to open and do some light work in AutoCAD, Sketchup, Coreldraw etc...

4gig would be enough for these. So future proofing yourself with 8.

Bluefoam

Looks like it might come down to a fight between the MacBook Pro & the Microsoft Surface (laptop)... Microsoft are looking good:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/devices/surface-laptop/tech-specs

ED E

Bluefoam wrote: »

Super Awesome Laptop!!!

Bluefoam wrote: »

• price around e1000

1K is very good, not super awesome!


The surface is not upgradeable. Once you've got a config you're stuck with it. The E1000 model is like buying a ferrari with a 1L engine.

256 GB / Intel Core i5 / 8GB RAM - Platinum is the minimum spec worth buying, E1500.

TBH even then it should have a 512GB SSD. They want 2500 for that. The first and second gen Surfaces had their issues so I'd be waiting for the next revision of the laptop personally.

beauf

Laptop's not upgradeable seems to be very Common these days.

ED E

beauf wrote: »

Laptop's not upgradeable seems to be very Common these days.

Its a price you pay for compact form factors. Same reason a modular phone will never work.

Bluefoam

We'll see... The i7 makes sense. I'll put a proposal in for the 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM and see how far I get with it.

Bluefoam

I'm expecting the new laptop to arrive next week...

In the end I went with the Surface Laptop i7... Our IT guys recommended the highest spec 16gb ram & 512 storage. It should be fairly future proof. Upgrading isn't an issue as my software needs are unlikely to increase extensively. The price was comarapatively reasonable due to currency values...

I'm gonna get the doc and a mini usb to hdmi dongle to connect in the office and at various meeting rooms where we do presentations... I'll update on how it works out...