Laptop Recommendations for freshman engineering student

[CheapForMe]

My son will be a freshman in engineering in September. I'm looking for suggestions on hardware configurations for him - what he should have as a minimum versus what would be nice to have. If at all possible, I would like to get him something that will take him thru his 4 years, but I'm not certain it's possible. I know it will need to be fairly robust to handle the types of software he will be running for his design classes.

Can anyone who has BTDT offer some practical suggestions? Min processor & RAM, etc?

[damnyou]

How about this one

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?CS=19&kc=6vaff&oc=dndwbt1&dgc=CJ&cid=24471&lid=566643&acd=10550055-1260291-

You can add the graphics card for $75 bucks more

Does this suit your budget and requirements?

[CheapForMe]

Thanks for the suggestion. Any others?

[davepry]

please see this Sticky thread:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=7842&t=47758
scroll down to Post #8
When spec'ing out a notebook, it's a matter of trade-offs -- if you opt for portability, you sacrifice screen size, keyboard size, etc. On the other hand, if you want a large screen you sacrifice weight, portability, battery life, etc.

Generally, I am fond of Lenovo ThinkPad business-class laptops -- they are typically well-built and have good customer support.

Also, if you intend for it to last for 4 years, consider buying an extended manufacturer's warranty that includes accidental damage coverage. These are not cheap, but can pay for themselves the first time the laptop gets dropped down the stairs, or has a beverage spilled on it.

What sort of budget did you have in mind? This will be an important factor for us to help make good suggestions for you.

[damnyou]

Other option is Lenovo

goto lenovo.com/cpp

then login using familyandfriends code

Once you login see the Dads and Grads sale

You will find few options there as well

[CheapForMe]

please see this Sticky thread:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=7842&t=47758
scroll down to Post #8
When spec'ing out a notebook, it's a matter of trade-offs -- if you opt for portability, you sacrifice screen size, keyboard size, etc. On the other hand, if you want a large screen you sacrifice weight, portability, battery life, etc.

Generally, I am fond of Lenovo ThinkPad business-class laptops -- they are typically well-built and have good customer support.

Also, if you intend for it to last for 4 years, consider buying an extended manufacturer's warranty that includes accidental damage coverage. These are not cheap, but can pay for themselves the first time the laptop gets dropped down the stairs, or has a beverage spilled on it.

What sort of budget did you have in mind? This will be an important factor for us to help make good suggestions for you.

Thanks for the link and the suggestions. I'm hoping to keep it under a grand, knowing that it will take a lot of abuse and will quickly become obsolete. And you are right - we should consider a warranty that includes accidental damage coverage. I hadn't thought about that.

I will say we are shying away from Dell. I've had a Dell both for work and personal for 10+ years. I can blow up both a lattitude and an inspiron equally. I tend to multitask simply fry them. My spouse curses his work Dell laptop daily.

My son wants an HP. We can get one through AAFES (also Dell), but the selection is limited. We can get Apple, Dell and Lenovo through his university.

[Ray Nagin]

be sure to buy one that has a search button http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=80644&t=1408985

[davepry]

Thanks for the link and the suggestions....

You're welcome. Check out this link also:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/search.php?searchid=61692357

Several other SD'ers have recently asked about laptops for engineering students; perhaps the replies in their threads will be helpful to you.

[SGD4182]

My son will be a freshman in engineering in September. I'm looking for suggestions on hardware configurations for him - what he should have as a minimum versus what would be nice to have. If at all possible, I would like to get him something that will take him thru his 4 years, but I'm not certain it's possible. I know it will need to be fairly robust to handle the types of software he will be running for his design classes.

Can anyone who has BTDT offer some practical suggestions? Min processor & RAM, etc?

honestly,
i you don't need an expansive laptop in engineering, in a good school pen and paper is still used the most.
so just get him a regular laptop nothing crazy,
i am telling you this because i have been there

[dldude]

honestly,
i you don't need an expansive laptop in engineering, in a good school pen and paper is still used the most.
so just get him a regular laptop nothing crazy,
i am telling you this because i have been there

Being a Senior in Engineering at Ohio State, I can vouche that a good computer can be helpful. I use programs like Matlab, Inventor, and Solidworks on a daily basis. I've got a high-power Desktop to do this on, but my 4yr old HP zv6000 doesn't cut it anymore and I'm looking to upgrade as well.

As for what I've found: You have 2 choices:
-A Desktop Replacement
-A Portable that is highly customized

I've been looking at HP's and I've found that a 16" laptop can be about the same price as a 14" laptop when customized to the same specs. For me, 14" is much better because it weighs much much less. My current laptop is a whopping 8lbs without the charger so I'm lugging around 10lbs of crap everywhere I go. I've been looking at the dv4t from HP. I can customize that to near-max specs (2.4ghz Intel processor, 4GB Ram, 320HDD, 512MB Dedicated Video Card) for ~$900 after my student discount. You can also find some deals where HP offers %30 off anything over $1000, and my setup goes down to about $830.

HP doesn't have the build quality of Levono, however I loved my old HP so much that I want to get another. There are some decent Levonos out there for $999. Sometimes you can find a 15% coupon for those Levonos which make them a good deal.

If you want dell I'd look at the Studio 15's. Good options but I've seen some bad reviews.

Hope that helps a bit.

[myarlak]

my wife's HP has been nothing but trouble, I will not buy another HP product again. I'd go for a Lenovo, Asus, or Acer

[CheapForMe]

Being a Senior in Engineering at Ohio State, I can vouche that a good computer can be helpful. I use programs like Matlab, Inventor, and Solidworks on a daily basis. I've got a high-power Desktop to do this on, but my 4yr old HP zv6000 doesn't cut it anymore and I'm looking to upgrade as well.

As for what I've found: You have 2 choices:
-A Desktop Replacement
-A Portable that is highly customized

I've been looking at HP's and I've found that a 16" laptop can be about the same price as a 14" laptop when customized to the same specs. For me, 14" is much better because it weighs much much less. My current laptop is a whopping 8lbs without the charger so I'm lugging around 10lbs of crap everywhere I go. I've been looking at the dv4t from HP. I can customize that to near-max specs (2.4ghz Intel processor, 4GB Ram, 320HDD, 512MB Dedicated Video Card) for ~$900 after my student discount. You can also find some deals where HP offers %30 off anything over $1000, and my setup goes down to about $830.

HP doesn't have the build quality of Levono, however I loved my old HP so much that I want to get another. There are some decent Levonos out there for $999. Sometimes you can find a 15% coupon for those Levonos which make them a good deal.

If you want dell I'd look at the Studio 15's. Good options but I've seen some bad reviews.

Hope that helps a bit.

Thanks! This is exactly the type of information I'm looking for. When I find out from someone who has BTDT I can use that information to decide what configuration is necessary. I know what I would get for MY needs, but I'm still in the information gathering mode to determine what is necessary for HIS needs.

SDG4182 - Having been in engineering for 25 years and seeing the evolution from card readers to mainframes to pc's, I have to admit your response surprised me. I'm curious, what school did you go to and what field of engineering did you major in? Did you do most of your work in the engineering computer labs? What about research?

[CheapForMe]

1) What is your budget? preferably less than $1k, but will go higher to get what is needed.

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

a. Ultraportable; 12" screen or less
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
d. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen

3) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like? Can get college discounts on Dell, Apple, Lenovo. Can use AAFES for Dell and HP. Personal experience with Dells over the last 10 years has been frustrating, so they are not high on the list.

4) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook? Initially, internet & general office productivity software. Later computational software - MatLab, etc.

5) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk? taken everywhere for classes

6) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games? limited gaming

7) How many hours of battery life do you need?6 hours, looking at longer life battery if fits in the budget

8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person? No

9) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc. Windows

Screen Specifics

1) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?

2) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?

Standard
a. XGA -1024x768 - Large and easy to read text + graphics icons, but you fit less stuff on the screen.
b. SXGA - 1400x1050 - Compromise resolution between XGA and UXGA.
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.

Widescreen
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
e. WSXGA+ - 1680x1050; Wider viewing version of SXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.

3) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?

Build Quality and Design

1) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? No

2) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last? Need to purchase in the next 3 weeks. In an ideal world, would like this laptop to last 4 years, but realistically - that may not be possible

Notebook Components

1) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB? 160 GB

2) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD, Blu-Ray or HD-DVD drive? 24x CD-RW/DVD ROM Combo Drive

[dldude]

My HP just past its 4th year and still runs great. Of course it's slower than the new stuff and way too heavy, but It runs just as well as it did when I bought it.

If you don't care about looks too much, Levono might be a good option.

[damnyou]

For the above requirement I would recommend HP dv4t also

http://www.shopping.hp.com/series/category/notebooks/dv4t_series/3/computer_store?aoid=35252

HP usually has 30% off $999 offers. A recent one was this :NB2556

Not sure if this is still valid or not

But you can try to configure and see if this is still valid

[CheapForMe]

How does this look:
2081CTO ThinkPad T500 - 1 Yr Depot Warranty
7/13/2009**

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W1
Genuine Windows Vista Business 6412
15.4 WXGA TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
ATI Mobility Radeon 3650 with 256MB with Intel Advanced Management Technology
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)8
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm4
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)5
No Bluetooth
Intel WiFi Link 5100 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology10
Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable65
6 cell Li-Ion Battery60
2081: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller7
Processor1 Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W
Operating system 12 Genuine Windows Vista Business 64
Operating system language Genuine Windows Vista Business 64 US English
Recovery DVD Microsoft Windows XP Professional US English RDVD
Display type 15.4 WXGA TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
System graphics ATI Mobility Radeon 3650 with 256MB with Intel Advanced Management Technology
Total memory8 2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboards Keyboard US English
Pointing Device UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
Hard Drive4 160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Optical device 5 DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
Card Reader 7 in 1 Media Card Reader
System expansion slots Express Card Slot & Smart Card Reader
Wireless card10 Intel WiFi Link 5100 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology
Battery60 6 cell Li-Ion Battery
Country Pack Country Pack North America with Line cord & 90W AC adapter
Language pack Language Pack US English

41C9334 3 Year Depot Upgrade with 3 Year ThinkPad Protection $279.00 $279.00
Subtotal: $1,763.00
Sale price: $1,373.00
[USPNOTEBOOKS] -$164.10 ecoupon from website
Shipping and handling: $0.00
Estimated tax: $72.53
Estimated total: $1,281.43*
Total savings $554.10

[dldude]

2GB of ram is not enough
160GB hard drive is not enough
256MB Video card is decent but not the best.

Processor looks good.

You can get a much better setup than that on the dv4t for that price. Thinkpads are good for business solution where people are taking laptops on planes and need alot of customer support. Look into the Ideapads if you're looking at Levono.

[CheapForMe]

Dang...30% off coupon (NB2556) has expired. Any other similar coupons available?

How about this for a dv6t series? $1057.97

Color Espresso Black
Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P7350 (2.0GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)t
Memory FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Hard drive FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Graphics card Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
Display 16.0" diagonal High Definition HP BrightView Infinity Display (1366x768)
Primary optical drive LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
Personalization [For BrightView Infinity Display] Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
Networking Wireless-G Card
TV & entertainment experience No TV Tuner w/remote control
Keyboard HP Color Matching Keyboard
Primary battery 50% OFF!! One 6 Cell and One 12 Cell Lithium Ion Batteries edit
Modem Port Integrated 56K Modem
OS and recovery media System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
Productivity software Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
Theft protection FREE Upgrade to Computrace LoJack for Laptops, Four Years from Computrace LoJack, One Year

[damnyou]

2GB of ram is not enough
160GB hard drive is not enough
256MB Video card is decent but not the best.

Processor looks good.

You can get a much better setup than that on the dv4t for that price. Thinkpads are good for business solution where people are taking laptops on planes and need alot of customer support. Look into the Ideapads if you're looking at Levono.

That was DDR3 RAM and 2GB of it would be good enough. Plus the main emphasis on this system is not for gaming use so 256MB video card is good enough


Dang...30% off coupon (NB2556) has expired. Any other similar coupons available?

How about this for a dv6t series? $1057.97

Color Espresso Black
Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P7350 (2.0GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)t
Memory FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Hard drive FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Graphics card Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
Display 16.0" diagonal High Definition HP BrightView Infinity Display (1366x768)
Primary optical drive LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
Personalization [For BrightView Infinity Display] Webcam + Fingerprint Reader
Networking Wireless-G Card
TV & entertainment experience No TV Tuner w/remote control
Keyboard HP Color Matching Keyboard
Primary battery 50% OFF!! One 6 Cell and One 12 Cell Lithium Ion Batteries edit
Modem Port Integrated 56K Modem
OS and recovery media System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
Productivity software Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
Theft protection FREE Upgrade to Computrace LoJack for Laptops, Four Years from Computrace LoJack, One Year


Can you please wait for next set of HP coupons or Lenovo deals? I will let you know when one arrives and then above configuration can be bought for less

[CheapForMe]

Can you please wait for next set of HP coupons or Lenovo deals? I will let you know when one arrives and then above configuration can be bought for less

That would be great if you could let me know about new deals. My only problem is that I waited a bit too long to start shopping. DS is heading off to school early (Aug 9) for an "engineering boot camp". I'm afraid delivery times may cause a problem with him getting his computer on time. He's not much of a tech kid. He can use the tools, but has no idea of how to install software and configure a system. We were going to walk him through it. Oh well, I guess he can have a trial by fire!

[damnyou]

That would be great if you could let me know about new deals. My only problem is that I waited a bit too long to start shopping. DS is heading off to school early (Aug 9) for an "engineering boot camp". I'm afraid delivery times may cause a problem with him getting his computer on time. He's not much of a tech kid. He can use the tools, but has no idea of how to install software and configure a system. We were going to walk him through it. Oh well, I guess he can have a trial by fire!

I can see that when I see you are adding additional warranty to every configured system. A better way is to add a deal alert at Slickdeals about HP and Lenovo deals and you will get instant notification

[CheapForMe]

I can see that when I see you are adding additional warranty to every configured system. A better way is to add a deal alert at Slickdeals about HP and Lenovo deals and you will get instant notification

Done that! I've even found some deals that weren't on slickdeals yet. (but weren't really slick enough to add)

[crackula]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4610279&pagenumber=1&RSort=1&csid=ITD&recordsPerPage=5&body=#

This can handle any game that's out now, so could handle any modeling program (solidworks, 3ds Max, Sketchup, AutoCad, etc.) within reason.

Use bing.com to get cash back.

My 2 Cents.

[dldude]

When you're running Matlab, more than 2GB of ram can be helpful.

When you're running Solidoworks, more than 256MB of graphics can be helpful.

You can do both with 1GB of ram and integrated graphics but it won't last you 4 years.

[SGD4182]

Thanks! This is exactly the type of information I'm looking for. When I find out from someone who has BTDT I can use that information to decide what configuration is necessary. I know what I would get for MY needs, but I'm still in the information gathering mode to determine what is necessary for HIS needs.

SDG4182 - Having been in engineering for 25 years and seeing the evolution from card readers to mainframes to pc's, I have to admit your response surprised me. I'm curious, what school did you go to and what field of engineering did you major in? Did you do most of your work in the engineering computer labs? What about research?

couple of things newbie's
i graduated this may so booo to both of you "cheapforme" and "dldude"
i am a civil engineer and in NY, my school set standards for other schools ...........
second
you occasionally need to use a computer, every school has well furnished lab that is open 24/7 that you can go and work (at least mine school did)

so cut the OP a slack alright, he doesn't need to spend alot of money on an expensive computer.
i wouldn't spend more than $800-900 on a computer

Thanks and please people THINK BEFORE YOU POST ANYTHING.

just trying to help nothing else...........

[dldude]

That's cool to be a CivE. Congrats on the graduation!

I'm just expressing my experience as a MechE at Ohio State. We do ALOT of Matlab. Yes, we have a 24/7 lab and I do spend a lot of time there. I am also very involved in a student engineering group where I use Inventor and Solidworks a lot and to be honest, I don't want to spend 12hrs a day in the computer lab.

The guy said he had a budget of $1000. You're talking about a major that is always cutting-edge so you really want to invest in something that will last 4 years. I bought an HP desktop-replacement in 05 and it still wouldn't be able to do some major Matlab stuff or nearly anything in SolidWorks.

I am in the market currently for almost exactly what Cheapforme is looking for. I want a computer around $900 and i want it to be light. I've spent the last 3 weeks searching and it's very possible to get 4GB ram, 2.4GHZ P8600, 512MB Dedicated graphics for this price. The Y550 at Levono through CPP has it for $800 (And it's DDR3 RAM). The problem is that's a larger laptop (Still only about 6lbs though). The dv4t from HP can get these specs for about $900 and it's about 5lbs and has better battery life. I'm not trying to break his bank, I just want him to get the BEST computer for his budget. I also don't want him to be kicking himself 4yrs down the line because he didnt get dedicated graphics (Which happened to me on my HP and I've always kicked myself for it).

HP dv4t:
Color Espresso Black edit
Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit) edit
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.4 GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB) edit
Memory FREE Upgrade to 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 1GB DDR2 System Memory (1 Dimm) edit
Hard drive FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection edit
Graphics card 512MB NVIDIA GeForce G 105M edit
Display 14.1" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800) edit
Primary optical drive LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support edit
Personalization [For LED Display] Webcam Only edit
Networking Wireless-G Card with Bluetooth edit
TV & entertainment experience No TV Tuner w/remote control edit
Keyboard HP Color Matching Keyboard edit
Primary battery FREE Upgrade to High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery edit
Modem Port No Modem edit
Productivity software Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
Total: $921.79 (And this is with an LED display so if you take that off subtrack $60 from the price). This is also with the Academic Discount. It gives me a total savings of 20% so if you just waited for a 30% coupon you'd save even more.

Levono IdeaPad Y550 - 41864AU
System components
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor P8600 ( 2.40GHz 1GHz 3MB )
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
NVIDIA GeForce G 105M 512MB
4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz
15.6 " HD Wide LED 1366x768
Idustry Standard Touchpad
500GB 5400
DVD Recordable (Dual Layer)
6 Cell Lithium-Ion
Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 5100
Bluetooth Version 2.1 + EDR
None
One Year
Sale price: $789.00

Those are the two I'm deciding between. Not saying this is exactly what you need both both aren't bad choices.

[bodaciousllama]

I think we need to know what major the OP's son is going into in order to really spec out a system that'll work for him.

[ddnzero]

get an xps refurbished. got one almost 2 yrs ago. still good.
btw i was a freshmen in college too.

[CheapForMe]

I think we need to know what major the OP's son is going into in order to really spec out a system that'll work for him.

He's still making up his mind...but leaning now towards industrial engineering. I'm a CE and his dad is a ChemE, grandfather was an ME/Industrial Management. Poor kid is doomed...

i graduated this may so booo to both of you "cheapforme" and "dldude" Congrats on your recent graduation. I too am a civil engineer - both BS and MS CE/Water Resources. Got my PE over 20 years ago. Good luck starting out. Sorry that you took offense to my questions about your computer usage, none was meant. As I said, I'm curious. I'm interested in engineering education, both because I've been away from it for 15 years and now because my son will be starting his education. It's interesting to see and hear how things have evolved (or not).

So...there's an HP coupon for 15% off $999. Should I go for that and get a dv4t or hope there's another 30% one that comes along real soon?

[dldude]

I would wait for 30 but I'm not in a time crunch.

[dldude]

I would wait for 30 but I'm not in a time crunch.

I just noticed that it's 15% but stackable. To be honest, if you check out the DV3T you can get the same specs as the DV4T for $20 more and it's 1lb lighter and has an LED screen.

I'm getting the same specs as mentioned before except a 2.26GHZ processor for $882.61 shipped. Pretty good deal I'd say.

[gojayjay]

My honest assessment is that a tablet is extremely valuable if you're an engineering major (or professional). Is it necessary? No, but neither is a laptop in general; they just make your life easier.

Similarly, as an engineering student, your son is going to be jotting down a lot of symbols, crazy formulas, and diagrams (both in class and on homeworks), so a tablet with OneNote or EverNote would be invaluable for this. Also, the ability to download and take freehand notes directly on professors' PowerPoint slides is great for any student, as is having all class related material in one central, cataloged place.

Now I'm sure someone will argue, "Well, he can just take notes with pen and paper," and in response, I'd ask, "Well then why does he have a laptop in the first place if he's taking notes on pen and paper?" It'd be cheaper to get him a desktop and a flash drive or portable hdd, and he'd still have most of the utility of a laptop if you exclude in-class note taking.

Also, let me just say this: I've honestly never met a single engineering student from any discipline, in real life or online, who bought a tablet and said they regretted it. To a person, every single one of them said it was the best and smartest school-related purchase they ever made. I'm also one of those people (was an EE/CS major), and my only regret was waiting till my senior year to purchase one.

Having said that, if you want to stay within your budget, you're going to have to sacrifice some raw power, but really, unless he's a gamer, I highly doubt he'll notice or care. Heck, maybe getting him a slower computer might be a good idea so he doesn't wind up playing video games in class. :lol:

Anyway, some very good, top-tier, but older tablets are the IBM Thinkpad X61T, HP 2710p, and Fujitsu T2010. You can grab these BRAND NEW for under $1k shipped from ebay (don't forget to use bing) and then grab a SquareTrade warranty for an extra $100 or so for an extended 3-year plan. Note that the 2710p is probably the cheapest of the bunch (brand new, they can be had for around $700 on ebay), but it's also severely gimped with a 1.8", 4200 rpm PATA hdd, which makes future upgrades almost impossible. The X61T is the best of these three in terms of performance, but it's also the most expensive. Whichever you choose though, any one of these armed with 4 gigs of RAM is enough to run newer versions of AutoCAD, particularly for anything an undergrad would ever get into. Heck, as an undergrad, I used a 1.2GHz Celeron with 2 gigs of RAM, and never had problems running Matlab, SPICE, or Visual Studio (my exposure to AutoCAD was very limited but for drawing 2D schematics, it ran fine).

If you're willing to spend a little more though (in the $1500 range), you could pick up a new HP 2730p or Fujitsu T4220, which are essentially faster, newer versions of the aforementioned. The T4220 is much faster, but the 2730p is business grade and comes standard with a 3 year warranty. The 2730p also comes with the ubiquitous 2.5" SATA drive form factor.

Finally, if your son absolutely needs some raw power in a tablet, you might want to look at HP's tx2 series (tx2000, tx2500, tx2510, etc). It runs well under $1k new, even fully loaded, direct from HP. Only downside to this line is that they're not nearly as reliable as the previous models I mentioned, but it's still a decent tablet and will have plenty of juice to run any app.

Anyway, sorry this turned out so long. I obviously got carried away, but I hope I was at least somewhat helpful. Also, I really hope you and your son seriously consider the benefits of a tablet, particularly in light of his major, and don't dismiss it as a fad. If you're not convinced, I think you should go on some tablet forums or even some engineering forums, and get the 2 cents of people there. Good luck. :)

[CheapForMe]

My honest assessment is that a tablet is extremely valuable if you're an engineering major (or professional). Is it necessary? No, but neither is a laptop in general; they just make your life easier.

Similarly, as an engineering student, your son is going to be jotting down a lot of symbols, crazy formulas, and diagrams (both in class and on homeworks), so a tablet with OneNote or EverNote would be invaluable for this. Also, the ability to download and take freehand notes directly on professors' PowerPoint slides is great for any student, as is having all class related material in one central, cataloged place.



Thanks for a great response! What you said makes a lot of sense.

However, given that he's running out of time, I went ahead and used the stackable 15% off HP coupon and went with a DV4T. It should be shipping by the end of the week.