Computers for SolidWorks

[daniel_dsouza]

Hello CD,

I was introduced to SolidWorks last year, and since then a few of our existing and incoming members have expressed an interest in learning how to use this tool. I had a chance to play with SolidWorks over our fall break, and one of the first things I discovered was that my computer was definitely not fast enough to assemble a drivetrain, much less a robot.

Now our problem is that except from our mentors (college students), I have the fastest computer that meets minimum requirements (including pro-edition of windows). Our team/students/school don't have enough money to build/buy us any computers. What can we do, and how have other teams found computers for SolidWorks? I have heard of some teams(I don't remember who) getting workstations free/cheap from HP. Is getting computers straight from the manufacturer an option?

Thanks,
Daniel D.

P.S. I run SolidWorks on my laptop with Intel Core2 Duo @ 1.5 Ghz w. 2GB RAM and Intel's mobile graphics.