I need to get a new laptop that can run CAD software (Creo and Solidworks) along with programming software (Eclipse or Netbeans). Obviously I need some RAM, my current laptop has 6.0 GB. However, after years of wear and tear, I have a blacked out bottom corner, bad internet, no sound, headphone jacks are broken, among other things. I need it to be under $1000 however. It needs to have some speed, and at least 8.0 GB of RAM, maybe more.
We (1708) purchased this this year as a driver station -cum- CAD machine. Seems to be working well so far.
My current laptop:
CAD, Kerbal Space Program, and a really nice keyboard for programming on.
The Lenovo Y series is the best bang for the buck. Go to their website for different configurations.
I’d recommend the Lenovo 510p. We bought one for the team and it is great. Make sure to buy the one with the 1080p screen. That model should be about $900 on their website. With a student discount which you most likely can get it could go down to about $850. I’d recommend adding the accidental damage protection warranty, which doesn’t cost a ton, and is even less with the student discount, but it well worth it.