Computer Suggestions?

kthomas

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Jun 17, 2009
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Hey all,

Looking for some computer suggestions from those on here who are knowledgeable on the subject. Since going back to school, I've found my current computer can get a bit tired from the tasks and programs I have to run.

Here's what I need from it:

- portable, but able to attach to a docking station when I'm home. I already have a docking station for a Microsoft Surface, so being able to continue to utilize that would be extra points (would have to be a better Surface). Currently using a Surface Pro 5, but one of the lower models with limited memory.

Have to be able to run the following programs:
- full Microsoft suite
- Adobe programs (photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat, etc)
- Autocad
- SketchUp
- Rendering software such as Lumion

Good graphics screen for photoshop and similar software a bonus. Goal is to not be too expensive, hopefully under $1000, as I am a student again. Oh, and no Apple products. I hate the software interface/architecture.
 
Newegg for the last two laptops. Run C3D not familiar your rendering software. One is Lenovo other is Asus. Both are very similar but neither are close to $1k. Both are gaming platforms i7 6 core, 1 TB SSD, 1 TB HHD, 64 GB, GTX 8 GB running Win 10 pro 64. Both have performed well but the Asus lost a cooling fan bearing in about 4 months. Seems to be a common issue. Plenty of comments on the internet. But also easy part to get and replace. I use the Asus for almost everything.
 
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$1000 is going to be tight but not as bad as it used to be. For what you are doing you really need some semblance of dedicated VRAM (which the integrated CPU iGPU's just don't give you), which means a discrete GPU.

This isn't bad in that price range really. Should handle CAD/CAM type applications just fine.

 
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