Best laptop for EGD Students

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Gamebot145

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Sep 24, 2015
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Hey guys,

I am a grade 10 EGD (Engineering Graphics and Design) student and I need a laptop, not a desktop, to use for Revit, AutoCad and a bunch of other programs similar to those.

The specs I was told it needed:

i7 processor
8Gb ram
500Gb storage

There are obviously more things that a laptop needs for my uses and I hope somebody is able to help me find something that runs fast and efficiently.

I wanted to know which laptop I should get. I was told that MacBooks should be avoided as some software that I need to use might not be compatible on Macs.

I also have a slight budget problem but I should be able to buy something around R20 000. Nothing more than R25 000 though.

I also want this laptop to last me as long as possible so I can use it throughout university. So if there are laptops that can be upgraded when new hardware comes out or something please let me know.

(I'm not very good with technology so please explain in your replies as if you are talking to your dog ;)
 
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mr_norris

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I'd go for this.

It's the same i7 CPU that I have in my laptop. I think there are only one or two chips above that one, and they are just unlocked for overclocking, and perhaps have a slightly higher clockspeed. It's 4 cores, with hyperthreading, so it's kind of "8 cores".

That and DDR4 is pretty much the latest you can get. I haven't seen anything affordable with faster RAM.

965M GPU is a decent mobile GPU. You won't be gaming with everything maxed out, but it'll be able to handle most things, with some sacrifices. I was going to go for that, but I was really lucky and somehow the planets aligned, and a laptop with a 980M was affordable :p

The only buzz kill is no SSD in that deal. I think down the line when you have some extra cash, that should be your next buy. The responsiveness of a PC / laptop with an SSD can change your life :p

In terms of buying a laptop that can be upgraded later down the line, those are few and far between, and carry a massive premium. Realistically, you're stuck with just upgrading ram and storage.
 
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mr_norris

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Gamebot145 said:
What is your opinion on Alienware laptops. Are they overrated?
Click to expand...

I've always got the feeling that you're paying more for the name than for specs.

Then again, I've only ever come across one of them at Incredible Connection - so that could explain why I think they're a waste of money.

I'd rather have great specs at a reasonable cost.
 
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Esquire

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Mar 24, 2008
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2,326
Have a look at this unit , it has been the most popular notebook with University students that are studying Graphics design or doing gaming

we had 200 units a month ago and have just 28 units left .

http://www.esquire-shop.co.za/ProductDescription.aspx?id=4099012

Although it is slightly older generation (4th ) notebook the price was reduced by almost R 5000.00 from what it was selling for last Year

this unit is currently on special on our April deals and valid until month end or while stocks last

Open up the link below and scroll down to see the product specs and price on this unit

stk#59443616
Lenovo IdeaPad G5070 Gaming Series Notebook

http://www.esquire.co.za/specials/2016_04_13Notebooks.html
 
Johnatan56

Johnatan56

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Esquire said:
Have a look at this unit , it has been the most popular notebook with University students that are studying Graphics design or doing gaming

we had 200 units a month ago and have just 28 units left .

http://www.esquire-shop.co.za/ProductDescription.aspx?id=4099012

Although it is slightly older generation (4th ) notebook the price was reduced by almost R 5000.00 from what it was selling for last Year

this unit is currently on special on our April deals and valid until month end or while stocks last

Open up the link below and scroll down to see the product specs and price on this unit

stk#59443616
Lenovo IdeaPad G5070 Gaming Series Notebook

http://www.esquire.co.za/specials/2016_04_13Notebooks.html
Click to expand...

I would not recommend that for graphics design due to the i7-4558U, it's a dual core. You should care more about the cores than the graphics card.
I would go with Mr Norris's suggestion.
 
Johnatan56

Johnatan56

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Gamebot145

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phoenix99

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Apr 24, 2011
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Gamebot145 said:
Thank you for the reply but...
I would prefer to physically walk up to a store and buy the product rather than ordering it online.

That's why I'm looking at stores like incredible connection.
Click to expand...

IMO find what you want and handle it at a physical store, then buy it wherever it is cheapest. No reason not to buy a well priced product from an online retailer.
 
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Gamebot145

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Messages
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phoenix99 said:
IMO find what you want and handle it at a physical store, then buy it wherever it is cheapest. No reason not to buy a well priced product from an online retailer.
Click to expand...

I have parents with...trust issues...

They won't spend some R20 000 on something online and then wait for it to be delivered.

I on the other hand have no issues with it but it's not up to me.
 
Johnatan56

Johnatan56

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Gamebot145 said:
I have parents with...trust issues...

They won't spend some R20 000 on something online and then wait for it to be delivered.

I on the other hand have no issues with it but it's not up to me.
Click to expand...

Where are you located? (city)
 
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FarligOpptreden

Executive Member
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Mar 5, 2007
Messages
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Gamebot145 said:
I have parents with...trust issues...

They won't spend some R20 000 on something online and then wait for it to be delivered.

I on the other hand have no issues with it but it's not up to me.
Click to expand...

Evetech has a physical store. I bought my MSI GS70 Stealth Pro from them. If you can get a GS60 or GS70 in your budget, do it. They're great, beautiful machines.
 
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