computer for school
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Re: computer for school
: computer for school -- dougtheslug	Post Reply	Top of thread	Engineering Forum

Posted by: Kelly_Bramble ® 06/15/2006, 21:59:49 Author Profile eMail author Edit

That machine sounds adequate. Keep in mind, your going to need to purchase software as well. I would consider the MS office proffesional package. Since you are a student, you may need to purchase a CAD or spice program. I know that Autodesk, Solid Works, and Pro-e has a student version. You might take a look at the minimum hardware requirements of these or any other required packages. Don't forget you might want to play video games as well. I know this may sound funny, but computer games are cheap entertainment while at school. Keep you out of other trouble..

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Re: computer for school
: computer for school -- dougtheslug	Post Reply	Top of thread	Engineering Forum

Posted by: swearingen ® 06/15/2006, 14:07:29 Author Profile eMail author Edit

RAM is good; I see you've got that covered. Other important stats for engineering computers: - Separate video card with its own RAM, the more the merrier. This is true for both laptops & desktops. If it says "shared" memory, don't get it. - Fast hard drive(s). For a laptop, don't get less than 7200rpm; the standard is 5400. Dual hard drives are even better. Put your operating system on one and install all programs and put your files on the other. In a laptop, I'd even pick two 5400rpm drives set up like that over one 7200 drive. - Choose the brightest screen on a laptop you can get. I'd sacrifice a little resolution for extra brightness. When you're in a coffee shop, library, or dorm lobby during the day, you'll be glad you did. - The dual core processor is good. I've heard rumors that it can be bumped to 64bit like the new AMD. That means it may be able to run Vista at full bore when you upgrade your operating system in a year or two. Do some homework on that - you may want to go with the AMD chip if you can't get a definitive answer. - Go ahead and spring for the DVD burner. Files keep growing at ridiculous rates and in a year or two it will pay off. - One route you might look into is the Dell refurbished store and the like. You could score a high-end workstation level machine for a decent price. My two cents...

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Re: Re: computer for school
: Re: computer for school -- swearingen	Post Reply	Top of thread	Engineering Forum

Posted by: randykimball ® 06/15/2006, 18:49:24 Author Profile eMail author Edit

I've purchased a XXX refurbished with great results, from one of the bulk stores on line. They seem to also refurbish the batteries, something that excapes me as to how they can do so at a bargin price, but they do with excellent results. The worst suggestion of your lifetime may be the catalyst to the grandest idea of the century, never let suggestions go unsaid nor fail to listen to them.

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