I'm an engineering student on a tight budget, looking for a reliable laptop around $1200. I need something that can handle CAD software and programming tasks without lagging. My old laptop is barely working, and I desperately need an upgrade. Any recommendations for a cheap but capable machine? I've heard conflicting advice about specs and brands, so I'm turning to you all for guidance. What's the best bang for my buck? Share your experiences and suggestions for a budget-friendly laptop that'll get me through my engineering courses!
As an experienced IT professional with multiple degrees, I recommend a two-phase approach for student laptops. Start with a more affordable option for the first two years, then upgrade later. Consider a slightly used Dell Latitude with robust specifications (i5/i7 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB-1TB SSD/NVME storage). Avoid gaming laptops, as they often disappoint students due to their weight, short battery life, and subpar performance relative to expectations.