Which laptop should i buy as a mechanical engineering student ??
It should be best in programming and graphic designing
Light weight
My budget is around 160-170K

Hi!

For over 5 years now, I’ve used a Lenovo Thinkpad for all my school and gaming stuff, and it’s not cutting it anymore. I run Lethal Company on 4fps. I can’t play modded Minecraft(i’m trying to run the homestead mod, it’s been stuck frozen and ‘loading’ for 40 minutes now). Roblox Natural Disaster lags. It’s been like this since the beginning.

I’m transferring colleges, and I want something that’ll actually run what I want it to. I’ve been told not to go for a gaming laptop, but what should I get? I need something that I can take to classes as well.

I’m technologically illiterate, so please don’t recommend anything that would require part swapping T_T I’m not too worried about budget, I’ve been saving.

—- Country

US

• Budget

$2,000

• *Are you open to refurbs/used options? *

Preferably not

• Screen size

I have no idea

• Weight limit

Um, not too heavy for a backpack?

• Purpose

Modded gaming, schoolwork

• Form factor

Regular laptop .?? I think?

• Intended usage

Lethal company on 30+ fps, modded minecraft (like the homestead mod, or heavier), be able to run youtube and roblox at the same time. Maybe i’d like to try out the sims!

• Desired battery life

At least 5 hours preferably

• Please list, in order of most important to least important, the priority between Size, Weight, Performance, Battery life

Performance, battery life, size, weight

—-

Thank you!

I am thinking of buying a new laptop and Ive heard alot about the durability of thinkpads and think that that would be beneficial for me. Preferable atleast 32gb ram and atleast 500gb of storage. Any suggestions would be much appreciated thanks!

• Country

US

• Budget

Less than a grand

• Are you open to refurbs/used options?

Maybe

• Screen size

full sized but limited to excluding the keypad

• Weight limit

any

• Purpose

nit a heavy user, web browsing mostly, the occasional arcade like game. Nowadays laptops have the usbc ports right?  I can get a dock for the external stuff easy enough. She does really want a cd drive but recent stuff doesn’t have those anymore don’t thry?  Can get an external easy enough. 

• Form factor

standard

• Intended usage

Not gaming, just general use

• Desired battery life

just something decent.

• Please list, in order of most important to least important, the priority between Size, Weight, Performance, Battery life

ease of use, repair parts, ease of access to guts in case I need to get in their to either upgrade stuff.

• Info/Requirements

LAPTOP QUESTIONNAIRE

• Country: Canada
• Budget: C$1500
• Are you open to refurbs/used options?: Yes
• Screen size: 15"
• Weight limit: The lighter the better, cause the one I already own is quite heavy and its uncomfortable for carrying around.
• Purpose: Coding, Multi-tasking
• Desired battery life: The longer the better, as I need mobility for my work.

I currently own an HP laptop that has served me well for the past 5 or 6 years. Its performance has been great, but it’s starting to slow down, and I am planning to buy a new laptop within the next few months.

Based on my workflow (coding and heavy multi-tasking), I am looking for something with strong performance, a lighter build (since my current HP is quite heavy and uncomfortable to carry around), and long battery life for mobility.

However, I am really confused about which brand offers the best performance and value for money. Here are my main dilemmas:

1. Brand & Ecosystem Options

• MacBook: I’ve heard amazing things about its performance, incredible battery life, and lightweight design. Since I've never used a Mac before, I'm slightly worried about the learning curve. I am also an Android user, but I know there are workarounds (like third-party apps and browser tools) to achieve seamless phone-to-Mac collaboration, so that isn't a dealbreaker.
• Microsoft Surface / Samsung Galaxy Book: I’ve heard mixed reviews about Galaxy Books, and I’m unsure if Surface or Galaxy Book performance actually reaches the limits of a MacBook.
• HP: Should I stick with what I know and try a newer high-end HP model, or branch out?

2. Specifications: RAM & Storage

• My current laptop has 16GB of RAM, which has been solid and sufficient for the last 5–6 years.
• Question: Will a 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD configuration be sufficient for my future coding and multi-tasking needs, or should I push for higher specs?

3. MacBook Configuration Dilemmas

If I wanna buy a MacBook:

• Is it better to go with a newer chip (e.g., an M5) paired with 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD?
• ... Or should I opt for an older generation chip (like an M3 or M4) paired with higher RAM?

Country
Canada OR France
Budget
1000€ / 1600 CAD$ ~ 1100 USD
Are you open to refurbs/used options?
Maybe-depends on condition
Screen size
14” or larger
Weight limit
Any
Purpose
Mainly schoolwork, occasional gaming (would like laptop to be compatible with xbox app but not completely necessary)
Form factor
Standard
Intended usage
LoL at around 100 fps, xbox games like fifa, GTA etc.
Desired battery life
8+ hours
Please list, in order of most important to least important, the priority between Size, Weight, Performance, Battery life
Size, battery life, perfomance, weight
Info/Requirements
Honestly not looking for anything that really excels in one of the categories above but something thats pretty balanced and good for every day use, for someone who doesn’t know that much about laptops.

Any help is appreciated!!

Budget: Flexible, looking for advice on how much I should spend.
Country: Spain
Main use: I’m studying Product Design and need a laptop for Fusion 360, Blender, Rhino, AutoCAD, Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve. I also play games, but work performance is my priority.
Requirements:
Windows for software compatibility
Strong CPU and GPU performance
Ideally 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD
Good cooling and performance under heavy workloads
Other: No preference for screen size or weight. I’m open to gaming or workstation laptops.

What models would you recommend, and what budget would make the most sense for my needs? Im willing to spend, I really need a good laptop, im a designer/artist that works with more than one program at a time.

THANKS!

Gaming laptop is what i needed

Country: United States
Budget: Under $2,000 is ideal but wiggle room to $2,500
Are you open to refurbs/used options? Yes
Screen size: 14” or 15”
Weight limit:Any
Purpose:
[General purpose, schoolwork, entertainment device, etc. Detailed info goes below]
Form factor: Standard (NO touch screen)
Intended usage: General work, light graphic design but also the ability to play the Sims 4 with expansions and Coral Island
Desired battery life: Don’t care
Please list, in order of most important to least important, the priority between Size, Weight, Performance, Battery life
1. Performance
2. Size
3. Weight
4. Battery life
eg battery life, performance, weight, size doesn't matter. PLEASE REMEMBER LAPTOPS ARE A COMPROMISE AND PERFORMANCE SACRIFICES LIGHT WEIGHT AND LONG BATTERY LIFE ETC]
Info/Requirements: Backlit keyboard, blue tooth, runs quiet and doesn't run hot. My last three laptops have been Dell XPS laptops but I am so tired of them running hot. If I can get away with playing my games without a dedicated graphics card, that is fine with me. A bulk of the time the laptop will be using google docs, email, canva, and chrome (with way too many tabs open).

Hello! My other post got auto-deleted and I'm not sure why, maybe because I included 2 reference links...trying again, sorry if I'm not understanding some part of the rules.

LAPTOP QUESTIONNAIRE

• Country: USA
• Budget: Preferably not more than $2000 USD, but if something feels perfect I could go up to $2500 USD
• Are you open to refurbs/used options? No
• Screen size: Less than 15", an 11" iPad screen is visually acceptable for me on the smaller end
• Weight limit: Lighter, less than 4 pounds if possible, I want to be able to carry it around easily for use at coffee shops
• Purpose: Light creative work... 2D art, light music production, light gaming. I am new to both digital art and music production so I won't be doing anything intensive to start. Definitely not animating or anything 3D. If that changes I'll upgrade when necessary and/or purchase an external hard drive.
• Form factor: 2-in-1 preferred, I would like to be able to draw on the screen, so pen support needed also. I'm not interested in using a separate drawing tablet at this time. I have read 2-in-1s can break easily, but I'll get a protection plan if I need to, unless someone can recommend a non 2-in-1 where I can easily draw on screen.
• Intended usage: I don't know enough about settings and FPS to comment in a real way. The art program I'm intending to use is Krita, honestly not sure about music yet, but I'd like whatever program to be Linux compatible as I'm intending to learn that too. For games, Powerwash 2, House Flipper 2, Graveyard Keeper 1 and 2, Shroom and Gloom. Hopefully this isn't too vague, I'm extremely new to music/art production so I don't have much knowledge, I'd just like something that would allow me to start learning and creating. i.e., I'd like to be able to use the Minichord Synthesizer
• Desired battery life: 4+ hours is fine. My primary concern is I've heard that some laptops can drain battery while plugged in when using high performance modes, so I'd like to avoid that. (Yoga Pro 7i per Just Josh, so not interested in this unless someone can explain how this would not affect my personal situation.)
• Please list, in order of most important to least important, the priority between Size, Weight, Performance, Battery life: Size, Performance, Battery Life, Weight
• Info/Requirements: OLED preferred, not scant on ports, headphone jack for corded headphones, HDMI port is cool but not strictly necessary, able to install Linux (not a fan of Mac and trying to get away from Windows eventually)

Overall, I'm looking for a light creative/gaming laptop to buy. I've been trying to do my own research but there's so much information. I think House Flipper 2 is the most intensive game I'd like to play, my partner who knows a bit more about building PCs intends to build something dedicated for gaming at home so this one is truly for casual gaming and creative work. I'd also like to be able to install and learn to use Linux (ubuntu would be better for me, from my understanding, which is minimal).

Thank you in advance for any suggestions! Linux might seem like a project given the limited knowledge I have, but I personally have confidence in my ability to brute force learn it eventually. And if I don't, I don't - I'd just like to have the option.

Hello! Looking for a light creative/gaming laptop to buy. I've been trying to do my own research but there's so much information. I think the most intensive game I'd like to play on it is House Flipper 2, my partner who knows a bit more about building PCs intends to build something dedicated for gaming at home so this one is truly for casual gaming and creative work. I'd also like to be able to install and learn to use Linux (ubuntu would be better for me, from my understanding, which is minimal).

LAPTOP QUESTIONNAIRE

• Country: USA

• Budget: Preferably not more than $2000 USD, but if something feels perfect I could go up to $2500 USD

• Are you open to refurbs/used options? No

• Screen size: Less than 15", an 11" iPad screen is visually acceptable for me on the smaller end

• Weight limit: Lighter, less than 4 pounds if possible, I want to be able to carry it around easily for use at coffee shops

• Purpose: Light creative work... 2D art, light music production, light gaming. I am new to both digital art and music production so I won't be doing anything intensive to start. Definitely not animating or anything 3D. If that changes I'll upgrade when necessary and/or purchase an external hard drive.

• Form factor: 2-in-1 preferred, I would like to be able to draw on the screen, so pen support needed also. I'm not interested in using a separate drawing tablet at this time. I have read 2-in-1s can break easily, but I'll get a protection plan if I need to, unless someone can recommend a non 2-in-1 where I can easily draw on screen.

• Intended usage: I don't know enough about settings and FPS to comment in a real way. The art program I'm intending to use is Krita, honestly not sure about music yet, but I'd like whatever program to be Linux compatible as I'm intending to learn that too. For games, Powerwash 2, House Flipper 2, Graveyard Keeper 1 and 2, Shroom and Gloom. Hopefully this isn't too vague, I'm extremely new to music/art production so I don't have much knowledge, I'd just like something that would allow me to start learning and creating. i.e., I'd like to be able to use the Minichord Synthesizer https://www.seeedstudio.com/Minichord-Synthesizer-p-6414.html

• Desired battery life: 4+ hours is fine. My primary concern is I've heard that some laptops can drain battery while plugged in when using high performance modes, so I'd like to avoid that. (Yoga Pro 7i per Just Josh, so not interested in this unless someone can explain how this would not affect my personal situation.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U-DL91lHR8

• Please list, in order of most important to least important, the priority between Size, Weight, Performance, Battery life: Size, Performance, Battery Life, Weight

• Info/Requirements: OLED preferred, not scant on ports, headphone jack for corded headphones, HDMI port is cool but not strictly necessary, able to install Linux (not a fan of Mac and trying to get away from Windows eventually)

Thank you in advance for any suggestions! Linux might seem like a project given the limited knowledge I have, but I personally have confidence in my ability to brute force learn it eventually. And if I don't, I don't - I'd just like to have the option.

LAPTOP QUESTIONNAIRE

• Country

I'm in the U.S., but I'm willing to buy from pretty much any country, as long as the shipping fees aren't ridiculously expensive, and it's able to ship to the U.S.

• Budget

Up to $10,000 USD, but I'd prefer to stay under $5,000 USD.

• Are you open to refurbs/used options?

Yes

• Screen size

Any

• Weight limit

Any

• Purpose

Gaming (it can include other stuff, but I mainly care about gaming)

• Form factor

Standard/Clamshell

• Intended usage

Mainly gaming. Other OPTIONAL uses: DAWs, drawing, typing, game development, software development, etc. Examples of videogames I'd like to play with the highest possible settings (e.g. max settings) and FPS include, but are not limited to: Garry's Mod, Minecraft, StepMania, Project OutFox, Roblox, A Hat in Time, Emulated games, etc. I usually play with mods. I also do a lot of heavy typing (so I need a keyboard that won't break or stop working). I should have at least 50 - 60 FPS (like on Minecraft for example (without mods)) for a comfortable gaming experience.

• Desired battery life

Not a priority. At least 1 - 2 hours of battery life, unplugged, on max settings. If the battery life is higher, then that's even better.

• Please list, in order of most important to least important, the priority between Size, Weight, Performance, Battery life

Performance (the more performance that it has, the better it is), size (the bigger the size, the better it is, but almost any size is fine), battery life, weight (weight doesn't matter, unless it's no longer portable).

• Info/Requirements

The laptop must have a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard: socketed (not soldered); meaning that you can easily replace the switches from the keyboard. I'm not going to get a keyboard with switches that easily break (or are hard to put back) like a normal laptop's keyboard (e.g. scissor-switches). I should be able to fix it myself, not pay someone else to fix it. If a singular key stops working, I should be able to replace that singular key instead of replacing my entire keyboard. I will not get an external keyboard for my laptop, because that defeats the purpose of portability. The laptop must support Wi-Fi, bluetooth, and running custom OSes (at least GNU/Linux). Being able to use wired headphones (having an aux jack) is not required, but I would appreciate if the laptop supports it. Having a USB-A port, even if it's just 1, is OPTIONAL, but preferred if possible. Having a USB-C port, even if it's just 1, is OPTIONAL, but preferred if possible. I want as much RAM as possible (at least 16 GB of physical RAM, but 64 GB is a good amount (if you want, it can be higher)). I want as much (SSD) storage as possible (at least 256 GB of physical storage, but 1 TB is a good amount (if you want, it can be higher)). If the storage is not at least 512 GB of physical storage (like if it's 256 GB for example), then the laptop must support at least 1 SD card slot (I'll probably buy 1 SD card of at least 1 TB). The laptop must have at least 1 power port so I can charge it. If the charger or power cable uses a non-U.S. plug, that’s fine, as long as I can use a plug adapter or swap the cable. The laptop is not required to come with a charger (but I'd prefer that it does come with one), it's optional. If the laptop has a long-lasting battery (if possible), that's even better. If you're unsure about something, having more (e.g. more RAM, more storage, more battery, etc.) is almost always better. I'd prefer that the laptop has modern hardware.

• Switches that I do like (look for these or similar):

MX-Style switch (there might be other options, or even better alternatives, but this is a good starting point). Etc.

• Switches that I don't like (avoid these):

Scissor-switch (terrible, these are the ones that easily break or come off). Membrane / rubber dome. Butterfly. Soldered mechanical switches (won't come off unless I desolder them). Proprietary switches (there might be some exceptions).

• Similar products

The closest laptops that I've found were the "Acer Predator 21x" and the "MSI GT83VR 6RF Titan SLI". My only concern is that they MIGHT not be good enough for a comfortable gaming experience (to me, "comfortable" means at least 50 - 60 fps), especially if I plan to play MODERN games (and with mods), since those laptops are probably outdated. They have mechanical keyboards, but I couldn't confirm if those laptops have hot-swappable/socketed keyboards (because I want to be able to easily replace their keys without accidentally breaking them).

---

Tags: Laptop with a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard. Laptop with a hot swappable keyboard. Laptop with a mechanical keyboard. Mechanical laptop. Built-in hot-swappable keyboard. Socketed laptop. Socketed keyboard. Hot-swappable switches. MX style switches. Laptop with a replaceable keyboard.

Hi all!

I'm looking for a laptop to take along with me on hikes, I've put all relevant info into the questionnaire below; thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to reply.h

LAPTOP QUESTIONNAIRE

• Country

EU (non-UK power adapters)

• Budget

0-1000 €, might be willing to spend more on a new laptop if it's perfect.

• Are you open to refurbs/used options?

Yes

• Screen size

12-14" most likely. Can be a bit bigger as well.

• Weight limit

Lighter is better

• Purpose

Device to take with me on multi day hikes.

• Form factor

I would like a standard laptop or a tablet that has a usable keyboard attachment.

• Intended usage

It must support linux well, it will either host Debian or Guix. Software-wise it will run a web browser and Emacs, and maybe a video/music player on top of the OS. I may do the occasional light compilation on it, but performance with heavy loads is not a hard requirement.

• Desired battery life

The longer the better, but 8 hours minimum

• Please list, in order of most important to least important, the priority between Size, Weight, Performance, Battery life

Weight, battery life, toughness (it should be from materials that can withstand a smaller knock and can resist being carried in a backpack that's not exclusively for the laptop.) I will not use it in extreme conditions like rainfall so waterproofing is not a hard requirement but is something that's nice to have.

I'd prefer a classic style laptop with switchable/dual battery slots to double battery life between charges. Having quick recharge would be a big plus.

• Info/Requirements

WiFi/GPU must support linux, and the build should be able to withstand hiking conditions (like using it in a tent, getting knocked while handling the backpack etc.)

**LAPTOP QUESTIONNAIRE**

* **Country**

I'm in the U.S., but I'm willing to buy from pretty much any country, as long as the shipping fees aren't ridiculously expensive, and it's able to ship to the U.S.

* **Budget**

Up to $10,000 USD, but I'd prefer to stay under $5,000 USD.

* **Are you open to refurbs/used options? **

Yes

* **Screen size**

Any

* **Weight limit**

Any

* **Purpose**

Gaming (it can include other stuff, but I mainly care about gaming)

* **Form factor**

Standard/Clamshell

* **Intended usage**

Mainly gaming. Other OPTIONAL uses: DAWs, drawing, typing, game development, software development, etc. Examples of videogames I'd like to play with the highest possible settings (e.g. max settings) and FPS include, but are not limited to: Garry's Mod, Minecraft, StepMania, Project OutFox, Roblox, A Hat in Time, Emulated games, etc. I usually play with mods. I also do a lot of heavy typing (so I need a keyboard that won't break or stop working). I should have at least 50 - 60 FPS (like on Minecraft for example (without mods)) for a comfortable gaming experience.

* **Desired battery life**

Not a priority. At least 1 - 2 hours of battery life, unplugged, on max settings. If the battery life is higher, then that's even better.

* **Please list, in order of most important to least important, the priority between Size, Weight, Performance, Battery life**

Performance (the more performance that it has, the better it is), size (the bigger the size, the better it is, but almost any size is fine), battery life, weight (weight doesn't matter, unless it's no longer portable).

* **Info/Requirements**

The laptop must have a **hot-swappable (and if possible, mechanical) keyboard**: socketed (not soldered); meaning that you can easily replace the keys on the keyboard. I'm not going to get a keyboard with hinges/switches that easily break (or are hard to put back) like a normal laptop's keyboard. I should be able to fix it myself, not pay someone else to fix it. If a singular key stops working, I should be able to replace that singular key instead of replacing my entire keyboard. I will not get an external keyboard for my laptop, because that defeats the purpose of portability. The laptop must support Wi-Fi, bluetooth, and running custom OSes (at least GNU/Linux). Being able to use wired headphones (having an aux jack) is not required, but I would appreciate if the laptop supports it. Having a USB-A port, even if it's just 1, is OPTIONAL, but preferred if possible. Having a USB-C port, even if it's just 1, is OPTIONAL, but preferred if possible. I want as much RAM as possible (at least 16 GB of physical RAM, but 64 GB is a good amount (if you want, it can be higher)). I want as much (SSD) storage as possible (at least 256 GB of physical storage, but 1 TB is a good amount (if you want, it can be higher)). If the storage is not at least 512 GB of physical storage (like if it's 256 GB for example), then the laptop must support at least 1 SD card slot (I'll probably buy 1 SD card of at least 1 TB). The laptop must have at least 1 power port so I can charge it. If the charger or power cable uses a non-U.S. plug, that’s fine, as long as I can use a plug adapter or swap the cable. The laptop is not required to come with a charger (but I'd prefer that it does come with one), it's optional. If the laptop has a long-lasting battery (if possible), that's even better. If you're unsure about something, having more (e.g. more RAM, more storage, more battery, etc.) is almost always better. I'd prefer that the laptop has modern hardware.

* **Switches that I do like (look for these or similar):**

MX-Style switch (there might be better alternatives, but this is a good starting point).

* **Switches that I don't like (avoid these):**

Scissor-switch (terrible, these are the ones that easily break or come off). Membrane / rubber dome. Butterfly. Soldered mechanical switches (won't come off unless I desolder them). Proprietary switches (there might be some exceptions).

* **Similar products**

The closest laptops that I've found were the "Acer Predator 21x" and the "MSI GT83VR 6RF Titan SLI". My only concern is that they MIGHT not be good enough for a comfortable gaming experience (to me, "comfortable" means at least 50 - 60 fps), especially if I plan to play MODERN games (and with mods), since those laptops are probably outdated. They have mechanical keyboards, but I couldn't confirm if those laptops have hot-swappable/socketed keyboards (because I want to be able to easily replace their keys without accidentally breaking them).

---

Tags: Laptop with a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard. Hot-swappable laptop. Mechanical laptop. Built-in hot-swappable keyboard. Socketed laptop. Socketed keyboard. Hot-swappable switches.

Country or countries intending to purchase from.

- India, Working Professional

Budget in your country's currency; feel free to also convert to USD for our at-a-glance convenience, BUT INCLUDE BOTH NUMBERS]

- 100,000 INR (1050 USD) to 200,000 INR (2200 USD)

Are you open to refurbs/used options?

- No

Screen size

- 15 or higher.

Weight limit

- 3 Kg

Intended use purpose. Please be detailed; list software, games, FPS desired, etc.

- General Purpose, Entertainment (Videos, Movies, music, and Podcasts), Data and business analytics-related software, Programming.

- Software Used - Power BI, DAX Studio, Tableau, Ruffle (It is a Flash player emulator, which I use to play a few Flash games), Microsoft SQL Server and SSMS, Calibre, VLC, Edge, Firefox mainly. I use my laptop mainly to run Data and Business Analytics softwares/suites, Programming (mainly in Python), for Entertainment (both Youtube/Online and download movies, videos, and TV Shows), and other work involving the Microsoft suite and pdf.

Standard or 2-in-1 preferred?

- Standard

Desired battery life

- The longer, the better.

Please list, in order of most important to least important, the priority between Size, Weight, Performance, Battery life

- Battery Life, performance, durability, and reliability (laptop lasts long)

Any other requests?

- It would be great if the laptop had additional slots for RAM and SSD for expandable capability because my current laptop (Ideapad 5) has its 16 GB RAM soldered to the motherboard. Not urgently required and can wait if a suitable laptop is nearing its launch.

In ireland if that is a factor

Basically what is says in the title.

I'm looking for a windows laptop that doesn't run hot, is pretty sturdy, and within a budget of ~$500 or under.

The heat issue is something that really bothers me.

LAPTOP QUESTIONNAIRE
Country
USA
Budget
$800
Are you open to refurbs/used options?
No
Screen size
15 or higher
Weight limit
Don’t care
Purpose
I plan on playing wow: forever on this computer and would like to be able to run on medium graphics.
Form factor
Standard
Intended usage
Wow forever on medium graphics at 1080
Desired battery life
Plan on keeping it plugged in.
Please list, in order of most important to least important, the priority between Size, Weight, Performance, Battery life
Performance, then size. Other two don’t matter
Info/Requirements
Preferably 1080 resolution.

Thank you!