Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Animation student needs a high-powered laptop for college

Jul 1, 2013 4:28PM PDT

Hello, I am a student about to enter my first year of college, and I need a laptop for 3D modeling as well as animation and video game creation. My university requires a laptop with:

- Intel® Core i7 Processor
-Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
-Minimum 15" screen
-Over 6gb of RAM
-Minimum 2gb Video Memory (dedicated)
-Minimum 512GB - 5400 rpm hard drive
-802.11 b/g compatible

I will be using programs like Autodesk MudBox and Maya as well as Unity3D. I want as much speed and power as possible for a $1000-1500 budget. I'd like to have upgrades beyond the minimum specs, but I am not
entirely sure what is a good value or what is absolutely necessary to upgrade.
Also, this laptop has to last at least two years because of my financial
situation.

I've looked at the Origin EON15-S Pro, but the price is a little high for my current income. I've also looked at the StealthMachine 2300 series, but no one I know has ever heard of that company. I also can not find any reviews of their laptops online. Has anyone owned one of these models? Any other suggestions?

Thank you for your help!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
Decide
Jul 2, 2013 12:27AM PDT

They gave you the specs, now you compare with what's offered out there and at what price. There, I solved your problem what was so difficult about that. Sorry, you want track records of this or that, then check the BBB to see what they have to say of any consumer forum what they post.

IMHO, your best bet is to google using the keywords, "laptop workstation" and/or CAD use then find out what fits your needs. I strongly urge you to see if they can offer all of it in one setup. But, you can probably reduce the ram and add to it later if the cost is too high, in other words reduce the options maybe don't take the s/w bundle or custom build, etc. in order to make an affordable. as always, you want this to last so don't skip on too much as long as you can add to it. You're going to college then start using your grey matter now and make an adult decision that will effect your happy outcome.

IMHO, $1000-1500 is just the entry point to a decent laptop that actually works for a living, not some play toy. Seriously think, "work" and not play that fits your needs. Also, don't forget the use of a laptop cooler and any insurance to include "theft". Yeah, it matters or may become known to you, so take care in selection and later upkeep. NEVER loan your laptop to anyone even your GF!!!

tada -----Willy Happy