Laptop for CATIA under $1k. Possible?

onewhippedpuppy · 11-19-2006, 04:59 AM

I'm looking for suggestions here. There's quite a few Core 2 Duo laptops that can be had with 1 GB or more of RAM for under $1k, and even more Core Duo and AMD X2s available for less. Any CAD users tell me if these will cut it for CATIA v5 and AutoCAD 2002? My HP laptop is too old and slow, and on it's last legs anyway. A buddy of mine just picked up a desktop with a 2 GB Core 2 Duo, 2 GB RAM, video card with dedicated 256MB memory, etc, he reports that Catia runs great on it. Of course, in a laptop that would be $2k or more, out of the budget of a college student with a family.

onewhippedpuppy · 11-19-2006, 06:26 PM

Nobody? All I'm looking for is specs of a machine that somebody knows will run it. Surely someone on here uses a laptop for CAD, I know we have quite a few engineers.

stomachmonkey · 11-19-2006, 06:40 PM

Here's a 1.6 Dual core with 512 for $900, video card is kind of anemic. You'd want to add at least another 512 of RAM so all in you'll hit $1K. It's Lenovo, formerly IBM. It's a name brand and IBM's were rock solid durable boxes. Have not heard of any drop in quality since Lenovo took over.

http://www.pcconnection.com/ProductDetail?Sku=6897154&oext=671B

I think a more realistic price is going to be at least $1k and $1.3 should get you there.

If you are a student look for educational discounts, might get you 10% off.

Here's a list from cnet,

http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-3121_7-0.html?filter=100021_13182944_

Good Luck.

bleucamaro · 11-19-2006, 09:57 PM

I have a solution, but first have some questions. As a student, Why do you need to run Catia in the first place? If you're taking a Catia class then pressure the school to offer more time on a workstation. Second question is, Why do you need it to be portable? I'd put it on a desktop and leave it at home.

IMO, Catia (v5) is only advantagious over SolidWorks in the large assembly performance, and assembly management. As a student, MOST programs will not require uber-large assemblies, ie and entire aircraft down to the nuts bolts and rivets.

So my solution is a: run solidworks unless absolutely not possible. b: Buy a desktop. c: buy a USED Laptop off of Craigslist. d: buy a desktop and a cheaper used laptop.

good luck.

stomachmonkey · 11-20-2006, 04:25 AM

http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?DPNo=4859464&adcampaign=email,

Refurb.

Personally I gave up desktops years ago. I buy as high end a laptop as I can. Generally what makes them poor desktop replacements is RAM and slow HD's, address those 2 issues and you're fine.

I like laptops because I don't lose time, I work wherever I happen to be. For me to lose even a couple of hours of work time is a big deal for me.

Scott

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

I picked up a "refurb" from Dell a month ago.

D620, 1 GB ram, 60GB Hard disk, 16x9 screen, Wifi a-b-g, Bluetooth, Core Duo 1.6 GHZ, DVD-RW.

$749+tax&shipping.

Dell Outlet Center

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

There is one in the list right now: Z2WEYVEK - $979.00

2GB RAM, Duo 1830, XP Pro, 80GB/7200RPM, Wifi & Blue Tooth, DVD/RW

Sounds like the ticket!

When you're on the page, select the processor and the drive size and memory and under $1K and you'll find it!

Anton · 11-20-2006, 05:59 AM

Use a desktop for CAD. You'll be much happier in the end.

onewhippedpuppy · 11-20-2006, 06:45 AM

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm actually using Catia v5 and AutoCAD for a 2nd job I'm starting soon doing drafting for a consulting company. I want to run it on a laptop for convenience purposes, It's likely that I'll have the opportunity to work from home to some extent, I'd like to be able to take my work with me.

The laptop issue has been taken care of, my dad (computer nut) is passing down his Gateway to me. 3 GB P4, 1 GB ram, ATI card with 128 MB. It's nothing too special, but it should get the job done, and it's free!

stomachmonkey · 11-20-2006, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by onewhippedpuppy
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm actually using Catia v5 and AutoCAD for a 2nd job I'm starting soon doing drafting for a consulting company. I want to run it on a laptop for convenience purposes, It's likely that I'll have the opportunity to work from home to some extent, I'd like to be able to take my work with me.

The laptop issue has been taken care of, my dad (computer nut) is passing down his Gateway to me. 3 GB P4, 1 GB ram, ATI card with 128 MB. It's nothing too special, but it should get the job done, and it's free!

Not being shackled to one place is why I prefer laptops.

It reduces a lot of stress when you know you can put work away to deal with something else and pick it up again later on no matter where you are.

Tricked out desktops will always be more robust but I'd much rather be home for dinner with the family, put the kids to bed than sit in the office trying to hit a deadline.

My wife would also rather have me sitting on the couch next to her and working vs not being round at all.

Scott