Laptop Suggestions for Engineer

SH3P on 09/09/2022 - 20:28
Last edited 09/09/2022 - 21:31

Hey guys,

Laptop suggestions needed for my friend that is a civil engineer and not at all computer savvy. Work has agreed to pay for a laptop for her but she doesn't want to go too overboard whilst still meeting needs.

Requirements;
- portable to be able to take to site visits, so 13 or 14inch
- powerful enough to run engineer based software whatever that may
- frequently accesses a remote database via a VPN to work on large spreadsheets from on the move
- solid battery life
- I'm guessing the 2 in 1 feature and being able to hand draw on it like a tablet would be super convenient for hand drafting
- webcam for meetings
- backlit keyboard would be handy as works from site at odd hours

Sorry this isn't a clear list… We both know nothing about computers and don't want office works or JBHIFI to send us away with something very wrong.

Cheers.

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 09/09/2022 - 20:37
    +8

    Surface pro

  • AndyC1 on 09/09/2022 - 20:40
    -3

    "engineer based software" depends on the discipline and the software needed.
    Large spreadsheet means different things to different engineers. Is large 10K, 65K, 100K or 1M rows? My definition of large is 1M and above.
    Solid battery life will be compromised by the use of the "engineer based software" and the "large spreadsheet" work as these will require allot of CPU usage.
    The SSD size will need to be big enough for the use of the "engineer based software" and the "large spreadsheet" work as these will potentially require allot of hard disk space to work on.

    I suggest you find out from your "friend" what PC/Laptop your friend is currently using and what software is used and what disk space is needed as these will be vital for you to pick the right laptop for your "friend".

    • SH3P on 09/09/2022 - 21:14

      "sorry" if my harmless information request has somehow caused whatever response that was 🤣

      Without going into too much detail - I am dealing with a civil engineer that doesn't know much about computers, certainly nothing about file sizes or anything remotely technical.

      • AndyC1 on 10/09/2022 - 09:12

        Something is not adding up as a civil engineer in Oz is a degree and is a technical degree, so should know hot to find file sizes….

    • newbo on 10/09/2022 - 09:49
      +3

      I'm not sure why this was downvoted so much, it is a legitimate question if you actually want a legitimate answer. The difference between 10K rows, and 1M rows, software for designing, structural analysis, simulation, etc. of a bridge would be hugely different computationally and the software itself might benefit from having a descrete graphics card depending on what it is.
      If you can't answer, "What software will they use?", then the next question would be, "What part of the large field of civil engineering will they be playing a role in?" googling that + "software" to find what software is common, then looking at the requirements for that software or sharing them with us to help determine a suitable laptop.

  • scrimshaw on 09/09/2022 - 20:42
    +2

    Lenovo Thinkpad P series are ISV-certified mobile workstations designed for engineers etc.

    https://www.lenovo.com/au/en/c/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpadp/

    You can spec your own using this configuration page here for a P14s Gen 3 and there's plenty of memory / SSD and high resolution panels (including Touch capability) to pick from.

    Note that discrete GPU's only appear on the P15 and P16 models, not on the smaller P14's. Though you will need to ask your engy friend to see if he actually needs that capability.

    • SH3P on 10/09/2022 - 09:44

      Thanks for your help!

    • AnotherHuman on 10/09/2022 - 18:43

      The P14s does have a discrete GPU (T550 4GB) which should be fine for civil engineering CAD use which probably doesn't need RTX.

  • ECE on 09/09/2022 - 21:26
    +2

    Engineer, big word 😷🙏🏿

  • Tricon on 09/09/2022 - 21:39
    +2

    For an engineer, just grab an HP (or an equivalent).

    https://www.swissmicros.com/product/dm42

    Easy.

    • wasdw246 on 09/09/2022 - 23:15

      Get a toughbook.
      the laptop needs to withstand fumes from the engine-room and be hard-hat resistant.

      (Cause hard hats don't have straps around the chin, they are prone to falling, when engineers look down).

  • avoidfullprice on 10/09/2022 - 09:16
    +3

    I have a 14” laptop with 1080p resolution for portability and seriously without hooking up to an external display, i cant work on medium size spreadsheet . Really should consider 15”+ laptop.

    In layman’s term, you want her laptop to be “high productivity” rather than just “business productivity”. Pick processor with at least i7. Unless she will be spending hours on CAD software, i don’t think a 2-1 or a “content creator” type laptop will suit her.

    Have you two tried spreadsheet entry and manipulation with a touch screen? It is PITA. Touch screen is good if she runs automation software and need to jump from app to app, not data entry.

    So to contextualise above, i will say she should consider something like

    https://www.dell.com/en-au/work/shop/business-laptops-ultrab…

    • SH3P on 10/09/2022 - 09:44

      Fantastic. Thanks for your help!

  • samyall on 10/09/2022 - 10:36

    Will probably get negs, but if you can use MacOS (or even iPadOS) with your CAD software, then Apple's build quality will be an absolute asset if you are going to be on site a lot. I still havent seen a non-Apple laptop look half as good as an Apple laptop after a few years.

    If you have to go Windows, I agree with Microsoft Surface.

  • USER DC on 10/09/2022 - 10:57

    Umm why not buy components for him ??

    He's an engineer Afterall, expect him to build a laptop out of components 🤣

  • thriftysach on 10/09/2022 - 12:49

    I have a hp elitebook 840 g8 with i7-11th gen and 16gb ram. Im a civil eng student. Battery life is alright and can last 5-6 hours with heavy use such as on zoom or 7-8 when you are not using zoom/teams. You should consider getting i7-12th gen as opposed to 11th gen

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