Suggestions for a solid laptop for an engineering major?

I'm shopping for a laptop that can handle engineering software without lagging. Anyone have recommendations that balance performance and price well? Need something for CAD and programming.

You'll want to find a high-performance laptop that is capable of handling the technical requirements of CAD software and programming environments. For engineering students, a few laptops usually stand out due to the balance they strike between performance and cost.

One option is the Dell XPS 15. It's a solid choice when it comes to handling CAD and programming tasks. It's packed with a powerful Intel i7 processor, abundant RAM and SSD storage to handle complex operations and multitasking. Its NVIDIA graphics card can handle the demands of CAD software efficiently.

The Acer Aspire 5 is another strong contender, especially if you're on more of a budget. It has an AMD Ryzen 5 4600U, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD, which may not match the XPS 15 in power, but it still has enough to smoothly run most engineering software. The Aspire 5 is considerably less expensive, and its performance is quite impressive for its price point.

If you prefer MacBooks, the MacBook Pro with an M1 chip is a good option. It's built for resource-intensive operations, has long battery life, and offers excellent performance. If you're on a tighter budget, consider the MacBook Air, also with the M1 chip. It's less powerful than the Pro but still capable of running CAD and programming software smoothly. Do keep in mind that while Macs are generally very capable machines, not all engineering software is compatible with MacOS.

Remember that the above are just a few suggestions, and "best" will always depend on your personal needs, budget, and preferences. You should check the system requirements for the specific software you'll be using to ensure compatibility and smooth operation. Also, consider reaching out to your school’s engineering department for any recommendations or requirements they might have.