Best Type of Laptops for College Engineers?

I'm starting an engineering program soon and need a laptop that can handle everything I'll be doing. What are the best types or models of laptops that engineering students typically use? Specific recommendations would be awesome!

Congrats on starting your engineering program! Laptop requirements can vary depending on your specific field of engineering, however, there are some general characteristics to consider:

1. Performance: Make sure your laptop has a fast processor, ideally an i5 or i7 (or AMD equivalent).

2. Memory: Aim for at least 8GB of RAM, though 16GB would be optimal for more resource-intensive applications.

3. Storage: A solid-state drive (SSD) typically offers faster performance than a traditional hard disk drive (HDD). Look for at least 256GB of storage, though 512GB or more may be needed for larger projects.

4. Graphics card: Engineering software can be graphics-intensive. A dedicated graphics card can greatly improve the smoothness of 3D models and simulations.

5. Portability: You'll likely be carrying this laptop around campus, so weight and battery life are important factors.

To give some specific models, the Dell XPS 15 and HP Spectre x360 are laptops that many engineering students recommend due to their powerful processors and excellent graphics capabilities. The Apple MacBook Pro is also a strong choice, particularly for those more comfortable in a Mac environment, although not all engineering software is compatible with MacOS, so it depends on your individual needs.

Bear in mind these are just examples, and you should always confirm that the choices are compatible with the specific software your program requires. It could also be a good idea to reach out to your program advisor or professors with this question, as they may have specific recommendations based on the software used in your courses.