I’m planning to buy a laptop during the Black Friday sales. My budget is around $1.5k to $2k. I want something that can handle CAD software and also play games. For longevity, I’m looking for a machine that can last over 14 hours of light use.
Battery life isn’t a huge concern; as long as it can manage half an hour without being plugged in, I’m fine. Noise is also a factor—something with minimal fan noise would be ideal (a quiet hum is okay, but nothing disruptive).
Build quality is critical. I don’t want a laptop that breaks after a few years due to cheap materials.
Here are my main requirements:
Performance
Build quality
Display quality (good color accuracy, etc.)
I’m looking for at least 32GB RAM and 1TB storage, and it should also be upgradeable. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Quick question: Are you a student needing a portable laptop for classes, or do you primarily work from home? If you’re stationary, a desktop might be a better choice. Otherwise, I’d recommend looking into Lenovo ThinkPads.
Poe said: @Zion
I’m going to college, so I need something portable for classes. I’ve heard ThinkPads break easily, so I didn’t consider them.
Whoever told you that has no idea what they’re talking about. ThinkPads are widely used in universities and workplaces for their durability and ability to handle programs like CAD. Many of my friends in college use them, especially with grant money. ThinkPads are solid in terms of upgradeability, part availability, and overall durability compared to other laptops. Most manufacturers struggle with hinge quality, but Lenovo generally holds up better. I’ve seen ThinkPads last over 10 years. Unless gaming is your priority, a ThinkPad is probably your best choice.
Poe said: @Zion
I also heard their screens aren’t that good.
If you’re using CAD, you might need to make sacrifices in certain areas, like the screen. CAD is resource-heavy, and gaming laptops, while tempting, usually don’t last as long as ThinkPads. ThinkPads offer repairability and longevity. You can always pair it with an external monitor or TV for better visuals. My advice: prioritize performance over screen quality for your main laptop and get an external display for detailed work.
Poe said: @Zion
Fair enough. Any specific ThinkPad models or screens you’d recommend?
Check Lenovo’s website or Best Buy for deals. As for screens, OLED monitors are great but pricey—around $700. If you want a cheaper alternative, look for a 4K TV or an external monitor that fits your needs. Brands like LG are reliable for monitors and TVs. You could also try Micro Center if it’s nearby; they usually have good pre-Black Friday deals.