Share on twitter
Share on email
Share on whatsapp
Engineers and architects use a series of complex tools to support their designing abilities, between those we find CAD. This is an excellent tool, considered not only a great platform but also a drawing technique. The company Autodesk has released one of the main software that students and professionals use: AutoCAD. This program has reached international fame because of its big design and editing capabilities. Whether you are an engineer or an architect, or maybe you just feel the passion for learning this, you really want to purchase a computer that fits all of your needs or your work will be way too heavy, so the Best Laptop for AutoCAD is what you point to.
AutoCAD will not serve you if you pretend to install it in the first computer the salesman offers you. You must find the right one that will be able to support the software and run the other tasks you probably will be doing at the same time. Pay attention to what you must look for, the laptop must have a good graphics card, SSD, the biggest RAM you can get and a high quality processor. There are also other few specifications to have in mind before you buy it.
What is a workstation and why do you want to get one?
There are many computers in the market, offered with best prices and the most attractive designs but the fact is that not every laptop works for the same jobs. Regular pcs are used for simpler tasks like office work, text editing, browsing, etc. What you want is an integral device specially designed for demanding software such as AutoCAD, because you need a high performance to support the demands of the design and management of your tasks, you are looking for one of the best laptops for CAD.
Throughout the years, workstations have been complicated to use, designed for particular jobs as science and engineering. Right now, we see that there are many other professions that demand higher requirements from computers, such as architecture. So, why would you be better with a workstation? Here are some reasons:
Reliability
Workstations offer a high performance; they are more like a server than a desktop. They’re made with the best features, giving the user a higher response from the computer.
Continuous productivity
These devices are constructed thinking about the high demanding tasks that scientists, engineers, architects, financial analysts, doctors, and alike professions have. These people need good development at any moment of the day and without it, their works would be terribly affected. These devices have resistant and stable hardware, making their useful life longer than regular computers.
Maximum power level
Workstations have particular features that ensure a good response from the computer. These components involve a significant decrease in time when starting the computer, when you group all of that time, you find that there are so many hours of waiting in vain. The AutoCAD requirements will demand a faster response from the laptop, and that will be the best laptop for architecture.
Professional graphics card
This is fundamental as you will always be working with images and you need a high and clean performance to do it nice, fast and comfortable. A CAD workstation will offer you simulation, 3D animation, augmented reality and intensive graphics applications.
Now, there is something really important you must have in mind about this, the main difference between a regular computer and a workstation is that the first one is designed with the general idea of what the demands of the user will be, but a workstation is specially designed to accomplish the tasks of a profession by giving powerful features (of course, they can be many, but they integrate all into one single device that can serve well to all software requirements). Year by year, companies keep upgrading their devices, offering more and more complete and integral high performance computers. So, you can always setup your own workstation, knowing your needs and getting the right specifications to solve them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpqBP7wSCG8
Top Nine Best Laptops for AutoCAD
- New Apple MacBook Pro
- HP ZBook 15u G6 Workstation Laptop
- 2020 LG Gram Thin and Light Laptop
- Lenovo ThinkPad T480S Business Laptop
- 2020 Dell Vostro 14″ 5490 Anti-Glare LED Backlight Display Laptop
- HP Pavilion 15-inch Laptop
- ASUS VivoBook S15 S533 Thin and Light Laptop
- 2020 HP 15 15.6″ HD Touchscreen Premium Laptop
- Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
This time, I’ll show you the Best Laptops for AutoCAD, here you’ll find nine of the top computers for architects and engineers, so read very carefully.
1. New Apple MacBook Pro
No products found.The best for the brightest, this is what Apple says about its new MacBook Pro. It is valued at $2,600, so it’s an expensive laptop that will serve you well if you can afford it.
Features
It has a 2.6GHz 6-core of 9th generation, the Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz or 2.3GHz 8-core of 9th generation, the Intel Core i9 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.8GHz. It also comes with the AMD Radeon Pro 5500M Graphics with GDDR6 memory and automatic graphics switching. It has an ultrafast SSD 512GB or 1TB SSD. It has the Intel UHD Graphics 630. It has a six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers. It has Thunderbolt ports (up to 40 Gbps), USB ports (up to 10 Gbps), 802.11AC Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.
Specifications
It has a 16-inch LED-backlit Retina display with IPS technology, 3072×1920 native resolution at 226 pixels per inch with support for millions of colors. It has a Touch Bar and Touch ID. The laptop comes in silver and space gray, its dimensions are 15.63 x 2.4 x 11.14 inches and its weight is 7.9 pounds. Its battery can last for 11 hours of wireless web.
Pros
- Reliable computer and operating system
- Awesome customer support
- High build quality
- It is ergonomic
- Impressive display
- Fast SSD storage
- Large battery life
Cons
- It’s really expensive
- It could have a newer CPU
- It could have more variety of ports
No products found.
2. HP ZBook 15u G6 Workstation Laptop
No products found.This CAD computer costs $1,900 on Amazon. It’s an expensive but high performance device that will assist you with your work. It is really durable as it has a reliable build quality with powerful features.
Features
Windows 10 Pro in an 8th generation Intel Core i7-8565U of 1.80GHz. The quad-core processor can run up to 4.60 GHz and it has 8 MB of Smart Cache. It also has an AMD Pro WX 3200 of 4 GB dedicated GDDR5. It has 32GB DDR4 SODIMM RAM, Intel WiFi 6 of 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet LAN (RJ-45), 720p HD Webcam, fingerprint security system and Backlit keyboard. It comes with a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, 3 USB ports, HDMI port, Smart Card reader and Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack.
Specifications
15.6″ Full HD Display with a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. It has a 65 W Power Supply with a 3-cell 56 WHr Lithium ion battery that can run up to 10 hours of performance. Its dimensions are 14 x 10 x 1 inches and its weight is 3.89 pounds. The laptop comes in ash silver color.
Pros
- Easy upgrades
- Powerful hardware options
- Good audio
- Stunning DreamColor 4K display
- It’s aluminum construction is really durable
Cons
- Thick and heavy
- Short battery life
- Still expensive
No products found.
3. 2020 LG Gram Thin and Light Laptop
No products found.For $1,500 you will get an amazing laptop to create and innovate in architecture and engineering. This computer has a high performance development and comes with an incredible display to help you not to leave any details unattended. It isn’t cheap but if you can afford it, you will be very pleased.
Features
It comes with Windows 10 Pro operating system. Its processor is the Intel Core i7-1065G7 (1.30 GHz, Turbo up to 3.90 GHz) and L3 Cache of 8 MB. It has a 512GB M.2 2280 SSD NVMe. Its RAM has 16GB DDR4 3200 MHz. The graphics card is the Intel Iris Plus Graphics. It has External I/O Ports: standard HDMI, 3 USB ports, headphone out, UFS/Micro-SD port and RJ45 Ethernet port.
Specifications
This laptop comes with an 80 Wh battery that can run up to 17 Hours. Its display has 17″ with the amazing IPS and LCD technology WQXGA, and its maximum resolution is 2560 x 1600 pixels. The dimensions of this device are 15 x 10.5 x 0.7 inches and its weight is 2.95 pounds. This computer comes in Dark silver color.
Pros
- Amazing 2K display
- Ultra-lightweight
- Nice port selection
- Large battery life
- Improved SSD and graphics
Cons
- Misused space on keyboard
- No discrete NVIDIA GPU
No products found.
4. Lenovo ThinkPad T480S Business Laptop
No products found.We are still talking about laptops over a thousand dollars. The Lenovo ThinkPad is an amazing equipment for architects and all AutoCAD users. In exchange for $1,100 you will get a high quality and durable computer with powerful features: awesome graphics card with a nice processor, long lasting battery charge and an IPS display.
Features
It comes with an 8th generation Intel Core i7-8550U with quad-core processor of 1.8 GHz base that can run up to 4.00 GHz. It has a high performance 16GB DDR4 2400MHz RAM. It also comes with a 512 GB PCIe Solid State Drive Intel UHD integrated Graphics 620. It has 802.11 wireless AC, Bluetooth 4.1, Backlit keyboard and the Windows 10 operating system.
Specifications
The Lenovo ThinkPad has a 14-inch Anti-glare LED Backlit display with IPS technology and FHD, its maximum resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels. The dimensions of this computer are 18.75 x 12 x 3.25 inches and its weight is 5.14 pounds. It has a 1 Lithium ion battery with large performance. The computer comes in color black.
Pros
- Durable carbon fiber chassis
- Nice keyboard
- Quiet functioning
- Useful selection of ports
- Solid performance
- Lightweight and comfortable to carry
- Long battery life
Cons
- Dim display
- Takes too long to fully charge the battery
No products found.
5. 2020 Dell Vostro 14″ 5490 Anti-Glare LED Backlight Display Laptop
No products found.So, now we are talking about cheaper computers. The 2020 Dell Vostro is an awesome laptop that you can buy for less than $1,000 on Amazon. It has the latest technology with a 10th generation quad-core processor, enough RAM to run any AutoCAD you prefer, a beautiful display, a battery that can last you for more than 10 straight hours of work and all of this is a stylish design that will make you look good and professional.
Features
This Dell comes with a 10th generation Intel Core i7-10510U and a quad-core processor of 8MB Cache, which can run up to 4.9 GHz. It comes with a Windows 10 Pro 64-bit operating system. 16GB of RAM (8 G x 1 + 8 G on board), DDR4, 2666MHz. It also has a 256 GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive. The NVIDIA GeForce MX250 with 2GB GDDR5 graphics memory couldn’t be missed. The Dell Vostro has Palm-rest withOut Fingerprint Reader for Backlight keyboard. It also has 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth, Micro SD Media Card Reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC), Headphone/Microphone combination jack, 4 USB ports, Ethernet RJ-45, Wedge-Shaped Lock Slot, its Power in and an HDMI 1.4b.
Specifications
The 2020 Dell Vostro has a 14 inch FHD Anti-glare LED Backlight Non-touch Narrow Border WVA Display with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The dimensions of this device are 15 x 13 x 1 inches and its weight is 5 lbs. It comes in color black. Its AC 1 Lithium ion battery can work for 11 hours.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Efficient high performance
- Large battery life (11 hours)
- Awesome display
- Upgradable
Cons
- Keyboard gets really hot after a few hours of use
- It has touchpad issues related to drivers
No products found.
6. HP Pavilion 15-inch Laptop
No products found.HP Pavilion is such an affordable technology wonder, for $900 you can get this high performance laptop on Amazon. Buy this computer and you’ll be able to accomplish your architecture tasks at a reasonable price in exchange for its powerful features. This isn’t, for sure, the best equipment in the market, but if your budget is limited, the HP Pavilion is a great option that you shouldn’t miss.
Features
This HP computer comes with a 10th generation Intel (R) quad-core (TM) i7-1065G7 processor of 1.3 GHz base frequency that can run up to 3.9 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost technology. It also comes with a 512 GB PCIe (R) NVMe (TM) M.2 SSD and with a 16 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM (1 x 16 GB, not upgradable) for higher bandwidth, speed and efficiency.
Specifications
The display of this laptop is 15.6-inch diagonal with Full HD and wonderful IPS technology in Bright View micro-edge with WLED-backlit, and its maximum resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels at 81% screen to body ratio. Its battery is 1 Lithium ion and its life can hold more than 10 hours of mixed usage, it can run up to 5 hours and 45 minutes of video playback, it can last 8 hours and 45 minutes of wireless streaming and one of the most awesome facts is that it can go from 0 to 50% charge in 45 minutes with the HP fast charge. The dimensions of this laptop are 14.24 x 9.67 x 0.7 inches and its weight is 4.08 pounds.
Pros
- Affordable for its size and features
- Multiple storage options
Cons
- Poor build quality
- Dim display
- Radeon 530 is weak and hot
No products found.
7. ASUS VivoBook S15 S533 Thin and Light Laptop
No products found.ASUS has released a really affordable computer with exceptional features for its price. We are talking of $850 for a lightweight and comfortable to carry laptop that will serve you well in AutoCAD design. The Asus VivoBook has a metal chassis that will last you for a long time while making you look good and professional with its elegant design. It has a powerful processor with a long-lasting battery to deliver a nice and high performance in your tasks.
Features
The Asus VivoBook has a powerful Intel Core i7-10510U processor of 8 M Cache that can run up to 4.9 GHz. It also has a 16 GB DDR4 RAM and a 512 GB PCIe SSD with Windows 10 Home operating system. It’s Intel UHD Graphics 16 GB gives a high response in AutoCAD software. It comes with Bluetooth, 802.11ax WiFi and 4 USB ports.
Specifications
The Asus VivoBook was designed with a metal chassis and an ergonomic Backlit keyboard along with a fingerprint sensor activated via Windows Hello. It has a 15.6 inch Full HD NanoEdge bezel display with a stunning 86% screen-to-body ratio and maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Its dimensions are 14.2 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches and its weight is 3.97 pounds. This computer comes in the color Indie Black. It has 1 Lithium ion 19 volts battery.
Pros
- Nice price for its feature set
- Good performance for its price
- Stylish design
- Long battery life
- Useful ports selection
Cons
- Single component configuration
No products found.
8. 2020 HP 15 15.6″ HD Touchscreen Premium Laptop
No products found.Finally, affordable computers for architects. The 2020 HP 15 will offer you a high performance for $680. This laptop has a nice processor with a wonderful display in a lightweight design.
Features
10th generation intel (r) core ™ i5-1035g1 with a quad-core processor of 1.0 GHz of base frequency that can run up to 3 6 GHz with Intel’s Turbo Boost Technology. It comes with a dedicated Intel Graphics coprocessor and a 512 GB SSD. It also comes with Windows 10 operating system. It has 1 HDMI 4b, 1 headphone/microphone combo, 3 USB ports, 1 AC smart pin and a webcam with resolution of 1 MP.
Specifications
The HP 15 has an excellent display of 15 6-inch diagonal with HD SVA bright View micro-edge and WLED-Backlit touchscreen. Its maximum resolution is 1366 x 768 pixels. The dimensions of this equipment are 19 x 12 x 3 inch and its weight is 4.49 pound. The computer comes in silver color. Its 1 Lithium ion battery has an intermediate performance.
Pros
- Affordable
- Marvelous display
- Lightweight design
- Processor allows fast performance
Cons
- The Fans are loud
- Average battery performance
No products found.
8. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
No products found.The Acer Aspire 5 is the cheapest option in our top 9. If you have a low budget but you really need a high performance computer, this is the ideal for you, because for $630 you will buy a nice laptop to use the AutoCAD and increase your design abilities, however this will show some limitations while you are working such as low speed, but it won’t be terrible. In general, this is a good and affordable choice.
Features
It comes with Windows 10 Home and it has an AMD Ryzen 7 3700U quad-core processor which can run up to 4.0 GHz. It also has 8GB DDR4 Memory and a 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD. The AMD Radeon RX Vega 10 mobile graphics offers you the right environment to support your software. The computer comes with 3 USB ports, HDMI port with HDCP support, 802. 11ac Wi-Fi and the Backlit keyboard.
Specifications
It has a 15.6″ Full HD widescreen LED-backlit with IPS technology display, its maximum resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels. Its 1 Lithium ion battery can manage 7.5 hours of use. The dimensions of this device are 14.31 x 9.74 x 0.71 inches and its weight is 3.97 lbs. The laptop comes in silver color.
Pros
- Lightweight and thin
- Affordable
- Full HD screen
Cons
- Only 4GB RAM
No products found.
FAQ
AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD 3D, which one is better?
None is better than the other. The reality is that both are really useful. The difference relies on the capability of your equipment because the AutoCAD LT version is simpler and for so it can be used in simpler computers, but the AutoCAD 3D is heavier and will let you design 2D and 3D projects.
Why is SSD so important?
The SSD will improve the development of your CAD computer, it will help it to run faster all the software you will be using in these tasks. This feature is specially designed for advanced data management, offers a high speed for reading and writing data and in general is more reliable than classic HDD.
Laptop or desktop for architects?
This is really an issue of budget and mobility, a CAD computer will accomplish every needed task with the right features, so as a CAD laptop but this will be easier to carry. If you usually work in the same space and don’t move your equipment, a desktop might be the best option, but if you use any place to work and you keep moving in day by day, then you should get a laptop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N4JcH-I0WQ
Conclusion
It is important that you know what you need for your work and that is how you will get the perfect equipment for your job, the Best Laptop for AutoCAD is in this article, so read again and make a choice.
Table of Contents
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases