What to buy?

[Learning]

I recently purchased a new Dell Studio 1737,
Intel Core Duo T6500,2.1GHz, 800Mhz, 2M L2 Cache.
5ooG 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive.
4GB DDR2, 800MHz 2 Dimm
8X CD/DVD (Dual Layer DVD=/-R Drive)
Microsoft Windows Vista SP-1 Home Premium 64-bit Edition
ADOBE ACROBAT STD 9.0
Norton 360

My question is this. I have a different computer with AutoCAD 2002 Student Version. I want to upgrade to a newer version that is not a student version but as always money is an issue. Suggestions?

Poor and Perplexed

[CadDan]

There is LT versions that are less than a grand.
Try looking at amazon for them.

[Tankman]

Try eBay too! Some very good deals ($$$) available there too!

[f700es]

Step 1: Remove any and all traces of Norton! Watch how much better your system runs without it. Install AVG instead.
As for AutoCAD, yes look at e-bay and even craigslist.

EDIT: Better get the 64-bit version too as you have 64-bit Vista and will have trouble installing the 32-bit versions. Recently ran into this with a copy of 2008.

[ReMark]

A 5400 rpm hard drive? GAD! That should have been a 7200 rpm hard drive.

Are you insistent on using AutoDesk products? Use LT. If not there are other CAD programs available. Some are free and some low cost.

What kind of graphics card did it come with if any?

[Learning]

Not really but are there others that are completely compatible with AutoDesk that work as well and don't cost an arm and a leg? Where to find them and a comparison would be helpful. Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD.

[ReMark]

Integrated graphics chip. I see.

[ReMark]

I cannot say with complete certainty that other CAD software will be 100% compatible with AutoCAD despite claims, by the manufacturers, to the contrary.

[ReMark]

I believe that Alibre Design and SolidEdge have 2D CAD software available for free. You might also look into a handful of CAD low cost programs based upon the IntelliCAD program.

[f700es]

DoubleCAD XT is free as well