What is the best laptop for autocad 2012 under $1000?

[rkent]

I just bought an HP Envy with very nice specs and it is running 2013 autocad and inventor very well. I don't work with large files so I don't know about performance on big files. it was $1250, so above your budget but you could lower some of the options.

[Dadgad]

I just bought an HP Envy with very nice specs and it is running 2013 autocad and inventor very well. I don't work with large files so I don't know about performance on big files. it was $1250, so above your budget but you could lower some of the options.

I am working on an HP as I write this, had another one before this.
In my company we have had less than stellar luck with HP longevity.
My latest laptop acquisition was a DELL XPS15 Z, which is pretty nice.
HP just released their new IVY BRIDGE lineup, and they do look interesting.

[paisis123]

Just keep in mind on the task that you are trying to accomplish.

Heres a list of common tasks and the requirements
1. Large Drawing files - You need a Fast HDD or an SSD to load them up faster and easier
2. Manipulating Multiple drawings at once - You need a Fast CPU in order to handle all the calculations
3. Rendering - You need a muti-thread CPU at a decent clock rate to have optimal performance
4. 3D design - You need a good GPU that can handle the 3d manipulation and rendering
5. Simple 2D sketches - A good amount of RAM and CPU power is all that is needed
6. If your needs require more then one option of 1-6, then buy accordingly

I Built my PC with 2 purposes. 1. a Gaming PC 2. A mobile workstation and media center.
Once you build and acquire goal in mind, then you have something in which you wont be disapointed

[paisis123]

I would not consider a laptop with less than 17 inch screen for CAD work.
You can get a 17" with 8Gig RAM for around $800 that will be fine for AutoCAD.

I Agree, the Best bang for your buck is 8 GB of RAM, though i find 16 over kill. and the 24 gbs i have at my job is surprisingly good enough....