Laptops for Designers

[SourcetoSource]

Hi,

I'm a graduate student in landscape architecture and am in serious need of a new laptop. I've been using a mac for the past 5 years but am interested in a PC. I am looking for a PC for 2 main reasons: (1) many programs are designed (at least so far) mostly for PC (ie. AutoCad, Rhino) and (2) I can get a good quality laptop cheaper than I'd pay for a new macbook.

OK, that being said, I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for a good PC laptop at around ~$1000. I understand the specs that I need, but does anyone have a specific laptop that they can advise works well for design programs?

Thanks in advance!

 

[SkeletoNick]

I am in Urban Design! Basically looking for the same answers for the same reasons, but maybe my research can help --

I started out with the same budget, but now I am seriously thinking about the MacBook Pro because students get $200 off the computer and discounts on upgrades and software, and now I think of it as an investment for the long haul. With a Mac, all you need is Parallels or Bootcamp and you can run Windows, so it takes any appeal of a PC anyway for me at that point.

Also, it's the computer of choice for most Designers.

Apple also allows students to make monthly payments!