Laptop Recommendations for a Future Engineering Student Using Arch

First: I don't know if I am posting this in the right place, so I apologize in advance if it doesn't belong here.
In September, I'm going to be starting an Electrical Engineering program at University and since I'll be in residence, I'm going to buy a laptop.
Since there seems to be such a diverse, professional crowd here on the forums, I thought this would be a great place to ask.
I'm a loyal Archer, so good Linux support is a must but I will almost certainly be dual-booting because the dominant platform at the school (UW in Ontario) is Windows AFAIK.
The things I'm looking for are durability, quality, silence (my current desktop is LOUD and it's intolerable), and maybe satisfactory graphics (for Starcraft 2 ).
I've heard a lot about the Thinkpad (which Lenovo now owns) but I don't know if I want to shell out the money.
Price range? Ideally under $1500 CAD
Any suggested models would be highly appreciated. Thanks!
Last edited by Jessehk (2008-07-15 18:26:23)

Jessehk wrote:Thanks for all the responses!
Hey, I'm always looking for new converts.
Although it's about $300 more, I have to say I'm leaning towards the T61. There seems to be an emphasis on the Thinkpad's cooling system, fan noise, and general build quality but in some ways I'm paying more for less.
Any tips?
My T61p runs cool (especially compared with the T43) and quiet (nice little whisper fan, sort of soothing, actually), and is solid as a rock -- no flex in the screen, and no creaky plastic noises when I pick it up, unlike my brother's top-of-the-line Dell and my teenaged daughter's entry-level Compaq-HP. In fact, I think the build quality may actually have improved under Lenovo, at least comparing the T61p with my two T43s. (The IBM-era T21 is similarly solid, I should add.)
I really don't think you'll regret going with a Thinkpad. Some people have said they're the Volvos of the portable computing world, with which I concur -- not flashy, but solid, well-engineered, durable, classy and elegant. Every few weeks I run across some feature of my Thinkpad that makes me say, "Man, somebody gave that a bit of thought."
Did you scour the Net for coupons? Also, depending on your credit card, you can sometimes shave off another 5-7 percent by purchasing through the credit card's member portal. You might find some info here (which is probably VISA-USA, but might direct you).
Last edited by dhave (2008-07-16 16:00:50)

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Jessehk wrote:Thanks for all the responses!
Hey, I'm always looking for new converts.
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My T61p runs cool (especially compared with the T43) and quiet (nice little whisper fan, sort of soothing, actually), and is solid as a rock -- no flex in the screen, and no creaky plastic noises when I pick it up, unlike my brother's top-of-the-line Dell and my teenaged daughter's entry-level Compaq-HP. In fact, I think the build quality may actually have improved under Lenovo, at least comparing the T61p with my two T43s. (The IBM-era T21 is similarly solid, I should add.)
I really don't think you'll regret going with a Thinkpad. Some people have said they're the Volvos of the portable computing world, with which I concur -- not flashy, but solid, well-engineered, durable, classy and elegant. Every few weeks I run across some feature of my Thinkpad that makes me say, "Man, somebody gave that a bit of thought."
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Last edited by dhave (2008-07-16 16:00:50)

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Quote from: CBerger02;107428
I will be attending college in the fall with the intention of studying mechanical engineering. I am looking for a good laptop and I was told to find something with a dedicated graphics card. The Stealth Pros seem like they could handle 3D design and other engineering software pretty well. Can anyone with an engineering background give me any advice? Thanks.
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Last edited by vomix (2007-12-09 08:58:01)

- It has to be SILENT & robust !!!
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Arch has the best chance of working, out of *any* distro if you ask me. That's has been my experience any way.
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Again, core 2 duo are really efficient. Just avoid 7200 rpm drives and hungry GPUs. Most laptops already have 5200 rpm drives unless it'a a gaming laptop anyway.
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You have a really funny idea of what a brand new 2007 laptop might have If you manage to find one without a DVD reader, then congratulations, you might just as well have won the lottery.
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