Dell Laptops for AutoCAD

"Buy an AutoCAD Compatible Notebook."

When looking at Dell laptops for AutoCAD, keep in mind that the system requirements will vary depending on the version of the CAD software program you own.

Since AutoCAD 2013 is the latest program, as of this writing, we will focus on how to find the best Dell notebook computer for that version.

First things we need to know before deciding on which model of Dell laptop to choose, are the system requirements of the AutoCAD 2013 program.

For the 32 bit AutoCAD program:

• Windows 7 Enterprise, Ultimate, Professional, or Home Premium or Windows XP Professional or Home edition (with Service Pack 3 or later)
• If using Windows 7: Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon dual-core processor, 3.0 GHz or higher with SSE2 technology
• If using Windows XP: Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon dual-core processor, 1.6 GHz or higher with SSE2 technology
• Minimum 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
• 6 GB free disk space required for installation
• 1024 x 768 display resolution with true color (1600 x 1050 with true color recommended)
• Internet Explorer 7.0 or later web browser

For the 64 bit AutoCAD program:

• Windows 7 Enterprise, Ultimate, Professional, or Home Premium or Windows XP Professional (with Service Pack 2 or later)
• AMD Athlon 64 with SSE2 technology, AMD Opteron processor with SSE2 technology, Intel Xeon processor with Intel EM64T support and SSE2 technology, or Intel Pentium 4 with Intel EM64T support and SSE2 technology
• Minimum 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
• 6 GB free disk space required for installation
• 1024 x 768 display resolution with true color (1600 x 1050 with true color recommended)
• Internet Explorer 7.0 or later web browser

With this basic information, we can now narrow down which of the Dell laptops for AutoCAD is right for you and your needs.

Dell now has an new interactive tool that helps you decide which computer is best suited for what you need to do.

Using the Dell Precision Workstation Advisor we've discovered that the Dell Precision M4700 Mobile Workstation is best suited for our needs with the AutoCAD program.

Dell Precision M4700 Mobile Workstation

Using Dell's custom system builder we found that the M4700 ranged in price between $1300 and $2300, depending on preferences and add-ons.

At $1300, Dell's Precision M4700 laptop proves to be a reasonably priced AutoCAD compatible computer.

Here's what you get with the bare bones laptop:

• 3rd Gen Intel Core i5-3360M Processor (2.8GHz, 3M cache, Upgradable to Intel vPro technology)
• Windows 7 Pro, 64-bit
• 15.6" HD (1366x768) Anti-Glare Screen
• 4GB2 DDR3 SDRAM at 1600MHz
• 500GB 2.5" 7200 rpm Hard Drive space
• 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load
• AMD FirePro M4000 Mobility Pro Graphics with 1GB GDDR5
• 3 Year Basic Hardware Service with 3 Year Next Business Day Limited On-site Service (After Remote Diagnosis)

Note for Dell Laptops for AutoCAD

We used the AutoCAD Architecture program as the application in the Advisor, and it actually recommended building a system with the i7-3720QM Processor (Quad Core 2.6GHz, 6M cache) instead of the i5 listed above, bringing up the price of the laptop accordingly.

With all the above laptop features aimed at impressing the engineer, CAD guru or 3D modeling expert, we were hard pressed to find any lacking features.

For more information, check out this Dell laptops for AutoCAD review.

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