Hello, I am a 2nd year engineering student who is projecting myself in the mechanical sector. I plan to buy a computer soon. I would like more than anything the new macbook pro 13" m1 but there is no compatible software I need i.e. solidworks, orcad etc. I have a lot of trouble with windows.
My criteria are: very good battery, > full hd screen, good design, easily transportable, which can run the software without problems.
From my research, I came across the dell XPS 15", i7 with 16 gb of ram. Will it run Solidwork without any problem?
Is it worth buying a macbook and buying fusion 360 for the year because my university doesn't have the autodesk license? Will I be able to work with this software after my studies with companies?
First of all, you have to set your budget.
If you're a student, you'll probably do some simulation (hello @Zozo_mp ) and maybe some solid designs, so it's good to comply with Dassault's prerequisites (https://www.solidworks.com/fr/support/system-requirements)
At the Dell level, here are the problems:
- comes with Windows Home, you need a Pro version;
- I don't guarantee the operation of SW with the graphics card;
- the 15" screen, if you don't have another screen next to it, it's going to be a bit of a hassle, I'll go for a 17" (it's up to you to do the math: 15"+extra screen vs 17" on my own).
So you have to change your range: on the Dell store, take the workstation range.
The 15" is 1400 to 2200€, the 17 from 2200 to 2500, without playing with the graphics card options...
Generally speaking, in the industry I know, Apple systems are not used, and if CAD software vendors don't make an adapted version, it's not for nothing.
What would be the interest for you (during your studies) to have Fusion?
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Thank you for the answer. The problem is that they are often very heavy machines, in addition to a 17 inch + the loader to carry :/. I can go up to 2000e grand max but it really bothers me to buy a computer at this price when it 's not crazy. Unlike the new macbooks that crush all intel chips for a lower price. In addition, everything is good, whether it is the battery, the screen, the design etc.
The interest of fusion would be to be able to buy a macbook because it is available and optimized on it, the disadvantage would be to pay the annual subscription. Do companies use this software?
Hello@Medhi Kotbi_1
I say it too often on this forum, wanting to look for a computer with an ultra-hyper-mega powerful chip is not much use when you see how it is exploited by software.
As you are a student, if your university or school does not require you to autodesk, look at which software allows you to have a student license.
What is important is to know how to design , whatever the software. If you are forced on one software and a company uses another comparable software, it takes less than a week for the basic functions and 3 or 4 weeks longer to get back to the same level as the previous software. (I experienced it when fleeing Inventor)
For the screen you can always have a second screen larger than 15" (cheap)
No one in the mechanical industry uses a MAC except those who do graphics and rendering with rigs.
Look in Grabcad how many templates in MAc format are available in all templates: including in the CADs of providers like PartCommunity, etc...
The important thing is to learn how to design with the help of one of the four industrial CAD software on the market.
Kind regards
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Okay, thank you very much! My teacher told me the same thing.
So if I understand correctly, it's better to get a WIndows because my faculty has the SolidWorks license but if I really want a Macbook, there's no disadvantage in using Orcad but I'll have to pay for the subscription?
Hello
For my part, I don't think that a student or even an occasional user of Solidworks needs a professional machine with certified components and drivers. I take as an example my case during my studies (and even sometimes afterwards during business trips) where a normal laptop (borderline gamer) in 15" worked very well on small sets.
On the other hand, I didn't do simulations.
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At worst I would change it after my studies or I would take a stronger pc and less suitable for a student. The xps 15 still has an i7 and 16gb of ram
Hello
Compare with the Precision 3551 which is an i7 workstation with 16GB of RAM, Windows pro and a certified graphics card. and in addition maybe cheaper ...
Kind regards
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