Best laptop for architecture?

[beck2289]

I am an architecture student about to graduate and i have just started an internship where i need to run AutoCAD architecture. My current laptop is not up to spec to run the program so i am going to get another, however; i have no idea what to get. I am not a big gamer, actually i rarely play games. i like to watch movies and shows on my computer so i would like for the picture to be very clear. i have a ton of pictures and videos so i need quite a bit of memory, but the most important thing is the Autocad. I have to be able to run the program smoothly with no troubles. Oh and i would like to keep the price around $1,000.00. Can anyone help me?

 

[markcohn28]

Screen size?

Max Resolution?

 

[beck2289]

the screen needs to be at least 15-16 inches and as far as the resolution goes i dont think i have a max res.

 

[markcohn28]

Look at the IBM/Lenovo W520. You can get an optional docking station so you can have a multiple monitor setup plus it has a magnesium chassis, spill-resistant keyboard, and it can handle up to 32 GB of RAM. I'm in the process of purchasing one myself and my budget is also $1,000.00. The Intel Ivy Bridge cpu are out and this unit is being upgraded to W530 (6/2012) so you can find a good deal online for the W520.

Here's an example of one on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lenovo-Thinkpad-W520-i7-2620M-3-4GHz-4GB-2G-Quadro-1000M-500GB-72k-webCam-/300717606523?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item46042a867b#ht_6352wt_948