Expert: Paul Jordan - 1/28/2009

Question
Hi Paul,

I am using AutoCAD 2006 on a computer that is about 2.5 years old. It has a Pentium 4 and 2 gigs of RAM (the maximum amount). Anyway I am in the market for a new computer. This one works fine, but gets painfully slow and frequently crashes when working on bigger drawing files. I work as a freelance draftsperson. I live in Hawaii, and my office is a bamboo structure in my yard. For that reason, I would prefer a laptop (since I can't lock my bamboo office, I have to take my computer into my home each day). Some people have said that I should really be using a desk top. And others have said that I can get a lap top that is robust enough for AutoCAD. My plan is to keep my current lap top and use it for everything except AutoCAD. My new computer will be ONLY for AutoCAD. So, my question is, what are some system requirements that will make sure my computer is capable of handling larger drawing files? Are there any specific CAD considerations with regards to RAM, processor, video card, or anything else? Are there lap tops that can do the job, or should I build my office out of concrete and get a desk top?

THANKS!!!!

Answer
Hey Shaun,

Just to give you an idea, almost every application engineer that works for an Autodesk reseller uses a laptop as their primary computer and most of them are running more than Autocad.  I had Autocad, Autocad Architecture, Autocad MEP, Revit Architecture, MEP, and Structure, as well as a few others on my last laptop.  

Currently I use an HP with a core 2 duo processor and 4gb of ram.  Get as much as you can afford to buy so you're not wishing you'd bought more 6 months or a year from now.  

Todays laptops will run Autocad just as well as a desktop.  You probably wouldn't ever notice any difference.

Just don't go get the Best Buy special of the week.  This is your lively hood, make this purchase count.  

In the meantime, you might want to try running a defrag on your system and cleaning up all those ole temporary files and cookies from sites you visited long ago.  

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Paul