Architects and Students opinions of M4400 for CAD

I use a M6300 for Solidworks & Rhino and have to say it was a great choice. I had started out looking at a 8530w and after reading a lot of material decided to look at the Dell also. (The price on the 6300 I ended up with was almost the same as an 8530w, so I went big). What really sold me on the Dell was the construction and a lack of a dedicated 10-key. (typing on an offset keyboard is just uncomfortable for me)

I mean feature for feature I ended up getting a better GPU (FX3600M instead of FX1600M) a slightly slower CPU 2.5ghz vs 2.8ghz, and everything else was pretty much a wash spec wise.

15" is the way to go for carting around though, this 17" is a beast. I don't know if this helps you at all but I am very satisfied with Dell for high-demand CAD modeling.

 

Are you sure you want to carry around a "BIG" laptop? If I was you I would consider a smaller laptop.
I use a E6500 for Autodesk aplications and it works. But since Im used to carrying a Latitude D410 and before that a Latitude L400 this E6500 is a B R I C K ! ! !
Just my view.

 

i was using a D410 as well, and yea the E6500/M4400 is substantially bigger, but then again its not a good comparison.

The D410's modern equivalent is the E4200/E4300 isnt it? if you want the high res screen or the extra horsepower you're not going to find that in a ultraportable

 

I carry the M4400 around all the time, no issue with it whatsoever....just get a half decent bag and the weight shouldn't be a bother. M6400 is a different story though

 

the M6400 isnt too bad either in a backpack, its the added weight of the charger that makes you notice the difference. It brings it over the comfortable carryabout range.

a good backpack is really important for any notebook weighing more than 2kgs IMO. Those shoulder sling bags/briefcases really strain your arm.

I use a nike F1 SKA which i modified by inserting a padded laptop section.