Talk to me like a dummy — MechE computer requirement
Hi. Parent here. My daughter switched her major to MechE and does not have a Windows machine. I'm only familiar with Mac/Apple devices. I don't know what makes software like CAD and SolidWorks machine-intensive and I don't know the windows terminology when it comes to processors, GPUs, etc. So please talk to me like a dummy and tell me what specs we need to look for when shopping for a laptop.
I've read the KGCOE and Campus Store recommendations, so I have the official list — what I can't get from a webpage is what actually happens day to day. What are you using now, and what do you wish you'd bought instead? Anything that seemed fine in the store and turned out to be a mistake?
I'd like it to last her the next four years, so I'd rather go a bit above the current minimum. Budget is flexible -- $1,500 is fine if the specs are right, and I can go to $2,500 if there's a real reason. (But she doesn't need a gaming/maximalist laptop.)
She's second year, three semesters away from first scheduled co-op.
Thank you!