I have an eight-year-old laptop that needs replacing and I’m paralyzed. What are the most reliable ones now? Do I need a desktop for CAD? Pros and cons of operating systems (and where do I find them?) Browsers ditto? Where do I find answers that aren’t just product marketing?
How complex are the things you’re looking at modeling in CAD? I bought a used Dell Latitude 7400 with an i5 to putter around on when I don’t want to sit in front of my fixed position tower. It’s truly not a very impressive device from a specifications perspective, but it runs fusion 360 well enough for basic CAD work (single, non-complex components). Fusion 360 has given me warnings about the computer specs, but I haven’t run into any performance issues.
You’ll want an external mouse, but that’s not a big deal.
I haven’t tried loading a larger model on it though. I suspect it would work, but it would struggle a bit more.
If you’re going to get a laptop, I suggest buying an “enterprise” model. They’re generally better built than the consumer models.
I honestly don’t know. Some architectural stuff (ie a porch) and smaller mechanical assemblies (toys).