For engineering, a good processor is important. Graphic card is optional. With that modest budget, I would look for Lenovo Thinkpad series, maybe E or L series. Getting a T series would be better but since last year, prices of lenovo laptops have been rising.

Didnt you say your budget was below 4K?
Its good, but this one has no room to upgrade your RAM. It also has very small battery capacity. I would agree with h@ksam suggestion though. Very good value. Only drawback is the 5 weeks delivery period.

Playing with the specs, I can say this is a really good model. Can even upgrade the warranty and still be below 4k.

LENOVO THINKPAD E14 #20YECT01WW

Customize:
PROCESSOR : Ryzen5 5600U
Slotted RAM : 16GB
Added SSD : 512GB
Better DISPLAY: IPS 300 Nits
Better BATT : 57Wh

Plus:
2y premier support + $315.00
2y accidental damage protection + $214.80
2y battery replacement (one time) + $193.50

Use discount code :DOORBUSTER
$4062.50

Use shopback rebate 6% (get back money in 3 mth)
$3818.75

Used to buy Dell stuff, but their plastic quality like shit.
So brittle. Thats why they can afford 1-1 replacement most of the time. I moved to Lenovo after that.

My Dell Latitude broke its hinges first. Upon dissasembly, I notice the old dvd drive was loose and soft, as if it was made of aluminium and cardboard. The same with the rest of the body, very cheap plastic. I mean sure that made the entire laptop feels very light, but that means all the locking bits and where plastic meets metal break easily. But I do love how easy every components are easy to replace and gain access to. Having Dell's accidental damage cover really puts you mind at peace.

I'd probably categorize Lenovo sites as 2 main categories.
The normal, customizable version.
The fast delivery, offer bin.

If you're looking for cheap deals, then just check out the READY TO DELIVERY. I normally camp there for specific models which will come every fortnight. Mind you the delivery may still take around 8-14 days because its usually shipped from Hong Kong or China.

But if want souped up builds, then look for the normal customize options. For those, the deals comes in the form of add-on e.g. upgrade to 16gb RAM for $70. I suppose, this is why you feel everything kinda overwhelming since you're still fairly new to the site.

Worst part is how its not friendly on mobile. Truly sucky experience when you're waiting so long for the pages to refresh.

Lastly, once you've committed to an item you like, put it in the cart and try to chat with lenovo agent. They will check your cart and see if there are some things they could offer you, usually in the form of discount vouchers or free gifts. ALWAYS ASK FOR FREE GIFTS. But if you compare it with any existing codes like DOORBUSTER and find that its cheaper, then just ignore it.

Shopback is where I would definitely make sure is tracked because who wouldn't love a rebate am I right?

This post has been edited by funnyTONE: Apr 11 2022, 06:02 AM

Ohhh.... a new code!
Thanks for the discovery, I'll definitely adding that to my list.
Ohh.... I didn't know you can stack student's discount with another code. I should try that in the future.

Fyi, Thinkpad was an IBM series back in the 80s. So they definitely went with the business design on that one, especially the red nipple.



This post has been edited by funnyTONE: Apr 11 2022, 07:43 AM

Its not just the classic design.
Materials used for Thinkpad is a mix of magnesium, carbon fibre and plastic which makes it flexible yet very durable. I don't get to see these type of rubbery touch on the surface on other laptops. And I simply love typing on a Lenovo keyboard. So bloody satisfying.

Yeah, unfortunately most batteries never last long. You'd be lucky to get it to work longer than 6 months.

Hnngghhhh!
Now its all about the waiting game.
Iinm, if shopback didnt trace the purchase by tomorrow, you can manually add the transaction and it will investigate the claim.

Your second method is the one I use too.
From shopback site, I typed lenovo and it will direct me to the site. Then complete my purchase as usual.

Noice!
Yes, you can transfer this into your bank account after 90 days.

Hnnngghhhh!!!
I just wanna swipe my hands of that beauty black magnesium body.

Btw, using your kid's student account, you can get free autodesk softwares iinm.

Start from here : Autodesk Education & Student Access
Gets you free 1-year access.

However, you do need to upload document like student id, proof of education, etc.