Looking at laptops for friend.

[Mrbarton]

He wants it for autocad. He is doing classes.

I dont know jack about AutoCad specs but what i've read last few days.

What about this one with 8 gigs rams

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834215245



Or this one has 6gb ram already.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834214488

 

[Mrbarton]

Oh and This i7 model

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+...lver/2817237.p?id=1218353394481&skuId=2817237

 

[fralexandr]

http://usa.autodesk.com/autocad/system-requirements/
system requirements for autocad
http://usa.autodesk.com/3ds-max/system-requirements/
system requirements for 3ds-max

looks like AutoCad s mostly CPU dependent and probably supports 2 threads
is he going to be using any 3d rendering programs? then the dedicated gpu might help
do you know if he wants portability?
will he be taking the notebook to classes?
do you think he'll be playing games or watching movies or anything?
all of those options have dedicated gpus
the nvidia options might be better due to better gpu switching drivers (improves battery life)

he'll probably want a high resolution screen, for 17" or 15.6" that'd be 1920x1080
all of those options you listed have 1600x900 which isn't too bad though
if he wants something portable i'd go with a 13.3-14" though