I used a heavy ass gaming laptop. That thing ran so hot it would burn your legs if you tried to use it without a desk.

That's crazy.....

Maybe I should get a desktop and use my current laptop for presentation or something else

I used a 2009 Macbook Pro with 4gb RAM - it wasn't fast but it got the job done. When I needed to work with really large files then I just used the desktop computers at the school. But my old laptop was able to hand 90% of my work. 

i vote for desktop, not apple, and if possible a tablet (android) to work with and supplement the desktop.

actually that new expensive microsoft surface looks really nice too.

Than if I get a good laptop cooler, it will handle autocad and other programs

@curtkram

Why not apple? lol

Also my dad owns surface and I personally don't like how it works.

Buy a gaming desktop.

Keep a laptop for studio work.

Setup remote access to set-up rendering jobs.

The end.

11"? Why not just use your cell phone then!

I've got an awesome 32" iMac 4k at home, and I use a shitty Toshiba laptop for smaller work. Whatever you decide on, laptop or desktop, make sure it has great performance specs but don't underestimate the importance of a LARGE SCREEN. You'll be multi-tasking and switching between programs like crazy. So your RAM is important...

It's also ideal to have a good (hi-res) display. Helps with your attention to detail on designs and presentations. You'll notice things you may have missed on a low-res or small screen.

Best of luck!

I used a regular laptop until my last couple of years into Architecture School. We mostly made hand made models and it didn't get too CAD or 3D intensive until the second half of my career. If you wait until when you actually need it, you might get the newest version of whatever is out and know better what specs you are looking for in a laptop or desktop.

That being said, if you want to buy a computer right now anyway, think about this: if you are going to be working in one set place for most of your school years (ex: your house) 80% of the time, then a desktop will be the best option. I once heard that there is currently no laptop as powerful as they are that can compete with a desktop. However if you are going to constantly be working in different places (the school, the studio, a friend's house, etc) then get a good gaming laptop, I have a Lenovo which works wonders, I also know Dell and Asus are really good. Don't buy HP. I was living so far away from my school when I was in undergrad that I basically spent 90% of my time in the school and only went back home to sleep and shower. Therefore I always needed a laptop, because I was working in all different places, like the library, the studio, any classroom that was available, or any friend's house that lived nearby. 

Also, nothing against apple but it's too expensive and you could get a waaaaay better deal with other brands just as good. 

Buy a computer you like. Almost anything these days, mac or PC, can run whatever you throw at it with no problems. 

But FYI a gaming laptop is a total dealbreaker for ladies. Show up to class with one of those and watch the libidos of women everywhere wither up and die. 

I'm not a student but I love my new ipad pro with pencil. Does anyone else have one?

you should be able to find a good gaming laptop without all the glowy colorful stuff on it if you try.  if not, just put a nice liberal bumper sticker over the logo (keep the fans open though).

Thank you everyone who commented on this thread

I think I could make a smart decision because of your opinions

You could always use your Mac to handle adobe suite programs, since having a portable setup is nice sometimes to take to class, show profs work, and/or work in a library or cafe. And then a desktop for the hardcore 3D modeling programs, although the school you go to may already have good comps set up with all the programs you need. 

What school will you be attending? if its a tech centered program maybe getting a good laptop to start is a good idea. But if they focus more so on hand models and drawings for the first couple years I would maybe hold off on buying a setup that is fancy and new. 

I always was glad I had a laptop so I could work during studio time and show my prof what I was currently doing, without having to use the few shared comps in the room. 

I'm planning to go to sci-arc

I just got accepted to sci-arc yesterday

Congratz, i got accepted yesterday and going there too

thank you! I hope I could see you at sic-arc 

Get a radio and or speakers, also recommend noise canceling wireless headphones.

Electric fan, and if in the north a space heater, desk size.  Studios are notoriously too hot or too cold temperature is rarely ideal all year round.

Good adjustable desk lamp

Also Mr Coffee  Get one this will save you money and time. add a bean grinder and you will save thousands of dollars over 4+ years. A small low voltage Mini fridge when you get to studio will make you very popular.

Do not work at home if you can avoid it use your studio space and time, I also recommend getting a lockable Ikea mobile storage locker and have wheels on it, lots of theft can happen in studios when you are in a lecture or in class other than studio.  Also what ever computer you get make sure you have insurance on it, renters or something you can bundle with your automotive insurance. I had a friend whose computer was smashed when he was transferring it from one studio to another but he had insurance and got a replacement in time for finals, the insurance included data recovery service, this is key.

Also invest in cloud storage because eventually your computer will burn out and you don't want to lose your files.

Good luck

Peter N

Thank you for your tips.

And this will be the setting for first 2 or 3 years.

http://imgur.com/Grlyn2z

http://imgur.com/SEHGvUE

Fans are below CPU and fan(Macbook).

Also I am planning to upgrade Ram.

Every type of computer is good for a good student :).Good luck :).

@MinimalCrazy If I purchase a desktop, I think I would use Ubuntu(Linux). Also $2400 screen? that's crazy haha

@Non_Sequitur haha that's really funny. and I will make sure that the cooler is clean. thanks

If you plan on going to SCI-Arc, you're going to need a high performance desktop (mostly for complex 3D digital forms and high quality renderings of those forms, maybe some light animation). Your best bet would probably be building your own desktop, you won't save much money by building it on your own but you'll definitely have higher quality parts compared to models sold in stores or online. My suggestion of specs:

- Intel i7 processor

- 16gb of RAM or more

- 500gb SSD (SSD will run your programs a lot faster and a lot smoother)

- GTX 750TI graphics card or higher (you want to stay away from depending on just integrated graphics, it'll slightly effect your processing speed).  

I'd suggest buying great parts or a great computer from the get go (which will probably cost an arm & a leg) but you wont have to worry about making upgrades later in your academic career or contemplate on buying another computer down the road because the one you originally bought isn't cutting it. So, keep your laptop for light work and invest a good quality workstation. There are plenty of sites that'll help you with your build if you decide to go that route (it's a lot easier than people think). Try https://pcpartpicker.com/ it'll tell you which parts are compatible with your build and tell you who's selling them at the best prices. 

^ This is just a moderate gaming PC specs though... I heard that SCIarc has a computer lab equipped with more powerful PCs for students to use. Is it good enough to get a gaming laptop with GTX960M ($1000)? Or is it necessary to get a workstation laptop with K620M ($2000)?