Hi,I'm looking to buy a new laptop for start up business use. Will be using 2D cad pretty frequently but for pretty straight forward drawing/ mapping.Any advice/ thoughts on the following spec or need for upgrade on any specifics??Any advice appreciated..HP EliteBook 8540p i5-520M NotebookProcessor Family:Intel Core i5 MobileFurther information :http://manufacturer.bechtle.com/default_partner.asp?ID=HEW_BD_IEProcessor Type:Intel Core i5-520M,3 MB Cache, 2.40 GHzDisplay:15.6" HD (1366x768) LED BacklightMain Memory:2048 MBMemory Banks (occupied/total):1/2Hard Drive:250 GBOptical Drive:DVD BurnerDocking Expansion:Yes - OptionalGraphics Memory:1024 MBWireless Functions:Bluetooth, WLAN 802.11a/b/g/nOperating System:Windows 7 Professional 32 bitUMTS On Board:Internally UpgradeableGlossy Display:NoExpress Card Slot:YesDescription:Microsoft Office readyInterfaces:1x ExpressCard/54 slot3x USB 2.02x USB 3.0 (works with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 equipment)1x VGA1x DisplayPort1x FireWire (1394a)1x eSATA1x modem (RJ11)1x Ethernet (RJ45)1x microphone1x headphones1x media card reader1x docking station connection1x connection for optional secondary battery

 
Sure the configuration'll work considering you're not pushing too hard.
 
I'm a big fan of Thinkpad� laptops, 14" screen.
Portable and the battery lasts longer with the smaller screen. Tankman2010-03-13 17:24:38

I would personally go insane not having a 10 key pad unavailable in the small screen notebooks.

[QUOTE=mountaingoat]I would personally go insane not having a 10 key pad unavailable in the small screen notebooks. [/QUOTE]
 

Small USB number pads are available for notebooks if you prefer to have one.

I want to have it .How much money for that USB ?????
laptopshop2010-04-28 08:22:00

[QUOTE=laptopshop] I want to have it .How much money for that USB ?????[/QUOTE]


 
Logitech has a cordless USB number pad, 'bout $35.00 USD.
 
Some wired USB number pads are priced as low as $10.00 USD.

I have been using my HP Laptop for 3 years with 3 different versions of Autocad. BTW, I have the expanded KB with the number pad. I had no problems until I installed Windows 7 64 bit. I had to run it in compatibility mode.
Then I had a catestrophic falure and now I can no longer get the install programs to work.
This sucks, because I prefer ACLT98 over all of them. At work, I use AutoCad2008 and I hate it. I usually do everything in ACLT98 then save it in the later format.
My 98 is an upgrade disk so I actually have to install 95 first. W7 will not let that happen even though it ran before.
I may have to migrate the program again with special software from an old HD.
 drjorde2010-09-05 21:06:59

Found a solution to the Windows 7/64 dilema with older versions of AutoCAD.
Install "VM Ware Player and it will allow you to install any old programs. My Laptop now has the old programs running under the old operating system. It allows old 32 bit programs from older versions to work flawlessly.
 
 

You can do the same with the "WinXP mode" (virtual WinXP) in Windows 7.

When I first migrated the programs using a special program designed for that purpose, I was able to get it to run using the XP Compatibility mode.




When I lost the hard drive and had to reload Windows 7 64 bit the install programs for the older AutoCADs were stopped dead in their tracks and would not install. Without the ability to install, you don't get to use the XP Compatibility mode.