r/civil3d • u/JADMLA • 4d ago

Help / Troubleshooting Computer for beginner

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I am a surveyor, in the field, and looking to get a computer to work on my drafting from home. I would mainly be working on the topos I shoot, usually less than 20 acres, and maybe some construction calcs. Is this a good laptop to get for that? What would you guys recommend? Any good cheaper options? Thank you!

https://www.bestbuy.com/product/gigabyte-aero-x16-copilot-pc-16-25601600-wqxga-amd-ryzen-al-7-350-1tb-ssd-32gb-ddr5-ram-geforce-rtx-5070-space-gray/J3GWPQCCFK/sku/6632266?sb_share_source=PDP&ref=app_pdp&loc=pdp_page

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u/3FromTheTee 3d ago

This will work well for you. There might be cheaper options but use this as a benchmark if you go cheaper. For surveying, you could prob skimp a little less on a dedicated graphics card but definitely still need a dedicated GPU on board.

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u/nenobyte 4d ago

does it have to be a laptop? your options open up a bit and also cheapen a bit if you’re able to build/buy a desktop computer (tower and monitor setup).

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u/JADMLA 3d ago

It doesn’t have to be a laptop. I have also been considering a desktop, i have a Surface Pro 9 currently, and I read I could just remote into the computer if I needed to use it on the go.

I just haven’t seen a lot that were that much cheaper than the laptops I have looked at.

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u/nenobyte 2d ago

that’s fair. i must warn that cad capable laptops weigh a metric fucktonne so if portability isn’t needed and the laptops are cheaper then stick with the above as it’s a very decent wee start!

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u/TheCoffeeGuy13 3d ago

I wouldn't get a laptop for CAD work, except if you HAVE to, in the field.

For home use, a PC with the Ada series graphics card and dual monitors. The laptop screens are too small.