Hardware Recommendations for 2021
November 5, 2021
Presented by: Mike Bennett
Length: 1:07:13
It’s yet another year of product launches and inventory shortages, but the work must go on. Keeping your CAD workstations and other office equipment up to date is essential to your office’s ability to stay productive and keep meeting deadlines. We understand that shopping for a new system is never easy, so we’re here to guide you through the process and show you some quick ways to narrow your search. We’ll also provide some valuable pointers on the other end of the spectrum: the hardware and software we don’t recommend diving into just yet. With our help, you can take the intimidation and guesswork out of your hardware upgrades.
Webinar Contents:
Note: The following catalog of content covered in this webinar is time stamped to allow you to follow along or skip to sections of the video that are relevant to your questions. You can also search for content on this page using the FIND command in your browser (CTRL + F in Windows, Command + F in Mac OS.)
- Intro/TOC
- Do's and Don'ts when Shopping for Hardware
- When to Update/Upgrade
- Are You Comfortable Being a Beta Tester?
- Baseline Hardware Specs
- Systems Worth Thinking Twice About
- How to Choose the Right System
- Recommended Systems
- Workstations
- Monitors
- Peripherals
- Mice
- Keyboards
- Narrowing Your Search
0:00 – 4:11: Intro/TOC
4:12 – 13:38: Do's and Don'ts when Shopping for Hardware
Do (4:16):
- Reference system requirements of your most critical applications.
- Pick an operating system (Windows vs Mac OS) before looking for hardware.
- Decide desktop vs. laptop.
- Will you be purchasing in-store or online?
- Consider peripherals.
Don't (7:25):
- Jump on something just because it's on sale.
- Dive into a new platform and not expect to have teething issues.
- Under-spec the machine.
- Buy the cheapest or most expensive computer possible.
- Buy without reading reviews.
- Buy before you can try (if possible).
Ways to try before you buy (11:40):
- Visit a store with stock on display.
- Best Buy
- Micro Center
- Some direct manufacturers offer excellent return policies
- Apple
- Razer
- Lenovo
- Dell
13:39 – 28:06: When to Update/Upgrade
Are You Comfortable Being a Beta Tester? (13:49)
Update when you want if:
- Able to take time to self-diagnose new problems.
- Don't have pressing deadlines.
- Don't get easily frustrated.
- Have verified backups.
Wait for the first few patches (6 months) if:
- Not tech savvy or able to self-diagnose problems.
- Have immediate deadlines.
- Are easily frustrated or overwhelmed.
- Don't have verified backups.
Early release bugs/issues (16:28):
Mac OS Monterey (16:28):
- Time Machine is stuck on backup.
- Mac is slow after the update.
- Mouse/trackpad input is laggy.
- Wi-Fi not working.
- Bluetooth not working.
- Mac cursor stuck on Monterey.
- Battery started to drain.
- Hide my email not working.
- Mac won't shut down.
- Mac overheating after the upgrade.
- Screen saver is broken.
Windows 11 (18:49):
- Computer can't upgrade to it.
- CPU not compatible.
- No TPM 2.0 module.
- Win 10 update can interrupt 11 upgrade.
- Windows 11 causing Internet slowdowns.
- 11 still has 10 Start menu.
- Start menu won't let you type.
- Context menu loads slow.
- Black screen issue.
- Error completing installation of 11.
- VirtualBox not working.
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapter problems.
- File Explorer memory leak.
- AMD CPUs could be ~10-25% slower from Win 10.
- USB printer problems.
- Non-ASCII character app issues.
Known issues (and workarounds) with Parallels and Mac OS Monterey (22:57)
M1 Macs and Autodesk compatibility (24:47):
Are M1s supported?
- They require Windows for ARM, which is not out yet as of webinar recording.
- Not officially supported.
- Autodesk likely won't officially support until 2023, if they do.
What does that mean?
- While it could work, it's not guaranteed.
- You may encounter unexpected problems.
- Some of them may not have a solution.
Known issues with Windows for ARM (25:51):
First and foremost, it's a beta operating system.
- It's pre-release.
- Only support is via forums, no phone number to call.
- No real way to reinstall Windows.
- Deploying involves downloading a pre-configured virtual hard disk (i.e., computer).
28:07 – 34:46: Baseline Hardware Specs
Recommended Specs (28:18):
- Operating system: Windows 10
- Processor: 3+ GHz
- Memory (RAM): 16 GB
- Display resolution: 1080p to 4K
- Graphics card memory: 4 GB
- Disk space: 10 GB
Minimum Specs (30:55):
- We don't talk about minimum specs ...
- No, seriously, how long do you want to be able to go before doing this again?
Why you shouldn't go with minimum specs (31:52):
More manufacturers are shifting to direct soldered components. Why?
- Tighter tolerances.
- Thinner and lighter computers.
Direct soldered components have also been one of the biggest complaints against Apple.
Cons of direct soldered components:
- Not upgradeable.
- Not serviceable.
- RAM fails? Motherboard/logic board has to be replaced.
On the bright side, this issue primarily only affects laptops.
Why only Windows 10? (33:03)
Windows 7:
- Released October 2009
- Reached End of Life (EoL) January 14, 2020
Windows 8/8.1:
- Released October 2012.
- Will reach End of Life (EoL) January 2023.
- Already reached the end of mainstream support January 2018.
What does EoL mean?
- No more security updates.
- Vulnerabilities are no longer patched.
34:47 – 38:01: Systems Worth Thinking Twice About
Surface Pro 7 (34:56):
Pros:
- Thin and lightweight.
- Highly portable.
- Low power.
Cons:
- Low power.
- Low thermal ceiling.
- Extremely limited upgradeability.
- No discrete GPU (limited CAD use).
When specced for decent everyday use, it can rival or exceed the cost of a regular laptop.
Surface Pro 8 (36:26):
Pros:
- Thin and lightweight.
- Highly portable.
- Low power.
Cons:
- Low power.
- Low thermal ceiling.
- Extremely limited upgradeability.
- No discrete GPU (limited CAD use).
New Additions:
- 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Improves expandability
Surface Pro X (37:02):
Pros over 7 and 8:
- Thinner displays bezels.
- Microsoft SQ Processor family.
Cons over 7 and 8:
- ARM processor.
- Runs on Windows 10 for ARM (same problems as M1 Macs).
- App compatibility issues.
- No Thunderbolt ports.
- Expensive.
- Slower than Intel counterparts.
Verdict: Avoid.
38:02 – 41:24: How to Choose the Right System
How to choose the right system (38:13):
1. Keep it simple.
2. Set a realistic budget.
3. It should last 2 to 4 years.
4. If you work from multiple locations, go with 1 laptop vs. multiple machines.
5. Product warranty is important.
6. Know what platform (Mac OS vs Windows) you want going in.
Make a checklist of things to search for (39:50):
When shopping for a computer, make a checklist of what you need:
- Central processing unit (CPU) should be +3GHz.
- 16GB of RAM or memory minimum.
- Storage (we'll cover this below).
- Discrete graphics card (GPU) with 4 GB onboard memory.
- Adapters for peripherals (USB-C to USB-A, etc.).
Storage (40:16):
How to pick the right size solid-state drive (40:16):
Windows (40:16):
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Go to "This PC."
3. Check your primary disk or "C:" drive.
4. Multiple disks? Consider combining.
5. If more than 1/2 storage used, move up a size.
Mac OS (41:08):
1. Click the Apple button at the top left.
2. Go to "About this Mac."
3. Go to the Storage tab at the top.
4. Multiple disks? Consider combining.
5. If more than 1/2 storage used, move up a size.
41:25 – end: Recommended Systems
Why Thunderbolt? (41:35)
A single connection to computer carries:
- Power for laptops.
- Video for monitors.
- USB for accessories.
- Thunderbolt daisy chaining.
Almost nonexistent on AMD systems.
- It's licensed by Intel.
- Not on every machine.
Workstations (43:07)
Dell XPS 15 and 17 product families (43:07):
Pros:
- Highly rated.
- Thin and lightweight.
- Discrete GPU.
- Excellent displays.
- 2-in-1 options.
Cons:
- Lower thermal headroom than some.
- Favors form over higher-powered competitors.
Pricing at recording time ranges from ~$1,549 to $2,549.
Razer Blade 15 and 17 laptops (44:43):
Pros:
- Highly rated.
- Thin and lightweight.
- Discrete GPU.
- Excellent displays.
- Similar build quality to Apple.
- Subtle aesthetics for gaming system.
Cons:
- Lower thermal headroom than some.
- Favors form over higher powered competitors
Pricing at recording time ranges from ~$1,499 to $3,799.
Lenovo Legion Series (46:50):
Pros:
- Proper ventilation for heavy use.
- Discrete GPU.
- Highly configurable.
- Better value extended warranty.
Cons:
- More flashy than other options.
- Software to control RGB causes severe battery drain (uninstalling resolves).
AMD variants offer better battery life.
Intel variants include Thunderbolt 4.
Pricing at recording time ranges from ~$1,099 to +$3,000.
Monitors (49:31)
27" monitors (49:31):
Dell U2722D:
- QHD 1440p resolution.
- Multiple inputs.
- 100% sRGB.
- 95% DCI-P3.
- $469.99 as of recording time.
Dell P2721Q:
- UHD 4k resolution.
- Multiple inputs.
- 99.5% sRGB.
- 82% DCI-P3.
- 75% Adobe RGB.
- $509.99 as of recording time.
Dell UP2720Q:
- UHD 4k resolution.
- Multiple inputs.
- 100% sRGB.
- 100% Adobe RGB color accuracy.
- 98% DCI-P3.
- $1,609.99 as of recording time.
Samsung CRG9 49" Ultrawide Monitor (52:12):
Pros:
- Equivalent to 27" monitors side by side.
- No bezel.
- Supports picture in picture or by picture.
- Will accept inputs from multiple sources at once.
Cons:
- Other than being massive?
- Some software annoyances on other trims.
Ignore the RGB nonsense.
Retails for $1,050 as of recording time.
Peripherals (53:33)
Mice (53:33)
We like Logitech mice.
MX Vertical:
- Ergonomic design.
- Wireless or wired.
- Move between 3 computers.
- $89 as of recording time.
MX Ergo:
- Trackball mouse.
- Ergonomic design.
- Wireless or wired.
- Move between 2 computers.
- $88 as of recording time.
MX Master 3:
- Works on any surface.
- Magspeed scrolling.
- Wireless or wired.
- Move between 3 computers.
- $88 as of recording time.
Keyboards (57:01)
Keyboards are pretty universal.
Logitech Ergo K860:
- Ergonomic design.
- Better posture and reduced strain.
- Wireless.
- $89 as of recording time.
Logitech K350:
- Ergonomic design.
- Curved.
- Wireless.
- $88 as of recording time.
Mistel Barocco Split Keyboard:
- Split design.
- Mechanical keys.
- Programmable.
- Wired.
- $140 as of recording time.
Narrowing Your Search (58:31)
Dell website (58:31)
Look for the filtering options.
Choosing a graphics card (GPU) (1:00:14)
Razer website (1:02:00)
MSI website (1:04:30)
Contact
- Land F/X
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