Recommendations on an older / inexpensive laptop for SolidWorks?

[motoguy]

I'd like to have a mobile platform to work on models while visiting the in-laws, on trips, etc. Low parts count, and I don't need world-beating performance. Just a laptop that will run reliably, and give decent performance. Maybe a machine that was higher-end in '08ish, etc?

What would you all recommend for such a platform, with value-driven (due to required use) being a high-ish factor?

[Tormachmaster]

I was useing a dell xps laptop it was a 2000 model worked great for solidworks and other pgms even at the same time.

[mcphill]

I'd like to have a mobile platform to work on models while visiting the in-laws, on trips, etc. Low parts count, and I don't need world-beating performance. Just a laptop that will run reliably, and give decent performance. Maybe a machine that was higher-end in '08ish, etc?

What would you all recommend for such a platform, with value-driven (due to required use) being a high-ish factor?

I am still using an HP nc6400 at work and when on the road. Works fine. Not bleeding edge, ~3 years old, works fine for 2008, 2009, 2010. Not great with assemblies or photorendering, but it does not need to be. If you can get any computer with a discrete video card, it would be beneficial. Would also suggest 2 GHz or higher and loaded with RAM. That said, I don't have any of those things (except CPU speed).

[CarbonKevin]

Two things: Ram and video card.

If the ram can be taken up to 2 or 3 GB, good. Ram is cheap, whatever it has now, you can upgrade later.

Look for Nvidia or ATI graphics with dedicated video memory. Shared video memory = bad.

Good luck!