What Kind of Laptop Should I Get For 3D Modeling/Slicing?

I’m getting a Prusa MINI+ to start 3D printing and I’m currently looking for a new laptop as my current one is about six years old, slowly wearing out, and isn’t powerful enough to do 3D modeling and slicing without lots of upgrades and repairs. Since I’m on the MINI+ none of my prints will be particularly big and I don’t imagine they’ll be too complex.

I don’t need anything too fancy, but something that can get the job done for what I’ll be printing. The cheaper I can get what I need, the better. A $2000 laptop would be nice, but I’m not really in the position to spend that much just yet, I’m really looking for something that I can get under $1000, but if there is something great for just over that then I’d consider it.

Also, I’ll be in NYC soon for college so I’d need something portable (12-14 inches is what I’m picturing) to travel around the city with.

I’ve done research, but no clear answer yet, so any input would be very much appreciated!

​

The Details

• Total budget (in local currency) and country of purchase. Please do not use USD unless purchasing in the US:
  <$800USD but I could hear out laptops in the $800-1000 range if it is especially good.
• Are you open to refurbs/used?
  No
• How would you prioritize form factor (ultrabook, 2-in-1, etc.), build quality, performance, and battery life?
  I need good enough specs to run 3d modeling software and slicing software. I’ll also be traveling with the laptop so a decent battery life and comfortable build will be important.
• How important is weight and thinness to you?
  It’s pretty important since I’ll need to be traveling with it in a laptop.
• Do you have a preferred screen size? If indifferent, put N/A.
  12-13 inches ideally, I could also take 14 inches but it isn’t ideal.
• Are you doing any CAD/video editing/photo editing/gaming? List which programs/games you desire to run.
  Yes, I will be doing 3D modeling with either Blender or Fusion 360 and slicing with PrusaSlicer or Cura
• If you’re gaming, do you have certain games you want to play? At what settings and FPS do you want?
  N/A
• Any specific requirements such as good keyboard, reliable build quality, touch-screen, finger-print reader, optical drive or good input devices (keyboard/touchpad)?
  A good keyboard and build is important. A touchscreen/2-in-1 would be cool, but I don’t think I’m gonna really need it much.
• Leave any finishing thoughts here that you may feel are necessary and beneficial to the discussion.
  N/A