You take any versions of autoCAD like 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016 etc. The basic difference you will across is the graphics. Though some additional features gets added as you proceed to the higher versions of the software. As you go to the higher versions of the autocad you will see improved graphic properties, better interface etc as pointed out by the above people but the commands will remain the same for all the versions which is what makes autoCAD easier to use even in higher versions.

Also there is a remarkable difference in the sizes or memory required of the software packages. While you can run autoCAD 2012 with a RAM of around 2GB or more but for autoCAD 2016 you need a a RAM of 8GB and graphics card to run the software smoothly on your PC/Laptop.

Since memory is not free of cost industries often use lower version of softwares like 2010  for meeting their requirements and to cut the cost.

AutoCAD, like most Autodesk products have switched to Direct3D over OpenGL, so the need for a Quadro or FirePro “workstation card” has been diminished for a decade or so. People insist on the contrary because they simply haven’t looked into it.

AutoCAD, specifically for general 2D drafting has pretty primitive by today’s standards, thus most current graphic processors in laptops have built-in graphic adapters (IGP units) that surpass the raw output of low power discreet Quadro cards you would find in desktop workstations few years ago and will do fine.

Now, for the given budget of $400, it is not too easy to find a laptop that satisfies auxiliary requirements, mainly decent screen resolution.

You could still get a HP Pavilion 15.6″ and secure more than enough power:

• i3 CPU 7th gen (dual core) 2.4GHz
• 8GB RAM
• 1366 x 768 (HD touch) screen – which is the only shortfall really, I’d prefer more screen real-estate = more pixels.

Probably you would be better off spending $450 or so for something like a Dell Inspiron 15 5000 that ticks a few more marks:

• i5 CPU 6th gen (dual core) 2.3~2.8GHz
• 8GB RAM
• 15″ class screen 1920x1080p

Hey,

Cool thread.

Let me share my favorites. I got a 3D printer for Christmas so I’ve been busy checking out 3D printing podcasts. Here’s some cool podcasts I’ve subscribed to. Plenty of ideas and cool ideas of things to print!

CadCam Stuff
http://cadcamstuff.com/category/podcast
Lars Christensen focuses on design, engineering, and manufacturing in his podcast for product design and development at CADCAMStuff.com.

The Product Design Show
http://www.engineering.com/videos/productdesignshow.aspx
The Product Design Show, by ENGINEERING.com, is a weekly podcast on product design and development.

3D Printing Today
http://threedprintingtoday.com/
3D Printing Today Podcast offers an in-depth discussion on the technical, educational, and entrepreneurial aspects of 3D printing.

3D Masterminds Podcast
http://3dmasterminds.com/podcast/
Insights from 3D printing experts around the globe to help those interested in product design and development make the most of this new technology and get inspired.

I haven’t had that question before but maybe you could use VMware ( Virtual Machine ) To run windows on it and use AutoCAD?