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  1. How Much RAM Do You Really Need for CAD Work?

    June 16, 2026
    Tips & Advice
    Nathan Bird and JASON JASON, Emmanuel Valmas
    8 min read
    How Much RAM Do You Really Need for CAD Work?

    How Much RAM Do You Really Need for CAD Work?

    RAM is one of the most misunderstood specifications when buying a CAD laptop. Some buyers overspend on memory they will never touch, while others save a little up front and pay for it every day in lag, freezing and crashes.

    This guide cuts through the marketing and shows you how much RAM your CAD work actually needs, based on the software you run and the size of the models you build. We will cover the practical tiers, the specific requirements for AutoCAD, SolidWorks and Revit, and the memory details beyond raw capacity that quietly affect performance.

    Why RAM Matters So Much for CAD

    RAM is your laptop's fast working memory. When you open a model, your CAD application loads itself, the active drawing or assembly, and any referenced files into RAM so the processor can work on them quickly.

    The trouble starts when you run out. Once RAM fills up, your system falls back on disk-based virtual memory, shuffling data to and from your storage drive

    Read more »

  2. AI PC vs Copilot+ PC: What's the Difference, and Which Laptops Qualify

    May 20, 2026
    Featured Articles, Tips & Advice
    Nathan Bird and JASON JASON
    29 min read
    AI PC vs Copilot+PC

    AI PC vs Copilot+ PC: Whats the Difference, and Which Laptops Qualify?

    Walk through any laptop retailer in 2026 and you will see two terms used almost interchangeably across HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Dell, Dynabook, and the rest: "AI PC" and "Copilot+ PC". They sound like the same thing. They are not. The gap between them is real, it is measurable, and it determines whether your new laptop can run features like Recall, Live Captions with Translation, and Cocreator, or whether it just has a small AI chip that does some of the work but misses Microsofts certification entirely. This guide explains the difference in plain English, works through the three tiers of AI capability now on the market, and shows you how to spot a genuine Copilot+ PC across every major brand even when the product name itself is unreliable.

    Hello, I am Nathan Bird, Senior Sales Specialist at Landmark Computers. In 26 years of selling business laptops to Australian organisations, I have rarely seen a product category get more

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  3. ISV Certification Explained: Why It Matters for CAD Professionals

    April 22, 2026
    Tips & Advice
    Nathan Bird and JASON JASON
    16 min read
    ISV Certification Explained: Why It Matters for CAD Professionals
    G'day, I'm Nathan Bird from Landmark Computers. With 26 years in the industry, one of the questions I get asked most often by CAD professionals is some version of: "Will this laptop actually run my software properly?" The answer depends less on the spec sheet and more on something most buyers overlook entirely - ISV certification. This post explains what it is, why it matters, and how to use it when making your next hardware decision.

    📄 Quick Summary

    • ISV certification is a formal testing and approval process between hardware manufacturers and CAD software vendors.
    • Certified laptops are guaranteed to run specific CAD applications stably, accurately, and with full vendor support.
    • Without certification, you risk crashes, rendering errors, and being caught in the middle when vendors blame each other.
    • The major CAD software vendors; Autodesk, Dassault Systèmes, PTC, and Siemens, each maintain public certified hardware lists you can check before you buy.
    • Every professional CAD laptop we stock
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  4. HP ZBook Mobile Workstation Range Explained

    April 13, 2026
    Featured Articles, Tips & Advice
    Nathan Bird
    24 min read
    HP ZBook Mobile Workstation Range Explained

    HP ZBook Mobile Workstation Range Explained: Which Model is Right for You?

    Quick summary: HP's ZBook range currently includes four mobile workstations - the ZBook 8, ZBook X, ZBook Ultra, and ZBook Fury. Each is designed for a different tier of professional workload, from everyday CAD and design work through to AI inferencing and real-time ray tracing. This guide explains what makes each model different, who it suits, and how they compare at a glance - in plain English.

    Reading time: Approximately 12 minutes

    G'day, I'm Nathan from Landmark Computers. If you've been researching HP ZBook laptops and found yourself more confused after reading the spec sheets than before, you're not alone. Four model names, two processor families, a brand-new GPU architecture, and some genuinely different approaches to performance can make the range feel more complicated than it needs to be.

    I've been helping professionals across Australia choose the right workstation for their workflow for a long time, and

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  5. What is HP Sure View? Your Guide to Built-In Laptop Privacy

    February 23, 2026
    Security, Device, Technology, Working From Home, Tips & Advice
    JASON JASON and Nathan Bird
    8 min read
    What is HP Sure View? Your Guide to Built-In Laptop Privacy

    What is HP Sure View? Your Guide to Built-In Laptop Privacy

    If you've been looking at HP business laptops or mobile workstations, you might have noticed "HP Sure View" listed as a feature on certain models. But what exactly is it, and do you actually need it? This guide explains what HP Sure View does, how it works, and helps you decide whether it's worth considering for your next laptop.

    Quick Summary: What is HP Sure View?

    HP Sure View is built-in privacy screen technology that narrows your laptop's viewing angle at the press of a button. When activated, people sitting beside you or standing behind you can't read your screen—but you see everything normally. Press F2 to turn it on or off instantly. Available on select HP EliteBook, ZBook, and ProBook models for around $150 more than equivalent models without it.

    What HP Sure View Actually Is

    HP Sure View is a built-in privacy screen technology that's integrated directly into select HP laptop displays. Think of it as electronic blinds for

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  6. Understanding CPU Cores vs Clock Speed for CAD: What Really Matters for Performance

    November 24, 2025
    Technology, Tips & Advice
    Nathan Bird and JASON JASON
    12 min read
    Understanding CPU Cores vs Clock Speed for CAD: What Really Matters for Performance

    Understanding CPU Cores vs Clock Speed for CAD: What Really Matters for Performance

    When shopping for a CAD laptop, you'll encounter specifications listing processor cores, threads, and clock speeds measured in gigahertz. But what do these numbers actually mean for your CAD workflow? More importantly, which specification matters most for the software you use every day?

    Understanding the relationship between CPU cores and clock speed is crucial for making informed hardware decisions that will support your professional work for years to come. This guide breaks down these technical specifications into practical knowledge you can use when selecting your next mobile workstation.

    CPU Basics: Cores and Clock Speed Explained

    What Are CPU Cores?

    Think of CPU cores as individual workers in a team. A processor with four cores is like having four workers who can handle separate tasks simultaneously. Modern processors range from dual-core chips in budget laptops to 16-core or higher processors in high-end

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  7. ScanSnap ix2500 vs ix1500: Is It Time to Upgrade Your Scanner?

    November 13, 2025
    Device, Technology, Tips & Advice
    JASON JASON and Nathan Bird
    14 min read
    ScanSnap ix2500 vs ix1500: Is It Time to Upgrade Your Scanner?

    ScanSnap ix2500 vs ix1500: Is It Time to Upgrade Your Scanner?

    If you purchased a Fujitsu ScanSnap ix1500 between 2017 and 2022, you invested in what was genuinely the best-selling document scanner on the market. Medical practices, accounting firms, and small businesses across Australia trusted the ix1500 for its reliability and ease of use. Now, with the scanner discontinued since 2022 and the new Ricoh ScanSnap ix2500 setting fresh benchmarks for performance, many ix1500 owners are wondering whether it's time for an upgrade.

    This comprehensive comparison examines the real-world differences between these two scanners, helping you decide whether the ix2500's improvements justify replacing your trusty ix1500.

    Understanding the Legacy: Why the ix1500 Was Special

    When Fujitsu launched the ix1500 in 2017, it represented a significant evolution from its predecessor, the ix500. The introduction of a 4.3-inch touchscreen transformed how users interacted with their scanner, eliminating the need

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  8. Neural Processing Units in Laptops: Your Guide to AI-Powered Computing

    October 30, 2025
    Technology, Buying Guides, Tips & Advice
    JASON JASON
    3 min read
    Neural Processing Units in Laptops: Your Guide to AI-Powered Computing

    Neural Processing Units in Laptops: Your Guide to AI-Powered Computing

    If you've been shopping for a new laptop recently, you might have noticed a new term appearing in spec sheets: Neural Processing Unit, or NPU. While this might sound like tech jargon, NPUs are quietly revolutionising how laptops handle everyday tasks, and understanding what they do could help you make a smarter purchasing decision.

    What Exactly is a Neural Processing Unit?

    Think of an NPU as your laptop's dedicated AI assistant—a specialised chip designed specifically to handle artificial intelligence tasks. While your laptop's main processor (CPU) is like a highly skilled generalist that can handle any task thrown at it, and your graphics card (GPU) excels at visual processing, the NPU is the specialist that's brilliant at one particular job: running AI applications efficiently.

    Just as you wouldn't use a screwdriver to hammer in a nail, your laptop's CPU isn't the most efficient tool for AI tasks. That's where the

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  9. HP Care Pack Guide: Essential Protection for Your Business Technology

    October 27, 2025
    Tips & Advice
    JASON JASON and Nathan Bird
    8 min read
    HP Care Pack Guide: Essential Protection for Your Business Technology

    HP Care Pack Guide: Essential Protection for Your Business Technology

    Your HP equipment is a vital business asset—shouldn't it have the protection it deserves? HP Care Packs provide comprehensive warranty coverage and support services that go far beyond standard manufacturer warranties, helping Australian small and medium businesses minimise downtime and protect their technology investments.

    When you purchase HP equipment for your business, you're making a significant investment in productivity and growth. However, technology can be unpredictable, and even the most reliable systems occasionally need support. That's where HP Care Packs come in, providing peace of mind and professional-grade protection for your critical business systems.

    What Exactly Are HP Care Packs?

    HP Care Packs are extended warranty and support service agreements designed specifically for business users. Think of them as comprehensive insurance policies for your HP computers, laptops, printers, and servers that provide

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  10. Windows 10 End of Support: What This Means for Your Business and Personal Computing

    October 13, 2025
    Security, Featured Articles, Tips & Advice
    Nathan Bird and Emmanuel Valmas
    10 min read
    Windows 10 End of Support: What This Means for Your Business and Personal Computing
    The clock is ticking. In just a month, on October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. If you're running a small business or managing personal computers, this isn't just another tech update—it's a critical decision point that could affect your security, productivity, and budget.

    Hi! We're Nathan and Emmanuel from Landmark Computers. Between us, we have over 38 years of experience helping Australian businesses navigate technology changes, and we can tell you that Windows support transitions are among the most important decisions you'll face. Let us break down exactly what Windows 10's end of support means in plain English, and what your options are moving forward.

    Table of Contents

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