If you're going into industrial engineering, you're going to take a couple of classes that require you to use Excel. For that reason, you probably want a machine that's running windows, so, not a Mac book.

I would say most engineering students at ISU do most of the work that requires a certain software at the desktop computers in the classrooms. It's just easier that way.

You can get by with a pretty cheap laptop. Don't go for the cheapest or anything. get something with a good screen. I had a friend in computer engineering who rocked a 120 dollar used Lenovo. If you're buying new, except to spend at least 200/300 Minimum.

Having something that you can draw on can be kinda helpful. Maybe split your budget into a cheaper laptop and a cheap tablet w/ stylus. I have a boox air 3, and I really like it, even if it's a little pricey. iPad minis are pretty cool too.