I don't do gaming or engineering. My most intensive use is video editing and rendering. I have a Core i7, but a Core i9 or Xeon would probably be faster.Video editing tends to use a lot of processor and RAM, but not much graphics. Rendering can use all three of those. Processor numbers are very hard to truly compare. The newest 12th generation i5 is
5-10% better/faster than the previous 11th gen i9.
I like Sager, and definitely suggest them. The
base laptop I'd get is $1200, comes with the 12th gen i7. But, if cost is a concern, they do have lighter models for $900 or $1000 that'd probably still mork decent for you.
I normally buy high-end laptops that last for a long time.
My current laptop cost around $4,500. Maybe a bit more. I've been using it for six and a half years now.
I like laptops with pointers in the keyboard. I don't like touchpads or mice. That limits my options.