I know this is a subjective question with many possible answers, but I am looking from some opinions. I am in the process of purchasing a laptop specifically to use with 3ds Max 2008. I need a laptop because I travel and work in many locations. According to Autodesk's website http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=5659453 the minimum requirements for 3ds max 2008 are as follows:
MIN. SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: Microsoft Windows Vista OR Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 DirectX® 9.0c* (required), OpenGL® (optional) Shader Model 3.0 (Pixel Shader and Vertex Shader 3.0) Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 6 or higherMIN. HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS: Intel® Pentium® IV or AMD Athlon® XP or higher processor 512 MB RAM (1 GB RAM recommended) 500 MB swap space (2 GB SWAP SPACE recommended) Hardware-accelerated OpenGL and Direct3D supported Microsoft Windows-compliant pointing device (optimized for Microsoft IntelliMouse®) DVD-ROM drive"Portable Computers Qualification Results"
Autodesk's website http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=10242786 also lists "Portable Computers Qualification Results" but I noticed they don't make some of the Dell computers tested anymore. Here are the computers Autodesk tested and have results for:
Dell Precision M65
Dell Precision M90
Dell Precision M4300
Dell Precision M6300
Dell Precision 390
Lenovo T60p
Lenovo T61p
Lenovo Z61p
HP 8510w
HP 8710w
HP nw8440
HP nw9440
RESULTS OF TEST: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=10242786
This will be my work laptop that will be dedicated to using 3ds Max 2008 full time. I need a machine that will be quick, nimble, and reliable. Mostly I will be doing 3d architectural renderings (with little or no animation). Which laptop brands would you recommend? Any specific models/configs? Which laptop brands should I stay away from? Thanks in advance for any responses!
Jason