James Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Anyone got a decent spec for an off-the-shelf laptop that will be used mostly for 3D modelling in ACAD & Viz4. Rendering speed won't really be an issue as I'll be able to use a workstation in the office for anything that requires intensive render times. Just something for modelling/presenting/surfing while on the road. Been looking at some desktop replacement models by Dell. Bit of a strain on the shoulder. Something that strikes a good balance between portability & performance would be preferable though. Just trying to get an idea of a budget. Cheers, James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
himom Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 Just purchased a Dell Precision M60 workstation for our studios + for presenting... With the use of a Dell port replicator while in the office, we can use our standard 21" monitors, keyboards and the like. The machine is outstanding for modeling, and while a little hefty, still packs well for travel. Watch http://www.delloutlet.com for deals on refurbished machines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graphix Posted May 21, 2004 Share Posted May 21, 2004 In general I still do not recommend a notebook for viz/max/3d work. However if you are on the road alot and have to do modeling while out and about it is the only solution and the M60s are the best bet. However you can get WAY more bang for your buck in going with a desktop. graphix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STRAT Posted May 21, 2004 Share Posted May 21, 2004 i model 3d in autocad and c4d on my laptop and i hardly recognise i'm on a laptop unless my model has zillions of polys and it's a heavey scene. i got a 2.6 celery with 256 ram. but as you've guessed, i dont use it for rendering. but for modelling work it's ideal. it cost me £799 4 months ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johncassel Posted May 21, 2004 Share Posted May 21, 2004 Just purchased a Dell Precision M60 workstation for our studios + for presenting... With the use of a Dell port replicator while in the office, we can use our standard 21" monitors, keyboards and the like. You mention 21" monitorS. Are you able to hook up two external monitors with by using the port replicator? This is something that I would like to be able to do. Thanks, John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
himom Posted May 25, 2004 Share Posted May 25, 2004 You mention 21" monitorS. Are you able to hook up two external monitors with by using the port replicator? This is something that I would like to be able to do. Thanks, John Yes, the Dell D/Port Advanced Port Replicator has both analog and digital outs which are supported by the Nvidia Quadro FX Go 700 card. Overall, we've been very pleased with this setup, although the replicator takes up a bit of desktop space. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Hess Posted May 28, 2004 Share Posted May 28, 2004 boxxtech is now selling laptops... http://www.boxxtech.com Click on workstations, click on GO BOXX in the lower right hand corner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernest Burden III Posted May 28, 2004 Share Posted May 28, 2004 boxxtech is now selling laptops... It's about time! Hey, I think I need a new laptop, my son would be very happy if my Dell were orphaned... GoBOXX 2102 Base Option: Microsoft Windows/ IDE hard drives System Total: $4,428.00 Accessory Total: $0.00 Total : $4,428.00 That's a lot of renderings to sell... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johncassel Posted May 30, 2004 Share Posted May 30, 2004 Yes, the Dell D/Port Advanced Port Replicator has both analog and digital outs which are supported by the Nvidia Quadro FX Go 700 card. Overall, we've been very pleased with this setup, although the replicator takes up a bit of desktop space.You wrote yes and I was excited to hear that I could use two EXTERNAL monitors with a laptop. This answers a question I've been asking for over a year. When I called Dell to confirm this the Dell salesperson that I spoke with said that docking station does not allow for the use of 2 EXTERNAL monitors. I would be happy to know that he is wrong. I wanted to double check with you to get the word on what really can be done. Do you know of other port replicators that allow for the use of 2 EXTERNAL monitors. I guess one other important thing to mention is that I have switched to dual LCD monitors. I couldn't go back to the CRTs now that I've been working on the LCDs. I just wanted to mention it in case LCD vs. CRT effected the solution. Thank you, John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
himom Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 You wrote yes and I was excited to hear that I could use two EXTERNAL monitors with a laptop. This answers a question I've been asking for over a year. When I called Dell to confirm this the Dell salesperson that I spoke with said that docking station does not allow for the use of 2 EXTERNAL monitors. I would be happy to know that he is wrong. Hi John, Doing some surfing of old posts and came across your note.... yes, we use two lcd screens with our Dell dock and Precision M60 workstations.... See the link provided below for more info.... http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/solutions/en/why_ports?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~lt=popup Cheers, Aaron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LVARCHRACER Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 Im currently using a new Toshiba Techa M4 tablet notebook for moderate renderings and so far I really like it. I just jumped the ram up to 2 gigs insted of the 1 gig that it came with and an upgraded Nvidia card. Im really happy with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Starling Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 I have a Dell Precision M70. The screen resolution is 1900x1200 running from a nVidia Quadro FX Go1400 256MB graphics card. It also has 2gb of RAM and a decent Intel mobile processor. I think you can get a dual processor chip in this machine now which would make it better for renderings. The laptop is a bit heavy but life is a compromise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 I am also thinking of getting a laptop for work and play, but don't know which processor to choose between the amd turion 64 mobile ml44 2.4 ghz, and the intel core duo t2700 2.33 ghz. Is there a clear winner when it comes to rendering or are they in the same ballpark? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJLynn Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 The Turion is a single-core chip, the Duo is a dual-core. The Duo will mop the floor with the Turion. And scrub the toilet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 The Turion is a single-core chip, the Duo is a dual-core. The Duo will mop the floor with the Turion. And scrub the toilet. It does housework as well!? Sweeet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BunGHoLe Posted July 21, 2006 Share Posted July 21, 2006 Does anyone knows how is the cooling with those High-Ended laptops? I've used laptop that had much less power than those you write about and it got hot just surffing. And I know that intel processors have problem with cooling and combined with the less efficient cooling options with laptops it could be a big problem. Anyone knows smth about that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJLynn Posted July 21, 2006 Share Posted July 21, 2006 It varies by model. The Core Duo is a dual, but at least it's a dual of a mobile chip. With decent cooling hardware it can be cool enough for everyday use. If you're going to use it as your render machine, one of those bases with fans in it would be a good idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnisbett Posted July 26, 2006 Share Posted July 26, 2006 I'm in the process of upgrading my gateway 675xl. It was a great machine but I need better technology now. Gateway has a duo core 17" but it doesn't compare to the workstations out there. I looked at all the machines using the Nvidia Quadro cards, Dell, HP, Alienware, Voodoo, and a couple others. Nvidia has links to all machines. I'm going with the HP NW9440; duo core, 2GB ram, 80 GB 7200rpm HD, 17" screen, full size keyboard w/ keypad, and fingerprint recognition . The review s, price, keyboard & keypad, video, and RAM expansion sold me. I'll let you know how it goes.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ipdesigner Posted July 26, 2006 Share Posted July 26, 2006 *is their any way to upgrade the RAM or Hard Disk capacity of a Laptop? im planning to buy a second hand Dell Inspiron 5100 from a friend:) http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/notebooks/0,39023985,10003105,00.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siliconbauhaus Posted July 26, 2006 Share Posted July 26, 2006 I use a hp dv8000t 2.0 core duo all the time for modeling and rendering with an additional monitor. I did the speed test over at the vray forums and beat quite a few x2's I think it was under $1700 with all the extras I threw in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJLynn Posted July 26, 2006 Share Posted July 26, 2006 RAM is usually easily upgraded (use crucial.com to find out what kind you need then shop around). Hard drives are a bit trickier, but Dells usually have access panels for most removable parts. There are a few different sizes of notebook drives (they're all 2.5" but the thickness can vary) so use Dell's site or Google to figure that out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ipdesigner Posted July 26, 2006 Share Posted July 26, 2006 RAM is usually easily upgraded (use crucial.com to find out what kind you need then shop around). Hard drives are a bit trickier, but Dells usually have access panels for most removable parts. There are a few different sizes of notebook drives (they're all 2.5" but the thickness can vary) so use Dell's site or Google to figure that out. *Thanks Andrew:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodz31 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 I do alot of 3d work with Archicad and recently artlantis and do alot of 2d autocad with my laptop and it works better than most of the desktops my friends use, the down size is wieght b/c its a "desktop replacement" it comes in around 8lbs. For me I'm rugged enough that this is no issue for others it can be. Compaq Presario R4125us AMD64 3500+ PROCESSOR ATI Radeon xpress 200M w/ 128mb dedicated 100gb HD 1.2 gb ram Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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