15" laptop suggestions for image analysis and other heavy tasks?

[Gooberlx2]

So we have an analyst coming in to our lab who will need a laptop for some computationally heavy tasks, image analysis, MATLAB, etc... I'm trying to spec out the best bang I can get, in 15" size, for around $3000. I think this is best I can find. I'd like to put in an SSD, but I don't know if she's going to need space over speed on the HDD yet.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

How does the i7-820QM compare to, say, the i7-620M? The i7-920XM seemed way too expensive for the performance.


$2862.00 configured through website

Lenovo Thinkpad W510

• Processor: Intel Quad Core Processor i7 820QM (1.73GHz 1066MHz 8MBL3)
• Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
• Display Panel: 15.6" FHD Display (95% Gamut, 270nit) with LED Backlight
• System Graphics: NVIDIA NVS 5100m Discrete Graphics 1GB DDR3 with Intel Advanced Management Technology
• Color Sensor: Color Sensor
• Total memory: 8 GB PC 3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (4 DIMM)
• Finger Print Reader: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
• Camera: Camera, 2.0 MP
• Hard Drive: 500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
• Optical device: Multi Recorder Optical Drive (12.7mm)
• System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & 5 in 1 Card Reader
• Battery: 9 cell Li-Ion Battery
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth w/ antenna
• Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel C entrino Ultimate-N 6300
• Microsoft productivity software preload: Microsoft Office Professional 2007 - English
• 3YR Depot Warranty