Buying a new laptop, which is best for me?

[GhandiInstinct]

I do computer aided drafting using Autocad and Archicad. I'd like to know which laptop series is best for me? Or which custom laptop site is best so I can design the best one to suit my needs.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bigrock23]

I would suggest HP DV4000 series with Ati Radeon x700 or Acer Travelmate 8104WLMI (2.0 ghz 1gb x700 15.d WSXGA+ screen), I got the acer for $1600 which is good deal if you ask me.

 

[Away]

The Dell Precision series available through the business section of their website would be one to consider. You might be able to find a Thinkpad T series that meets your needs as well.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: GhandiInstinct
I do computer aided drafting using Autocad and Archicad. I'd like to know which laptop series is best for me? Or which custom laptop site is best so I can design the best one to suit my needs.

Thanks in advance.

autocad... yikes... that has to be one of the most intensive openGL application in date. Your best and most likely cheapest option is try to get a hold of a Thinkpad T4XP Make sure it has a P at the end, these come with a 128meg ATI FireGL card which should provide somewhat enough power to perform deicent in opengl apps.

Your main concern in a laptop that can run autocad will be the GFX card. Make absolutely sure its not integrated video, and something close to the high end.

 

[GhandiInstinct]

Originally posted by: aigomorla

Originally posted by: GhandiInstinct
I do computer aided drafting using Autocad and Archicad. I'd like to know which laptop series is best for me? Or which custom laptop site is best so I can design the best one to suit my needs.

Thanks in advance.

autocad... yikes... that has to be one of the most intensive openGL application in date. Your best and most likely cheapest option is try to get a hold of a Thinkpad T4XP Make sure it has a P at the end, these come with a 128meg ATI FireGL card which should provide somewhat enough power to perform deicent in opengl apps.

Your main concern in a laptop that can run autocad will be the GFX card. Make absolutely sure its not integrated video, and something close to the high end.

Thanks for the input, so you suggest a professional line gpu card ilke the FireGL series?

 

[Away]

Yes, professional level cards are made specifically for drafting and design applications. I would look at either an Nvidia Quadro FX or an ATI Fire GL based system. I know the Dell Precision comes with a choice of both of those cards. It really just depends on how much you are willing to spend.

 

[pkme2]

These Dells fit your needs.

The 256MB Nvidia is the best for AutoCad.

Make sure your main hdd is 7200RPM with 8MB cache. You can add another in your media bay, if necessary.