• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

First laptop purchase for engineering/software development/small business

B

Boba JFET

Junior Member
Hey, I am finding myself in need of a notebook. I've never owned one before as everywhere I go has had a desktop handy, but now I'm finding it more common to work in laboratory environments and otherwise away from home.

This is what I need:

* Reasonably powerful CPU - I use everything from PSPICE, to MATLAB, to Photoshop/Illustrator, to Ableton Live/Max/MSP, to Office. That's not to say I need the most powerful CPU available, but it needs to be fast enough to be worth carrying around.

* Good webcam/mic/speakers for Skype - I do video conferencing as I work with people across the globe. I'd prefer not to carry external equipment. Don't need the best video quality around, but clarity of image and sound matter.

* Medium-sized Display - Don't want or need a behemoth but a reasonable workspace is necessary.

* Something beyond integrated graphics would be nice for light gaming, I would expect to lean more towards indie/puzzle steam stuff (e.g. Deathspank) and maybe some slightly older RPSs like Red Alert 2.

* Reasonable keyboard feel is a plus, I type a lot. Not expecting miracles.

This seems like a reasonable list, and I've seen some good contenders (Dell XPS 15 looks about right). But I just don't know if I could be getting a better deal some other way, etc. Like I said, new territory here since I'm used to building my own desktop and getting exactly what I want.
 
you mention away from home-

this is where you stop any home laptops and go business.

my choice: hp elitebook (maybe 1 gen behind). they all come with 3/3/3 nbd-onsite warranty which can be uplifted to ADR/DMR/COMPUTRACE for $150 more.

Your priorities are bent - you need reliability - endurance - strong (not cheap plastic). plus you might drop it, it might get zapped by xray machines or a fat lady may sit on it - your data is sensitive - you don't want to give up your (ssd?) any time a problem occurs, and if its stolen it would be nice to recover rather than claim against your policy - or lose sensitive data to others.

So i suggest you separate the roles of GAMING and business unless your budget is infinite.

I like the 8460p/8560p/8540w/8740w and 2740w myself. The HP Business outlet is great place to score items not old but refurb with your choice of warranty 1 or 3yr.

When you drop a laptop it should not break anything but your toes
 
Agreed with Emulex. Also check out the Lenovo W series and T series ThinkPads. If your budget is permissive, the current gen MacBook Pro's (15 or 17 inch models) could be a decent choice, but not as rugged as the thinkpads or elitebooks.
 
Beyond the obvious recommendation to get a newer-model Intel Sandy Bridge based laptop, in my opinion the deciding factor would be GPU acceleration. Some of the software packages that you listed have the ability to use a laptop's onboard GPU to accelerate some functions. I would suggest thoroughly researching this option to see which laptops offer a GPU that is most compatible with these functions.

Example (Adobe):

http://www.nvidia.com/object/builtforadobepros.html
 
gsaldivar said:
Beyond the obvious recommendation to get a newer-model Intel Sandy Bridge based laptop, in my opinion the deciding factor would be GPU acceleration. Some of the software packages that you listed have the ability to use a laptop's onboard GPU to accelerate some functions. I would suggest thoroughly researching this option to see which laptops offer a GPU that is most compatible with these functions.

Example (Adobe):

http://www.nvidia.com/object/builtforadobepros.html
Click to expand...

I don't think that matters to much on a laptop. I doubt anyone not really heavy into photoshop ever needs these features. an i7 sandy bridge is powerful enough.

I'm in a similar spot and as mentioned I would choose between elitebook or thinkpad. An additonal plus it that they have a matte screen. Glossy screens can be extremely annoying and since you never had a laptop maybe you never noticed this. Note that in shops, glossy tends to look better but that changes once you are outside or in a room with direct sunlight. Then you will just not see anything but youself in the screen. Glossy = good mirrors.
 
I think that some of the Thinkpads come with a Quadro or FirePro card option if you're looking for some professional GPU awesomeness.
 
I would definitely take a look at the new W520's. They do have the new Qudaro 1000M GPU's, optional 1920x1080 screen, 2MP webcam and apparently two microphones to try and alleviate noise from the keyboard and such when you're video conferencing. Plus, they can certainly handle being transported regularly and beat up a little bit. They're cheaper than the HP EliteBooks too (I just price-checked for my own purposes, actually). Definitely worth a look in my opinion.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top