Looking for a decent notebook for folding

[catilley1092]

I've been a folding@home member for about a year now, while my points are low (190,000) for that time, it was due to a low performance (Latitude D610, 2.13GHz single core CPU, 2GB RAM, it's max).

It's worn out, about to give out totally, HDD health at 1%, failing RAM, DVD ROM constantly popping out during installing of OS's, you get the picture. Fortunately, it's covered by a warranty through SquareTrade until October.

What I'm seeking advice on is a mid level notebook to replace it, preferably an Intel i5 with a 1GB dedicated video card, rather than the popular ATI 4250 integrate graphics. This would also allow for a second monitor, if I desire.

I was considering a quad CPU, but on notebooks, the specs were low (1.5, 1.6, 1.7GHz). Probably on a notebook, heat would be an issue with higher clocking.

An eSATA port, or an eSATA/USB combo, I desire also, a USB 3.0 port would be nice as well. I have read that there were adapter cards that slides into the express slot w/these ports, so I may consider that, too.

But as far a notebook goes, what's the best that I can expect for $900 - $1000 range? I won't be purchasing from the OEM, but will either purchase from Newegg, Buy.com or new, sealed units on eBay (no used or refurb ones). Both Buy.com & eBay has many reduced cost ones daily.

I suppose a recommendation in regards to a video card would be a good start.

Many thanks for any suggestions.

Cat

 

[somethingsketchy]

Normally I wouldn't recommend using a notebook/laptop for folding. The stress(es) on the CPU creates more heat and thus you will start to get hardware failures. This is where desktop hardware would be much better performing.

That said, you might be able to buy a decent quad-core laptop (if it's cheap enough) and then buy a cooling pad to keep the laptop at a reasonable temperature. If Dell has a decent Core i5 laptop, I'd suggest that.

 

[Wiz]

Pay for extended warranty.
Whatever can fix it for free when it dies, my most often dead laptop results from fan death.

 

[GLeeM]

Heat will be an issue if you don't keep the cooling system clean of dust.

A quad core will give the best early return bonus.

Get the best nVidia GPU you can afford for best ppd - oh wait, can mobile GPUs fold? And/or which ones?

Sorry I guess I'm not much help

 

[bkiserx7]

I'd go with something like a sandy bridge quad, i7-2xx0QM, and run the smp client. As far as gpu goes, on the Nvidia side you would need something on this chart http://www.nvidia.com/object/cuda_gpus.html . The HP dv7t/dv6t Quad Edition, ~$900 w/ coupons and 2 yr warranty, would be perfect if you could opt for an Nvidia GPU, but you can't. The Dell XPS 15 fits what you would want with quad i7 and Nvidia 525, but looks like it might run out of your budget http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...odq4&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&model_id=xps-l502x . I would say wait for a nice coupon code and go that way.

 

[catilley1092]

Thanks for all responses. There's one thing that I've learned about any computer, that's always to get the 3 year warranty. And you don't have to get it through the high priced OEM's. Square Trade offers 3 year warranties on any new computer, the one for my $599 desktop cost only $56 for 3 years.

Even if you get a refurb on eBay, you can (and most certainly should) get the 2 year warranty that's offered to you, as there's a very likely chance that you'll be needing it. The notebook that's almost dead on me will be my 3rd (and last) eBay refurb (or any other refurb) that I buy. The only thing the seller does is a MemTest, cleans it up good, reinstall the OS, puts a shortcut to the manual on the monitor (you'll need that, too), and let it fly.

I'll be on the lookout for some of the deals that bkiserx7 mentioned on eBay & Buy.com. Sometimes you can get a brand new, sealed computer at a huge discount. I'm waiting on the notebook that I have to give out first, then I'll have the cash for a new one.

I would have preferred a desktop for this task, but the one that I have was just bought in Nov 2009, and I'd never hear the end of it, were I to buy another desktop this soon. Plus, I like having a notebook for when I go outdoors, or when waiting for the car to be serviced, etc.

Cat

 

[bkiserx7]

Sweet deal in your price range: http://bensbargains.net/deal/188968/