Need some advice picking a laptop out

[thespeakerbox]

I need to narrow down a search for a reliable laptop that i can use fto run following programs

Adobe PS CS2
AutoCad
Counterstike CS

(Would i need to get something with dedicated graphics?)

I do webdesign as a side job, so it's going to be a laptop i take with me to show clients their sites etc. I was originaly thinking to buy a tablet pc, but im not sure how much i would use the extra features. I hear that the performance suffers on these laptops becasue of the tablet function.

I can spend up to about 2300.00 USD. I'm realy looking ofr something 14" or larger with a nice glossy screen.

Any advice or help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I was orginally thinking to buy a dell xps, but wasnt sure how the whole gamer look would distract clients. It's also pretty bulky and would get low battery life. But what can i say, its an amazing machine.

 

[mickles]

If you weren't keen on the glossy screen, I'd recommend a Thinkpad T-series with workstation graphics. Good battery life, non-distracting looks for the clients and the 14" models are about as portable as any 14" on the market. Let's not forget they're built like a rock.

And yes, you'd best benefit from dedicated graphics.

 

[21stHermit]

Originally posted by: thespeakerbox
Adobe PS CS2

Multi-processor aware so Core Duo

AutoCad

2D or 3D, if 2D then any graphics

Counterstike CS

Not a clue on how much GPU you need

(Would i need to get something with dedicated graphics?)

Generally not but 3D and games drive GPU.

I do webdesign as a side job, so it's going to be a laptop i take with me to show clients their sites etc. I was originaly thinking to buy a tablet pc, but im not sure how much i would use the extra features. I hear that the performance suffers on these laptops becasue of the tablet function.

I don't think there is any performance hit for the tablet OS.

Two boxes come to mind: HP's dv8000t and Dell's E1705, both 17" and Core Duo, the HP has 2 - HDD's if you need extra storage.
For 15.4" the Dell E1505 and HP dv5000t

Shouldn't be any problem getting under $2K

Hermit

 

[thespeakerbox]

I was thinking about getting an asus setup. maybe a w2v or something. The brush steel looks nice. But man, those things are expensive.

 

[HamSupLo]

the W2V is gorgeous. best looking 17 inch laptop besides the powerbook.

 

[thespeakerbox]

I'm going to go out and see clients periodically, so i was even thinking of getting a tablet pc, so we can sit down and mark up a screen for changes etc. Im sure it would be very useful. But if i do that , i would have to give up gaming on a lappy all together. What do you think?

 

[simms]

Z-60s has the tablet option, very small and light with super battery life. No optical though, so T-series may be your best bet.

 

[zephyrprime]

It sounds like you're going to need a lot of power. You're budget is actually kinda tight for getting something really badass.

How about a Dell Inspiron 9400? Core Duo, 17", 7800go for ~$2K. With some upgrades that would put you at your limit.
There's also a coupon code floating around to knock 750 off the price.
link

If you're looking to save every buck possible with that deal, opt to get xp home instead of pro.

You're smart to not get the XPS as that would be looked at askance by customers. The 9400 is essentially the same thing as the XPS anyway.

If you're doing any sort of graphicaly work, the 17" monitor is nice and I would definitely consider a second monitor as well.