Notebook for 3D modeling/rendering/animation (Design)

[LiteFly14]

For a notebook buy:

I am looking between the IBM Thinkpad R series or T series...

Mostly I am looking for a bad ass 3-d modeling and rendering computer, but really need to keep the computer a laptop. Don´t want it to be too heavy, but would like to make sure that I have proc and video power.

Looking seriously at the 128MB ATI Mobility FIREGL T2 video card versus the 32MB ATI Mobility RADEON 9000. Seems like the ATI is a better quality video card for what I want to do - is it worth it?

Would like to spend as little money as possible, but am not about to sacrifice quality for cheap gear...

Thank you!

 

[McArra]

FireGL destroys Mobility 9000...

 

[LiteFly14]

also the 64MB ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9600?

 

[McArra]

For OpenGL definetly, anyway I'd go with Quadro from Nvidia.....

 

[LiteFly14]

Quadro huh? Thing is I´ve heard and have been pretty convinced that the Thinkpad is the way to go. I don´t want to have to replace this computer next year and I´ve heard that the thinkpads are dependable...

This means that I can choose only between the radeon and the fireGL right?

 

[fbrdphreak]

I agree, you cannot beat IBM for quality. However, in general, nVidia does have better workstation class cards (Far better, from what I've heard). If you want to check out a model using the Quadro card, check out HP's business line of laptops (nc6000 series i believe?). I recall reading a review of a model that had a Quadro and overall, it got great reviews. HP's are also good laptops, particularly their business line. After all, my gf has had a bottom of the line consumer model for over 2 years and its still running strong; she had a couple minor problems (loose power connector, mouse button sticking), but those were taken care of by the BBY service plan. GL