Notebook to run Small Business Server 2011

[vbuggy]

I'll rephrase a similar question I asked without much in the way of replies. I think I'm decided that I'll be running SBS 2011 on a notebook mainly for reasons of location and noise, so I'm after some recommendations.

I need:
- Load and run SBS 2011 without any workarounds or issues
- Quad core - a Sandy Bridge 1.6+ should be fine
- 8Gb RAM - more may not be needed but might be a plus
- >320Gb HDD
- Decent levels of reliability as it'll be running 24/7 without temperature control (dust-free room, however)
- Not hugely expensive since SBS 2011 will be all it'll be doing
- Not very noisy (for a notebook)
- Portability not a big deal. If it can be lugged from location to location I'm happy - if you want numbers, let's say sub-4Kgs. Neither is runtime - really, it only needs to work as a bonus integrated UPS.


HP's Sandy Bridge, quadcore DV6 appears to be a candidate but I'm concerned given the stuff like 'Beats Audio' on it how run-able it will be without all the HP stuff present.

Acer has a similar system available but I wonder how reliable it will be.

Any recommendations?

 

[WackyDan]

Your issue is going to be some drivers.... I guess the big question is it's intended use?

2nd... They will hose you on support if you ever have to call. Best advice is to buy a separate HD for the server install, and keep the factory drive tucked away on a shelf somewhere.

If you ever have a hardware issue, you simply plop the factory drive in, power up, perform updates to make sure its not a firmware or driver issue, then call support and get your warranty repairs done.

 

[vbuggy]

Yeah, I wouldn't use the factory drive. The driver question is why I asked it here - obviously I could buy any laptop, but in this case it has to work with Windows Server.

I've been running SBS 2008 on an old Sony SZ and it's been an excellent setup (certainly in terms of acoustics when compared to a basic desktop), but the SZ won't scale to 2011.

 

[dclive]

It's standard intel hardware; just get lots of ram.

 

[vbuggy]

Lets hope so. I don't think the internet hive will give me anything definitive so guess I'm just going to have to buy one and find out.

 

[dclive]

Lets hope so. I don't think the internet hive will give me anything definitive so guess I'm just going to have to buy one and find out.

I'm not clear on your concern. It's standard Server 2008 R2 SP1 codebase, which is very similar to W7SP1. What exactly is your concern, or what are you looking for? Anything will run on it; just cram RAM in there.

I suggest a fat, ugly Dell notebook because they're cheap and generic.

 

[WackyDan]

Well... Just avoid laptops with extras you don't need. Stick with intel graphics, and network... You can remove the wireless card if you can't get a driver.

don't get one with a fingerprint reader... Simple hardware, all Intel is better.

 

[vbuggy]

Well... Just avoid laptops with extras you don't need. Stick with intel graphics, and network... You can remove the wireless card if you can't get a driver.

don't get one with a fingerprint reader... Simple hardware, all Intel is better.

I wasn't looking to spend a lot on this - I wanted essentially a disposable machine after I'd finished with it down the line - but also wanted Sandy Bridge (8Gb capable) and a fairly decent i7-QM, so kind of slim pickings out there. The HP seemed like a better bet, buildwise, than the similar Acer. I wanted to keep this at bottom-feeder levels pricewise - i.e. ~$1K excepting any additional memory I'd have to buy - but it will have to run 24/7 so build was also a bit of a concern. Conflicting requirements for sure but I wanted suggestions for the best compromise.

Anyway, guess I'll have to bite the bullet and find out. I'm exploring desktop or SFF options at the moment, but noise is of a particular concern as it's going to be just behind my shoulder at home.