Laptop for Graphics Programs

The WXGA screen resolution is too small for many graphics programs. WSXGA+ is the minimum, IMHO.

It's too bad the 6400 doesn't have the WUXGA+ like the 6000 did. I would get the D820 just for the resolution, but if you're on a tight budget you should just stick with the 6400.

perhaps you'll find a close answer in my post here: http://www.notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=149369

17" MacBook Pro with bootcamp (run windows natively). Check apple section for more info. Probably about the same weight as the 15" notebooks you mentioned. It has high resolution (1600x1050) and a very nice large screen for graphics work.

According to solidworks though it recommends you to have a workstation class video as opposed to mainstrream "gaming" video. http://www.solidworks.com/pages/serv...uirements.html

Update: Dual cores do particuarly well in graphics apps so get the fastest you can afford. Unless of course you plan to upgrade the cpu yourself in the future...

Also worth considering is the Lenova/IBM thinkpad T60 or even T43 (cost less) with worstation graphics & flexview.

I hope you're going to wait for some coupons before getting that E1505/6400 if that's what you decide. I have almost the same laptop and look at the price i paid(in my sig). Obviously I have a slightly slower cpu, but if I were you I'd just go with the 1.83, the extra $200-250 it costs to get the 2Ghz over the 1.83 isn't really worth it IMO. Especially since you'll be able to upgrade to Merom in a few months anyway, and that will give you a significant boost in performance. Either way you can get a E1505/6400 for under $1500 spec'd out if you wait for the right coupons.

Either way though if you're just doing photoshop and Solidworks either gpu will work. Obviously the x1600 is a better gpu and will be able to play games faster, but it's not going to make a huge difference in rendering pictures. If you're looking at spending that amount on a laptop I'd seriously look at the Acer 8204WMLi. It's the same basic config as the Asus but with a WSXGA+ screen, a bigger HD and more RAM. Here's a link for you:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834115226

That's the laptop that I want right now but don't have the money for. Acer's are built well and will definitely last you until you need to upgrade in 3-4 years. Also, read the reviews because one guy tells you how to get the 3 year warranty from Acer for the laptop as Newegg doesn't really advertise it. If you're going to keep your laptop for that long it'd be a good idea to get a warranty that's going to keep up with it.

I thought u was talking in US$ so the MacBook Pro/Thinkpad with discounts was within your budget.

Dells are generally very good laptops. I wouldn't say the best but definitely above average. Also they are so widely available in the world... The US prices always seems to be the lowest. As a matter of fact I usually try to get it from the US through a freind and have it shipped over. It still works out cheaper and with higher specs...