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Best 15.4"-14" laptop for CAD and modeling?

post #1 of 25
7/24/06 at 1:02pm
Thread Starter 
Hi there,

I am looking for a while, for the best mobile laptop 15.4"-14" on which I can run 3D modelling and CAD software.

So, I am looking for:

Core Duo, 2.0-2.16 Mhz
Graphic card with 256 Mb/bit GDDR3 or better
2 GB RAM
not more than 7.5 lb

Shall I go with ASUS W3J or do I have to focus on the 17", e.g. satellite P100-ST6512?

Thanx 4Ur help
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post #2 of 25
7/24/06 at 1:04pm
I`d take a look at the dell precision M65, especially at the outlet for a better price
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post #3 of 25
7/24/06 at 3:24pm
Thread Starter 
Hi Filippo,

thanks. I haven't thought abouth a M65 yet, but it is a good idea. It is a bit pricy (~$3,000) , and the dell outlet store doesn't provide M65. Do you know anything about the weight and heat of the M65?

CJo
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post #4 of 25
7/24/06 at 3:32pm
The precisions are a bit overpriced, and are basically only nice for companies buying laptops, with all the support options available. You can get the same (or better) power from a consumer grade notebook. The 17" dell's are available with high end graphics that should be suitable for CAD modeling. While they're not specifically designed for it like Nvidia's Quadro line, they are still quite powerful and should be able to handle whatever you can throw at it. A 17" screen with WSXGA or WUXGA resolution will compliment the graphics card very nicely. Only issue i can think of is weight, but I'm not even sure what they weigh in at. The precision line, however, will DEFINITELY weigh more than the inspirons.
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post #5 of 25
7/24/06 at 3:35pm
I'm not sure, its hard to find reviews on it.. but actually dell outlet does have them, its just hard to find. There were a few last week, but now its really hard to see any M65 or M90s on the outlet, but when they do show up the price is much more affordable, at about $1200 or so.
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post #6 of 25
7/24/06 at 4:05pm
The Dell D820 is a lot more affordable than the Precision Workstations, and might just be in the ballpark in terms of performance, as well.
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post #7 of 25
7/24/06 at 4:33pm
Have you thought about the Dell Precision M70? It's not dual core, but it has one of the best graphics cards for a 15" workstation and high screen resolution.

If you want the Dual Core, I'd suggest the compal HEL 80 15". It has a 7600.

Of course, if you can wait, I'd keep a look in the Outlet. I got my M90 for $1039.
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post #8 of 25
7/24/06 at 4:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ew2x4
I got my M90 for $1039.
I got mine for $1079

you bastard, you won
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post #9 of 25
7/24/06 at 4:54pm
Thread Starter 
njstehle,

good point, but I think the NVIDIA® Quadro NVS graphics card of the D820 is not as good for 3D modelling as the Quadro FX . So, I guess I would go for the M65. But thanx for your suggestion

Fillipo,

I just found that the wight of the Dell M65 is 7 lb, so within the range.

What about other brands than Dell - Asus W3J for x?
Or does anybody now something about the new P100-ST9xxx serie from Toshiba?

CJo
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post #10 of 25
7/24/06 at 4:59pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ew2x4
I'd keep a look in the Outlet. I got my M90 for $1039.

Can't wait. I offer you 1100

CJo
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post #11 of 25
7/24/06 at 5:03pm
well W3j comes with a X1600 card, wich is not 3D work specific, bu I guess it wil be fine..

However you can find a z96j for $400 less, and still under the weight limit (6.5lbs)
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post #12 of 25
7/24/06 at 6:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptnJo
njstehle,

good point, but I think the NVIDIA® Quadro NVS graphics card of the D820 is not as good for 3D modelling as the Quadro FX . So, I guess I would go for the M65. But thanx for your suggestion

Fillipo,

I just found that the wight of the Dell M65 is 7 lb, so within the range.

What about other brands than Dell - Asus W3J for x?
Or does anybody now something about the new P100-ST9xxx serie from Toshiba?

CJo
Re. the Toshiba's: those are more gaming oriented. They have powerful gpu's (the 7900GTX) that will handle cad work fine. If you want a more CAD oriented gpu, look into the tecra line at Toshiba.com. There are a few models that can be customized with the NVS cards & sxga+ resolutions in them. The A7 (it's a 15.4" wide w/300M @ 6lbs) and the M5 (a 14" non-widescreen w/ 110 @5.2 lbs).
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post #13 of 25
7/24/06 at 6:09pm
read my last post in filipo's sticky. all those machines can be had with a quaddro 1400 256mb and a quaddro 2500 512mb.
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post #14 of 25
7/25/06 at 1:51am
Thread Starter 
Hi Filippo,

how reliable is the Dell outlet. I mean they could sell you anything, and you don't have any warranty to give it back when it is not working. What is your experience with that store?

And thanx again for your suggestion with the M65. I guess I will try to get one.

CJo
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post #15 of 25
7/25/06 at 2:51am
All Dell outlet computers come with the same warranty options available for new models. For example, my M70 came with the 3yr Next Biz Day Limited Warranty, but could have been upgraded to completecare and a 4yr if I had wanted to. They also have a fourteen day return policy, but a restocking fee might apply if nothing was defective.

Try and watch the outlet for a few days, because every so often a nicely cofigured machine will show up for a very decent price.
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post #16 of 25
7/25/06 at 3:14am
I hate one-smiley replies but here its necessary:

Quote:
Originally Posted by win32asmguy
All Dell outlet computers come with the same warranty options available for new models. For example, my M70 came with the 3yr Next Biz Day Limited Warranty, but could have been upgraded to completecare and a 4yr if I had wanted to. They also have a fourteen day return policy, but a restocking fee might apply if nothing was defective.

Try and watch the outlet for a few days, because every so often a nicely cofigured machine will show up for a very decent price.
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post #17 of 25
7/25/06 at 10:32am
I was just excited about my purchase. The M70 is very unique in that it has a GPU in it that manufacturer's have decided to only put 17" models from now on. It is even a modular design, and could be upgraded to a 7800go GTX with some careful planning.
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post #18 of 25
7/25/06 at 12:06pm
yes the M70 is a great notebook, and there are several on the outlet for less than $1K.
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post #19 of 25
7/25/06 at 1:04pm
Thread Starter 
When is the best time 2 check the outlet? Early in the morning or at noon?
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post #20 of 25
7/26/06 at 1:12pm
It refreshes 40 minutes past the hour. I'd check whenever you have the chance.
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