(note: I posted this in the XPS/Studio section, and I'm reposting it here since it pertains to both)
I am looking for a notebook for my girlfriend. She studies architecture, so she needs something with a powerful GPU, high resolution display, but not too heavy (she has to lug it with her every day all over campus). We don't want to spend more than ~$1500, and hopefully get it for less than that with discounts (either through the University or her mother's job).
I had an Mobile Precision Workstation when I was in school, so that was my first thought for her. The M4400 looks promising with its 512 MB NVidia Quadro card, though I opted for the 770 because the 1700 made it too expensive. However, I haven't been able to find any reviews of the M4400 and I'd like to know the benchmark numbers. I also like the fact that this "business" laptop still gives you the option to downgrade to XP from the factory.
I noticed that the sexy new Studio XPS 16 also comes with a pretty powerful 512MB video card, the Radeon HD 3760. It's also a bit cheaper than the M4400 and much more stylish. The downside is that it seems to only have a 6 cell battery option, whereas the M1440 can be had with a 9 cell. But since the XPS is cheaper we can still get a SSD in our price range (she doesn't need a large HD).
Anyone have experience with both of these laptops? Or can someone at least find a comprehensive review of the M4400? Are there any other laptops we should consider? We're tempted to go with Dell since we can get discounts on them.
Thanks for any help.
I am looking for a notebook for my girlfriend. She studies architecture, so she needs something with a powerful GPU, high resolution display, but not too heavy (she has to lug it with her every day all over campus). We don't want to spend more than ~$1500, and hopefully get it for less than that with discounts (either through the University or her mother's job).
I had an Mobile Precision Workstation when I was in school, so that was my first thought for her. The M4400 looks promising with its 512 MB NVidia Quadro card, though I opted for the 770 because the 1700 made it too expensive. However, I haven't been able to find any reviews of the M4400 and I'd like to know the benchmark numbers. I also like the fact that this "business" laptop still gives you the option to downgrade to XP from the factory.
I noticed that the sexy new Studio XPS 16 also comes with a pretty powerful 512MB video card, the Radeon HD 3760. It's also a bit cheaper than the M4400 and much more stylish. The downside is that it seems to only have a 6 cell battery option, whereas the M1440 can be had with a 9 cell. But since the XPS is cheaper we can still get a SSD in our price range (she doesn't need a large HD).
Anyone have experience with both of these laptops? Or can someone at least find a comprehensive review of the M4400? Are there any other laptops we should consider? We're tempted to go with Dell since we can get discounts on them.
Thanks for any help.
