I'm in need of a new Laptop.
I'm an architecture student, so what I really need a computer for is running design applications and often at the same time:
Maya, Rhinoceros, Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD, etc...
What I'm looking for is a simple machine that just meets the budget curve...it doesn't need to be the fastest and biggest - I can wait a while for my renderings; but it needs to not piss me off with lag while I'm working for at least a few years. (3.5 years ago I bought an Asus z70va which was/is great...but pretty slow now for some of the multitasking I do)
I've been looking at Lenovo W-500 notebook and the Dell M4400, but am in no way limited to only those.
I'd likely buy a refurbished model in either brand unless I encounter advice against it.
so my questions:
1. What other models/brands would you recommend?
2. Any thoughts on graphics cards for these applications? NVidia QFX vs ATI FireGL? Is there much difference between non-gamer cards?
3. What's the ideal configuration (more RAM vs. higher Processor vs. Graphics card) when working in these applications?
4. If you, or anybody you know has opinions / experience in 3d modelling applications?
Price wise, I'm trying to get out cheaply, of course....hence the refurb. position. Aiming for a machine of about $2000 caliber, hopefully for $1500 or less...
Thanks a ton,
Jake
I'm an architecture student, so what I really need a computer for is running design applications and often at the same time:
Maya, Rhinoceros, Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD, etc...
What I'm looking for is a simple machine that just meets the budget curve...it doesn't need to be the fastest and biggest - I can wait a while for my renderings; but it needs to not piss me off with lag while I'm working for at least a few years. (3.5 years ago I bought an Asus z70va which was/is great...but pretty slow now for some of the multitasking I do)
I've been looking at Lenovo W-500 notebook and the Dell M4400, but am in no way limited to only those.
I'd likely buy a refurbished model in either brand unless I encounter advice against it.
so my questions:
1. What other models/brands would you recommend?
2. Any thoughts on graphics cards for these applications? NVidia QFX vs ATI FireGL? Is there much difference between non-gamer cards?
3. What's the ideal configuration (more RAM vs. higher Processor vs. Graphics card) when working in these applications?
4. If you, or anybody you know has opinions / experience in 3d modelling applications?
Price wise, I'm trying to get out cheaply, of course....hence the refurb. position. Aiming for a machine of about $2000 caliber, hopefully for $1500 or less...
Thanks a ton,
Jake
