Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: Transfusion on December 01, 2011, 08:21:24 AM
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I'm looking for something that can:
handle GPU-accelerated photo and video editing (Not anything extreme like the Quadro or Firepro)
handle FL Studio 10/Cubase 6 with ~5 VSTs
has >3 hrs battery life(optimally 5-6) while doing basic word processing/internet without heavy flash videos. I have pretty sensitive eyes and find it necessary to turn the display brightness all the way down on all the computers I use, so that may help with increasing the battery life.
has <17 inch screen(HD is optional)
if possible, has USB 3.0 port(s)
can run VMWare Workstation 8/Virtualbox (hardware virtualization) with a few simultaneous 512 MB Windows XP/Ubuntu 11.10 VMs
has DVD-RW burning capabilities
The most I'm willing to pay is $1885. I can order online for a laptop not available in my area.
So here are the machines I'm considering:
HP Pavilion DV4-3126tx (14'', i5-2430M, AMD Radeon HD 6750M 1 GB GDDR5, capable of up to 8 GB DDR3 RAM, 4-6 hrs battery life from various reviews because it downclocks the 6750M while on battery)
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=c03000387 (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=c03000387)
Alienware M11x R3(11.6'', i7-2617M, GT 540M 1GB GDDR3 with nVidia Optimus, max 16 GB RAM, up to 8 hrs battery life from various reviews)
http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-m11x-r3/pd (http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-m11x-r3/pd)
Lenovo Y570 (15.6'', i5-2430M, GT 555M 1GB GDDR3 with Optimus, max 8 GB DDR3 RAM, average 4 hrs of battery life from various sources)
http://shop.lenovo.com/us/laptops/ideapad/y-series/y570 (http://shop.lenovo.com/us/laptops/ideapad/y-series/y570)
I was considering the Asus ROG, Sager/Clevo, Toshiba Qosmio, and MSI gaming laptops at one point, but the abysmal battery life is a no-go.
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Hoping not to bring the wrath of the God's down on my head i am wondering if you have considered an Apple laptop for your purposes. While i cannot provide specifics as to all their product line as to which of your desired parameters would be able to be realized from their products. I am aware of the certain comments re the desirability of their computers for "better" handling of video editing functions than PC's. Given your price definition i would think you could get something pretty good in the Apple stable for that price. However here is a link to a site that may give you more data from which to make an informed decision.
http://blog.laptopmag.com/5-questions-to-answer-before-you-buy-a-laptop
From many of your previous postings it is quite apparent that you are well above the basic level of computer knowledge and skill. However in case this is something you may not have thought of i submit the idea for your consideration.truenorth
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If you're going to go with HP, step up to the business model line.
http://www.hp.com/sbso/busproducts_notebooks.html
I have a ProBook with a 7200 rpm drive, 3-USB2.0, 1-USB 3.0, 1-HDMI, SD card slot
Brushed aluminum exterior, metal hinges, fingerprint security
Many of these features are not found in the consumer line.
One of our Mods got one not long ago.
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,122597.0/all.html
See Reply #14
I would recommend a 15.5 in screen, since that is the most common across all brands. Easier to find cases, sleeves.
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I would recommend a 15.5 in screen, since that is the most common across all brands. Easier to find cases, sleeves.
You are right :)
The MacBook Pro 15'' is the cheapest model with a discrete graphics card. the 13'' has the Intel HD 3000. http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_mac/family/macbook_pro?aid=AIC-WWW-NAUS-K2-CONFIGURE-MACBOOKPRO-15-INCH&cp=CONFIGURE-MACBOOKPRO
For $1,799 I get a
2.2GHz quad-core
Intel Core i7
4GB 1333MHz
500GB 5400-rpm
Intel HD Graphics 3000
AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB GDDR5
Built-in battery (7 hours)
1440x900 Resolution on a 15.4'' display
Just borders on my budget... The Y570 with about the same specs costs $959.
I settled on this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152280 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152280)
MSI GE620DX-costs 999 USD. Great Price/Performance ratio. I noticed that there are many mixed reviews on the product, but since my store has a 1-week unconditional return provided I have the packaging, once I receive it I'll perform all the benchmarks and tests I can get my hands on.. and... see how it goes!
i7-2630QM
GT 555M GDDR3
8 GB DDR3
500 GB 7200RPM drive
15.6'' screen operates at 1920x1080
Has THX surround sound audio that I got to test in-store, the speakers sounded crisp and clear, no audio distortion even at max volume
5 in one card reader
Bluetooth
A lot lighter than many laptops of the same specs (Asus K53, Asus N53, Alienware M14x, VAIO F22)
Has a button dedicated to turning the touchpad on and off.
The main cons of the GE620DX are:
Touchpad not as responsive as other laptops of the same price point-its not a Synaptics one, its an Elan one (http://www.emc.com.tw/eng/st_tpn_sp.asp (http://www.emc.com.tw/eng/st_tpn_sp.asp))
Does not have an eject button on the DVD drive-you need to have a rather obtrusive piece of software called "S-Bar" installed in order to use the eject button above the keyboard in Windows. However you can always right-click on the drive-eject in My Computer.
Fan gets loud when on full load.
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Glad I got the HP ProBook, which is a business model. Had a problem with the screen. HP overnighted a shipping box. I shipped it back to them the same day. They received it the next morning. repaired it & shipped it out overnight the same day, had it the following morning. Can't get any faster than that unless you took it in yourself & waited there while they repaired it. HP payed for shipping both ways. That's what I call Customer Service & a real warranty, even if it is only 1 year. Some say business is 3, but it's printed right on the computer as 1Y.