Help with choosing new laptop

[musyas]

What do you preferred, 32bit or 64bit AutoCAD 2009 ver.?
What type of Windows XP version should I use? SP2 or SP3?
Anyone here can give me some advice and guides to do,
so that my AutoCAD 2009 will meet the exact requirements.
Thanks in advance..
PS: my English is suck.. L

[ReMark]

I would prefer 64-bit but I'm using 32-bit because my company isn't about to buy me a new system. I'm currently using WinXP SP3 and have no plans to switch to Vista although I am holding out hope for Win7. If I were to get a new system, home or office, I might seriously consider going with the new OS after it has been out for three months (enough time for a couple of major updates to fix bugs).

What exact requirements are you seeking?

Don't worry about your English. Eventually we will get it all sorted out.

[musyas]

Actually Sir im planing to buy a laptop with the specs of Core 2 Duo T6400 2.0GHz, 3GB RAM, 512 VGA, and i dont have any idea what type of OS that i'll use, actually I choose Windows XP SP3 but there's a choices between 32BIT or 64BIT thingy. And in the AutoCAD 2009 installer to there is 32Bit and 64Bit. So these mean that i have to match the BIT thingy so that the OS and AutoCAD 2009 will meet the exact version, and as you said, you prefer 64Bit. i would choose the same as you, so from the very start if you used 64BIT OS you must used 64Bit AutoCAD too? Is this right?

[ReMark]

I believe that is the recommendation (matching the software to the OS).

[ReMark]

According to Microsoft...

"The 64-bit systems offer direct access to more virtual and physical memory than 32-bit systems and process more data per clock cycle, enabling more scalable, higher performing computing solutions."

That means you can go beyond the 4GB max memory barrier that an OS like WinXP imposes. The more memory the more complex and larger your drawings can be without adversely affecting performance. Plan for the future not just for today.

[Tankman]

I too would hold out for MS Windows 7.
I lack any experience with Vista and, don't feel like going there.
Current OS is Windows XP Pro SP3, works fine.

At sixty-two, I don't need a lot of new "stuff" as long as I can complete my projects accurately and on time.

Photoshop and rendering programs I'm sure would love the extra memory as well
as the faster processing speed.

[Zorg]

It would be wise to wait for Windows 7 indeed. I regret getting vista, it lured me in with its shiny GUI and sidebar, but compatilbily wise it is still flawed. I think Ms will do what they did with 2000 or ME edition and skip this one and concentrate on 7.

[JD Mather]

I have had zero problems with Vista OS.

[Cad64]

I have had zero problems with Vista OS.

Same here. No problems at all. :)

I have renamed this thread to something a bit more appropriate. "Help!!!" is not a very descriptive title for a thread.

[CADMASTER1128]

We have a computer at school using Windows 7 Beta (Build 7000)

We are running AutoCAD ADT 2004 on it and it runs nice. The only error we get is when we close it but after installing the service pack, that issue was fixed.

Windows 7 offers a nice feature of "pinning" your documents to the task bar so that way you don't have yo go searching. I currently have the RC (Release Candidate) version of Windows 7.

[ReMark]

And I have no problems running Windows XP Pro SP3 but I am tempted to try out Win7 when and if I upgrade to a new computer. For what I have right now there is absolutely no reason to switch to Vista for Vista's sake. A waste of time, effort and most of all money.

[CADMASTER1128]

And I have no problems running Windows XP Pro SP3 but I am tempted to try out Win7 when and if I upgrade to a new computer. For what I have right now there is absolutely no reason to switch to Vista for Vista's sake. A waste of time, effort and most of all money.

I am so glad HP sent my copy of Vista Free (as i was part of the free upgrade program) Vista was a waste of time and effort!

[Ryder76]

I am also in the market for a good laptop. I don't have alot of money to spare right now, but I want one that can run ACAD 2008 Electrical and Inventor 2008. I wouldn't mind WIFI to pick up emails and surf if I was out and about with it, but bascially I want to use it for the two software mentioned. I can wait, save more for something later. What you yal think?

I was looking at this one - Dell - Inspiron Laptop with Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core Processor. It has Vista on it and Works 9 - They want $399 at Best Buy.

Specs:


<LI class=banded>Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core

2.16GHz

<LI class=banded>WXGA widescreen LCD (1366 x 76) - 15.6"

Bus : 800MHz

Cache Memory (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716231665','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
1MB on die Level 2

<LI class=banded>System Memory (RAM) (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716231937','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
3GB

System Memory (RAM) Expandable To (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716236490','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
4GB

<LI class=banded>Type of Memory (RAM)
DDR2 SoDIMM

Hard Drive Type (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716232062','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
Serial ATA (5400 rpm)

<LI class=banded>Hard Drive Size (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716235838','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
160GB

Optical Drive (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1087340511755','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
Double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW

<LI class=banded>Optical Drive Speeds (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1087340511924','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
Drive speeds not specified

Direct-Disc Labeling - No

<LI class=banded>Digital Media Reader or Slots - Yes, digital media card reader

Graphics (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716236524','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD

<LI class=banded>Video Memory (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716235920','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
Up to 384MB (shared)

Personal Video Recorder (PVR) - No

<LI class=banded>TV Tuner (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716238297','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080')) - No

MPEG (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716236935','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080')) - Yes

<LI class=banded>Built-in Webcam - No

Modem (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716237122','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080')) - None

<LI class=banded>Networking (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1087340512096','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080')) - Built-in 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network card

Wireless Networking - Wireless-B+G

<LI class=banded>Bluetooth-Enabled - No

S-Video Outputs (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1087340818871','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080')) - None

<LI class=banded>Audio - High-definition 2.0

Speakers - Built-in

<LI class=banded>PCMCIA Slots (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1087340512157','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
None

USB 2.0 Ports (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716239272','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
3

<LI class=banded>IEEE 1394 FireWire Ports (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716239354','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
None

Parallel Ports (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716239311','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
None

<LI class=banded>Serial Ports (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716239462','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
None

Game Ports (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716239499','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
None

<LI class=banded>Laptop Weight
Standard (more than 5.5 lbs.)

Battery Type (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1087340507174','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
Lithium-ion

<LI class=banded>Battery Life
Up to 2 hours and 26 minutes (http://javascript<b></b>:openOfferDetails('1218037490518','cat12178');)

Pointing Device
Touchpad

<LI class=banded>Operating System Platform
Windows

Operating System (http://javascript<b></b>:winopengld('1083716241291','pcmcat38200050027','c at12080'))
Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1

<LI class=banded>Included Software
Microsoft Works 9, Adobe Reader 9, Roxio Creator 10 Dell Edition

ENERGY STAR Qualified
No

[ReMark]

I would pass on it. One thing I don't like is that the system relies upon an integrated graphics chip versus a real graphics card. When the chip can't handle the load it will steal resources from the installed memory. Your system will take a performance hit. Serious CAD users like serious gamers require serious equipment. Leave the toys for the girlie-boys.

[CADMASTER1128]

I would pass on it. One thing I don't like is that the system relies upon an integrated graphics chip versus a real graphics card. When the chip can't handle the load it will steal resources from the installed memory. Your system will take a performance hit. Serious CAD users like serious gamers require serious equipment. Leave the toys for the girlie-boys.

For the girlie boys?

[f700es]

I agree, pass on that one. Avoid systems with shared memory (or any Intel video)!

If you have to get shared make sure it is at least an nVidia or ATi chipset

[ReMark]

Sorry. I don't consider the laptop previously mentioned as anything more than a toy.

[ReMark]

The Dell website advises that if you want fast and excellent graphics rendering that can minimize drain on system memory or CPU performance then choose a dedicated graphics card.

[Tankman]

I suggest check on eBay for a used Thinkpad™ laptop.

The best laptop(s) of all of 'em.

[Ryder76]

Thanks yal - my knowledge isn't as strong in the hardware end of things and it's been years since I bought a computer. I will save my money and get the high end laptop I really want. That way it will replace the desktop I already have and keep me supported for a longer period of time.

Yal are the best. When I'm ready to spend the money I will definitely be picking yal's brains again.:lol:

[ReMark]

You can pick our brains. You can even pick our noses. But you won't be pickin' our pockets!

[Ryder76]

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Alaskachick]

I'm also in the new laptop boat. I am an Arch & Eng Tech student and I got a grant that will buy me a new computer. (yes, I am excited) I have been reading everything on this forum that pertains and am looking at an @xi computer recommended on a different thread. I bumped up the memory, added a trackball mouse and am toying with the ergonomic keyboard. XP is $89 extra so I stuck with Vista Business. I chose 64bit b/c I am moving forward from this point and don't really have any programs right now that I need to carry on. I am trying to build a computer that can handle whatever school & (hopefully) a new drafting job will throw at it in the future. Here are the specs of the computer. My questions is...Good Package? Did I go overboard? Is there an area I should augment more? Is this a good price? Don't ya love the shipping to Alaska? $124 is the cheapest option. Oh, I would like to spend no more than $1600.

Xi® PowerGo™ LT (Base Configuration)
Intel® Core®2 Duo P8600 2.40GHz 1066FSB 3MB Advanced Smart L2 Cache Dual-Core VT EMT64
4096MB DDR2 667MHz PC2-5300 - 2 x 2GB SO-DIMM
nVidia® GeForce® G105M 512MB DDR2 Graphic Engine
17" 1440x900 WXGA LCD, Super-Wide Viewing Angles Glass View
500GB 5400 RPM SATAII-300MB/s
8X DVD±R/RW Burner with 4X Double Layer Write Capability
Built-In FAX/MODEM 56K/V90 & Express 43/54 Card expansion
Built-in 802.11g Wireless & 10/100 Ethernet
Microsoft® Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 Black
Logitech® TrackMan® Marble® Ambidexter Corded Optical TrackBall 4 Buttons
Genuine Microsoft® Windows® Vista™ Business Edition 64Bit on DVD w/Windows® 7 Upg. Coupon
Genuine Microsoft® Office 2007 Basic Edition. System installed + License (No Media)
Total incl shipping: $1416.

I hope it is ok to tag onto this thread. I am new here, but you all sure do seem to know what you are talking about when it comes to AutoCAD.

Thanks

[Tankman]

Welcome Alaskachick to the friendly cadtutor forums!

Quite a laptop spec! Should be fine now and in the future.
Of course, don't drop it!

[ReMark]

Welcome to the CADTutor forum Alaskachick.

I would recommend that if there is an option to upgrade to a 7200 rpm hard drive that you take advantage of it. In my opinion a 5400 rpm drive is entry level. What is most important is to compare "seek times" for both. This is a measure of disk access speed. The lower the seek time number (in milliseconds) the better. You might have to take a capacity hit and drop from 500GB to 320GB but in the long run I think you'll benefit.

[Alaskachick]

Actually, the upgrade to a 320 GB, 7200 RPM is cheaper than the upgrade I selected.

What about AMD vs. Intel? Intel is the name I know...is it better?
DDR3 vs DDR2?

Of course, I kept shopping after I posted the specs above and found that the xi PowerGo 154 is within my price range as well. The main difference seems to be the presence of DDR3 and a 15" screen. well, there's that fingerprint reader as well...

The Toshiba Qosmio x302-Q715 is very similar to the xi-154 except bumps back up to 17" screen and a girl's gotta love the red flames! So many choices. arg.

[ReMark]

While I have a home desktop system, I built myself, based upon an AMD coprocessor I much rather prefer Intel CPUs for CAD. That is all I spec in my work environment. Up until most recently Intel had taken a commanding lead over AMD in chipset development. My vote: Intel.

DDR3 vs. DDR2 SDRAM? Of course I'd try to go with the DDR3 but it depends largely on price at the moment. Do you know which is the better buy? I admit I do not and would have to do some research.

[ReMark]

Well the Toshiba Qosmio looks pretty good and it comes with 4GB of DDR3 RAM (too bad they don't mention the speed in the only specs I been able to find so far). And red flames! OMG! You'll melt any icepacks that happen to be within the vicinity. Talk about global warming. LOL

[ReMark]

Found it. DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz. That's pretty good for a laptop.