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General discussion

Laptop for CAD and 3D Modeling

Jan 30, 2005 9:13PM PST

I'm looking into buying a new laptop to use for architectural drafting and modeling, but I'm having difficulty finding one where I'm not comprimising something. As I understand it, it needs to have a graphics card with at least 128mb of non-integrated RAM, a high quality screen that is at least 14", preferably a gig of RAM, plenty of hard drive space, and preferably something that doesn't way more than 6 lbs. Also, I'm wondering if it is worth it to buy a 64 bit processor from the limited options out there now, or get a very good 32 bit processor even though everything will be 64 bit in a year or so. The models I've been looking at for 64 bit are HP and Compaq, but they are very heavy. Are there others I should be aware of? For 32 bit I'm looking at IBM T42 (but I've heard the screen quality is sketchy) and Toshiba Satellite M35. Any info, recommendations, warnings would be appreciated!

Discussion is locked

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64-Bit time horizon over 2 years, consider Sonoma
Jan 30, 2005 10:28PM PST

If you need it to be under 7lbs (the standard for what you want), you should go with the Sonoma platform, but wait until the PCI-Express X16 bus is incorporated into current models. For example, the Dell 6000 will add that functionality. With PCI-X, you'll have the video power you need.

And with CAD and 3d modeling, you'll want a new laptop in 2 years anyway, when Longhorn 64 comes out.

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HP ZD8000
Feb 1, 2005 5:35AM PST

I have recently purchased the HP ZD8000 because I am currently in school for Video Game Design nad wanted something that would be abl to tolerate modeling and such. After consulting with some Mechanical Engineeres at my place of imployment I was on my way to getting the ZD7000(Older Model) because many of our designers at work use these notebooks and have no issues running Solid Workks (MOst of the time) among some other modeling software, they were very happy with hte results they were getting, but when the time came they had just released the ZD8000 so I have went with that, the big difference between the two were the 8000 offered the ATI Mobility Radeon X600 card with 256mb dedicated video Memory, I have it slam packed with 2gig of ram as well, I have no problems running any games or 3DSmax...

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64-bit tomorrow.
Feb 1, 2005 5:46AM PST

For me, now and here.

Why should I wait 2 years?

Bob