Personally, I can't get by with an integrated chipset for graphics, because we
use a lot of detailed isometric drawings in our FM docs that can really slow
down the ability to page through a document. However, that puts you at the high
end of the Dell laptops. I just recently bought a laptop from
www.alienware.com. Alienware was purchased by Dell, but the laptop I got from
Alienware on an apples-to-apples comparison was about 30% cheaper than a Dell.
It's actually considered a gamer's laptop due to the high powered processor and
graphics capabilities. You'd be surprised how many "techies" are familiar with
Alienware stuff. ;-)
Dells are always a safe bet, though. I've used them before, and they've always
been reliable.
I would go for at least a 2.0 GHz processor, because I've never regretted
getting the fastest available CPU. Whatever current generation of software of
any brand may be running, it always runs more efficiently with a fast CPU.
However, you have to make sure that it has adequate L2 cache and a decent bus
speed, or the CPU speed wouldn't make an impact. It would be hard to find an
IDE controller rather than a RAID controller for the hard drive, but IDE is
more reliable than RAID. On a similar note, even if I have a RAID controller,
I'd avoid RAID-ing my hard drives together into a single logical drive, because
although you get more space, the risk is that you lose functionality of both
drives if something happens to either of them. For RAM, I have been sorely
disappointed with any system that has less than 1.0 GB RAM, be it desktop or
laptop. I'd also make sure that it's expandable to more than 1.0 GB RAM,
because software just gets more demanding on resources as time goes
on, and once the new Windows OS is released... well, remember what happened to
everyone who had skimped on RAM and CPU 6 mo before Win XP was released??? ;-)
I expound on the rigors of graphics as my key reason for justifying a workhorse
of a laptop.
HTH
Rene Stephenson
On 9/18/06, Loren R. Elks wrote:
> Hi:
>
> My department is considering replacing our Windows desktop PCs with laptops.
> Our IT department buys all of our hardware from Dell. This is something we
> can't change.
>
> Could someone suggest:
> - A minimum set of hardware requirements for a laptop based on the software
> we use (listed below)?
> - A desired set of hardware requirements for a laptop based on the software
> we use (listed below)?
>
> Software we use:
> - Windows XP Pro OS
> - FrameMaker 7.2
> - Acrobat 7.0 Pro
> - Corel Suite X3
> - MicroType TimeSavers
> - Photoshop CS2
> - MS Office 2003 (not for documentation creation purposes)
>
> Requirements to consider:
> - L2 Cache
> - RAM
> - HD Space
>
> I also have to be able to justify the expense, so if you've written a
> proposal before for something like this, I'd appreciate anything you can send
> me. It would be great not to "recreate the wheel" unless I have to do so.
> We currently have no standard form for this type of thing.
>
> For anyone that would be able to tell me, I'd also like the same type of
> recommendations for a more robust laptop that could do all of the above and
> be able to handle Adobe (Macromedia) Studio 8 (for eLearning and web
> development) and Adobe Audition.
>
> I apologize for the "laundry list." I really appreciate any help.
>
>
> Loren Elks
> "The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." - John Powell
--
Art Campbell [EMAIL PROTECTED]
"... In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52 Vincent
and a redheaded girl." -- Richard Thompson
No disclaimers apply.
DoD 358
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Rene L. Stephenson
eNovative Solutions, Inc.
Business Phone: 678-513-0051
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