need your pc knowledge

[sheclimbs]

I need to purchase a pc lap top a.s.a.p. I confess, I prefer a mac but I don’t think AutoCad runs on Mac yet and all my design software is PC.
Ideally I need something with 4G's ram (or expandable to 4G’s) I need to be able to run multiple graphics programs - the Adobe C2 package Photoshop, illustrator ECT… and possibly AutoCAD at the same time. Any suggestions? I don't know a lot about the hardware, what is the best processor, what speed should I be looking for, is HP still the way to go and is anyone using vista? What version would you recommend, i.e. home, pro, ECT... I have had so many problems with my "borrowed" software that I need to purchase all the licensed software this time around. Any suggestions would be really helpful. Best place to purchase…?
Thanks so much,
Lynn

[ShinKen]

GO GET A DELL EHH!!




I'm for real. U can pick what ever u want on it and the prices are not that bad either.


[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2][FONT=Verdana]btw HP has sucked ass since the beginning of time!! My two centsS!![/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]

[Jordansrealm]

My roomate has a nice 17-inch HP running Vista and it works great but I find Vista very slow. I would try and get a machine still using XP or XP PRO. I run basically all those same programs you are talking about on my Dell and runs great. You really want something with IntelCore Duo processor minimum these days. It really depends on your budget with purchasing programs as well.

Dell Precision Mobile Workstations

I dont know if that page would work but those are 2 nice Dell laptops that come with either Vista or XP and both have 2 dual core processors which is even faster. Check those out and see what you think. Good luck hope this helps!

Jordan

[allison]

I have an HP, no problems so far. But I don't use it for high end programs like that either!!

I'd say go with Dell unless you can find an HP that has XP. I know that you can get Dell laptops with XP now again. My mom has I think an HP that has Vista, but she just uses it for internet and stuff, not work related. Vista is kinda weird.

[Edog]

There are some great deals on the 17" HP, a frieng recently got one a ciruit city for $750.
If your are running Vista you need at least 4G of ram for it to work at it's best. Alot of machines are still border line on the Ram requirements, hence they seem to be slow, so you should be fine with the upgrade. I have a HP & it's been great for the last 3 years.

Intel® 17" and other Notebook Computers at circuitcity.com

Check out Costco aswell, they have a good selection & carry HP, & you getthere 90 day no questions asked money back warrenty

[LBmtb]

I don't think Windows recognizes more than 3.5gb unless you get the 64bit version.

Btw . . . don't shy away from the Mac simply because you need a PC program. You can run Parallels or Boot Camp and still use Windows on the Mac.

I do Windows programming for one of my classes on the Mac with Parallels/Windows xp. Also do some stuff for my Oracle database class on Parallels/Windows.

Here's mine:

[Fired Yo Momma]

If you want the right programs instead of the "borrowed" ones you may want to enroll in a windows or programming class at the local junior collage. I do this all the time get new programs because they do give the programs away for free their and then just drop the class and get your money back. Only in America where you can do that.

[Burner]

I'd have to disagree w/ George here (sorry dood), for Lynn's uses, those are VERY resource intensive programs, and running them concurrently through an emulator on a Mac, will create performance issues.

I'd get a 64bit processor, windows laptop, whichever one will do the trick for you. Don't get vista YET, you will have early adopter's problems with getting your required software to run on it, and may have to buy new versions of programs you already have, that will run on Vista.

[Jordansrealm]

I would love to go MAC considering my line of work I just cannot afford it. To load up a MAC laptop to rival the Dell I have it would cost me more than double

[Schecky]

Originally Posted by Burner

I'd have to disagree w/ George here (sorry dood), for Lynn's uses, those are VERY resource intensive programs, and running them concurrently through an emulator on a Mac, will create performance issues.

I'd get a 64bit processor, windows laptop, whichever one will do the trick for you. Don't get vista YET, you will have early adopter's problems with getting your required software to run on it, and may have to buy new versions of programs you already have, that will run on Vista.

What he said!

[Von-Skipp]

Howd you get that black keyboard George??

[cH4os]

Best Buys has a Dual Core Acer, for $500...
Although as stated the Intel Apples run Windows XP in its back pocket (BootCamp runs natively not an emulator) .. You can also run ArchiCad on Mac, which is a new concept for architectural design, we were holding free classes on ArchiCad at our Design Center. 714-998-9337

Or my friends at LA Star Computers in Walnut 909-444-2755 ask for Jerry, tell him Steven sent you...

PS. DONT GET 64bit.. you will have a tough time getting drivers for any Camera/Printer/Peripheral ..

Unless you intend to run Vista in which case AutoCad will probably bomb...

[sheclimbs]

Originally Posted by cH4os

Best Buys has a Dual Core Acer, for $500...
Although as stated the Intel Apples run Windows XP in its back pocket (BootCamp runs natively not an emulator) .. You can also run ArchiCad on Mac, which is a new concept for architectural design, we were holding free classes on ArchiCad at our Design Center. 714-998-9337



Or my friends at LA Star Computers in Walnut 909-444-2755 ask for Jerry, tell him Steven sent you...

PS. DONT GET 64bit.. you will have a tough time getting drivers for any Camera/Printer/Peripheral ..
Unless you intend to run Vista in which case AutoCad will probably bomb...

what is your design center and do you hold autocad classes as well?
I'll stay away from Vista but don't I need 64 bit to run all these graphics programs at the same time?



AutoCAD currently conflicts with Vista?

Originally Posted by Burner

I'd have to disagree w/ George here (sorry dood), for Lynn's uses, those are VERY resource intensive programs, and running them concurrently through an emulator on a Mac, will create performance issues.

I'd get a 64bit processor, windows laptop, whichever one will do the trick for you. Don't get vista YET, you will have early adopter's problems with getting your required software to run on it, and may have to buy new versions of programs you already have, that will run on Vista.

do you think I must have 4 GB to run these programs?
This looks like a decent machine, but not sure about a refirb?

Buy the HP Pavilion 17" Widescreen Notebook PC – Refurbished (DV8333CL) and other Notebook Computers at circuitcity.com

[LoisMustDie]

Originally Posted by LBmtb

I don't think Windows recognizes more than 3.5gb unless you get the 64bit version.

Up to 4GB w/ XP Pro or Windows 2000

What you really want is to get a graphics card w/ a ton of memory and a fast, dedicated, video processor.

[sheclimbs]

Originally Posted by LoisMustDie

Up to 4GB w/ XP Pro or Windows 2000

What you really want is to get a graphics card w/ a ton of memory and a fast, dedicated, video processor.

If I get the large graphics card would 2 be enough or will I ultimatley want 4GB? Having trouble finding a machine that expands to 4GB and still comes with XP all have advised against vista

[Kid A]

get this bad boy (OQO 02) so you can post your rr's real time

[LoisMustDie]

The reality is that most notebook computers will only have two slots for memory. Fortunately, as long as money is no object, you can click in 2gb per slot. The upgrade will likely cost you 6 or 700 bills (maybe start out w/ 2GB and expand later?). The Video upgrade will cost ya about the same. A great video card (512 mb video ram and a fast processor) for a notebook computer is gunna cost you.

If you really want demanding performance, go w/ a desktop - cheaper and better. But if portability is essential – you just gotta cough up the cash.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by sheclimbs

If I get the large graphics card would 2 be enough or will I ultimatley want 4GB? Having trouble finding a machine that expands to 4GB and still comes with XP all have advised against vista

[LBmtb]

Check out: Between the Lines: Hardware Requirements for AutoCAD 2007
Autodesk - Discussion Groups - 3 or 4Gb of RAM?
Between the Lines: Run AutoCAD 2007 or AutoCAD 2008 on an Intel Based Mac

I looked around the internet and there are plenty of people running Macbook Pros with Autocad without a problem, btw. Although I'll admit you can probably find a similar sped'd pc laptop for less.

Video card is particularly important especially if you do a lot of the 3d stuff in autoCad.

[sheclimbs]

Originally Posted by LBmtb

Check out: Between the Lines: Hardware Requirements for AutoCAD 2007
Autodesk - Discussion Groups - 3 or 4Gb of RAM?
Between the Lines: Run AutoCAD 2007 or AutoCAD 2008 on an Intel Based Mac

I looked around the internet and there are plenty of people running Macbook Pros with Autocad without a problem, btw. Although I'll admit you can probably find a similar sped'd pc laptop for less.

Video card is particularly important especially if you do a lot of the 3d stuff in autoCad.

thanks George. I really want to go with the Mac - back to my roots, seems like if I go with Mac Book Pro I will still need to purchase mac specific adobe suite, ect?

[LBmtb]

Originally Posted by sheclimbs

thanks George. I really want to go with the Mac - back to my roots, seems like if I go with Mac Book Pro I will still need to purchase mac specific adobe suite, ect?

Yeah . . . unless you want to also run that under boot camp or parallels. The new CS3 just came out and is Intel native but it's $$$!