Laptop build advice needed

[knot_sweet]

Ok, I need to run Pytha (3D design software).

I need it to run fast, clean and well rendered for client presentations. Internet will not be happening on this machine as even the best anti virus ware can't keep everything out and I can't afford replacement software if it gets fucked up.

Since I know didly squat about laptops, here's hoping one of you lot can offer some component advice for a custom build job.

Since this is essentially a porn board, I realise this probably isn't the place, but I don't understand the tech talk on the computer forums I've visited.

Thanks in advance.

 

[LiFeNdEaTh]

eh, beats me..

 

[islandman]

Pytha gives you the necessary config specs on its site: http://www.pytha.com/produkt/__pdf/Pytha_PC_Konfig_V20.en.pdf


Frankly, unless you need to take the laptop around with you, I would build a desktop instead. For one it's likely cheaper than a laptop build.

 

[phrodeau]

If you're serious about this, you should go to their dealer and ask what it runs best on. It probably won't be a laptop computer, but a desktop tower.

 

[HAL_9000]

I think they want the lappie for the "client presentations" part.

And any out of the box slaptop will work as long as it has the necessary specs as listed for the app.

Provided, of course , the user performs the necessary OS optimization configurations.

 

[phrodeau]

I think they want the lappie for the "client presentations" part.

And any out of the box slaptop will work as long as it has the necessary specs as listed for the app.

Provided, of course , the user performs the necessary OS optimization configurations.

The developers might have plans to upgrade their software past reasonable capacity.

 

[HAL_9000]

The developers might have plans to upgrade their software past reasonable capacity.

Very true:

"Please note that a scalable PC will also be ideally equipped for the future if it allows high flexibility and
expandability."


Anyway,

Optimal configuration
Processor : e.g. Intel® CoreTM i7-870 with 4x2930 MHz or Intel® CoreTM i7-960 with
4x3200 MHz or higher
RAM : 4096 MB RAM
Hard disc : 500 GB Raid 0 System (backup necessary)
Graphics card : NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570
Sound card : Creative Soundblaster X-Fi
screen : min. resolution of 1920 x 1200 Pixel
Mouse : 3-button mouse + scroll wheel
OS : Windows 7
©


Can you get a lappie with that graphics card? I think most have embedded graphics in the mobo.

 

[ArminasAnarchy]

Have you heard of Linux? I'm running it at the moment. It's free, and there's no strings attached at all - it's developed in a way similar to how Wikipedia works (volunteers contributing in their own time). I'm running Kubuntu at the moment, but if you google "distro watch" you can read about the other "flavours" available to you.

I mention this since you talk about security/the Internet. Linux is what (I think) around 60% of the world's servers are based on - so security and stability is what the system is famous for, in addition to customisability. I could go into a deep explanation of why, but there'll be more comprehensive articles on the net.

The one problem you would face is a) compatibility and b) support. On the compatibility front, the likelihood is there wouldn't be any issues - but check the hardware runs on Linux first and that drivers are available etc. For your specific software, there might be a free alternative which will run natively or you can use "emulation" to run it as a Windows program. In terms of support, nothing official would be available...but I've never had a problem I couldn't (eventually) solve, and the community which builds/maintains it are very active and effective in working through issues.

 

[HAL_9000]

Have you heard of Linux?

Pytha requires winblows.

 

[Sean]

Pytha requires winblows.

WINE.

 

[HAL_9000]

WINE.

Would a windows emulator really provide the performance needed for 3D rendering?

Then again, maybe the nature of a custom config. Unix based OS would be enough to overcome the software layering performance issues?

 

[coastal-boy]

Can you get a lappie with that graphics card?

You can get dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680M in SLI. A 570 is old school.

 

[HAL_9000]

You can get dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680M in SLI. A 570 is old school.

Whoa. Alienware systems and such.

 

[Sean]

Would a windows emulator really provide the performance needed for 3D rendering?

Then again, maybe the nature of a custom config. Unix based OS would be enough to overcome the software layering performance issues?

I run Warcraft through WINE and I can't see any difference whatsoever in performance between it and Windoze 7. Same framerate, same ping, same everything. If it can handle one of the most complex MMOs at 100fps, I can't see there being an issue with running a 3D prog running at, what, 40?

 

[HAL_9000]

I run Warcraft through WINE and I can't see any difference whatsoever in performance between it and Windoze 7. Same framerate, same ping, same everything. If it can handle one of the most complex MMOs at 100fps, I can't see there being an issue with running a 3D prog running at, what, 40?

Alright.

I suggest the Alienware m18x-r2 running Linux with wine.

http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-M18x-r2/pd.aspx

 

[coastal-boy]

Alright.

I suggest the Alienware m18x-r2 running Linux with wine.

http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-M18x-r2/pd.aspx

I hate anything that has to do with Dell. If they want a top end laptop, they are looking at Clevo...which resells as Sager. I've heard decent things about XOTIC http://www.xoticpc.com/ but I haven't purchased from them personally. Their sales staff is helpful and they have an online forum.

 

[HAL_9000]

I hate anything that has to do with Dell. If they want a top end laptop, they are looking at Clevo...which resells as Sager. I've heard decent things about XOTIC http://www.xoticpc.com/ but I haven't purchased from them personally. Their sales staff is helpful and they have an online forum.

Dell is bad?

I've never had one. I had a nice gateway, once. I've never had an AMD processor, ony intels.

What is bad about dell?

 

[coastal-boy]

Dell is bad?

I've never had one. I had a nice gateway, once. I've never had an AMD processor, ony intels.

What is bad about dell?

Their customer service. I bought a boxed computer for the 8 yr old kidlet. Had issues with it. Fought with them for almost 6 months before they finally fixed it. Then I wanted the Windows installation disk (which only comes if you ask for it even though you bought the license) and they said my 1 year was up...I would have to buy a new license, which they would provide for $300. The computer only cost $400. Never again.

 

[HAL_9000]

Their customer service. I bought a boxed computer for the 8 yr old kidlet. Had issues with it. Fought with them for almost 6 months before they finally fixed it. Then I wanted the Windows installation disk (which only comes if you ask for it even though you bought the license) and they said my 1 year was up...I would have to buy a new license, which they would provide for $300. The computer only cost $400. Never again.

Ouch. I had a similar experience with Best Buy once.

They are, in a word, idiots.