Question:
Graphics: dedicated or not (office/development use)
Hi,
I am getting a NC6400 for work use. Can anyone give the definitive advise on integrated vs. dedicated graphics? I do heavy multitasking, typically with a development environment (Eclipse + jboss), database tools, excel, word and many tabs in firefox open simultaneously. I do not play 3d games on this machine. I use a 20' external display at work, and will use a basic docking station.
I travel a lot, and use the machine at meetings, so light and silent is good.
Can anyone tell from experience if the ATI x1300 option will yield better performance in such a setting? Will it degrade battery life significantly, and will it make much more noise? Cost is not an issue (the option is rather cheap).
I actually got my nc6400 with the ati card last friday. I am returning it due to hardware errors (probably the ati card, screen goes black after a while, machine dies). Apart from the hardware errors, my gripes are:
delivery: 2 months from order! jeeez - dont get me started... Norwegian users, stay away from Ementor!
screen: i got the wxga+ screen, despite ordering the wxga. I can confirm the impressions from other users in this forum, this screen really sucks. Light leakages abound, viewing angle is very narrow. I would have returned the machine anyways because of this.
noise: slightly more fan noise than i expected - tolerable, but more than the dell next door (still, heaven compared to my old nx7000).
Other than that, perfect for my needs: great performance, small and light, great keyboard, good security features etc. And i just loved the dedicated powerpoint button :)
Regards,
- Bjug Boyum
Answer:
Re: Graphics: dedicated or not (office/development use)
If you don't use graphich development tools, then the integrated card will be just fine for you. Yet, if your company plans on switching to Vista, you need at least ATI X200 or better Ge6150 (both integrated). ATI x1300 is not a very powerful card but still capable of some 3d gaming. This means that you will experience a somewhat shorter battery life (not more than 15min difference, I guess) and some more heat (can't estimate that, depends on ambient temps).
Yet, the Atix1300 will probably do better on the 20'' screen!! ATI x200 (non-dedicated version) is known to have problems with external screens.
Answer:
Re: Graphics: dedicated or not (office/development use)
Also, while the ATI & nVidia IGPs (integrated graphics processors) would be better, the Intel GMA 950 (with 1GB system RAM or more) would also fit your needs. From what you are describing, the X1300 would probably be overkill (especially if you want the max battery life).
Answer:
Re: Graphics: dedicated or not (office/development use)
I do heavy multitasking, typically with a development environment (Eclipse + jboss), database tools, excel, word and many tabs in firefox open simultaneously. I do not play 3d games on this machine. I use a 20' external display at work, and will use a basic docking station.
Nothing from what you mentioned requires a dedicated video card, so you will be fine with the GMA950.
Yet, if your company plans on switching to Vista, you need at least ATI X200 or better Ge6150 (both integrated).
Vista Aero runs on the GMA950 if that's what you're trying to say...
Answer:
Re: Graphics: dedicated or not (office/development use)
I wouldn't recommend this card to anyone who wants to see (and use) Aero.
That's really your problem then...:rolleyes:
Answer:
Re: Graphics: dedicated or not (office/development use)
Thanks a lot for the replies. I am getting 2 gigs of ram, so i gather the GMA would be sufficient to run Vista/Aero. As my impression is that the ATI card won't produce much more heat (and noise), i am going to keep it for the cases when it is needed (our support staff also recommended this). Who knows, maybe minesweeper for Vista will be 3d.
Answer:
Re: Graphics: dedicated or not (office/development use)
Most of the Vista games are in 3D (I've messed with Beta 2, RC1, and RC2). I don't see why the GMA950 couldn't handle them since the graphics are really simple, but the X1300 would be better.
Answer:
Re: Graphics: dedicated or not (office/development use)
The dedicated card will really shine on the 20'' screen. With my ATIx200 I have problems with higher-resolution external displays.