9400, M1710, M90, or nw9440?
I'm buying a laptop as a desktop replacement.
The software that I'll be using on a daily basis:
Development: VS2005, 32- and 64-bit.
CAD/DCC apps: Maya, Rhino
Work-related 3D simulation stuff
My usage pattern is to have a ton of applications open, so much so that I had to resort to this fix for desktop heap memory: http://weblogs.asp.net/kdente/archiv...04/148145.aspx
So, this laptop will need at least 2GB of RAM, a 7900GS, and a Merom CPU.
My assumptions that probably need correction from you more knowledgeable folks:
- ATi offers no equivalent to the 7900GTX or even the 7900GS
- It seems that adding more than 2GB of RAM can be prohibitively expensive, except for the 3GB configurations that I can sometimes find on HP's website. A 2GB DIMM is 1-2K unless purchased at HP.
- Build quality for the XPS and Precision lines is great.
- I would rather use a 7900GTX/2500M, but I'm afraid of the fan noise.
- It's a PITA to configure any sort of custom notebook from HP. I found a great price on a C2D w/ Quadro 1500M, but it only came with a 1 GB of RAM. The additional RAM that HP offers in the strange form of a suggested add-on is only 533Mhz, while the base stick runs at 667Mhz. Bizarre.
- Warranties with accident coverage seem equal across the board.
- I would much prefer 1680x1050 over 1920xwhatever, but it's not a huge deal.
- This laptop will spend much of its time plugged into an external LCD. Are there heat issues with keeping a laptop's lid shut and damaging the built-in screen?
The choices I've looked at so far are the 9400, M1710, M90, and nw9440. I'm open to any other suggestions.
Thanks!
Answer:
Re: 9400, M1710, M90, or nw9440?
This laptop will spend much of its time plugged into an external LCD. Are there heat issues with keeping a laptop's lid shut and damaging the built-in screen? It won't - I would however read reviews and see where the laptop gets hot. If it gets hot on the top, then it's probably not a good idea to have it running full tilt with the lid closed because the laptop is using the surface of the notebook and the keyboard as a way to dissapate heat. It's best if you left it open.
The HP nw9440 will have the best quality out of all, but I would be inclined to recommend the Dell Precision M90 because of the insane graphics card. Also look into the Sager NP5760, it is a great 17" with a numpad (which the Dell lacks), available FX2500M video card, and excellent build/construction in general.
Answer:
Re: 9400, M1710, M90, or nw9440?
The Sager notebook you listed is available for an excellent price at their website, but not with Merom, which is necessary for me. I like its keyboard layout, but the warranty looks weak. Sager's general website presentation is also scarily amateurish, with tons of typos to boot.
Thanks for your advice!
Answer:
Re: 9400, M1710, M90, or nw9440?
I find it strange that the second GB would be 533mhz. I know running over 2GB will probably force you to 533mhz (chipset doesn't handle higher speeds with those amounts) but it seems weird it would be like that with 2gb.
Answer:
Re: 9400, M1710, M90, or nw9440?
I'm wavering between the M90 and the XPS 1710. My boss gave me the green light to get whatever I need for work, so price isn't a huge issue.
This guy's prices are pretty nice:
Please push me in one direction or the other.
Answer:
Re: 9400, M1710, M90, or nw9440?
Tough call and either one should be great, but I'd get the M90. I guess the 7900GTX will do better in some areas, but the 2500M should be plenty. Might be worth looking into GPU heat issues. Anyway, I prefer the look of the M90 and really love the Precision M65, though I realize it's not much like the M90.
Answer:
Re: 9400, M1710, M90, or nw9440?
I would go with the m90 the GPU is designed for the type of work your going to use the system for. It's benchmarks for gamming, if your so inclined, arent much different from the 7900gtx. Also you have seen tech's prices on the m90. I'm going to order an m1710 from him in about a week.
Answer:
Re: 9400, M1710, M90, or nw9440?
I ended up ordering a pre-configured nw9440, with a 2.0 C2D, 1GB of RAM, and a 1500M.
I liked the keyboard, resolution, and overall sturdiness from the reviews I read. I figure I'll upgrade to a DX10 laptop in the future, and I only spent about $2500, rather than the $3500 I was looking at for a 7900GTX/2500M model.
Anyone know the timing of the RAM that comes with this machine? I have to order another stick from a 3rd party, since HP's site doesn't list compatible RAM for the nw9440.
Answer:
Re: 9400, M1710, M90, or nw9440?
The nw9440 should be delivered tomorrow, despite HP's email claiming it was delayed until October 14th.
Let me know if there are any pressing questions about this laptop that you want answered. :)