I need to get a laptop for myself. budget around RM6k (approximately USD1600, exchange rate is 1:3.8).
I work a lot on AutoCad 3D modelling, 3D Studio Viz rendering, and Adobe
Photoshop + basic word, multimedia processing;

extra remark -
(a) I'm not really need a high configuration for gaming purpose,
(b) a wireless internet connection and good mobility will be good, anyway
3d graphic processing power will be the main concern.


I have check out several models that available in the market, and I'm
interested in

(i) Intel Pentium M processor 1.5 (centrino) + integrated shared 64MB 3D
AGP (based on Dell Inspiron 500m -
http://dellstore04.sg.dell.com/pub [...] store/bund
le.jsp&prd_id=81098&flag=Y&smg_old=387 ) OR
(ii) P4 2.0 + 32MB ATI Radeon 9000 (based on Dell Inspiron 8500 -
http://dellstore04.sg.dell.com/pub [...] store/bund
le.jsp&prd_id=81101&flag=Y&smg_old=387 )

1. For 3D processing + modelling, izzit an integrated graphic card (like
theshared 64MB 3D AGP Video mentioned above) have a lot of difference
comparing to an independent graphic card (like the ATI Radeon 9000 mentioned
above)? 3D Modeling and Rendering, these two process take count on cpu
speeds or graphic card's capability?
2. Which model from above do u think I should go for?
3. Izzit there any better model in the market that suites better to my
needs?

I'm currently running on a Pentium Celeron 500Mhz with 192 MB SDRAM with a
discreet 32MB MSI GeForce2 400MX graphic card.

It took me more than 10 minutes to switch a view of my 3D model working in
AutoCad 2002.
The zooming in and out I did in 3D Studio Viz 4.2 is oso extremely slow,
it's like impossible for me to work on it.

In the other hand, my fren is running on a Pentium III 500Mhz with 128 MB
SDRAM with a discreet 32MB Riva Tnt2 Savage 3D graphic card.

It took me an approximate 10 secs to switcg a view of my 3D model working in
AutoCad 2002.
The zooming in and out I did in 3D Studio Viz 4.2 is quite slow but
acceptable, at least I can work on it.

Both system with non other background programme running. and tat was done on
a clean WinXp based OS.

Some say cpu do the job, graphic card only show the output.
Some say cpu is a lot more important in the 3d modelling process and graphic
card is only little affected.
Some say graphic card is a lot more important in the 3d modelling process.
I'm wondering and confusing from the feedbacks I got.

1. Izzit the CPU speed or the Graphic Card Processing Power are concerned in
CAD applications?
2. how about rendering (for wat I know rendering is purely depends on cpu
speed)?
3. how about when we zooming in and zooming out, switching views when doing
3d model?

Any question answered will be really appreciated. I need advices in
makingbetter decision. Any feedback are welcomed please. Thx in advanced

may u be well, happy and healthy.
may ur wishes come true.
-------
With Metta,
Soma.

I will pick a Pentium M with Independant VGA. I doubt shared VGA can serve your heavy using in AutoCad application.

AutoCADD is one of the most intensive graphic and CPU using programs out there. A shared graphics card is not a good idea. Definitely want an independent video card. You are going to want to aim for the highest CPU, most RAM, and biggest hard drive you can get. I have Engineering and Architectural companies running dual Xeon workstations with 4 to 8GB of RAM and they still complain it takes too long to load and render images. (nevermind that they are 650MB+ ariel survey shots)

If you happen to be a student (or know some one who is, or a teacher, or someone directly involved in education)

<A HREF="http://www.dell.com/us/en/fepp/products/model_inspn_inspn_600m.htm" target="_new">

http://www.dell.com/us/en/fepp/pro [...] &lt;/A&gt;

If not:

<A HREF="http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/model_inspn_inspn_600m.htm" target="_new">http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/model_inspn_inspn_600m.htm</A>

(Latitude D600 and Inspiron 600M differ cosmetically. The Latitude D800 has GeForce 4Go 4400 in lieu of ATI Radeon 9000)

If not Dell, then:
Education:

<A HREF="http://www.gateway.com/work/prod/ed_450xb_proddetail.shtml" target="_new">http://www.gateway.com/work/prod/ed_450xb_proddetail.shtml</A>

Non-education:

<A HREF="http://www.gateway.com/home/prod/hm_200x_config.shtml" target="_new">http://www.gateway.com/home/prod/hm_200x_config.shtml</A>

3 yr warrany adds appriximately $140 US on the Gateway machines

That's what I recommend That should get you started.

Dave

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by dwellman on 06/19/03 05:06 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

Consider looking at Refurbished ones. I got mine refurbished and it looks just like a new laptop, only 500 dollars less. www.outlet.dell.com www.clearence.cnet.com are two places where you can find refurbished laptops. I highly recommend you to stick with a well-known manufacture like Dell or IBM instead of with a lesser-known company like Avertech and Sager. You would never know when those little companys will close. If your laptop goes bad and the company is gone, your in a very bad situation. Laptops, unlike Desktops, does not have interchangable parts. In other words, it is nearly impossible to fix it yourself. Get a CPU designed for laptops, like Centrino or P4-M. Avoid getting a standard desktop processor (doesn't have the M after P4) because although a P4 and P4-M will be be 2.4ghz, a P4-M will cost more. It is designed for battery life and not to give as much heat as its desktop counterpart. Desktop processors are optimized for desktops, where they get ample power from a powercord and have large spaces for cooling. If you put one of those CPU's in a laptop, it would not give you good battery life and laptop could run possible pretty hot.