Help! I'm confusing.
Forum Graphic & Displays : Graphics Cards - Help! I'm confusing.
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.
The radeon 9000 IS a mobility radeon. Too bad they don't give you the option of the 64mb (they do here in Canada on the 8500s) Alienware and others even use the 128mb version.
The centrino is a LESSER platform, it is great for battery life, but sacrifices raw power at the top end (and you will likely be plugging this in mostly. Go with the 8500 and the R9000. The GFGO is ok, but depending on the price diff. (is about $150us from what I saw. [didn't know which country to select] In HK$ it was a $156HKD diff.) The additional memory will help with larger resolutions and such. The main thing is get the most powerful processor you can and either of the graphics chips are similar so go with the most memory in either (dpeending on price diff.). If I were you I'd wait (I AM waiting) until the Mobility Radeon 9600 appears in laptops. It is by far the king of mobile VPUs. But of your choices the 8500 with either graphics chip is the best solution.
The main problem is there is no way of knowing the availibility to you of certain product as there are cheaper more powerful products availible in N.Amer. that may not be availible to you. Iwould usually say shy away from dell if you can, but their laptops are pretty good (although I think IBM is far FAR superior [but moreexpensive]).
Anywhoo, that's my two frames worth.
- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! <font color=green>RED</font color=green> <font color=red>GREEN</font color=red> 
GA to SK
Totally opposite of my experience (always quick repair/sesponses/support), but hey that's just the nature of the Biz. I love mine and all the one's I've had. The guys who I work with at the phone company (they are field techs) HATE their new dells, and have complained quite loudly (even at a conference with the VP) that they want to return to their Thinkpads. The list of problems is huge. But the price diff. was an original factor, however there have been so many returns, replacements, and complaints that the next one's will be IBMs, or either Terralogic Toughnotes or Panasonic Toughbooks (my suggestions actually, I got a gift certificate for it [and yes a cookie and a pat on the head]) they are still going through approval.
I do agree with you on Alienware though. Awesome computers in awesome colours, and not bad price.
- You need a licence to buy a gun, but they'll sell anyone a stamp <i>(or internet account)</i> ! <font color=green>RED</font color=green> <font color=red>GREEN</font color=red> GA to SK
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