New Laptop for Web Des/Dev

Nulty

Hi, I'm a laptop virgin and I've browsed through some threads here looking for pointers.

Budget: I'd say my budget would stretch as far as €600.

Intended use: college work, internet, e-mail, Word processing, programming, development, HDMI...I'm looking at getting a laptop to run Adobe CS4 (Dw, Fw), Web Browsers, Apache, MySQL and NetBeans, probably all at the same time.

Mobility: 70% functionality, 30% mobility. would like a 17" screen.

Warranty: I think I'll manage without one but I wouldn't say no to one. Reading about the various statistics about reliability...the brand would determine whether a decent warranty was necessary.

What Operating System do you use? Windows but I'm willing to try Linux/Ubuntu though I might leave that for now.


I haven't really got my head around dual-core, quad core...I'm still using P4 2.8 GHz Desktop, 1G RAM, and ATI Radeon 9550/x1050.

Thanks. Any help will be gratefully received!

dazzday

What will you be doing with CS4?

Nulty

For the foreseeable future I'll be running Dreamweaver (Dw) and FireWorks (Fw). Thats about all though.

I'm not entirely sure I know what your asking.

Building websites, sometimes using PHP and editing graphics

Nulty

2gb RAM ought to cover it, right?

Is less RAM required for a machine running Linux rather than Windows 7? I assume so.

Gavin "shels"

I use Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Ecilspe, and a few others, wouldn't have less than a 4GB on a Windows 7!

dazzday

Nulty wrote: »

For the foreseeable future I'll be running Dreamweaver (Dw) and FireWorks (Fw). Thats about all though.

I'm not entirely sure I know what your asking.

Building websites, sometimes using PHP and editing graphics

Just trying to get an idea of how graphic intensive your work is.

For CS4 RAM is key, nothing less than 4gb will do. The programs are more CPU intensive than GPU intensive so a high core2duo (T9300 maybe +) would be what id aim for or mid range i3.

Havent used Fireworks myself so couldnt be sure but i'd assume a dedicated GPU (mid range HD 4650 and above maybe?) would help significantly. Again not the one to ask here!

Definately RAM>>CPU>>GPU for most CS4 applications tho.

Remember screen resolution may be a factor too for quality editing work, or at the very minimum ability to attach to an external monitor via HDMI.

Nulty

Gavin shels wrote: »

I use Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Ecilspe, and a few others, wouldn't have less than a 4GB on a Windows 7!

Really? I have 1GB on XP with a Pentium 4 2.80GHz and the machine struggles a bit when theres plenty going on but it doesn't struggle that badly. I suppose the extra RAM is for the OS though right? (Windows 7)

Nulty

I'm starting to realise that €600 won't cover a very decent machine...I'm thinking around the €800 mark would be closer to a realistic mark?

dazzday

Had a quick browse of whats available under the €800 mark for what you are after. At the top end probably the best i could find was

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Toshiba_Satellite_Pro_L670-14P_Core_i5_Laptop_PSK3FE-00U00REN/version.asp?switchc=e

Has a max RAM slot of 8GB so its very future proof for what you want it for. Ideally you could replace the 1GB stick with 2GB (~€50 - whatever you sell the 1GB for).

The GPU is high mid-range card, capable at running any modern game release at mid-high settings. Considering you dont plan to game it is possibly overkill, but at least we know for sure it can take on any graphic challenge you need and likely to do so over the laptop lifetime.

The CPU is a powerhouse considering the price. It is one of the faster dual-cores and with hyper-threading it will run like a beast in multitasking, perfectly ideal for CS package. It will handle everything and anything you plan to throw at it.

What is nice about this laptop is the fact its one of the lighter desktop replacements I have seen at only 2.8kg, making it quite portable for a 17inch. Battery life is better than standard at over 4hours and from reviews the screen is good quality, although not 1080p which would be nice. Has good connectivity also with HDMI and e-sata

TBH this machine is probably better than what you are after, but its a good starting point to work down from. The GPU is the main point id be looking at, the 5650 is most likely overkill but at this stage im not sure if you require something more powerful than Intel HD grapics or a low dedicated chip such as the 310M or 5470 (which tbh arent too far above the intergrated chips). IF the GPU is not a concern, there are plenty of good 17inch models between the 600-800 range that would suit.

However with an i5,a good GPU and plenty of RAM space its certainly futureproof for your needs.

Nulty

dazzday wrote: »

Had a quick browse of whats available under the €800 mark for what you are after. At the top end probably the best i could find was



TBH this machine is probably better than what you are after, but its a good starting point to work down from. The GPU is the main point id be looking at, the 5650 is most likely overkill but at this stage im not sure if you require something more powerful than Intel HD grapics or a low dedicated chip such as the 310M or 5470 (which tbh arent too far above the intergrated chips). IF the GPU is not a concern, there are plenty of good 17inch models between the 600-800 range that would suit.

However with an i5,a good GPU and plenty of RAM space its certainly futureproof for your needs.

Thanks dazzday. You've been a massive help and its hugely appreciated. I'll have a look at that link.

One other question, am I more likely to find value abroad/UK than here in Ireland? (Obviously including delivery)

dazzday

Well definately abroad will give you better value, even with shipping costs taken into account.
Outside the EU can be hit or miss as you are likely to get hit with VAT (no custom duty however)...howver in cases that may work out cheaper ( I for one saved ~300e on a laptop imported from Taiwan).

Inside the EU is VAT free (only the VAT is payed on the original purchase at the country of origins rate eg Germany 17%). Germany in particular gets a range of laptops only rivalled by Asia, with models and specs that are exclusive.
However German OS (easy to convert) and keyboards (requires a keyboard mod = possibly no warranty ) is the hinderence! Warranty issues are also prevailant as country of purchase differs from you, this can vary from manufacturere to manufacturer.