Pease help: 3D animation student who needs to pick a laptop

I've been looking at notebooks online today, and I've been gravitating greatly towards Sony Vaio, because I've had very positive experiences with their desktop PCs (mine is 5 years old and still kicking), and Alienware (however, I've read mixed reviews about them from users). I don't want to spend more than $2400 because I only qualify for a limited student loan (much of this PC will have to be paid for out of my own pocket). Something around the $2000 range would be good, and I'm especially interested in ones where I can use a student discount.

Basically, since I am going to be learning 3D animation, I want something that packs a good punch in terms of power and graphical abilities. I do not know a whole lot about the PC hardware scene since I'm primarily a console gamer, but I know that I'm going to at least need a 256MB Geoforce 7600 Go, and a 2-2.16GB Core 2 Duo processor or equivelent. I don't want to break the bank to get 2.33GHz because I know I'll probably end up replacing this thing with a powerful desktop after I graduate anyway.

The ones that I'm currently looking at are listed below, and I'll explain what I like about it and what I'm potentially concerned about. I hope someone can give me some good advice as to which would be good, or if I should be looking at something completely different.

BTW, since the links to the Sony Style website are blocked due to the Gamespot's exploit protection, just replace the "****" in the links with the word "style".

Sony Vaio VGN-FE890

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http://www.sony****com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_CTO-Start

What I like: Has all the GHz and RAM I want availible; offers Geforce 7600 Go graphics card; built-in webcam (I really like this feature); around $2000

What concerns me: Only offers Norton Internet Protection (I want Antivirus as well); I can't find any reviews for it at CNET

Sony Vaio VGN-FZ190

http://www.sony****com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_CTO-Start?ProductSKU=R1NBSU07

What I like about it: All power/memory options I want; it's got a GeForce 8400M GT, which I assume is a lot better than the 7600 Go; That built in webcam that I so desire; Optional Blu-Ray drive; all around solid looking; comes with less crummy studio software that I won't use, helping price

What concerns me: As before, no Norton Antivirus, and also CNET has no reviews.

Alienware Auroro m9700

http://www.alienware.com/configurator_pages/aurora_m9700.aspx?SysCode=PC-LT-AURORAM9700-AB&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT&tag=1

What I like about it: Powerful, looks ubersleek, positive CNET review; has webcam; lots of protection software; includes a year of support service

What concerns me: expensive; does not support multicore processors; some very negative user reviews at CNET, specifically regarding customer service

So, am I gravitating towards a lot of crap, or is one of these notebooks actually good enough that I should consider buying it? And if so, which one?

Don't get caught up in the software like anitvirus or junkware.

Keep your sites set at hardware targets.

I'm not too good with the requirements of 3D modelling (especially on a laptop), but you should be aiming for something like:

- 1.80+ GHz Core 2 Duo
- 1-2GB of RAM (2GB for Vista, 1GB should do for XP)
- I imagine some sort of mobile GPU would be good. The 7600 GO is an excellent contender for your general needs (ATi has more powerful GPUs for the high end however IIRC).
- Wireless Networking capabilities (included in a Centrino Duo package)
- good sized HDD, around 80-160GB.
- XP Pro or Windows Vista

Just be concerned about those main features, and not too much about stuff like cameras and looks. Those won't help with your work, and will often cost more than they should. Besides, many can be added on in the future.

For laptops, I say that Dell are great. They've got good build quality, and it's pretty easy to select the parts you want at the price you want.

macbook pro, then you dont have to worry about virus as muchj3ninja10

Last night I would have agreed wholeheartedly, but since then it's come to my attention that while Macbooks are great for 2D imaging like Adobe CS, it's not as good for things like Maya. As much as I would like to jump on the Mac bandwagon, to do so would be shooting myself in the foot since the 3D animation field is increasingly PC-based, and learning the PC scene will be part of my career in all likeliness. Also, the school that I'll be going to has a PC-based graphics lab.

Anyway, at this point I'm strongly considering the VGN-FZ190, equipped with a 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of Ram, a 160GB HDD, Vista Premium, a DVD burner (I might get Blu-Ray playback support too, but I'm undecided as to wether I should be spending that kind of money), and the GeForce 8400M GT, which I've become aware is DirectX 10 compatable. So I'll have the power for my art, graphics, and video editing, as well as the ability to blow off some steam in Crysis in-between. :)

Get a Dell Precision M90. It comes with a Quadro Go which was made to run 3D rendering software like Maya and 3DS Max.luamhtrad

I just checked it out, and I think that the price caused me to temporarily go into cardiac arrest. It's over $3000 with the specs that I want, and I want something around $2000. Remember, I'm a student, and I'm probably going to be replacing this thing after I graduate anyway.

[QUOTE="luamhtrad"]Get a Dell Precision M90. It comes with a Quadro Go which was made to run 3D rendering software like Maya and 3DS Max.Timstuff

I just checked it out, and I think that the price caused me to temporarily go into cardiac arrest. It's over $3000 with the specs that I want, and I want something around $2000. Remember, I'm a student, and I'm probably going to be replacing this thing after I graduate anyway.

So get one off of www.delloutlet.com and save some money. I got my M1210 from there for like a grand or so.

[QUOTE="j3ninja10"]macbook pro, then you dont have to worry about virus as muchTimstuff

Last night I would have agreed wholeheartedly, but since then it's come to my attention that while Macbooks are great for 2D imaging like Adobe CS, it's not as good for things like Maya. As much as I would like to jump on the Mac bandwagon, to do so would be shooting myself in the foot since the 3D animation field is increasingly PC-based, and learning the PC scene will be part of my career in all likeliness. Also, the school that I'll be going to has a PC-based graphics lab.

Anyway, at this point I'm strongly considering the VGN-FZ190, equipped with a 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of Ram, a 160GB HDD, Vista Premium, a DVD burner (I might get Blu-Ray playback support too, but I'm undecided as to wether I should be spending that kind of money), and the GeForce 8400M GT, which I've become aware is DirectX 10 compatable. So I'll have the power for my art, graphics, and video editing, as well as the ability to blow off some steam in Crysis in-between. :)

I would check with your school and see what they recommend. Many art schools and programs require Macs. Also, if PC gaming isn't a priority I would just go with whatever they recommend.

 Also, I would not buy the laptop until just before school starts to guarentee you get the best deal/specifications.

I really recomend getting a MBP they are great for video editing, animation, photography. They are killer. I reccomend getting the MBP 17 inch with 2 or 3 gigs of ram and a 250 gig hdd.

You will be the happiest with a macbook pro then any other comp

I really recomend getting a MBP they are great for video editing, animation, photography. They are killer. I reccomend getting the MBP 17 inch with 2 or 3 gigs of ram and a 250 gig hdd.

You will be the happiest with a macbook pro then any other comp

frizzyman0292

[QUOTE="Timstuff"]

[QUOTE="j3ninja10"]macbook pro, then you dont have to worry about virus as muchel_carl

Last night I would have agreed wholeheartedly, but since then it's come to my attention that while Macbooks are great for 2D imaging like Adobe CS, it's not as good for things like Maya. As much as I would like to jump on the Mac bandwagon, to do so would be shooting myself in the foot since the 3D animation field is increasingly PC-based, and learning the PC scene will be part of my career in all likeliness. Also, the school that I'll be going to has a PC-based graphics lab.

Anyway, at this point I'm strongly considering the VGN-FZ190, equipped with a 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB of Ram, a 160GB HDD, Vista Premium, a DVD burner (I might get Blu-Ray playback support too, but I'm undecided as to wether I should be spending that kind of money), and the GeForce 8400M GT, which I've become aware is DirectX 10 compatable. So I'll have the power for my art, graphics, and video editing, as well as the ability to blow off some steam in Crysis in-between. :)

Bleh, I guess I have to keep looking if the 8400m sucks. I really wish the Precision M90's weren't so friggin' expensive though, because one of those would be really nice. Even the refurbished ones are in the 3g price range though. :?

If you're serious about animation as a career, then I would seriously suggest something with a workstation graphics chip for a Windows-based laptop (Quadro or FireGL), or a Mac, since their drivers for said hardware doesn't differentiate between 'workstation' and 'gamer' like on Windows. For example, the Quadro FX4500 that Apple currently offers in the Mac Pro will perform as well in OS X games like a 7900GTX would on Windows, since that's what is the hardware equivalent of. What happens is that the differences in firmware logic and drivers provided are what make workstation graphics suck at gaming on Windows. You really think with the prices of what it costs to design a GPU architecture that they're going to spend a whole lot of time segmenting (hardware-wise) between the dude that is going to run Doom 3 all day vs. the dude running 3DStudio Max all day?

The reason that workstation cards also cost a lot more is because they provide a lot of extra software in their bundles that are useful in workstation systems, too, as well as additional accessories to really make the most of the hardware you do get. Drivers for workstation cards focus on extreme high precision, to be able to accurately render as opposed to simply render it fast.

On the Apple side, there is a lot of really quality software available that would make animation work great. The school likely uses Windows PC's as a majority because it gets an MSDN contract, but in reality, creative fields like animation have Macs as the majority. And it isn't as if you can't run Windows on a Mac anymore either. So if worse comes to worse, you can still install a copy of Windows (on a separate partition) and have a dual-boot between Windows XP/Vista, and OS X. Not to mention, Macs do get you more attention from the hotties on campus, and makes a great convo piece so you'd be more likely to get laid. ;) :lol: That's something no PC for any amount of money could buy.

Get a Dell e1705. For about $2000, you get a 17" screen, 2GHz Core 2 Duo, 7900gs, 2GB 667MHz DDR2, DVD burner, and lots more...-GeordiLaForge-

I have one of these (called the Inspiron 9400 in Canada) and I love it.  It's fast, powerful and fairly cheap.  Mind you it's pretty heavy though, so if you're gonna be lugging it around you'll build up lots of muscles ;) 

Bleh, I guess I have to keep looking if the 8400m sucks. I really wish the Precision M90's weren't so friggin' expensive though, because one of those would be really nice. Even the refurbished ones are in the 3g price range though. :? Timstuff

Just went on the Dell Outlet page and found this one:

M90 Notebook
(System Identifier: EP9X7162)
 
Precision Mobile Workstation M90 Notebook: Intel Core Duo processor T2600 (2.16GHz/667Mhz)
Genuine Windows XP Pro
 
System Price : $1,879.00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating System
Genuine Windows XP Pro
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Memory
2 GB DDR2 SDRAM 677MHz (2 DIMMs)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hard Disk Drive
100 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Video
512MB NVIDIA Quadro FX 2500M (dedicated), OpenGL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Media Bay
8X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Base
Precision Mobile Workstation M90 Notebook: Intel Core Duo processor T2600 (2.16GHz/667Mhz)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hardware Upgrade
Hardware is Microsoft Vista Capable
9 Cell Primary Battery
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Software Upgrade
Roxio Creator Delux
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NoteBook Screen
17 inch UltraSharp Wide Screen UXGA Notebook Screen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Network Interface Card
3945 802.11a/g Wireless Mini Card
Bluetooth Wireless Card

What more do you want?

I'll keep Dell in mind, but I'm not sure I trust a refurbished PC. I've still got my eye on the Vaio for now. Here's the setup I was looking at.

The price is under $2000, and it includes Windows Vista. I will keep Dell Outlet in mind since it would be wise to consider an actual workstation laptop, but as I said before, I'm a little wary of getting something that's refurbished, and I want something with Vista (also, my brother had a bad experience with his Dell). Vaios are built like tanks from the experience I've had, so I trust them a lot.