New Computer Specs/Recommendations
Okay, I'm a fairly techie guy, but I'll admit that I've been out of the loop for a while when it comes to computers. I'm in the market for a new laptop @ the end of the month and I want to make sure that I get something that's going to run Logos 4 better than what I currently have (a Dell Studio 1737). I've narrowed it down to two machines, but one is $400 more than the other. So, the main question is, in your opinions/experience, do you think machine #1 will run Logos 4 well? I want to be a good steward of my money (and keep my wife happy LOL), so if I can get away without spending the extra $400, she'd appreciate it. Of course, I always know that I should buy the best that I can afford, but economics always play a factor 
Will the the faster processor, increased graphic memory & faster HDDs give that much greater performance? $400 worth of performance?
If I can save the $400, I can use those savings to go toward some pre-pubs that I have coming out this month & next. Thanks for your help!
Machine #1 - HP Envy 17-1181NR - $1400
Main Specs: Intel Core i7 720QM(1.6GHz), ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 (1GB), 6GB RAM, 750GB 5400rpm drive
Machine #2 - Dell XPS 17 (custom built) - ~$1800 (w/tax & shipping included in price)
Main Specs: Intel Core i7 740QM(1.73GHz), Nvidia GeForce GT 445M (3GB), 8GB RAM, 1.28TB (2x640GB 7200rpm drives)
Urban Scholar - http://urban-scholar.com
Christ-centered Hip-Hop - http://www.sphereofhiphop.com
Comments
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I would go with machine #2. The drive speed of 7200rpm is crucial in running L4. I also think the the GeForce graphics card with 3GB of dedicated RAM would be much stronger than the ATI card with 1GB of RAM. The i7 CPU will not disappoint you, but length of use per battery charge will be relatively short. The i7 thrives, but uses lots of power. The larger battery is vital.
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I like the specs on the Dell, I just wouldn't buy anything from them. You really shouldn't have to spend that much for a good machine either. Any of the new Sandy Bridge processors with 8GB RAM and a good drive should be right around 1000 to 1500. Shop around.
The mind of man is the mill of God, not to grind chaff, but wheat. Thomas Manton | Study hard, for the well is deep, and our brains are shallow. Richard Baxter
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Sandy Bridge laptop review => http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Intel-Sandy-Bridge-Quad-Core-processors.43714.0.html - much faster.
Michael Ballai said:I like the specs on the Dell, I just wouldn't buy anything from them. You really shouldn't have to spend that much for a good machine either. Any of the new Sandy Bridge processors with 8GB RAM and a good drive should be right around 1000 to 1500. Shop around.
Several gaming laptops have Intel Quad Core i7 2### (Sandy Bridge) => http://laptoping.com/category/gaming-laptop-pcs/
HP offers dv7t Quad Edition series build to order.
Dell offers Alienware M17x laptop build to order, including 3D screen option
Sony currently not selling Sandy Bridge.
Keep Smiling [:)]
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LaRosa Johnson said:
Machine #1 - HP Envy 17-1181NR - $1400
Main Specs: Intel Core i7 720QM(1.6GHz), ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 (1GB), 6GB RAM, 750GB 5400rpm drive
See the specs of my new laptop below. The i5 processor, HD 5650 1 GB graphics card & 5400 RPM drive had individual Windows Experience Indexes not far below an i7-720QM I was also looking at in the shop. It runs L4 nicely so save yourself $400
Dave
===Windows 11 & Android 13
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I bought an i7 laptop to run Logos quicker. I must admit I was expecting it to be a lot quicker but even Windows didn't load that much faster than a decent high end Core 2. Also battery life was very poor. Personally I would go with an i5 that is also quad core. Save the money and buy some resources in Logos!!
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The biggest factor in how fast a computer feels (i.e. "snappiness") are RAM and then the HDD, the latter being the biggest bottleneck on most new systems.
I'd go for laptop #2, as I imagine two 7200RPM drives (in RAID?) would smoke a single 5400RPM drive. There's probably little difference in 6Gb vs 8Gb of RAM, I'd guess, but YMMV based on usage.
Ben
"The whole modern world has divided itself into Conservatives and Progressives. The business of Progressives is to go on making mistakes. The business of Conservatives is to prevent mistakes from being corrected."- G.K. Chesterton
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Looks like i'll be going for a PC with a Sandy Bridge processor because the speed increase is well worth it. Plus, from what I can see right now, the price is comparable to the 1st generation processors.
I'll likely be going with an HP Pavilion dv7, unless the Envy 17 gets refreshed by that time with the Sandy Bridge processors (which I'd prefer because I like the body & the full HD resolution).
Thanks for all your help guys! I appreciate it!
Urban Scholar - http://urban-scholar.com
Christ-centered Hip-Hop - http://www.sphereofhiphop.com0 -
May want to consider Seagate Momentus XT hybrid drive => http://www.anandtech.com/show/3734/seagates-momentus-xt-review-finally-a-good-hybrid-hdd (frequently used files cached to SSD for fast response).
Keep Smiling [:)]
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