Notebooks Workstation Laptop tips

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Brett89, 14 Dec 2010.

  1. Brett89

    Brett89 Minimodder

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    So I'm looking into a workstation laptop, I have a budget of 3200 USD. I'm an architecture student, and I'd like to keep the same laptop through college.
    I'm currently looking at a Dell M4x00, I can get a 940XM, and up the ram myself to 8GB, 1080p screen, 500GB HD. Well equipped for 2.8, 4 year warranty as well.(v. important)
    A few questions

    1. Sandy Bridge- yes I know it will be better, how much will the premium be for it as I'll be ordering it ASAP when it drops.

    2. Any other brands I'm overlooking?
     
    Last edited: 14 Dec 2010
    Brett89, 14 Dec 2010
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  2. docodine

    docodine killed a guy once

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    I'd wait for the 2X20QM based Dell Precisions just for the lower TDP, couldn't tell you about the premium though. Not sure if it's even really known yet. Some other brands are already releasing info on their Sandy Bridge laptops, they should be coming out within the next few months. If you can't wait that long, go ahead and get the M4500, performance is already incredible with the 940X.

    You could take a look at HP's EliteBook 8540w, looks like a direct competitor to the M4500. It has the option for an IPS display :D
     
    Last edited: 14 Dec 2010
    docodine, 14 Dec 2010
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  3. Brett89

    Brett89 Minimodder

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    I checked them out and a similar spec to the M4500 is out of my price range, cheers for the suggestion though. Albeit the IPS panel would indeed be nice, I've been trying to find the 1080p panel you get with the Dell.

    If anyone has a ballpark estimate of price hikes after a new processor drop, thatd be lovely. also Dell has announced unofficailly new Mobile Precision Workstations with the new processors,
    http://www.notebookcheck.net/Dell-P...bile-Workstations-to-arrive-soon.42474.0.html
    No word on pricing or availability though.
     
    Brett89, 14 Dec 2010
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  4. Brett89

    Brett89 Minimodder

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    Shameful bump.
     
    Brett89, 18 Dec 2010
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  5. quirkalfeeg

    quirkalfeeg Its a trick...get an axe.

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    Hi,

    Just out of interest - can you use the Dell outlet site in your region? Back in the day, I picked up a great deal on a Precision M90 laptop for not too much off half price iirc..It's worth checking throughout the day as I found machines would get snapped up really quickly..

    Q.
     
    quirkalfeeg, 18 Dec 2010
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  6. Brett89

    Brett89 Minimodder

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    Cheers, I was actually checking eBay for similar things since Dells warranty is transferrable with their business laptops. But this definitely seems better. Thanks.
     
    Brett89, 18 Dec 2010
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  7. quirkalfeeg

    quirkalfeeg Its a trick...get an axe.

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    No worries - Mine recently came very near to the end of it's 3 yr warranty, and the graphics card went faulty, so they were obliged to rush out next day and swap in a new one...Have to love Dell for that ;)


     
    quirkalfeeg, 18 Dec 2010
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  8. Brett89

    Brett89 Minimodder

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    My graphics died too, talked to them on a Sunday night at 11 PM. shipped monday, by Tues afternoon my computer was up and running again. I love that warranty.
     
    Brett89, 19 Dec 2010
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