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Author Topic: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop  (Read 5645 times)

digitaldog

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Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« on: June 15, 2011, 11:16:36 am »

This is NOT meant to be a Mac vs. PC thread, lets not even start, please.

I’m in need of a Windows Laptop for an upcoming job. It doesn’t have to be used for image processing (so no real heavy lifting). I know NOTHING about Windows hardware so I thought I’d ask here. I don’t want to spend a lot, but I don’t want a piece of crap either. Based on the system requirements below, can someone recommend a decent unit (better model #) from a manufacturer. And no, I can’t run Bootcamp or similar on the Mac. Has to be a real Windows machine (but presumably nothing fancy). Thanks!

Microsoft Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7, all 32 or 64 bit, with latest Service Packs

- Intel® Pentium® 4, Intel Centrino®, or Intel Core™ Duo (or compatible), AMD Athlon XP or better CPU

- Microsoft.Net Framework 4 required for PANTONE ColorManager, if not present, installed by i1Profiler

- 1 GB of RAM

- 2 GB of free disk space

- Powered USB port

- 1024 x 768 or higher display resolution with 24-bit video card

- Dual display support requires 2 video cards or dual head video card, that supports  dual video LUT’s
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degrub

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #1 on: June 15, 2011, 11:50:05 am »

"- Powered USB port"

By this do they mean always on, even when laptop is off ? What is the current demand from the device ?

"Dual display support requires 2 video cards or dual head video card, that supports  dual video LUT’s"

This is probably the hardest part. Many laptops have an external VGA connector that replicates the laptop screen display. Probably have to go to the manufacturer.

What about a small "lan party gaming rig" ? These are usually breadbox sized and have a separate PCI-e slot(s) for vid cards.

Lenovo Thinkpad series has a pretty good build quality. i have not seen anything ( or tried on mine) on dual video luts.The higher end models have an option for IPS panels as well.
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digitaldog

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #2 on: June 15, 2011, 12:44:46 pm »

"- Powered USB port"

By this do they mean always on, even when laptop is off ? What is the current demand from the device ?

Lenovo Thinkpad series has a pretty good build quality. i have not seen anything ( or tried on mine) on dual video luts.The higher end models have an option for IPS panels as well.

I think as long as when on, there is USB power, I’m good.

You are the 2nd person to recommend Lenovo. A bit more than the Dell I saw but I’m told it might be worth the extra $$. Thanks.
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joofa

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #3 on: June 15, 2011, 03:21:35 pm »

I like Lenovo. We have preferred it over some other Windows-based laptops for certain chipsets that helped us in some realtime tasks. I don't know if Lenovo will satisfy your needs that you outlined above, but we have found it to be robust enough for certain usages.

Joofa
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John.Murray

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #4 on: June 15, 2011, 04:35:35 pm »

My wife just received a Vostro 3550 (13" screen she went with a core i7 cpu) - I'm very impressed with it, lightweight, reasonably well built - a good traveler

edit:  quick update - the built in 3000 video chipset will definately *not* support dual lut's, I'll check her's with ATI 6330 graphics add-in this eve.....
« Last Edit: June 15, 2011, 05:36:16 pm by John.Murray »
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Craig Lamson

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #5 on: June 15, 2011, 04:54:11 pm »

I think as long as when on, there is USB power, I’m good.

You are the 2nd person to recommend Lenovo. A bit more than the Dell I saw but I’m told it might be worth the extra $$. Thanks.

I just purchased a Toshiba A655 from Office Depot for $899.

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/947319/Toshiba-Satellite-A665-S5183X-Laptop-Computer/?cm_cat=2000000020

2.0 Intel i7 quad, 6gb ram. 500gb 5400 drive (the weak link) sandy bridge, 1gb dedicated video card plus intel internal GC.  Windows home 64 bit. Backlit keyboard.

I've been buying Toshibas for years with zero downtime.

It works great, has thee same specs and my 2011 MBP 15" 2.0, performs the same on things I have tested like raw process in C!, photoshop tasks etc. and unlike the MBP it can tether my camera every time ( can't say that for the MBP) with up to 45' of usb cable.

About half the price of the MBP and it works great.
« Last Edit: June 15, 2011, 04:59:50 pm by Craig Lamson »
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degrub

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #6 on: June 15, 2011, 05:47:42 pm »

Andrew,

If you will use it for a while, check out the keyboard feel to see if it matters to you.
« Last Edit: June 15, 2011, 05:59:42 pm by degrub »
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Craig Lamson

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #7 on: June 15, 2011, 05:56:27 pm »

If you will use it for a while, check out the keyboard feel to see if it matters to you.

I have a similar model from few years ago and the keyboards feel about  the same.  I have no problem with it.
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Steve Weldon

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #8 on: June 15, 2011, 06:14:28 pm »

+1 for Lenovo.   Top end Dells are good too.

My x201s Lenovo lets you set the USB ports to always on via the BIOS and one of the USB ports recognizes Apple and Blackberry devices for faster charging and certain function support.   Their keyboards can't be beat.  I'd look at their new X220 series with Sandy Bridge which replaces them.

The dual LUT's will be the real challenge.  Look for ATI's latest mobile chipset which I've been told support up to three LUT's like their desktop boards.  I haven't confirmed thus, but plan to soon.

Another way for a laptop to support dual LUT's is via a docking station which accepts PCI or PCIe cards.

I got tired of the dual LUT issue and I wanted a decent amount of image processing power in a small easily transportable package so I built this and I love it.

Good luck.
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John.Murray

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #9 on: June 15, 2011, 07:05:42 pm »

thats a fun looking case steve :)  are exterior panels decently heavy?  i'm tempted to order one for a 67 chipset i have on hand.....
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Farmer

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #10 on: June 15, 2011, 07:52:16 pm »

Andrew - any reason you're not just Bootcamping your Macbook?  (Maybe you need a second machine - fair enough).  They work very well with Win 7 x64 in particular.
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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #11 on: June 15, 2011, 10:37:23 pm »

thats a fun looking case steve :)  are exterior panels decently heavy?  i'm tempted to order one for a 67 chipset i have on hand.....
It's a great case where the quality will surprise you.   The entire case is aluminum which accounts for its light weight.  Yet, there will be no sharp edges or weak links.  My biggest complaint in my review were the 12 screws per side panel.  But, if you've used their bigger cases you'd know they've perfected tool-less cases, and that tool-less desisn requires more room.  So.. you have to put up with the 12 screws per panel (which help make them very strong) to gain the small and lightweight design.

Its also a remarkably quiet and cool running case.  I'll only use Lian-li cases for my customer builds because of qualities like these.. and I hate getting my hands cut up with sharp edges.  Try one, you'll be pleased,
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wolfnowl

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #12 on: June 16, 2011, 01:29:07 am »

Andrew:  I used to recommend Dell, then they went downhill and I got away from them; heard they've come back some.  You could check the reviews on PC magazine: http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,2806,9,00.asp

You could also check these folks out:  They do custom builds but they have some 'stock' systems as well: http://www.pugetsystems.com/laptop.php

Mike.
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BernardLanguillier

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #13 on: June 16, 2011, 11:44:43 pm »

How about using either bootcamp or a VMware in the Mac?

A mac booted with bootcamp is a 100% a PC, no difference whatsoever.

If you really cannot use a Mac hardware for whatever reasons, then Toshiba and Asus sound like excellent candidates.

Cheers,
Bernard

John.Murray

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #14 on: June 17, 2011, 12:41:36 am »

Andrew:  No joy on the LUT issue, at least with Dell.  I actually checked if *any* models supported it - so far I've got 'em stumped.....  :(

My 13" MacBook Pro (2010) running Win7/64 has the same issue.....
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tastar

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #15 on: June 17, 2011, 09:21:45 am »

How about a notebook with "discrete" graphics? Like an HP PROBOOK 4530S I7-2630QM 2.0G 4GB 500GB DVDRW W7P (model LJ475UT) - that lists for 949.00 US. It has an ATI Radeon Dual Graphics HD 6490M w/ 1GB of video memory as well as an Intel HD Graphics 3000 and it seems iike it works just like a MacBook Pro - switching off the ATI for low need usage to conserve the battery and it will support up to a 2048 x 1536 external display. And, I would guess that calling ATI (877-284-1566) would be more effective than calling one of the card vendors.
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Pete_G

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #16 on: June 17, 2011, 10:29:00 am »

Andrew,

I really can't think of a PC laptop that bests Lenovo Thinkpads. If you go to the site you can hopefully choose a model that will fit your needs. Most of the better Nvidia cards will support two monitors and I think also 2 LUT's but you really need to check the latter, I can't be sure.
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digitaldog

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #17 on: June 18, 2011, 10:07:36 am »

I really can't think of a PC laptop that bests Lenovo Thinkpads.

The overwhelming comments I got all over (and from the client who demanded I use a Windows box) suggested a Lenovo so that’s what I ordered. Be here in a week. Thanks for all the suggestions. The Laptop only set me back $577 on special so I’m not over budget which is good.
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ErikKaffehr

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Re: Mac user needs a Windows Laptop
« Reply #18 on: June 18, 2011, 10:25:24 am »

Good luck!

Please share your experience!

Best regards
Erik

The overwhelming comments I got all over (and from the client who demanded I use a Windows box) suggested a Lenovo so that’s what I ordered. Be here in a week. Thanks for all the suggestions. The Laptop only set me back $577 on special so I’m not over budget which is good.
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