Solved! Laptop for Architectural BIM software

[finler21]

Hello,
I don't usually post but I am trying to decide what laptop would be the best for BIM modeling software and other architectural programs. I have about 2100 to spend and want to spend it in the right way. Looked at the HP performance Dv7, not sure...

 

[WR2]

Hello finler21;

What are the guys in the BIM modeling software and architectural programs saying would be a good notebook? You're not likely to find an expert in that particular software around here.

 

[WR2]

You can help us out and answer a few questions in the form shown in the sticky topic:
FAQ - Read before buying / considering a laptop

 

[scottl-gai]

Revit Architecture is my specialty. I have been researching this extensively. By budget is closer to the $1000 mark since I have a Core i7-860 desktop that I configured about a year ago for my intensive work.

I'm going to get the Lenovo ThinkPad T510 4314DEU (~ $1200)

Core i5-560M (2.66 GHz)

It upgrades from the base T510 by including 512 Mb dedicated graphics (Nvidia Quadro NVS3100M) instead of using Shared Memory (it's got Optimus hybrid technology actually), 1600 x 900 screen resolution, 9-cell battery claiming 10.4 hours (doubt it) - the 9-cell will stick out of the back of the notebook (which is not great design, but the added battery length is worth the trade-off for me), and it gives you a 3-year warranty instead of 1 year.

It is a 64-bit machine (critical for accessing the additional RAM), and while it only comes with 2 Gb RAM, I am going to max it out to 8 Gb for about $80.

Since your budget is higher, you could consider a ThinkPad W510 which introduces a Workstation Graphics Card (Quadro FRX 880M I think?).

I have heard about a lot of reliability complaints with all HP DV series notebooks. In fact, I had a DV6000 series that lasted just shy of 2 years when the motherboard took a total dump.

Hope this info helps.

 

[finler21]

Hmm that's a good point about the reliability of the HP series. I keep seeing the same things in their reviews. Sorry if I posted this in the wrong section, like I said I don't usually post but have become more then a bit frustrated with my search. I'll take a strong look at the ThinkPad series that you've mentioned. Again, thanks