Dell lappy for Multimedia Dev? (Macromedia Director)

Raaagh · 17th January 2006, 11:17 AM

Need a Desktop replacement laptop for work, probably in next 4 weeks, but can prolly hold off for 7-8 if need be. A few areas are vexing me.

Background:
Price - ~$3500 (dont really want to pay premium prices)

Use - Only thing laptop NEEDS to do is handle multiple Macromedia Director Files running. Director has some serious CPU hogging problems and can tie up the processor very easily if you leave the window unfocused. I assume Dual core will help avoid this.

Other tasks that I think are so computationally insignifigant that they wont really affect choosing hardware , Mozilla-age, Skype-age, GAIM-age, prolly a teeny bit of Game-age.

Main areas of contention:
Dual core - pretty much a must. And a large L2 cache would be helpful. Is Intel my only choice for DC in the 4-8 weeks time frame?.

Graphics card - Probably a totally discrete option. I dont like the idea of "turbo cache", seems like it will affect the performance. I dont NEED a 6800 - but if I can one that would be good.

Brand - Prolly Dell. Main reason as I see them as always having the most compeditive price/performace. My personal experience with recent High-end Desktop replacements is Dell = reliable, Acer = questionable.

Any suggestions welcome.

17th January 2006, 11:17 AM	#1
Raaagh Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Adelaide, Posts: 1,052	Dell lappy for Multimedia Dev? (Macromedia Director) Need a Desktop replacement laptop for work, probably in next 4 weeks, but can prolly hold off for 7-8 if need be. A few areas are vexing me. Background: Price - ~$3500 (dont really want to pay premium prices) Use - Only thing laptop NEEDS to do is handle multiple Macromedia Director Files running. Director has some serious CPU hogging problems and can tie up the processor very easily if you leave the window unfocused. I assume Dual core will help avoid this. Other tasks that I think are so computationally insignifigant that they wont really affect choosing hardware , Mozilla-age, Skype-age, GAIM-age, prolly a teeny bit of Game-age. Main areas of contention: Dual core - pretty much a must. And a large L2 cache would be helpful. Is Intel my only choice for DC in the 4-8 weeks time frame?. Graphics card - Probably a totally discrete option. I dont like the idea of "turbo cache", seems like it will affect the performance. I dont NEED a 6800 - but if I can one that would be good. Brand - Prolly Dell. Main reason as I see them as always having the most compeditive price/performace. My personal experience with recent High-end Desktop replacements is Dell = reliable, Acer = questionable. Any suggestions welcome. __________________ Folding for OCAU trades: finnigan, JeffK Quake Live Players: OZ/NZ Frag Video - Call for demos Last edited by Raaagh; 17th January 2006 at 11:26 AM.