What Laptop

[planecrazy.eu]

Hey All...

I need a new laptop. I need to for CAD and Video Editing, i am currently using an oldish Apple with shake and finalcut studio, but i am open to a Windows PC.

I have been looking at IBM and Apple, an ideal IBM is around £1200 and the apple is more £1600, so thats 400 difference, i am aware the apple is much better for what i am looking for.

What are the alternatives to Shake?

I need a durable laptop, Acer just dont cut it, i have battered mine and they stand nothing really. I am thining of an XPS Dell too, they have just released an ulta thin one that might be worth a look.

Main issues are software, if i can find an alternative to shake, Windows based would be better to save using Bootcamp to run Windows only software i have.

Any help would be most grateful

[Robear]

I'm not a mac person but these 2 companies offer good material :

Asus have some very interesting models and its excellent technology.

MSI also have laptops that have a good reputation from what I hear. Right now, they give you 2 years warranty instead of 1 from anybody else.

Hope it helps
R

[planecrazy.eu]

Thanks for that...

I currently have an Acer, its a high spec, more or less as high as i want a new laptop to be, and its 16 months old, just its falling to bits on me.

So i am looking for something that might live up to my old laptop that lasted 5 years. I really want a laptop that will last three years and cost me not alot extra.

I know the Lenovo/IBM have three year warranty on some items, and Dell also offer three years, even though you have to pay the extra.

Dell seem to be coming up with better graphics for the cad and media, but poor security, ie no fingerprint and not CentrinoPro.

I have to admit, i noticed a Sony in Selfridges and fell in love, it was about the right price, looked the part, and even had a blueray drive, my only worry was how it would hold up to the elements as it didnt look that durable, any experiences out their with Sony Laptops?

I think in my mind apple is out the running, just too expensive, and i cant seem to find a whole heap of stuff that say they are a good mobile business platform or they are hard wearing?

[DG101]

Crazy

I have a Sony Vaio laptop, just coming up to 4 years now. It is used extensively every day, and it is still in fine fettle. It was my company PC for three years and spent a fair amount of time travelling around Europe and the USA.

Everything is still original, including the battery, which, I must admit, isn't quite as energetic as it once was, but then, nor am I. Apart from a worn strip on one side of the touchpad, where I run my finger to emulate a scroll wheel, there is no sign of any wear on the keys.

Actually, the machine is in remarkably good condition ~ considering the amount of care I (don't) lavish. Although it shows no signs of failure, I am aware that it will eventually stop working and I have started thinking about a possible replacement. Another Sony is very high on the list of possibles ~ provided I can find one at the right price.

[Mac the Knife]

Faced with the same dilemma I bought a high-end MacBook (not the Pro)

Just love it.......

(and that from a hardcore Linux fanboi.......) :eek:

[well, it is *NIX under the hood]

:ok:

Mac/Mac

[eticket]

If you are into video editing then you might want to consider getting a machine that is on your preferred software makers approved list(s). For instance Avid have tested out a number of laptops and desktops from Dell, Compaq and HP and have a page on their website saying what features they expect each laptop to be able to handle. Eg with or without Mojo, HD or SD etc. I also understand that if you put their software on a non approved machine then there is the possibility that they may turn round and say 'sorry can't give you support as our software is not on an approved machine'. (I could be wrong about that but you never know.) There is also a lag between a new machine being launched and it being tested and approved.

[IO540]

In brief, there are two kinds of laptops.

Consumer and corporate.

Most High Street stuff is 'consumer' and is crap. This is more or less anything under about £600.

The best buy is an unused or manufacturer-refurbished corporate grade laptop. I've bought quite a number of these, from outfits like this (http://www.computerbargains.co.uk/shop/catalog/index.html)or this (http://www.sterlingxs.co.uk/). Laptops go out of fashion fast and you can pick up an unused £1500 one with a 1-year warranty for half price, and all that is wrong with it is that it is a year out of date.

However, if you want to do video editing then you are looking at serious money. The laptops which Sony are constantly pushing for "multimedia" don't really hack it.