New Laptop - do specs look ok?

[Brainiac]

Hi all,

I am in the market for a new editing laptop. It will be used for HD editing using the Adobe Production Premium Suite CS6. I configured the following Asus G75VW-TH71 and would like some feedback:

• Processor - Intel® Core i7-3720QM (2.6 GHz, 6MB Cache, 3.6 GHz Turbo Boost) +$150.00
• Display - 17.3" Matte Full HD (16:9, 1920x1080) +$115.00
• RAM - 32GB (4 x 8GB) 1600MHz Windows 8 REQUIRED +$155.00
• Primary Hard Drive - 750GB Solid State Hybrid Drive +$135.00
• Secondary Hard Drive - 750GB Solid State Hybrid Drive +$155.00
• External Hard Drive - None
• Optical Disk Drive - BD-RW with SuperMulti 8X DVD+-RW + DL 24X CD+-RW +$50.00
• External Optical Drive - None
• Operating System - Windows 8-Factory Image
• External Sound Cards - None
• WiFi Card Upgrades - Internal 802.11 B+G+N Wireless LAN + Bluetooth Combo Module
• Backpack - None
• Priority Service - Standard Processing & Service

Thanks


Brainiac

[ranchhand]

I see that you are using an outfit called "Upgrade King", and these upgrades are costing you +$700, (if I am interpreting this right) so what is the base price unit you are starting at and what are its specs?

[Brainiac]

Here are the specs for the base model:

• Processor - Intel® Core™ i7-3630QM Quad Core Processor (6M Cache, 2.4GHz - 3.40 GHz) 45W
• 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660M GDDR5
• RAM - 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1600MHz
• PCIe Flash SSD Drive - None
• Primary Hard Drive - 500GB 7200rpm Hard Disk Drive
• External Hard Drive - None
• Optical Disk Drive - SuperMulti 8X DVD+-RW + DL 24X CD+-RW
• External Optical Drive - None
• Operating System - Windows 8-Factory Image
• External Sound Cards - None
• Backpack - None
• Priority Service - Standard Processing & Service

Base price = $1199 and the price with customizations = $1913.


Brainiac

[smrpix]

I don't see a video display card in there. Very important for editing. What software are you planning to use?

Also, with such a monster 17" display, it's not that portable. Why not get a desktop?

edit: just noticed the Adobe CS6. Nvidia CUDA card mandatory.

[Brainiac]

Sorry, I edited base model specs above to include info about video display card..

I already have a desktop. I'd like a laptop due to space constraints and, although not very portable, I can still take it on the road.

Brainiac

[smrpix]

That video card is fine. RAM is always good, though if you're looking to save a few bucks you may not need to go all the way to 32. System drive can be a little smaller if you like, storage drive can be bigger, stay with 7200 at least. 8x DVD feels a little slow these days, but if you need the BR its fine.

It's not a bargain, but it should do the trick. (Insert small print here to disclaim any liability.)

[Brainiac]

OK, redid the specs and came up with the following:

• Processor - Intel® Core i7-3720QM (2.6 GHz, 6MB Cache, 3.6 GHz Turbo Boost) +$150.00
• Display - 17.3" Matte Full HD (16:9, 1920x1080) +$115.00
• 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660M GDDR5
• RAM - 16GB (2 x 8GB) 1600MHz +$75.00
• Primary Hard Drive - 500GB 7200rpm Solid State Hybrid Drive +$95.00
• Secondary Hard Drive - 750GB 7200rpm Hard Disk Drive +$115.00
• External Hard Drive - None
• Optical Disk Drive - BD-RW with SuperMulti 8X DVD+-RW + DL 24X CD+-RW +$50.00
• External Optical Drive - None
• Operating System - Windows 8-Factory Image
• External Sound Cards - None
• WiFi Card Upgrades - Internal 802.11 B+G+N Wireless LAN + Bluetooth Combo Module

Hard drives at 1 TB level are only 5400 RPM units. Total with shipping: $1757.99, so I save a few bucks.


Thanks smrpix for the suggestions.



Brainiac

[smrpix]

And you can spend the money you save on a 2TB external drive and a beer. Good luck.

[deadrats]

i have to be honest, $1200 (for the base unit) up to $1900 for a maxed out version seems like a total and complete waster of money to me, you can build a bad ass desktop for that kind of money, using a small motherboard and case if space considerations are an issue. just look what at what $1200 buys you on the desktop:

http://microcenter.com/search/search_results.aspx?N=4294966995&NTX=&NTT=&NTK=all&sortby=pricehigh

for $500 you can pick up a 6 core SB based 3930k, for $440 you can pick up an 8 module 16 core opteron, a 6 core 12 thread xeon will set you back $370, a 12 thread opteron will set you back just $360, at $330 each you could pick up 2 HT enabled quad core xeons for $660 for 8 core 16 thread performance.

if you go with an amd based system, which in the server market offers a decent price to performance ratio, you can pick up a supporting motherboard for $240:

http://microcenter.com/search/search_results.aspx?N=4294966996&NTX=&NTT=&NTK=all&sortby=pricehigh

i'm guessing you already have an OS, a case, hard drives etc, basically what i'm saying it's way more cost efficient to upgrade your current desktop; hell if Adobe CS6 is your software of choice, which means that cuda performance is the most important aspect, simply upgrade your desktop with some fast hard drives, SSD's or 15k rpm HDD and a high end nvidia video card and call it a day.

but to spend $1700+ tax on that system, to me is a rip off.

[budz]

i have to be honest, $1200 (for the base unit) up to $1900 for a maxed out version seems like a total and complete waster of money to me, you can build a bad ass desktop for that kind of money, using a small motherboard and case if space considerations are an issue. just look what at what $1200 buys you on the desktop:

http://microcenter.com/search/search_results.aspx?N=4294966995&NTX=&NTT=&NTK=all&sortby=pricehigh

for $500 you can pick up a 6 core SB based 3930k, for $440 you can pick up an 8 module 16 core opteron, a 6 core 12 thread xeon will set you back $370, a 12 thread opteron will set you back just $360, at $330 each you could pick up 2 HT enabled quad core xeons for $660 for 8 core 16 thread performance.

if you go with an amd based system, which in the server market offers a decent price to performance ratio, you can pick up a supporting motherboard for $240:

http://microcenter.com/search/search_results.aspx?N=4294966996&NTX=&NTT=&NTK=all&sortby=pricehigh

i'm guessing you already have an OS, a case, hard drives etc, basically what i'm saying it's way more cost efficient to upgrade your current desktop; hell if Adobe CS6 is your software of choice, which means that cuda performance is the most important aspect, simply upgrade your desktop with some fast hard drives, SSD's or 15k rpm HDD and a high end nvidia video card and call it a day.

but to spend $1700+ tax on that system, to me is a rip off.

My sentiments exactly.....waste to spend $1700+ on a laptop....build a micro atx system using a smaller case....just my 2 freaking cents!

[Hoser Rob]

... Total with shipping: $1757.99, so I save a few bucks....

I'm 100% with the last couple of poster. Ridiculous. You could put together a new desktop with far better capabilities for hd rendering and have enough left over for a decent laptop.

Me, I'd never buy anything but a desktop for rendering HD. You're talking serious power needs. There are too many other things in laptops that'll slow you down that don't show up in laptop specs. Like FSB speed.

Plus with desktops you can do stuff like put the OS on an SSD. That'll really speed you up.

[Brainiac]

Ok, as I stated, I already have a desktop that is quite decent for my video editing needs. I am just in the market for a laptop that I can take on the road both locally and for long distance trips. I could get another desktop, but portability is my MAIN purpose for needing a laptop.

I understand that the price of the laptop that I customized is steep, and I have been to numerous places customizing systems. The prices that I end up with are all about $200-$400 more than I quoted above. And most of the systems don't have firewire ports, including the one I quoted. I did find one with a firewire port that ended costing more money.

So with that being said, what should I look for in a "decent" laptop? Brand? Screen size? Memory? HD type and size? Video card? And keep in mind that I want to edit HD and will be using Adobe Production Premium Suite CS6. Firewire would be a HUGE plus.

Brainiac

[usually_quiet]

Ok, as I stated, I already have a desktop that is quite decent for my video editing needs. I am just in the market for a laptop that I can take on the road both locally and for long distance trips. I could get another desktop, but portability is my MAIN purpose for needing a laptop.

I understand that the price of the laptop that I customized is steep, and I have been to numerous places customizing systems. The prices that I end up with are all about $200-$400 more than I quoted above. And most of the systems don't have firewire ports, including the one I quoted. I did find one with a firewire port that ended costing more money.

So with that being said, what should I look for in a "decent" laptop? Brand? Screen size? Memory? HD type and size? Video card? And keep in mind that I want to edit HD and will be using Adobe Production Premium Suite CS6. Firewire would be a HUGE plus.

Brainiac

Firewire really is virtually impossible to find on a new laptop. To add Firewire, you will need a laptop with an ExpressCard slot, although laptops with ExpressCard slots are getting hard to find as well.

Have you given any thought to the OS? Windows 8 works with most of my software, but some older (not ancient) commercial video programs from Cyberlink didn't make the transition. Although you probably don't use any software from Cyberlink, I'm not sure what other legacy video software is not going to work.

[smrpix]

Is firewire realistically an everyday need or just a once-in-a-while thing? Can you manage your firewire work on your desktop?

[Brainiac]

Please don't get me started on Windows 8! I had upgraded to it on my desktop, but had to go back to Windows 7 because of software AND hardware incompatibilities.

As far as firewire goes, I would really like to have it because I get miniDV to DVD work from clients and I'd like to stay with firewire captures to maintain the highest quality. I did manage to find a notebook with a firewire port AND Windows 7 Professional.

Brainiac

[ranchhand]

what should I look for in a "decent" laptop?

The laptop that you are considering is about as good as you are going to get. It will run the programs you want, albeit sometimes slowly as far as video editing and capture. What you want to do is read the system requirements that your programs specify and make sure the unit you finally decide on has those specs, that will be your best approach. About 3 years ago I got my son (college kid) an Acer 8930/17" screen running approximately the same specs as yours and he is still happy with it. He runs Pro Tools on it, sound-records with his band group, audio edits, and plays most games. Sometimes some games will be a bit slow, but overall he is content. I attached a file with the specs so you can get an idea. One thing to be aware of; the batteries for these large units will give you 1.5 - 2 hrs max and last only 2-3 years before they fail. They can also be blasted hard to find, I had to order his special-order from Acer's supply partner and there is only one place in the world to get them. I just finally got it yesterday via UPS. They also are expensive, I paid over $100.
Another thing just to bear in mind is that these units come with Windows 8 so make sure your desired video proggies state they will run on W8.
Another thing that has saved my bacon several times is that when I got his lap, first thing I did was give Vista the bum's rush and installed Windows 7 Ultimate. Then, after he installed all his programs and was happy, I did an image of his system using Macrium Reflect (free edition) and that has proved a godsend when he crashes the computer, gets viruses, etc.
I suggest that you try Newegg to compare prices, but especially peruse the users reviews (just click on the golden eggs and it will launch you). It helps to see what folks are saying.
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&N=-1&...TH71+&x=17&y=8
I think you are pretty safe with what you spec and the larger screen is really nice. The increased size isn't really that big a deal since you probably will mostly be using it mostly in the evenings after work. If you plan to use it regularly all day, even while at clients' locations then it will be a pain. Please see the attached specs of my son's lap for comparison.

[smrpix]

As far as firewire goes, I would really like to have it because I get miniDV to DVD work from clients

Brainiac

OK. I use an old laptop for my firewire capture these days and bring it over on a usb drive. It's becoming so rare that it isn't a major inconvenience.

[classfour]

I'd reinforce the comment regarding the OS: Windows 7 should have more compatibility with software.

Also: With any laptop being used for video or other processor intensive work - get a high quality laptop cooler.

Have been using one of the "large fan" types with laptops at the house, and like the quiet movement of air - and cooling of the machine.