Greetings Bob & list-- > -----Original Message----- > From: bobwarasila <[log in to unmask]> [snip] > I'm trying to help my son who runs a small architecture firm decide if he should > upgrade some desks to high end laptops as replacements for desktops. These > machines would be loaded with AutoCad or AutoCad LT depending on who uses them. > His IT person is recommending DELL Precision M70 with a 2.13GHz CPU, 2 GB RAM > and a FX Go1400 256 MB graphics card. [snip] and from Mr. Marty..... > Wouldn't it make more sense to have one or two laptops available for those who > travel and need this computing power on the road? If most of the employees work > is done at their desk with only occasional travel, an extra $600 per employee > may be kind of wasteful. For each desktop you buy you save $600 over a laptop, > so it would be possible after 6 desktops to use $3700 to buy a laptop to be made > available to traveling employees. ---------end original posts----------- Mr. Marty's cost/benefit comments are certainly 'spot on'. On the hardware component of the issue, the configuration sounds robust enough to handle the software mentioned, with one possible exception; the hard disk. Even the newest laptops tend to have "slower" hard disk subsystems, and that could become an issue when much rendering of graphic work needs to occur. I would think that in this CAD context that a SCSI (up to 320 MB/sec.) or a fast SATA RAID hard disk configuration would be preferable (rarely, if ever, seen in notebook computers). In addition, the notebook will also be generating a good bit of heat, and may not be as long-lived as one might hope, especially given the cost. Just my $.02, but I hope it helps. Paul Shippert Library Media Specialist Margaret Brent Middle School ----------------------------------- and I'm hovering like a fly waiting for the windshield on the freeway." Genesis ----------------------------------- PCBUILD's List Owners: Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]> Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>