Ideal Laptop for Web Dev and Graphic/Video Dev?

[Guest]

I was wondering if the seasoned pros on the asp and db forums including
(Bob, Ray, Aaron, Curt and others) would mind offering advice on ideal
laptop requrements for web development requirements.

I currently use an IBM Thinkpad G40 with 2.99 Ghz processor Pentium IV and 1
Gig of Ram.

I currently work withing these technologies:

1. Asp 3.0
2. Sql server
3. Dreamweaver MX
4. Flash MX
5. Photoshop 7.0

However, I am increasingly finding that I am being sucked intot he broadband
arena with the release of Studio 8 and increasing calls for video related
promotions.

Would anyone be able to offer their thoughts on which manufacturer, version,
OS, Graphic Card and other system ratios I should aim for.

Addtiionally, have any of you perhaps experimented with these new split
screen montiors designed for what appears createive packages like adobe
premier?

This is my first purchase in 2 years and I want to make sure I get this
right.

Much appreciated
Jason

 

[Mr Beaton]

Hey,

I am less than confident that I should dare reply concidering

I was wondering if the seasoned pros on the asp and db forums including
(Bob, Ray, Aaron, Curt and others) would mind offering advice on ideal
laptop requrements for web development requirements.

, but I will do as I always du, and just go ahead.

I currently use an IBM Thinkpad G40 with 2.99 Ghz processor Pentium IV and
1 Gig of Ram.

Fair enough.

I currently work withing these technologies:

1. Asp 3.0
2. Sql server
3. Dreamweaver MX
4. Flash MX
5. Photoshop 7.0

Initially, my thoughts are as follows; In the role of a web developer, be
that on the visual or interactive design arena, I cannot find a single
reason that validates an upgrade from your current specifications. Aside
from the apparent "why the he11 do you develop using a laptop", that is.

However, I am increasingly finding that I am being sucked intot he
broadband arena with the release of Studio 8 and increasing calls for
video related promotions.

Not really sure what you are asking here, but in the event that you're
talking about video editing and such, I'd have to repeat the "why the he11
are you using a laptop" part. Closely followed by "the hardware you got is
sufficient", and the "if you need an upgrade, RAM would be the first
choice".

Would anyone be able to offer their thoughts on which manufacturer,
version, OS, Graphic Card and other system ratios I should aim for.

Myself, I am strictly a PC kindda guy. Argueably, if video editing as such
is a primary concern, a Mac might be worth looking into. However, with the
prices of a modern Mac, and concidering the equivalent hardware in the PC
sector, I'd think you'd get more bang-for-the-buck going for the PC choice.
OS would of course be the latest Win version, be that XP or Vista at the
time of your purchase. Graphics card has zero relevance unless you're
talking heavy video/3d editing, and even if that is the case, mostly any
mid-range nvidia/ati card would perform nicely.

Addtiionally, have any of you perhaps experimented with these new split
screen montiors designed for what appears createive packages like adobe
premier?

Well, I am left guessing what you're asking here. However; I've used dual
screen setups for some years now, for instance for Photoshop. The ability to
toss the toolboxes on one screen and reserve the other for the creative work
area is excellent. This kindda rules a laptop out, at the same time as it
doesn't rule out ANY desktop system. I mean, a standard desktop system at
the time of purchase of your current laptop (2 years ago?) would be able to
run dual screen.

This is my first purchase in 2 years and I want to make sure I get this
right.

In that case, either buy a desktop, or smile form ear to ear knowing that
your laptop will hold you for a couple more years.

Much appreciated
Jason

Well, you're very welcome.

//Leif Beaton

 

[Bob Barrows [MVP]]

I was wondering if the seasoned pros on the asp and db forums
including (Bob, Ray, Aaron, Curt and others) would mind offering
advice on ideal laptop requrements for web development requirements.

Sorry, I don't own a laptop

I currently use an IBM Thinkpad G40 with 2.99 Ghz processor Pentium
IV and 1 Gig of Ram.

That's got more power than either machine I'm using. I've started developing
with .Net, and my machine seems sufficient for the task.

I currently work withing these technologies:

1. Asp 3.0
2. Sql server
3. Dreamweaver MX
4. Flash MX
5. Photoshop 7.0

I use Visual Interdev for classic asp, and Visual Studio 2003 for .Net. And
that's all i use. No graphics involved in my apps.

Bob Barrows