You probably want lots of RAM and a fast HD

Post #254,416 by Another Scott 5/4/06 12:53:34 PM Reply	You probably want lots of RAM and a fast HD I've got a Thinkpad T41 that I've been happy with. I recently bought 2 GB of [link\|http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820155111\|RAM] and a fast 100 GB [link\|http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822145100\|HD] to upgrade it (from 1 GB, 60 GB), but haven't installed them yet. (I also would like the ability to run Windows in a VM on it.) I'd consider a machine with a mobile Athlon 64 and capability to take at least 2 GB of RAM, but I have no personal experience with such laptops. An Intel-based system is probably the safer choice. VMWare and the like need lots of RAM and a fast hard drive. That's more important than a blazing CPU. Thinkpads have the advantage of batteries, chargers, etc., being widely available, including from places that sell surplus parts, like [link\|http://stores.ebay.com/Recycle4va\|Recycle4VA]. I got a couple of extra chargers for my T41 there. Less well-known brands won't have as much of an aftermarket, so you may have trouble doing upgrades (e.g. if you later decide you want a docking station). HTH. Good luck! Cheers, Scott.
Post #254,417 by inthane-chan 5/4/06 1:00:39 PM Reply	What he said. Most laptops come with 4200 RPM hard drives. The boot time difference between 4200 RPM and 5400 RPM is noticeable - and so is the difference between 5400 and 7200. Now if only they made a 10k RPM laptop hard drive... When somebody asks you to trade your freedoms for security, it isn't your* security they're talking about.*
Post #254,418 by Steve Lowe 5/4/06 1:02:31 PM Reply	i think that could give new meaning to the laptop experience -- Steve [link\|http://www.ubuntulinux.org\|Ubuntu]
Post #254,419 by Steve Lowe 5/4/06 1:06:34 PM Reply	Currently thinking T60 with 100g 5400rpm, 2ghz core duo -- Steve [link\|http://www.ubuntulinux.org\|Ubuntu]
Post #254,423 by Another Scott 5/4/06 1:34:46 PM Reply	Woot! Sounds great. The 2623D7U looks pretty good, but IBM says 3-6 weeks delivery. $1800 at IBM.com If you want to configure a T60 yourself, they offer a 7200 rpm 100 GB hard drive for $220 - $120 more than the 5400 rpm version. I assume VMWare on Ubuntu will work with both processors in the Duo, but didn't see anything specific about that in a quick browse at vmware.com If they don't at present, it's hard to imagine that they won't soon. Ubuntu should have no problem with it (Linux has done SMP for a long time). In situations like this, I usually decide what I'm willing to spend and then get the best machine I can for the money. It rarely makes sense to buy top-of-the-line. Luck! Cheers, Scott.
Post #254,429 by inthane-chan 5/4/06 1:49:21 PM Reply	What Scott said. I'd also push for the 7200rpm drive over the 5400 - if you're running VMWare, you've got two seperate "systems" hammering the same drive over 'n over 'n over 'n over... Remember, your computer is only as fast as it's slowest bottleneck. When somebody asks you to trade your freedoms for security, it isn't your* security they're talking about.*
Post #254,467 by Meerkat 5/4/06 9:07:20 PM Reply	What? Nobody's said "Buy a MacBook Pro" yet?! Two out of three people wonder where the other one is.
Post #254,477 by Steve Lowe 5/4/06 11:42:05 PM Reply	That would be my first personal choice, actually. But, there's a couple of problems with that. First off, I need to be able to run windows (boot camp would work, but is beta - and I'd much prefer virtualization) and Linux. Is possible to tri-boot a MacBookPro - but it's hardly elegant and definitely not supported. Also, I need uber-connectivity - the MacBookPro doesn't have a pc-card slot in favor of the ExpressCard/34 slot. I haven't yet found an evdo or edge card for that. A nice wintel laptop and a new intel mini are the route i'm planning to go at this point. -- Steve [link\|http://www.ubuntulinux.org\|Ubuntu]
Post #254,832 by Steve Lowe 5/9/06 5:23:59 AM Reply	Then again.... I just found [link\|http://www.parallels.com/en/products/workstation/mac/\|this] and read about [link\|http://www.evdoinfo.com/EVDO_Products/ExpressCards_%26_USB_Devices/Novatel_XV620_-_EVDO_ExpressCard_20060410730/\|this]. More research is definitely in order...but damn it's looking good for a MacBookPro! -- Steve [link\|http://www.ubuntulinux.org\|Ubuntu]

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