I'm starting a VFX specialist course and need to purchase a laptop powerful enough to run Houdini Apprentice. I'll be using it for most of my final project work so it needs to be able to handle all aspects of the software at a reasonable speed. Mac Air? Min Spec?

Thanks

Of course, it depends entirely on what you want to do.

If you want to do heavier sim-stuff, get as much ram as you can - in my opinion 16MB is the minimum for sims.

For Win and Linux, you should look for a model with a at least mid-range nvidia graphic card. Not sure about the driver situation on MacOS , though. Most people recommend linux for running houdini.

Intel cpus seem to be the right choice. For Mantra and dops, get as much cores as you can.

Working on a system with SSDs feels much faster. But in my cases I didn't notice a *big* difference while modelling or rendering.

Usability is another aspect to consider. So, the higher the resolution of your display, the better it is.

And: You need a middle-mouse-button in houdini!

Thanks bollili
Very much appreciated!

Most importantly, research like a maniac that the laptop can actually handle the heat from full load temperatures. I have had way too much problems with overheating laptops.

Hey,

if the place you are attending the course got workstation provided and you dont see the need of having a portable workstation - i would recommend you get a desktop instead! Dell XPS series are good and they have the best customer/technical assistance via phone i've seen so far.

Not being bias but i believe its best to go for an nvidia g.card, seen too many users having problems with other brands.

eitht.

Considering the number of hours I'll be putting in its not practical to remain at the University. Think I'm stuck with having to find a laptop.

But all suggestions are most welcome, you never know :wink: Thanks you guys!

If price is an issue…

http://dealnews.com/Lenovo-Idea-Pad-Core-i7-Quad-2.2-GHz-16-Laptop-for-769-free-shipping/571308.html [dealnews.com]

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-IdeaPad-Y570-086225U-Laptop-Review.66717.0.html [notebookcheck.net]

This new Y570 however uses a 5400 rpm drive and other than the display resolution, it's really the only other negative. It would be nice to find the perfect solution but there are always trade-offs.

I use an earlier Y version with the previous 1.7 Quad and 7200 500GB hardrive and though I wish the resolution were higher, it runs Houdini fine for me.

In addition to the lenovos, I often recommend the hp business lines ‘probook’ and ‘elitebook’ …

In combination with a docking station and additional monitor, they can be quite a good desktop replacement.

But, a laptop plus a desktop pc (both mid-range) would give you less compromises (more power AND portability), for the same price of a higher end laptop.

Not that I'd recommend a laptop I've never used, but it may be worth looking around again in the coming weeks as the new Ivy Bridge systems start to surface.

For example, Samsung have just announced (not yet priced or available) a 17" system with a 2GB 650M GPU. You know it's not going to be in the same price range as the above Lenovo, but cooler chips and cooler GPUs should herald some slightly better build possibilities going forward.

http://www.reghardware.com/2012/05/01/samsung_unveils_17in_series_7_chronos_17_ivy_bridge_notebook/ [reghardware.com]

searose,

Lenovo now as the 500GB 7200 drive available and it's also $20 cheaper ($749). Did you get anything yet?

http://dealnews.com/Lenovo-Idea-Pad-Y570-Core-i7-Quad-2.2-GHz-16-Laptop-for-749-free-shipping/573019.html [dealnews.com]