I got a lot of good help from people in this thread:
http://www.renderosity.com/mod/forumpro/showthread.php?thread_id=2716614

Where I asked about Vue's system req. because my old laptop had terrible VRAM.

This new one is somewhat better.

Core 2 Duo
1 Gig DDR 2 RAM

VRAM: 128 system + 128 shared + some extra = about 351 total VRAM

Now Vue PLE runs very nicely on this one.

But a question:  I have 1000 trees in a scene with basic sky and one basic terrain. I can pan and rotate with a little jerkiness.

those of you who use Vue: with 1000 trees in wireframe mode, how much VRAM do you have and is it 100% smooth and fluid when navigating around scene or somewhat jerky.

Most of the scenes in what I want to produce would not have more than maybe 500 trees so I think Vue will work on this card.

By the way, its and Intel integreated graphics card x3100
on a brand new Sony VAIO.

Well, the intel cards don't support OpenGL, so you will have to use Vue's Software OpenGL option.
To be honest, Intel integrated graphics aren't much good for 3D work, as they don't offer any acceleration, but saying that programs such as Vue and Poser offer options so you don't have to rely on the graphics processor so much....but if you decide to venture into 3D modelling (Modo, Cinema 4D, 3DS Max etc, etc then you will start to hit serious problems).

Actually, I did not think the card would support OpenGL HARDWARE  acceleration but it DOES, and pretty well.

Vue told me it wanted to run in software mode but I declined and I verified that its working using Open GL Hardware acceleration.

I also tested the Torque Game Engine using DirectX and OpenGL and OpenGL actually is much faster and smoother with this machine. Go figure.

Would be interesting to know what version of OpenGL is it using?

Microsoft says that in general 1.1 to 1.2 OpenGL is now supported by some cards. 

About the jerkiness, yes, depending on the tree you are using and how many polys it is constructed of, I can get the jerky response.  

Something you might consider when creating an eco.  You can use less trees if you increase the Haze and Fog color to blur out the sky that peaks through.  If that does not work then I create a second empty terrain, increase the height and color it the same as the trees so the sky does not peak through the few hundred trees I have.  This gives me a fake DOF that blends well with the treeline.  I did that with an image called Northern Gold you can find it in my Gallery if you want to compare.

Keenart

I love your work.

"In Exile"--the beginning.. is one of my favorite. But I really also like that one you mentioned with the trees in the water with the amazing lighting and nice textures.

I like the photorealistic effects I've seen with Vue. I am just starting to use it this week. I have noticed, however, that Vue, just like Bryce,is not very photorealistic "out of the box". I am going to have to learn which settings to adjust.

A lot of the default materials have a "fake plastic" look to them like in Bryce when you first create them. Down the road I may as you for some advice.

The wind effects are hot, though. I don't know if Bryce does that, but it's definately a step above Bryce in this regard.

Thanks for your help.

You are Welcome.

e-On has indicated that they provide materials that are often created for distant viewing and not the close-up many would like to generate.   Cornucopia is a good resource for additional content.

Yes, study the various editors and how to adjust materials and lighting to give you the photo look.  There are tuts and courses you can also look into.

This Forum has many Vue Gurus and Content artists, very talented individuals that have helped me in past, so you should be in good company.