I am looking at two HP laptops and could really use some help in making up my mind which one to purchase (either price would be OK):

HDX 18t series:  64-bit / 2 x Quad processors / 4 GB RAM / 500 GB Harddrive / 18.4" screen / 512 MB NVDIA GeForce 9600M GS / Windows Vista Ultimate - total $1,974,99

dv6t series: 64-bit / 2 x Duo processors / 8 GB RAM / 320 GB Harddrive / 16" screen / 512 MB NVDIA GeForce 9200M GS  / Windows Vista Home Premium - total price $1,569.99

I'll worry about the screen & harddrive size myself, but would I need help with is the RAM vs. processor.  Should I go for just 4 GB RAM but 2 x Quad or 8 GB RAM but only 2 x Dual processors?

Also, what about the difference in type of Vista - is it serious enough to be a factor?

Finally, what about the graphics cards - one has GeForce 9600 & the other 9200?

My current configuration is 32-bit / 3 GB RAM / Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU and I'm crashing when I try something a little bit more sophisticated than just  the basics. I'm not to the point where I do really complicated scenes (no animations) but I'd like to at least be able to do something like Rutra's path terrain without a total crash which I just experienced.

Hm, tricky, and I don't know enough to say :/

ideally you want a system you can upgrade ot 8 GIGs of RAM, or see if they'l do that for you, it does help. So check the max RAM they can take.

A more powerful CPU will have a huge impact on render times. So I'd suggest seeing how much they'd charge to SWAP the 4 gig for 8 gig, note the "swap" ;) they are removing some so should give you discount if you can wangle it (Some will many won't).

Why a laptop over a desktop? Desktops are a LOT cheaper/better. Only the protability seems of use with laptops, their costs, problems with upgrades, theft, etc are serious detriments.

 you'd need ot chekc on the differencr on vid cars, I don't know anything about the 9000 series, sorry :)

I like ultimate, it's extras I find pleasing.

Thanks, Silverblade - The choice of laptop is for health reasons.  My neck won't let me sit at a desktop for any length of time.  I know what you mean though, a desktop choice would be a lot better.  However, in my case that's not an option.

Unfortunately, it didn't look as though there was a possibility to upgrade to 8 GB of RAM with the more powerful series.  I was hoping someone with experience in quad processors w/4 GB of RAM vs. dual processors w/8 GB of RAM could give some advice.

If I had your pleasant problem then I would go for the quadcore and the larger LCD screen...one can never have enough render power imho.

No1. Ram is essential up to a point, but 4GB should allow enough detail in Vue, but the CPU will help with your sanity. 

Quote - If I had your pleasant problem then I would go for the quadcore and the larger LCD screen...one can never have enough render power imho.

Makes sense to me - thanks a bunch!

Quote - No1. Ram is essential up to a point, but 4GB should allow enough detail in Vue, but the CPU will help with your sanity. 

You're echoing Attileus - thanks!  I appreciate the input.

Understand though that with that much power of either system in a Laptop you are forever going to be charging the batteries. Also enquire about which one has the best Heat Dissipating system in it. Some Laptops will heat up your lap more than you want. For me the Quad is the better choice, you can always put more RAM in it later!!!

Quote - Understand though that with that much power of either system in a Laptop you are forever going to be charging the batteries. Also enquire about which one has the best Heat Dissipating system in it. Some Laptops will heat up your lap more than you want. For me the Quad is the better choice, you can always put more RAM in it later!!!

For me, having to recharge the batteries constantly is no problem.  I keep it plugged in all the time as it is. Good point about the heat dissipating system - thanks Thelby!

Mari-Anne,

If you are only going to use your laptop only at home, then you may be better off considering a desktop computer with the LCD screen mounted on a remote extension arm that you could position any which way you like.  These can give you up to 3ft or more of movement of the monitor and they are relatively inexpensive.

Laptops are a serious compromise and much more expensive that their desktop counterparts.  Hard drives are generally slower and the CPUs slower due to power requirements.  RAM limtations also crop up because you cannot get more than 4Gb unless you pick a 'workstation' class laptop, which is a lot of $$$.

I've had several HP laptops - do a google search for hardware forums to find out the problems specific models may have.  I know that certain HP models have HAD a problem with the power plug coming loose from the motherboard - replacing the mobo the only option - there are some indepedent fixit guys that can re-solder.  I treat my laptop with a lot of respect so it's been 100% reliable for me.

Good luck.

Hey surveyman,

You've got a great point! As a matter of fact, I have indeed thought of something like what you are describing.  Your post just reinforces my thoughts that maybe I should look into an extension arm for the monitor a bit more seriously.  Thank you!

Mari'Anne
if you are well off, I'd suggets getting a Wacom Cintiq monitor.
those things are AWESOME! it's a monitor on a lead, plug it into your pc, and not only does it give you more room to move, you cna paint direclty on the screen!

there's a smaller version easy to holdin your lap.
http://www.wacom.com/cintiq/cintiq-12wx.php
http://www.wacom.com/cintiq/cintiq-21ux.php

Eeehh gads, Silverblade!  I'd be scared to death of one of them animals....  Seriously, though, I've always thought the Wacoms are for the real artists - and one of them I am not.  But I still don't think they are for me.  I'd have to lean forward rather than keeping my neck up against a pillow, and I don't think it'd work for me.  But thank you so much for trying to help.  I really appreciate your input.

Here's a link (just a sample):
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/search.asp?keywords=monitor+extension+arm
There's plenty more on the web.

Add to that a Dell 2408WFP or a Dell 2709W monitor and for the price of that laptop you were looking at, you can have a pretty speedy quadcore system with 16Gb of ram.

Secret... those two monitors are pretty well regarded in reviews.  For a few days every month, Dell has those on sale on their internet site.  In my neck of the woods (Canada) the 2408 is reduced from $699 to $550, and the 2709 was reduced from $999 to $599 (go figure).  You just have to check every day for the sale.

Actually, I've opted for a mobile computer workstation that will slide underneath my recliner.  It's got an sliding keyboard shelf and a place for the keyboard as well as the computer case itself.  We found it at Office Max and it was a breeze to assemble.  But I'll check the monitors out, though.  Thanks for your advise.