Suggestions for a 3d Modelling Laptop

#1

First, hi everybody and thanks for spending a bit of your time with me :slight_smile:
I’m new to the forum and new to the 3d software.
Until now I worked in the practical industry, so sculpting and mold making and prototyping with hands, silicones, clays and the like. So, again, I’m new here and probably I will say something wrong in somehow wrong way. Please, forgive that!
Now I decided to jump into this 3d world, specifically on sculpting for 3d printing.
I’ve gathered some information of what kind of software I need to learn (Maya, Mudbox, ZBrush) and now I need to buy this holy pc.
I’m thinking about a laptop because probably I will move often to another country for work, so it’d be a problem to move a desktop pc every time… plus, my house is really small and working with a laptop will be easier even when I’m home.
The plan is studying and learning -intensively- for a bit, at least 6 months, then look at what I was able to learn and, if that was the case, attend to a professional class.

So, following your instructions for new threads:

  1. main applications Maya, Mudbox, ZBrush, OS Windows.
  2. Budget: something around 1500€
  3. Where I live: Italy
  4. Specific professional requirements: learning how to 3d sculpt
  5. I’m familiar with computers and I’ve a good knowledge of Photoshop. Not a super professional, but I know how to deal with it.

Now, I’ve seen some configurations and up to now I’ve found these:
http://www.toshiba.com/us/computers/laptops/tecra/Z50/Z50-A1502
http://www.dell.com/it/aziende/p/precision-m2800-workstation/pd

I’m not an expert, so they probably aren’t the right ones… so every suggestion will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you all,
Please feel free to move this post in a more appropriate section.

p.s. another question regarding peripherals.
I’m uncertain about buying a graphic tablet and/or a 3d mouse (like this http://www.3dconnexion.it/products/spacenavigator.html). I don’t want to get problems with my wrists, but I can’t spend too much… not right at the start, at least! What is more important in your opinion?

#2

For 3d modelling you will want the fastest single thread cpu and a reasonable chunk of memory. By that I mean 3ghz+ (dont worry too much about how many cores or whether it has hyperthreading) and ideally 16+ gigs of memory.

The cpus on those Dell machines are ok, but none of them let you configure more than 8 gigs of memory. The toshiba is worse though, that 2.1GHz cpu is pretty low end.

#3

First of all, thanks! That was a fast answer ;D
Anyway, about the memory, actually it lets me customize the pc configuration and I can put 16gb (2x 8gb) if I’m not wrong (the first M2800 on the left).
One plus question: the M2800 model has a 128gb ssd. Isn’t too small? Is it better to have a traditional one but bigger? There’s also the 256gb version but the price is going too higher…

#4

hi

  1. As i can see, putting extra 8gb of RAM will cost you 100e more.
  2. That 128 SSD can be enough for OS and a few programs (google the minimum system requirements for maya, mudbox, etc… and calculate how much disk space they need).
    BUT, you will definitely need extra hard disk for storage…
  3. Getting tablet is good idea. Focus on Wacom, they have great entry level tablets for about 150-200e.

Have you looked up for Asus laptops? Their RoG gaming series is great, my friend [who is into 3d modeling/render] recently bought one and is very satisfied.
If Asus is an option, please send me link for some shop in your country…

best regards
Ivan

#5

Hi!
For the Asus, you can look at the official website as well.
Anyway, right now I was thinking about a Lenovo Thinkpad w540 (http://shop.lenovo.com/it/it/laptops/thinkpad/w-series/w540/).
It should cost lesser than the Dell and it has a good configuration.
What do you think?

#6

That would be good purchase. Lenovo has good reputation in terms of production quality. The friend of mine went for Asus just because it was prettier. :slight_smile:

I see there are a few variants of w540 model, so double check specifications before purchase.

Feel free to ask if you have any doubts…

#7

Yep, these are the models I can buy from a trusted store:

  • ThinkPad W540 20BG001BIX - € 1.880,00 Taxes already included
  • ThinkPad W540 20BG001KIX - € 1.360,00 Taxes already included

The first one is clearly better: faster CPU, newest quadro model, more ram.
It also has a 500GB 7200rpm hard disk, ram up to 32gb (I think 16gb will be enough).
What do you think?

About the tablet: do you think that a Wacom Intuos Pen & Touch (small 99€, medium 199€) could be sufficient for starting or it’s better to spend a bit more for a Intuos Pro (small 224€)?
A 3d mouse space navigator(http://www.3dconnexion.it/products/spacenavigator-for-notebooks.html) could be a good choice in combo with the tablet? It costs something around 115€.

#8

I think that is too much money for not that much improvement.
You will not notice any difference with ~12% faster cpu and that newer quadro.
Also, you can easily upgrade ram for about 80e for 8gb (~40e - 4gb) to the max of 32gb.
(both models have 4 ram slots)

Intuos Pro is definitely better choice if price is not problem to you.
I dont have any experience with 3d mouse, so cant give you dvice about it. :confused:

#9

Well, probably at the end my choice will be this:

ThinkPad W540 20BG001KIX
Screen 39,6 cm (15,6") LCD TFT backlit LED (1920 x 1080)
Intel Core i7-4700MQ Quad Core Processor (6M Cache, 2.40GHz - 3.40GHz) 47W
RAM 16GB DDR3 1600MHz ( :frowning: adding 16GB instead of 4GB will cost me 200€ more)
Optical Drive: SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW Dual Layer
500GB 7200rpm HDD
nVIDIA Quadro K1100M 2GB

For 1560€.

#10

I am sure it will serve you well…