New Architecture Student, Need Help

marsman12019

New Member
Hi,

I need some help.

I'm going to be entering college next year as an architecture student, and am having trouble figuring out which computer (or combination of computers) I need. While I'm not sure which software I will be using (one can assume some sort of CAD program), I will be using my computer for extremely detailed renderings, a lot of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and maybe even some work in movies, websites, flash, and of course games. My school wants a PC (not Mac), and I'm trying to keep under $3000 total.

I need to be able to use said computer(s) in my dorm room, my studio, and during any classes where I would need to take notes.

Previously, I had narrowed my choices down to am HP HDX18t, with a Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad Processor Q9100 (2.26 GHz), a 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M, and 6GB of DDR3 RAM. Since the HDX is so large (18.4" screen), I was also planning on buying a HP Mini 2140, as cheap as possible. Theoretically, I would use the HDX and my Intuos3 6x11 for all of my intensive work (as well as some games and HDTV on it's 1080p screen), and the 2140 for taking notes in class.

However, after looking around, I found some more options.

Instead, I could get a Tablet PC. It would be perfect for my field (i.e. drawing, Photoshop, Illustrator), and great for taking notes in class, but I doubt working on CAD models would be easy. Also, As far as I can tell, there is no possible way to have a Tablet with anywhere near the same specs as the HDX, although with this option I may also end up getting a desktop with good specs.

Another option is to get a Wacom Cintiq 12WX, leave the HDX in my bag, and take notes on the Cintiq during class, not to mention using it for all of my graphics and photo work.

So, in conclusion:

HP HDX18t & HP Mini 2140
or
Tablet & Desktop
or
HP HDX18t & Wacom Cintiq 12WX

I'm also very open to any suggestions and other ideas. Does anybody have an idea of what i should do?
 
I don't have experience for Tablet PC, No comment on that
However, I suggest you get decent Desktop with min. 24" monitor. I personally don't feel a 18.4" is big enough for CAD...The 19" in my office is not big enough for CAD...
Then to get a small laptop for taking notes and presentation.

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

PC Power & Cooling S75CF 750W EPS12V SLI NVIDIA SLI Certified (Dual 8800 GTX and below) CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified ... - Retail

Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail

ARCTIC COOLING MX-2 Thermal Compound - Retail (Optional)

Vigor Monsoon III LT Dual 120mm Fan CPU Cooler Socket 1366 Ready - Retail (Optional)


Patriot Viper 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model PVT36G1600ELK -
Retail

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - OEM

SABRENT CRW-UINB 68-in-1 USB 2.0 Internal Card Reader w/ USB 2.0 Port supports SDHC/VISTA - Retail (Optional)

Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B - OEM

EVGA 896-P3-1170-AR GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

ASUS MK241H Black 24" 2ms HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor with 1.3M Pixel Webcam - Retail


Laptop for notes
TOSHIBA Satellite U405-S2918 NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo P7450(2.13GHz) 13.3" Wide XGA 4GB Memory DDR2 800 320GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi Intel GMA 4500MHD - Retail
 
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How about getting a decent laptop, say $1500 or so, and then building a power house desktop, much cheaper and more powerful.
 
I think tablet PC’s are great for students. You can take handwritten notes, make drawings, graphs, write complex equations, and annotate downloaded lessons. In my opinion most of this is little east to do with tablet PC. I have been looking at mac tablet from Axiotron, it seems like the ideal sketchbook. The base is a mac laptop that has been modified using wacom technology to create a tablet computer.
 
Maybe keep the laptop you have in mind + a wacom tablet and a 24 inch monitor for the studio/dorm to work in CAD etc so you feel confortable.

Also you might really want to consider buying a desktop if you are going to do intensive renderings in 3dmax etc, I am guessing laptops will get too hot rendering for long hours? Maybe an i7 based desktop and a cheaper laptop.
 
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