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Don't know which computer to buy (I’m a professional 3D software and/or CAD engineer)

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#Computer #Shopping #Hardware #Tech
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Select specifications which apply:

Click on this if you need a PC for mostly basic tasks, like checking your e-mail, browsing the Internet, YouTube/Netflix playback, Office spreadsheets etc.

Click on this if you use your computer mainly for medium intensity multimedia entertainment (Netflix/YouTube 4K, casual gaming, Hi−Fi audio playback).

Click on this if you are going to use your PC for very complex and resource demanding tasks.

Click on this if you plan to use your PC to play video games.

Click on this if you want to use a certain operating system

Click on this if you need a certain battery life length. Note: to enhance battery life, see here: https://goo.gl/DCB43b

Click on this if you want to choose if the display is reflective or not and/or the quality of the panel's viewing angle.

Click on this if you want to specify a certain amount of storage you will need.

Click on this if you want a fast storage solution like a SSD or SSHD.

Click on this if you are easily annoyed by fan humming.

Click on this if you want a classy and stylish chassis for that extra "wow" factor.

Click on this if you are planning to use your PC for music and/or multimedia playback.

Click on this if you need something more from your computer other than gaming and office, if you are a creative, artist, photographer, film director, CGI expert, programmer etc. you should definitively check this setting.

Click on this if you need to work on mostly OpenGL workloads, like CG Animation or CAD and need a powerful workstation with Nvidia Quadro or AMD FirePro certified Graphic Cards.

Click on this if you are looking for certain hardware characteristics: CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, etc.

Click on this if you are going to use picture and/or video editing software like Adobe Photoshop/Premiere, you will need an IPS screen with a good sRGB and AdobeRGB coverage.

Click on this if you want a cpu with two physical cores and two extra logical cores for enhanced mutithreading.

Click on this if you need lots of storage space.

Click on this if you want to use an Intel CPU. (Intel CPUs are more expensive but much faster if compared with AMD Processors).

Click on this if you want a video port to connect an external monitor.

Click on this if you prefer visual quality over performance.

Click on this if you need a fast PCI Express based storage solution (NVMe).

Click on this if you are an heavy multitasker.

Click on this if you are happy to play simple games and/or keeping the details set to "low"

Click on this if you need Ethernet connectivity.

Click on this if you want an IPS Screen. They have a very high contrast and a virtually perfect viewing angle, you can do advanced photo editing on them.

Click on this if you want to improve your PC by installing new components by yourself.

Click on this if you like a PC covered in a matte coating to prevent reflections, you will lose some color reproduction, but you will be able to use your device outdoors.

Click on this if you are employed in most businesses you will probably need this small security module.

Click on this if you want the latest and most versatile peripheral port to date, with this you can connect to your PC everything from docking stations to external graphic cards.

Click on this if you want to login with your fingerprint instead with a password. TouchID is the most secure and easy way to keep your data protected.

Click on this if you want an highly reflective glossy coating on the screen of your device, the colors will be bright and crispy but you will lose the ability to use your device outdoor.

Click on this if you are planning to play indie games and/or games with details set to "medium"

Click on this if you are a heavy multi-tasker and you want a CPU with four physical cores.

Click on this if you want TN panels. They have a very limited viewing angle and the colors tend to wash out if not seen directly in front of you.

Click on this if you plan to do just very limited multitasking.

Click on this if you prefer the best 3D performance by sacrificing a little bit of visual quality if compared with AMD Radeon graphics.

Click on this if you need Serial or VGA.

Click on this if you are planning to play AAA games and/or with settings set to "high"

Click on this if a CPU with four physical cores and four extra logical cores for enhanced multi-threading.

Click on this if you need just the bare minimum to run Windows 10

Click on this if you are looking for a computer featuring two or more graphics cards.

Click on this if you want a switchable graphics solution based on Nvidia.

Click on this if you work in a big enterprise and they require the use of smart cards.

Click on this if you are a professional gamer and/or you play games with details set to "ultra"

Click on this if you like a perfect balance between visual quality and 3D performance by using the famous AMD Radeon family of graphic cards.

Click on this if you want to use an AMD CPU (AMD CPUs are much cheaper than their Intel counterparts, they are not as powerful but they offer better integrated graphics and the latest models tend to be less prone to overheat.)

Click on this if you like two or more AMD GPUs working in parallel.

Click on this if you like a switchable graphics solution based on AMD.

Click on this if you want to spend a few more money for a OLED based display. OLED are fast and have a perfect color reproduction! The only drawback is that, like old CRT panels, they flicker as hell! if you have sensitive eyes better for you to save and get yourself an IPS panel

Click on this if you need different type of panels (the technology behind the screen) there are some that have a fast response but lack color reproduction (TN), some with slow response but good color reproduction (IPS) and some more panels both fast and with excellent color reproduction but they are also extremely expensive (OLED).

Click on this if you want a desktop PC integrated inside a monitor, this type of configurations save a lot of desk space, but they can't reach the level of performance of a traditional desktop PC.

Click on this if you want to select the speed of your computer's CPU and is computed in GHz (Gigahertz). Higher clock speed doesn't always mean higher performance - there are also other factors, like cache and ipc Instructions-per-cycle.

Click on this if you want a combination of GPUs from any brand working in parallel.

Click on this if you like two or more Nvidia GPUs working in parallel.

Click on this if you are looking for a device with a certain screen size.

Click on this if you need a certain amount of system memory. More RAM = More Windows and Apps open at the same time.

Solutions (3)
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  1. Buy the Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga P40 Workstation

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    This ultrathin beast of a convertible laptop is perfect for every business use, and, thanks to its Nvidia Quadro GPU, is a good entry-level workstation for professional 3D modeling and CAD engineers. It's Gaming-suitable as well, but you can find much less expensive and better performing alternatives for that.

    Key characteristics

    Other characteristics

    • Networking; Intel i219-LM Gigabit Ethernet + Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 8260 w/Bluetooth 4.0 Combo Card (usually everything you need for Cabled and Wi-Fi connectivity)

    • Ports: 3xUSB 3.0, HDMI, DisplayPort, Audio, Ethernet and Docking Station Support (great selection of ports that can be expanded thanks to the docking station socket)

    • Operating system: Windows 10 Pro 64bit

    • Weight; 1.83kg (extremely lightweight for workstation standards)

     

    (Typical) user groups

    The above characteristics make this computer a great choice for:

    • Engineers and other 3D professionals who need a powerful and versatile convertible laptop.
    • Enterprise users who need some serious 3D graphics capabilities.

     

    Benchmarks & Tests (Learn more about benchmarks)

    Processor (Tested with Cinebench R15).

    • Cinebench R15 Single Core: 132 Points

    • Cinebench R15 Multi Core:   302 Points

     
    Graphics Benchmarks: (Tested with 3DMark11)

    • 3DMark 11:  2629 

     

    Reviews on other sites

    This model got good reviews (77% Notebookcheck and 5 Stars on Amazon).

     

    Pros:

    • Quiet operation
    • Versatility
    • System performance
    • The digitizer pen is already included
    • Great typing experience only Lenovo can provide.

    Contras:

    • Relatively high system temperatures
    • Glossy screen
    • Overall good but unimpressive speakers.

     

    Conclusion

    The above characteristics make this computer an ideal choice for engineers and other 3D graphics professionals that are in need something more powerful and versatile than an iPad Pro but don't want to sacrifice portability.

    You can buy right now for about 1600$ on Amazon.com

    --
    This review was last updated on June 1st, 2016. It is part of the Solutionbay product reviews and may contain affiliate links but is committed to being 100% objective. Read more about product reviews on Solutionbay. 

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  2. Buy HP t730 Thin Client Mini Desktop PC

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    The  HP t730 Thin Client, HP’s most powerful desktop thin client, is ready to deploy in demanding environments right out of the box with an AMD quad-core APU, huge selection of interfaces (even legacy), OS and external server choices, and native support for 6 UHD/4K displays.

    This small desktop PC, thanks to its AMD FirePro W2100, can also be used as a basic Workstation and thus is perfect for a team of CG professionals working connected to the cloud.

    Specs Here:

    • CPU: AMD RX427BB (Steamroller) 2,7-3,6Ghz 4 Cores / 4 Threads 4MB Cache 35W TDP 64bit
    • CHIPSET: AMD Kaveri  FCH Socket FP3
    • NETWORK: Realtek RTL8168/8111 Gigabit Ethernet
    • EXPANSION SLOTS: 2xSO-DIMM, PCI Express Half Height x8
    • Audio: Realtek ALC290 With Stereo Speakers
    • GPU 1: AMD Radeon R7 (Kaveri) w/1GB Dedicated RAM Integrated
    • GPU 2: AMD FirePro W2100 2GB DDR3
    • RAM: 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3L-1600 1,6Ghz 128bit Dual Channel
    • STORAGE: 64GB M.2 SSD
    • CONNECTIVITY: 6xUSB 2.0, 4x USB 3.0 (2x Internal), 4xAudio, 6xDisplayPort, RJ-45, PS/2 Mouse, PS/2 Keyboard, 2xSerial, Parallel 
    • KEYBOARD: HP USB Keyboard
    • MOUSE: HP USB Optical Mouse
    • PSU: 85W
    • PRICE: 1164€
    • OS: Microsoft Windows Embedded 7P 64bit
    • BUNDLED SOFTWARE: HP Device Manager, HP ThinUpdate, HP EasyTools, HP SmartZero Client Service, Agent Microsoft SCCM/EDM, HP Velocity, HP EasyShell, HP TrueGraphics
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  3. Buy HP Zbook 15 G3 Mobile Workstation (Xeon E3/16GB/Quadro M1000M)

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    If you are an engineer looking for a laptop that is capable of running all your advanced CAD projects with ease without breaking your back, The HP Zbook 15 G3 can be your ideal choice.

    This mobile workstation is incredibly thin and light for workstation standards (less than 3kg) and packs the incredible power of the Intel Xeon E3-1505M v5 processor combined with a powerful, CAD/Maya/3D Studio+ optimized, mid-range professional 3D accelerator from Nvidia (Quadro M1000M).

    Like all HP Z series computers, the system has been tested with military standards MIL-810 for working in extreme conditions of heat and humidity.

    The system can, of course, run modern videogames pretty well, but if you are a gamer it may be better for you to save your bucks and buy the equivalent HP Pavilion 15 Touch , since it can offer about the same level of gaming performance at a much lower price.

    Key Specifications

    Other characteristics

    • Networking; Intel I219LM Gigabit Ethernet + Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac + Bluetooth 4.0 Combo Card (everything needed for cabled and wireless connectivity)

    • Ports: 4xUSB 3.0, 2xThunderbolt 3, HDMI 1.4, VGA, Ethernet, 3,5mm audio, SD card Reader (Awesome connectivity!)

    • Operating system: Windows 7 Professional 64bit + Windows 10 Pro 64bit

    • Weight; 2.6kg

     

    (Typical) user groups

    The above characteristics make this computer a great choice for:

    • Engineers and 3D modeling professionals looking for a powerful and portable device.
    • Gamers that want a lot of performance in a less aggressive and more stylish design.
    • Professional Photographers and Video Editors, thanks to its high quality IPS screen with an almost full SRGB coverage.

     

    Reviews on other sites

    With an overall rating of 4.5/5 stars (4.5/5 Stars on LaptopMag) this computer has an above-average rating.

    Key points mentioned in the reviews & our take on them:

    • Not surprisingly, this model gets a lot of praise for its excellent performance, for being one of the most lightweight workstations ever made, and its stylish and classy design.

    • LaptopMag criticizes the excellent, but a bit too dim display, and its relatively high temperatures near the cooling vents.

     

    Conclusion

    The HP Zbook 15 G3 is one of the best workstations on the market, if you are a professional 3D graphics artist and you can tolerate the high operating temperatures, you will find a classy and powerful travel companion, if you just plan to play videogames you should definitely buy the similar HP Pavilion 15 Touch instead.

    You can buy it on Amazon.


    --
    This review is part of the Solutionbay product reviews and may contain affiliate links but is committed to being 100% objective. Read more about product reviews on Solutionbay.

     

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