opinions on a Ferrari 3200 comparison

I'm going to be a student next semester at a school that requires a laptop for students. The school provides a deal on a laptop computer, and I'm trying to decide between it and the Acer Ferrari 3200. Making both laptops equal on software evens out the price between them, but here are the specs on the school's computer (its a modded IBM T42) as listed on the school's website:

Intel Pentium M Processor 745 at 1.8 GHz
512MB RAM
80GB internal hard drive
14.1" SXGA+ (1400x1050) TFT display
64MB ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 video chipset
10/100/1000 on-board Ethernet and 56K modem
80211.a/b/g integrated wireless
CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive
Full complement of ports (including: 2 USB 2.0, parallel, S-Video out, headphone, microphone)
UltraNav (touchpad/TrackPoint) pointing device
Bluetooth
Lithium-ion battery (one-year warranty)
Three-year manufacturer's warranty
Three-year ThinkPad Protection (accidental damage)
Weighs less than 5pounds

The HD is a 5400 RPM drive, btw.

I checked with the school, and the Ferrari meets all the standards that the school requires as well, but the school technicians aren't qualified to work on any laptops except for the laptops that the school offers.

As far as I can tell the respective laptops have the following attributes in their favour:

Ferrari 3200:
The DVD burner drive
the better video card
the 64-bit capable cpu and the ability to upgrade it in the future
the faster FSB
the slightly larger screen
2 more USB 2.0 ports
Gigabit Ethernet

the school laptop:
the 5400 RPM HD
the longer battery life of the Dothan chip
the availability of local service


I'll mainly be using this laptop for CAD, office apps, and graphical rendering. For this reason, I really like the 128MB 9700 and the Athlon 64 in the Ferrari.

What I'm thinking at the moment is that I'll get the Ferrari and just drop a Hitatchi 60 GB 7200 RPM drive in it.

If you were in my shoes, which laptop would you go with?

Any and all comments are appreciated.

I'm concerned a little about the warranty thing. Does anyone have any comments about Acer's tech support?

 

Any battery advantage of the Dothan over the Low-Voltage Athlon 64 2800+ in the Ferarri is going to be pretty minor. AMD has excellent power management too. So the only real advantages are the faster default drive and on-campus support, both of which I'd consider slight. Buying the Acer and swapping in a 7200RPM drive (maybe more RAM while you're at it) is most definitely the way to go.

 

If you're gonna be using it for CAD & graphic rendering, and since the prices are about the same, I'd go with the Acer. You're getting WAY more for the same price. I'm not sure how Acer support is in your area, but in Canada, they have a service center operated by Acer Canada that will repair your computer/notebook in 2hrs, but I think it may only apply to the Travelmate line.
Generally, the Acer gives you more bang for the buck!

-Vb-

 

I'm also going to a school next year where a notebook configured with a wireless card is a requirement. Recommedations from students already in my program have told me that
1) Less weight is better since you have to lug it to all your classes.
2) It'll have to be able to sit at your desk during classes...so a smaller footprint is obviously better.

So I think the IBM Thinkpad in this case would make a better choice.
I'm curious of how much the school is charging you for this IBM T42? It's a pretty high-end machine.

 

I hadn't given much thought to dragging it to classes constantly, but yeah, that'd probably apply to me too. Honestly, there's less than 2 pounds different between them, and I might enjoy the larger screen size on the Acer. I don't think I would mind the extra weight differential (less than the weight of a smaller sized book).

The price for the notebook is $2300, but it comes with this software:
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Office Professional 2003
Microsoft Visual Studio .NET
Maplesoft Maple (symbolic algebra program)
Mathworks Matlab
SolidWorks (a CAD package)
National Instruments LabView
Bentley Systems MicroStation
SecureCRT
Anti-virus software suite

All of which I could get school liscenses for or get good deals on (except for Visual Studio .net which I'm not planning on getting) making the two laptops cost about the same amount of money.

As far as the battery life is considered on this machine, the tech rep from the school was telling me that the school laptop should be getting about 5 hours worth of life on one charge (which, while distinctly longer in life, probably wouldn't matter as there should be plugs in the classrooms or students with back to back classes would be screwed).

Weird question for someone who owns a Ferrari 3200, do the keys on the keyboard make much noise while you're typing? I don't want to make too much noise if I'm typing in class...

Great feedback you guys! Thanks! I'm feeling like I should probably get the Ferrari, but more comments/feedback are certainly welcome.

 

I'd go with the T42 unless you're looking for long term gaming or want to be ready for 64 bit software.

The T42 is lighter and has a longer battery life which is great if you're going to be migrating from class to class all day and just in case you have no access to an outlet. Having nearby tech support and legal access to that software are definite pluses as well.

The only advantages I see with the Ferrari 3200 are graphics card, DVD burning, and a flashier design (depending on tastes.)

Also, since this is school tech support, its like having a 4 year warranty isn't it?

 

All software access would be legal (educational in fact).

I've just about decided on the Ferrari at this point.

The better video card in the Ferrari would help with the CAD work, and once 64 bit versions of the CAD software are available, I would get them. I'm just starting my Ph.D., so I think there may be call for 64 bit CAD software in the 3-4 year life I hope to get out of this laptop (including upgrades to RAM and CPU). If I got the Dothan chip, I'm sure the upgrade option would be rather nil (Intel isn't known for making long life cpu socket designs).

My only real concern at this point is the tech support on the Ferrari. I think I'm going to call Acer in the next few days and ask them about their service terms and conditions. I'm also going to call the school and verify that most/all classrooms have power outlets for laptops.

As far as the extra weight of one laptop over the other, I'm a grad student in a technical field.... I need all the exercise I can get!

 

I’m a relatively recent graduate myself (BSME), a product development engineer, and I recently purchased an Acer Aspire 2025WLMi, so I hope I can offer some applicable perspective.

The Acer is a good machine, and I have no doubt you would be another pleased customer among us, but if I were in the same situation I would choose the IBM hands down.

I bought my Acer as a light-use personal media machine, and it really excels within that scope and I am very pleased with the product overall, but I would not have chosen it as my primary business machine (if you view school as a job). You’re going to want something that is lightweight, will unquestionably hold up under heavy use and transportation, is compatible with all required software, and is well supported. That’s the IBM.

I honestly don’t forsee the graphics card and processor of the IBM having a noticeable difference in performance when compared to the Ferrari. I specifically wanted the Radeon 9700 128mb card because, as I said, my priority was media and games. At the same time though, I realize the margin in performance when applied to a laptop is probably next to nothing. Laptop flat panels (at present time) do not have the resolution and sync rate necessary to take full advantage of high-powered graphics cards. Either system will run Unreal Tournament 2004 at full velocity and I doubt there would be a perceptible difference between the two.

When it comes to CAD applications, the graphics card becomes less important except in terms of max resolution, which is the same between both computers and fixed. CAD software is extremely CPU and hard drive intensive, but it is not as demanding of video RAM and GPU, except maybe when you get into sophisticated renders and dynamic 3D model views, which is a very small portion of the time. In that case, the preferred machine would be a workstation with a 21” tube monitor anyway. It’s not like you’re trying to get 80 frames per second out of AutoCAD. The 9600 will handle any CAD package with aplomb.

I also heavily stress checking to make sure that your school’s chosen CAD package is compatible with AMD processors before buying a Ferrari, if that is your choice. I have run into some CAD packages before (ex. Solidworks ’99) that will not run, or even install, on PC’s with AMD processors. Some are specifically optimized for Intel. As a side note, be sure to get a good mouse with a scroll wheel to use with CAD. I wouldn’t even attempt to use a touch pad with it.

My only ‘real’ nitpick with the Acer so far is the keyboard, but that would be a big one if it were my business machine. It just feels cheesy…some keys more than others. If I had to pound out the same CAD commands and type papers on it, it would turn into a serious gripe. The IBM should have a much better keyboard.

Finally, the support is the real decision maker. If you run into a software/hardware compatibility problem, or the rare event of a crash and data loss, you’re going to be SOL with the Acer. All the programs you will need to run will be configured and thoroughly tested on the IBM before you even get it. Not having that as an unknown would be a huge plus for me. As much as I hate to say it, you may also avoid some discrimination with the IBM. In the event that the “big if” of a crash or service issue comes to fruition and you lose data or miss an assignment as a result, you will get no sympathy with your shiny red Ferrari when compared to the school norm, and having a school tech to verify your story. Even if Acer support is top-notch, shipping it back for a week or two of warranty work wont be an excuse when you could have had on-site help. You may not be able to afford the time anyway.

These are just my personal opinions, but if I had the option to buy a T42 decked out with the hardware, software, and support you have listed at the same price, I would trip over myself to run and get one.

P.S. The DVD super combo drive is made by Mats-h-i-t-a (edited for censorhip). It’s slick, but I have the feeling you get what you pay for.

 

I'll add one thing, you make some very good cases for the Ferrari when it comes to performance and screen size. I need every inch of my 21" monitor for design work. With either choice you make, I think the ideal setup would be the notebook for campus use and a solid, reliable Intel desktop at home. You're not going to want to type your thesis on a tiny keyboard, and a backup system with all of your data makes service and downtime much less of an issue. Even in that scenario, though, I think I'd choose the IBM for the mobility, quality, service, and keyboard.

 

Solidworks '99 was probably demanding SSE instruction set support (introduced in the Pentium 3), which AMD didn't support until the Athlon XP. The AMD64 series supports SSE and SSE2. SSE3 was introduced in the very new Prescott-core Pentium 4's, but AFAIK no one uses it nor is anyone much interested in it. It is far more likely that CAD programs will start demanding AMD64 compatibility within the next few years than any standard Intel cooks up from here on out. EDA programs, which typically run under Linux, are already there.

Mind you, I was a software engineer (until the jobs went away). I stress the hell out of my machines. AMD is all I buy.

UT2004 at full detail is going to push any video card to its limits, especially on a 1400x1050 res screen. My desktop running 1280x1024 received a big boost by upgrading from a GeForce 5700 Ultra to a GeForce 5900XT. The boost from the Radeon 9700 in the Ferarri ought to be very noticible.

The Thinkpad makes for a nice, boring business machine, but for serious work and play the Ferarri is going to clobber it.

 

I totally agree with the back up desktop concept, especially for writing papers, and I have my trusty, home built, athlon xp 2100+ OC'ed to 2700+ running in my room now that will be following me to school.

The DVD burner is a nice plus for me, is it really crummy?

Also, I saw a commercial talking about IBM Thinkpads having a shock resistant HD (showing a guy dropping another person's laptop on the floor), does the Ferrari come with a similarly shock resistant drive? For that matter (and I realize that this question is slightly OT for this forum, but since many readers here have one...), does the Hitatchi 60 GB 7200 RPM drive have good shock resistance?

As much as I will tell myself that I'm going to use this laptop mostly for work, I will likely use it for play at least part of the time, so the better future proofing of the Ferrari's vid card is rather appealing to me.

I checked with my school, and there are no known incompatabilities between the offered software and AMD based computers.

Thanks for the insight!

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Snick

 

I wouldn't say the DVD drive is crummy, it's just an unknown. I'm still curious about it myself.

I will agree with the others that performance-wise, the Acer is going to be a better machine (they have done a good job convincing me too!). I really do like my 2025, and my nitpicks are very minor. I still think the IBM is going to be a little bit higher quality and more portable machine, but it it all comes down to what your priorities are. With a backup desktop, I doubt you have much to worry about. Given your situation, the IBM would be playing it safe. I doubt anyone would say it's not a very good computer, but the Acer will probably end up being more versatile and fun. I'm also glad someone brought up the larger display, because that's a very big plus for CAD work.

If it all possible, see if you can find the machines in a retail store and have a look at them. It's the only way you'll have a true concept of weight, size, display quality, keyboard feel, etc. Like I said initially, I think you'd be happy with either, but what matters most is what YOU want.

I may be mistaken, but I think the IBM anti-shock being advertised is an extra feature integrated into a few of their chassis models and it comes at a pretty hevy price increase. All notebook HD's have a decent amount of shock protection built into them.

 

As a student, go for the lighter and more dependable notebook: IBM!

Use a desktop for really intensive work. Otherwise, there won't be enough noticeable performance difference (outside of benchmarks) between the Acer and the IBM to make you go for the flimsier Acer. Unless you like that glossy red paint job that will most likely get scratched and smudged up in no time [ ]

For CAD, you won't notice a difference between the 9600 and the 9700, unless you're doing a lot of 3D work, where the extra memory would help.


www.team-md.com

 

I'm going a little off-topic here, but as a grad. student to an incoming grad. student, Did you make sure the requirement for a laptop applies to all students, under and grad.? Also, have you talk with your advisor (if you have one already) about what kind of computer equipment he/she could provide to you from a project?

Remember your graduate work is a cooperation between you and the school, so they have a responsibility to provide you with some equipment -- to a certain degree, depending on school, department, projects, etc. They don't owe you a computer so you cannot demand them for one, but poke your nose around before and maybe you would have access to a laptop without paying for it.[ ]

And then, you can use that money to buy whatever else, maybe an even badder gaming machine[8D] -- not that you would have much time to play games, but you could[:I].

 

I'll check on the availability of school machines, but I don't think that laptops are going to be rentable. [ ] I am currently checking if the school can get me educational discounts on the Ferrari or the 7200 RPM 60GB hard drive. I'm also checking with my wholesaler's club membership for discounts on these items. I'll let you know what the cheapest prices are that I can find for these items.

I realize that IBM might be the more reliable company, but I have no problem working on computers myself (and as such am very used to dealing with 3rd party vendors, and I would rate Acer above general 3rd party vendors in reliability simply because I've heard of Acer before I went looking for a laptop). About the only thing that I wouldn't attempt to do on the laptop would be messing with the vid card/motherboard. Given that the motherboard and vid card on the Ferrari have some nicer, more future looking features than the T42 (FSB speed, vid RAM/GPU, socket longevity), that means that with the Ferrari I won't have to do a complete laptop upgrade the next time I want something that runs faster than what I have.

Also, the Ferrari beats my desktop machine at the moment (and I think the T42 ties my desktop), so the intensive work would likely happen on the laptop with it plugged into the wall... [ ] This way I could play games on my desktop while simulations were running on the laptop! [8]

The laptop is not a school requirement for graduate students (it is for undergrads), but considering that many classes use WAN's for class demonstrations among other things, I would consider it pretty darn handy/essentially required. In other words, if I didn't have a laptop, I'd often be in class sharing with my neighbor on their laptop. I don't want to be left in that situation.

I think I have all but decided for the Ferrari for the better future proofing and power that it provides. From what I've read so far, no one thinks that the Ferrari is a bad laptop, just that it weighs almost 2 lbs. more than the T42. I've never had to worry about lugging a laptop around, but 2 extra lbs. doesn't seem like a backbreaking load. Am I mistaken about the extra weight not appearing to be a problem?

 

About the weight, go to Walmart and pick up a carrying shopping basket. Go to the sport section and then put a 5 lb dumb bell in it. Then walk around for half an hour, do your shopping or whatever (Remember putting the other items in somewhere else). Do the same test again the next day with a 3 lb dumb bell and a 1/2 gallon water in the basket.

This is the easiest way to know would you feel any difference. Don't forget to put them back before checking out.[ ]

 

very interesting... sounds like its time to go shopping avec weights...

 

It took a while to hear back from all parties involved, but I ordered the Ferrari from my wholesaler's club for $1890 after taxes and shipping. My school couldn't get me an educational discount.

The extra weight @ Walmart didn't really bother me at all (and I was using 7 pounds).

Thanks for your help everyone. I'll post about impressions of the laptop in early August when I get the machine.