Configuration for scientific computing: Inspiron 1520 or Vostro 1500

Hi all,

This is my first post here -- please be gentle

I am looking to replace my old (4.5 years) Inspiron 5100, which has served me well.
Apart from internet and listening to music, its main use is as my principle machine for writing scientific simulations. These have heavy-ish compilation, very heavy floating point processing, and especially OpenGL 2D and 3D graphics. (I don't tend to run the final code here, that's left to more powerful desktops; but most of the development occurs here.) [I would like to play the odd game as well! My wife is desperate to play Black and White 2, which wouldn't run on her 2-year-old Toshiba, but I guess these days that's no problem?]

I am thinking of the Inspiron 1520 or Vostro 1500, so that it is at least partially portable (or maybe even 1420 or 1400). What I am wondering is what combination of processor and graphics card would be best? Are the discrete graphics cards necessary for good OpenGL performance? (I don't know much about this and all there is on the forum is about gaming Not sure if that's the same or not) I am intending to get a screen with WSXGA+ resolution for screen real estate purposes

Should I just go for the outright fastest processor and graphics card I can afford, or is there no point?

By the way, I'm working in Mexico and the prices on the Dell Mexico site are, as far as I can see, *much* higher than in the US. I can't seem to find any discount coupons etc. -- any help here appreciated!

Hope my question was clear.
Thanks and best wishes,

David.

 

if youve been working on a 5100 for all this time, and it was sufficient, really any CPU/VC combo should work for you.

if prices are high, id just get the lowest C2D you can, which will be plenty sufficient, and get the lowest dedicated video card. the x3100 may even be plenty for you, but if you need OpenGL performance, you may wanna spring the extra cash for the ded. video.

 

If you are looking to get good OpenGL performance, I believe a Nvidia Quadro based card will suit you better. The are found on the Dell Latitude line.

If you still want a Inspiron or Vostro, just choose the one you like the look of best, as they are the same other than the colour.

 

Well, I'm certainly beginning to feel that it's getting long in the tooth! I've put up with it for so long mainly due to lack of cash.

Thanks for the suggestions, I wasn't sure how fast a processor I really needed for those requirements.

David.

 

Thanks, that's a useful observation. I had been looking at the Latitude D630 or D830, but they work out a little more expensive. (And for some reason, the D830 can only be configured with 80GB hard drive here.) But that's a good reason to give it some more thought... (I'm confused enough already!)

Thanks,
David.

 

Sorry, forgot to ask before:

After looking through the posts on this forum, I'm still not sure whether to go with 5400rpm or 7200rpm hard drive. The latter is faster on paper -- but is it in practice? And is it worth it -- is it louder / will it drain the battery faster / does it make the computer vibrate more?

Sorry for naive questions, but this laptop will have to last me another 4 years or so!

Thanks,
David.

 

The reason that the Latitudes are more expensive is because they are better built so that they can be traveled with in a business situation.

Yes the 7200RPM can be faster in practice but it comes at a cost of price or space. I'm not sure about the faster HDD using more battery, theoretically it would, but I would check, I remember seeing a topic on these forums dedicated to the topic of 5400 vs 7200.

 

OK, fair point about the Latitudes. I have looked for a 5400 vs 7200 thread, but they all seem to be a couple of years old, which is quite out of date as far as I can tell!

Thanks everybody for the input,
David.

 

Hi David,

I recently purchased a laptop (Insp. 1520) for the purpose of scientific computing as well, primarily geometry and tracking in particle physics. It's incredibly computationally intensive as far as the development goes, but, like you, I leave the actual running and execution to more powerful computers.

I, however, only got my computer a few days ago, so I've yet to do anything with it. If you'd like, you can PM me your e-mail address and I'll get back to you in a week with my opinions on the Inspiron 1520.

 

OK, that would be useful, thanks.