College Comp Req, Quick Question.

Alright, I'm a tad bit of a newbie when it comes to computer hardware. I'm more of a software person. I had a deli ma when going through my choices for laptops. So after a bit of "google"ing (not sure if its a word) I came across this website.

My college major tells me that the only acceptable computer to use is their "Recommended 3" which is

However the "Recommended 2" is about $400 cheaper and the only difference I noticed was the RAM.

My question is. These are the exact same computers except for the RAM correct? If correct, am also right in thinking that it would be cheaper to just upgrade my ram at a electronic store (ex. Frys).

Heres the links to the two comps if the specs I posted aren't enough.
Recommended 2
Recommended 3

 

They don't only differ in memory. They also differ in their video cards. Recommended 2 has a more expensive workstation-level graphics card whereas the Recommended 3 has a less expensive consumer-level graphics card.

 

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Why not save a LOT and just order it through the normal Education page at Lenovo. T61s with those specs are going for much less. (Well, subsituting the 2.2ghz for the 2.33).

 

I think you got that backwards. "Recommend 3" has the more expensive workstation graphics card.

In either case, it's hard to imagine any situation where a T7600 process is the only acceptable solution. Maybe if you're some kind of engineer or physicist who runs massive computer models all the time, but for most students any of the Core 2 Duo processors is enough. There's a substantial jump in price for the top-of-the-line processor. You can save hundreds by going with a T7400 or T7200, or T7300 in a newer laptop; and you'll most likely never notice any difference in performance.

 

Alright I didn't notice the extra specifications at first but the only other differences I saw between the 2 Recommend computers are as follows.

Pelihu, I'm studying Industrial Design, so at some point I'll probably be running Photoshop, Illustrator, Solidworks, and other 3D rendering software. Not sure if its massive computer models, but I expect it to be around the same.

Cmonkey, Ill check that out.

 

unless you're doing your dissertation i'm not sure you'll really be needing all that power. The gfx card, maybe, that's a stretch, because to fully utlize a T60p card would require some savage cad wireframe rendering or 3d works with like 500 light sources. There is definitely no need for a T7600.

 

To be more like futureproof, take 3 as it has a better graphics card. Otherwise, go for 2. Better bargain imo.

 

Those are exactly the kinds of apps for which the T60p was intended. The FireGL 5250 is a workstation class graphics card; meaning it is optimized for rendering as opposed to gaming. This model should run circles around any other currently available TP when it comes to those applications (at least until the T61p is out).