Best CPU for multitasking

[trexpesto]

I am running 2 dbs, weblogic server with a very demanding set of apps, a honking GUI builder, the resultant client apps, as well as the usual Java IDE, mozilla, Textpad, etc. Plenty. Everything but media encoding.

On a laptop. So that is a factor, but I almost always will have a desk and power since this is for work.

Question 1: Should I be getting P4 because of HT and faster memory? I was pretty much sold on the Pentium M but then realized alot of benchies in the AT Dothan article are a single process at a time, except for (at least parts of) Sysmark and BizWinstone

My second choice was A64 3700+, max I can find from the majors. A tad less heat, but still 3 times Dothan.
Not too worried about future proofing a laptop, and I bet M$ will be about 2.5 years late on their 64-bit OS, if XP SP2 is any guide. Plus you know it'll be rushed like SP2 as well.

Both are cheaper than that P-M.

Question 2: Anyone knows of a laptop from HP/Compaq, Dell, or IBM that has 2 hard drives? that would be nice.

 

[clille]

I need to carry my work arround, but I always have power and a desk, and most of the time I also have monitor, keyboard and mouse.

This is what I picked for myself:

http://www5.pc.ibm.com/dk/products.nsf/$wwwPartNumLookup/_UC2KYDK?OpenDocument&parent=OtherModelsChart

From a professional point of view. This is the first time I can settle for a laptop, previously laptops have been too slow to replace desktops, but this is very close to be just as fast as a desktop

1 Gb Mem
7200 RPM harddisk
professional graphic card
Dothan 2 Ghz

With regards to adding a second harddisk - I have used this option for Thinkpads for years

http://www5.pc.ibm.com/dk/products.nsf/$wwwPartNumLookup/_62P4554?OpenDocument

if you need to use a dvd drive once in a while you need to carry that with you. You could attach an USB
2.0 DVD drive or unplug the second harddrive while you use the DVD drive.

If you don't like IBM I am sure you can find the same from other suppliers.

 

[trexpesto]

What apps etc do you run on that comp?

 

[SickBeast]

I would go with the Dothan hands down. Heat is a huge concern with laptops, whether you're connected to an AC outlet or not.

 

[Lithan]

Dothan won't have HT. Personally? I'd recommend you do a homemade job with a 1u dual optern rig. Mounting it into a self-made portable case. This kind of assumes a large budget though. But it could be possible within or just above the cost of a good lappy.

Dual opteron 1u Mobo (not sure, maybe $450)
Dual opterons ($425)
2gigs reg/ecc ram ($350)
Case/materials for ($75)
PSU ($150)
Storage/optical/backup drives ($???)
Whatever gfx card you want ($???)

I guessed pretty high on most everything, Only thing I'd worry about having guessed low on is the mobo. Dual rig mobo's sell for some crazy amounts of cash.

 

[trexpesto]

Lithan.. Yeah, my boss wouldn't pay for that, has to be Dell, HPCompaq, or IBM. T42p sounds interesting but dang expensive.

SickBeast, I never had a beefy laptop, when does the heat getcha? Won't be overclocking.

As far as question 2, I found that Dell 8600, 9100, 600m, and 800m all have 2-HD capability. Whether that is two IDE channels I dont know.

 

[Sauro]

Step 1: Buy:
Asus M6BNe Barebones ($900)
2x512MB PC2700 RAM CAS 2.5 (not DC) ($180)
Segate 100GB Drive (???)
Dothan 2.0 (????? Price cuts coming soon)
Intel 2200BG ($35)

Step 2: Build

Check out some benchmarks. The 2.0 Dothan rocks some mean numbers. Also consider, if you're going to be running a A64 3700+, and crunching big numbers, it will get about 45 mins battery life, whereas the M6BNe will get about 2 hrs.

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: trexpesto
SickBeast, I never had a beefy laptop, when does the heat getcha? Won't be overclocking.

My old laptop was a scorcher. For one thing, it would burn my lap. Even if it was on a desk, it would give me sweaty hands after only short periods of use. Then this twangy fan would kick in and make a high-pitched whirring sound.

It was a Toshiba Tecra P166MMX if that makes any difference.

I've heard many stories about hot laptops though, and they weren't in Hot Deals.

 

[SickBeast]

Just a question, but why are you even getting a laptop if it will "always have a desk and power"? Why not go with a SFF PC or even just a full blown PC?

If space is a factor, just go with an LCD. Even if you have to carry it home sometimes, I don't think carrying a SFF PC would be a very big deal.

 

[iwantanewcomputer]

if you get a laptop do not get a fast p4. i have a 2.8b dell and it gets way too hot. i'd go with a dothan

 

[trexpesto]

Originally posted by: SickBeast
Just a question, but why are you even getting a laptop if it will "always have a desk and power"? Why not go with a SFF PC or even just a full blown PC?

If space is a factor, just go with an LCD. Even if you have to carry it home sometimes, I don't think carrying a SFF PC would be a very big deal.

Has to to on the plane quite a bit to client sites.

 

[trexpesto]

Battery life doesn't bother me but heat and fan noise is not so good. Looking Dothan now.

 

[charloscarlies]

Originally posted by: trexpesto
Battery life doesn't bother me but heat and fan noise is not so good. Looking Dothan now.

I think that's a good choice.