3D - 2

Is the Dell XPS M1530 the best for CAD & 3D rendering work?

I am about to get a new laptop through work (so no cost restrictions). I work in the mining industry with 3D models/ cad software. I travel, so need a laptop. I am looking at the DELL XPS M1530. I am worried about the graphics...I have had a Dell precision m65 in the past but was dissapointed with the entry level graphics on this system (surpac was crap with big DTMs)...is the xps M1530 any better? What is an alternative?

Public Comments

1. Hi Geo, The Dell Precision machines are great for running 3D CAD apps as they can be fitted with the nVidia Quadro FX graphics chipset, which is optimized for running OpenGL based CAD apps. XPS machines, on the other hand, are optimized for running games based upon DirectX. I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience with a Precision machine, but this may have been due to using generic graphics settings. The Quadro's graphics drivers can be optimized to run better on different CAD apps. Somewhere, tucked away in the graphics settings there is a drop down menu containing a list of all the major CAD and graphics apps. By selecting your app you may find a performance increase. I used to run Pro/ENGINEER very smoothly on a Precision M70 I think it was fitted with the FX1400 Go chipset. Try looking for a machine fitted with a mid to high-end graphics chipset and you cant go wrong. http://www.nvidia.com/page/quadrofx_go.html I would also stick with the XP operating system and at least 2GB memory.