Hello all,
This is going to be a long one as there are a lot of factors to consider but I could really use a few more opinions.
TL;DR - Need reliable portable computer(s) for heavy content creation, need to find best combination of desktop and/or laptop.
_____________________________
I'm a student and working technology and new media artist. My work involves: photo/video editing, graphic design, VR development, VFX work, digital sound production, real-time computer vision tracking, AI and machine learning, 3D work, and simulations. Need longevity, user upgradability, portability. Need high resolution, color accuracy, strong cpu, and VR-capable graphics (somewhere, either in laptop or desktop depending on suggested configuration). Obviously, I understand that ideally I'd have a dedicated monster workstation system with Quadros and Xeons and all the good stuff, but unfortunately that's not in the budget as of now
Been struggling to choose the best, most cost effective and "future-proof" option, especially with new Intel and NVIDIA releases a few months away. Just a powerful laptop? Powerful laptop with mediocre graphics + eGPU for intensive work, upgradability, and VR support? Less powerful general purpose laptop and custom ITX desktop build for heavy lifting and upgradability?
I have many years experience building and repairing and I'm able to navigate most technical/hardware challenges so building, repasting, troubleshooting not an issue. Based in Chicago and Boston, will need to fly back and forth a few times annually. Would prefer to bring as much compute power with me as possible.
Trying to stay within $2500 budget. Thanks so much for any help or suggestions.
Considering the following combinations so you can get a feel for the kind of hardware and horsepower I'm looking at:
• XPS 15 9570 w/ 4K Touch 100% AdobeRGB & 1050ti + Sonnett eGPU w/ 980ti (card I already own)
• Seems good (if not best) option, base laptop powerful enough, eGPU allows for upgradability
• Gigabyte Aero 15X v8 4K w/1070 Max-Q
• Most power in compact portable package, least future proof on CPU and GPU. Have read QC concerns, expensive. Poor resale value
• 9700K (rumored for Oct 2018) or RYZEN 2600 + 980ti ITX desktop rig in Node 202 that can be fit in a backpack + XPS 13, Lenovo Yoga 920, etc. for general purpose
• I like this option, allows for upgradability, but concerned about portability and thermals of 202. Not thrilled about having to buy monitor and peripherals. Can take XPS 13 or other small laptop to and from classes for lighter work.
• Dell Inspiron 8700 & 1070 prebuilt + XPS 13, Yoga 920, etc. for general purpose
• Complete powerful VR-ready system for $1089 (see link above), will soon be outdated, not as portable. Could still afford XPS 13 or similar laptop on the side for lighter work.
Thank you again for any help or suggestions you might have. Much appreciated!
This is going to be a long one as there are a lot of factors to consider but I could really use a few more opinions.
TL;DR - Need reliable portable computer(s) for heavy content creation, need to find best combination of desktop and/or laptop.
_____________________________
I'm a student and working technology and new media artist. My work involves: photo/video editing, graphic design, VR development, VFX work, digital sound production, real-time computer vision tracking, AI and machine learning, 3D work, and simulations. Need longevity, user upgradability, portability. Need high resolution, color accuracy, strong cpu, and VR-capable graphics (somewhere, either in laptop or desktop depending on suggested configuration). Obviously, I understand that ideally I'd have a dedicated monster workstation system with Quadros and Xeons and all the good stuff, but unfortunately that's not in the budget as of now
Been struggling to choose the best, most cost effective and "future-proof" option, especially with new Intel and NVIDIA releases a few months away. Just a powerful laptop? Powerful laptop with mediocre graphics + eGPU for intensive work, upgradability, and VR support? Less powerful general purpose laptop and custom ITX desktop build for heavy lifting and upgradability?
I have many years experience building and repairing and I'm able to navigate most technical/hardware challenges so building, repasting, troubleshooting not an issue. Based in Chicago and Boston, will need to fly back and forth a few times annually. Would prefer to bring as much compute power with me as possible.
Trying to stay within $2500 budget. Thanks so much for any help or suggestions.
Considering the following combinations so you can get a feel for the kind of hardware and horsepower I'm looking at:
• XPS 15 9570 w/ 4K Touch 100% AdobeRGB & 1050ti + Sonnett eGPU w/ 980ti (card I already own)
• Seems good (if not best) option, base laptop powerful enough, eGPU allows for upgradability
• Gigabyte Aero 15X v8 4K w/1070 Max-Q
• Most power in compact portable package, least future proof on CPU and GPU. Have read QC concerns, expensive. Poor resale value
• 9700K (rumored for Oct 2018) or RYZEN 2600 + 980ti ITX desktop rig in Node 202 that can be fit in a backpack + XPS 13, Lenovo Yoga 920, etc. for general purpose
• I like this option, allows for upgradability, but concerned about portability and thermals of 202. Not thrilled about having to buy monitor and peripherals. Can take XPS 13 or other small laptop to and from classes for lighter work.
• Dell Inspiron 8700 & 1070 prebuilt + XPS 13, Yoga 920, etc. for general purpose
• Complete powerful VR-ready system for $1089 (see link above), will soon be outdated, not as portable. Could still afford XPS 13 or similar laptop on the side for lighter work.
Thank you again for any help or suggestions you might have. Much appreciated!
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