Anyone use a G1 for 3d modeling, Zbrush?

I have a few questions since I'd like to get a g1 soon..

I'd like my laptop for minor gaming, but also like to make high quality 3d models.

I'd probably be using some sort of 3d package, and maybe Zbrush. Does anyone have any experience's using a 3d program on a g1?

How is it?

Second question.. What is a good place to buy a G1? Any recommendations? Where to get one with XP?


Thanks guys..

 

I think Dreamer is pretty much the expert on that subject. Take a look at this and PM him with questions. The G1 should be fine for most 3D apps, but it's architecture is made for gaming, so it may not be a good as a professional card.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=1597704

 

actually, dreamer has chosen to leave the forums, so he probably won't answer back.

check out the asus faq for good resellers...but i doubt you will be able to find a version with xp on it b/c the g1 sold pretty quickly.

 

I believe that our very own Justin (aka proportable) is knowledgeable in that field. I'm an architect/3D guy myself but by no means an expert, so for what it's worth...

In general, I think that the 7700 will serve you well even though you could definitely do better. However, when you're buying a notebook it seems that you have to make a lot more compromises than if you were buying a desktop workstation so a balanced approach is probably best rather than getting an all out graphics beast.

My experience is that the 'professional' level cards - like the Quadro line - may give increased functionality and performance but not nearly as much as the increase in price.

For a desktop, I wouldn't settle for less than a dual quad-core Xeon and an 8800. For a notebook, the G1 doesn't look bad. (You might want to swap out the hard drive for a 7200rpm model.)

Good luck.

 

Fehr, what kind of poly count do you consider high quality?

 

I was also thinking of getting the G1 for 3d apps. The specs of the laptop is excelent for 3d, such as the ram and screen, but the GPU is for gamming and some 3d apps cant use geforce go cards for hardware rendering. Most 3d apps use quadro because its performance. But for the price of the G1 it is great for 3d and gaming.

 

stimp1000- I hear ya on that, I'd really just be using a G1 for mobile 3d making. Its not that fun to model at work, or at home where no one is around to glance over your should and wonder what you are doing. hehe

loopty- 20,000+ polys? I'm thinking like in Game resolution. Real time quality. Nothing too crazy unless I want to do High res source art for normal maps.

 

I've been using my G1 for modeling (and gaming of course). I use 3D Studio Max and Maya without any problems whatsoever. Even though the Go 7700 is not the best card for true 3D modeling it really flies through the modeling and animation apps.

Cheers and congrats on your new toy!

 

AFAIK, ZBrush doesn't use the GPU, so it should run fine under the Core 2 Duo. A bigger problem is OpenGL apps under Vista (if that is the OS you plan on using). Most 3D design applications still require legacy OpenGL ICDs, which is incompatible with Vista's new Window Manager layer (this does the transparent effects in the "Aero" theme). Generally, you can get around this problem by enabling WinXP SP2 compatibility mode, and disabling "desktop composition" (right-click on the icon -> properties -> compatibility). I am using 3dsmax 9 on the G1 under Vista, and it runs fine with the exception of a DX9 shader preview plugin (causes alert on startup, but otherwise can be ignored). Autodesk has stated they will correct this in the first Max 9 service pack.

 

I use the V1jp for 3d modeling in Maya, Max, Zbrush, and i have to say i have no problems with it.
Granted my processor reaches 80 degrees centrigrade when rendering or simulating, the GPU works fine. i did the smooth cube test, and my x1700 can run smoothly till there is over 1 mill poly faces