Asus for CAD/3D/Architecture work-Education Discounts??

Hello,

I am a grad student studying architecture and I've been looking at the Asus laptops. The w1n,w2n, and v6v are at the top of my list so far. Anybody here using one of these for CAD (autocad), 3d modeling (maya,rhino,3dsmax), graphic/layout (photoshop/illustrator/indesign)? If so, I would be very interested in hear what you think about these computers. I've got a pretty hefty desktop already for large rendering projects and graphic intensive files, I'm just looking for a solid performer that is more mobile. Also, I will be studying abroad next year so I need a computer I can take with me on the plane. The w1n is most appealing (i love the w2v but i can't afford it) but i'm unsure if the 64mb video card will cut it. how do the v6v's compare to the w1n? is the w1n outdated?

my other question is this. some manufacturers offer discounts to students. I am wondering if Asus does this. If so, I would seriously consider getting the w2v. thanks in advance!

steve

 

I don't have a Asus but I can comment on the use of AutoCAD, specifically AutoCAD 2006. My desktop can easily run AutoCAD 2006 even when drafting three dimensional objects. However, if you plan on rendering complex 3D animations through CAD or have multiple (and complex) textures applied to a 3D drawing then I recomend something with a 128MB graphics card. My desktop can do really complex 2D and simple 3D drafts but it can't render a 3D animation or apply textures to 3D objects. My desktop is configured as follows:
Pentium 4 2GHz
256MB RAM
80GB 7200 RPM HD
ATI Radeon 9250 128MB PCI graphics card

My computer was purchased in 2002 and is pretty outdated. My friend has the Gateway 7xxx with a Mobiel AMD Athlon 64 3700+, 1GB RAM, 128MB ATI x600, 100GB 4200 RPM HD. His notebook can handle any 3D animation we throw at it. I have not tested a notebook with a 64MB gpu but the 128MB x600 handles everything just fine. My Inspiron XPS Gen. 2 runs much smoother, even at the LCD's native resolution of 1920X1220.

I recomend either waiting or saving up for a 128MB gpu. A 64MB gpu may be able to run AutoCAD, in 3D, fine now but one or two years from now it may not be able to handle it.

 

thanks for the reply! well, in that case maybe i should go with the asus v6v then. i believe it's got a 128mb graphics card in it. i'm really not looking for anything too powerful. my desktop's got 2megs of ram,256mg video card,and a dual core amd chip in it so it should be more than fine.

 

Steve,

I've gone through exactly what you are (not sure what school you're at) but we also sell Asus' units. We have a majority of arch students on our advanced order list waiting for the W2. The thing is, you can run the lastest versions of everything you're looking to run... easily on the W1 if that's what you want. The V6 can certainly handle then as well as it's all the next generation components... but it's a 64mb dedicated card...... NOT 128mb. Personally, for me, my favorite notebook that I run all those programs and more on is the W3v. If this is your only system, for larger more detailed for I'd suggest investing in a large desktop monitor. What I do is use the W3 on the road, presenting to clients and going from here to there. When I'm at home, it's light enough to use anywhere... but when I get into a large scale precise 3ds max file that I'm working on...... basically, I've got a 23" widescreen that I hook I can hook the W3 up to..... I use a laser mouse in one hand and a specialized 3ds max controller in the other. The system is powerful enough (basically the same specs as the V6, but 1.5" shorter screen (14" widescreen). It's ideal for a lot of people.

Consider it. The W2 is great.... but ideally, if you're an ungrad and you're in a dorm room... the W2 is your desktop computer, your home stereo and your tv........ and it'll travel between dorm and studio and home for weekend trips and vacations....... absolutely ideal. For you, it's probably too big as well as too expensive. I can tell you right now you don't need it. Before you ask - we don't have an edu discount (unless of course your school is one we already do business with). Also, there's cash discounts that we and everyone else should offer if you want to send in a money order or a check or something like that.

If you have and arch of notebook questions feel free to drop me an email.

 

when do u need it by? the asus z70va has a 128mb x700 and will perform much better than the v6v at a lower price. however it isnt officially released till around mid sept. the v6v should still perform fine except that heat can sometimes be an issue when it is being pushed due to its design.

asus itself doesnt offer discounts, but most resellers do.

 

thanks for the advice, pro! where did you go to school? i'm in the grad program at sci_arc. i have to admit, part of what makes me want the w1 is the design. the v6v is also a very nice looking machine, one of the nicest pc laptops i've seen to date. i'm pretty sure both these notebooks will suit me fine. acad isn't a very intense program and i do most of my modeling in rhino which is also fairly efficient. will definitely keep in touch, you seem to have some of the best prices on asus notebooks.

 

I went to CUA in DC.... Trust me, I know what the w1.. and even w2 and v6 do to you as a designer..... it's the same thing a powerbook does, except these are actually worth every penny. Rhino really isn't as intense as you think. I use rhino to export some 3d models of prototype stuff I do (laptops, laptop parts, desktops.... car stuff, etc....)... we've got a laser cutter, 3d plastic drop printer and a mill here just to do some stuff I'm into as I'm design some stuff I hope to put into production as some point.... rhino's great....... but you can do it on a W1 without a doubt...... nothing's going to bog down. When the new 120gb 7200rpm drives come out, I'd swap one into whatever unit you get and you'll be cruising.... stock will do, but 7200rpm will get renderings done about 20% faster. Email me if you want to talk.