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    X61 graphic capibilities

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by awes1003, May 31, 2007.

  1. awes1003

    awes1003 Notebook Guru

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    Will the X61 with its discrete graphics be able to run applications such as MATLAB, Mathematica, and Photoshop at an acceptable clip?
     
  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Shoot, you only need an integrated graphics card and a relatively powerful CPU to do all of that. The graphics card doesn't do much for any of those applications...if at all.
     
  3. Dreamer

    Dreamer The Bad Boy

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    The X61 has an integrated graphics not discrete but yes it will be able to run these application with no problems.
     
  4. awes1003

    awes1003 Notebook Guru

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    alright I was thinking of cancelling my T61 order and going for the X61 (trying to stick with Lenovo/IBM due to their good reputation and employee discount) and was also wondering how difficult it would be to install new RAM in one of these notebooks. I've only ever had a desktop before and I assume it is not as simple in one of these notebook, especially the small form factor such as the X61.
    Also, how much more battery life would the lower voltage options for the X61 offer?
     
  5. labyrinthe

    labyrinthe Notebook Guru

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  6. Wail

    Wail Notebook Consultant

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    awes1003,

    It is relatively easy to install the RAM. Most likely, it would be just removing a couple of screws to open a small lid, and then slide in the RAM modules into their relative slots.

    May I ask what do you use Mathematica for, I haven't come across anyone using that application for a long long time ... anyways, to speed up Mathematica you would need a good processor, a good bus speed, and good cache, of course if you have a lot of data a fast hard drive would help. As it so happens, the X61 and X61s are some of the best in these categories, and they both are offered with a fast 7200rpm drive. So, yes you should be well set for running these applications. Of course, the same goes for Photoshop.
     
  7. noxxle99

    noxxle99 Notebook Deity

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    What integrated card does the x61 have? If its that gma3100 thing, then it should get about 1000 in 3dmark05. Thats pretty close to an ati x300.
     
  8. awes1003

    awes1003 Notebook Guru

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    Wail,
    I am an engineering student and I use Mathematica to help solve some of my more advanced math problems. I also use it occasionally to graph. I am using version 5 currently but I have heard the newly released version 6 has much better graphing capability as well.
    I am considering all my options in regards to which computer I want due to the fact that my T61 order just got pushed back to June 18th (was originally today). If I can still have all the basic multimedia capabilities in a smaller package with better battery life and at the same cost I see no reason not to cancel my T61 order and go for the X61.
     
  9. Wail

    Wail Notebook Consultant

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    I personally love smaller units, and have seen them ... they are every so light weight.

    I am sure either of the X61 or X61s would be good enough for your tasks.