X61 or X200 for virtual machines in Vmware Workstation

I want to run Windows 7 Ultimate (32 bit) along with two virtual machines (one in Windows XP Pro, one in Linux) under Vmware Workstation. I would like to run some CAD programs such as Matlab, Solidworks, etc.

I have narrowed down my choices to X200 or X61 for the 12.1".

Would an X61 (T7200, 2GHz, 3GB RAM, 500GB 7200 RPM) run these features smoothly? Or should I get an X200 (P8600, 2.4GHz, 3GB RAM, 500GB 7200RPM)? I just want to try this but don't want to spend excessively.
Would I see a huge performance gap between the two? For those you who have run Wmware workstation under Windows 7 environment (or Vista), your opinion would be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

While I cannot comment on CAD, I do have much experience with VMware. Both of these machines will run these VMs satisfactorily, but it also depends on your plans to have both VMs running at the same time or not. For example, on a machine with 3GB RAM, if we devote 1GB to XP and 1GB to Linux, you only have 1GB left for Windows 7, which is not enough. Therefore, it depends on how many VMs you will be running at the same time, and how much RAM you devote to them, but I’d err on the side of more RAM for better performance when it comes to VMs. (Note: The VMware Tools will likely reduce the actual memory utilization of the VMs when they are not fully utilizing the RAM assigned to them, but this largely depends on how you will be using the VMs.)

 

If you need a lot of memory, I believe the max memory on the X200 is 4GB, but 8GB on the X61.

 

ZaZ - the X200 will take 8GB no problem.

jsailorca2002 - solidworks will run on the X61 and X200 but don't expect any miracles if using a large file with 1000+ parts.   you'll wish you had a W510 at that point.

hyper-V runs on either system as long as enough memory is installed.   i don't use vmware and can't comment on how it might compare.

 

Yep, the X200 can take up to 8GB of memory, but economically, the practical maximum is 4GB (4GB DIMMs are prohibitively expensive at the moment). If you know you'll need more memory, you might want to go for a laptop that has 4 RAM slots, such as the W510 (which can take up to 16GB of RAM, practical maximum of 8GB, which is plenty for VM uses).

 

Whoops, I thought I saw that somewhere.

 

Actually for some reason, the 4 gig module at newegg.com is only like 129 USD. This is actually quite cheap, as compared to the 2 x 2 gig configuration.

 

Things to remember with Workstation.

1. L2 Cache on the CPU (higher the better)
2. HD Speed (you can have almost all of the memory in a VM swapped to disk if you need the memory).
3 Memory.


Both should be ok, but remember in Workstation that on a dual-core machine, 2 or 3 VMs (if they aren't intensive) will be the max you can safely run.

 

i wouldn't get the X61 with the T7xxx CPU, it gets too darn hot when you use CPU intensive apps.

X200 with the P8xxx CPU is much better for the purpose.

 

^I would recommend the X200 for this reason as well. The X61s I used got pretty toasty when you ran it at full-tilt for a while; usually 75C temps or so, and I was using it mainly for video encoding, not heavy VM work. The bottom was just borderline uncomfortably hot, which meant if you ever want to use it on your lap you ared just about out of luck.

 

Thank you all for your valuable input. I will take great considerations on all your recommendations in my purchase. Might bump to 14.1" lenovo (T400) instead of the 12.1".

 

The T400 would be a pretty good choice as well; as good or better processor choices as the X200, as well as more of them available with the higher-res 1440x900 displays. I have one and while I do have my nit-pick complaints, it really is a good system. If you're doing CAD work, I'd highly recommend getting one with the hybrid ATI HD3470 GPU. With that, you can run integrated graphics on battery and get decent battery life, and turn on the dedicated card for when you need the horsepower. However, the switching function will really only work on Vista and Win7.

 

Or perhaps on a R400. Maybe get Vidock for graphic or DIY that I saw here.
I know I am cheap but gotta save $$ for McD for fries that never goes bad.

BTW, great site. Get whole bunch of pertinent info here.

 

Interesting! That would be one way (maybe a bit cumbersome) to get the benefits of the switchable graphics capability, though without the mobility.

 

Is there a better food source on the planet? I think not, but it's a good things there's not one close by as I'd probably be there too often.

 

KFC and Burger King sure rival McDoodle.. But US got so many cafe diner around and most of them serves good burgers and fries....