Process engineering, which computer

[taildragger]

I was wondering if anyone has experience with running process simulation software on a mac (specifically ASPEN or PRO/II or GAMS). I understand that most of these (if not all of them) will have to be run in bootcamp and was wondering if there would be any significant difference in speed between the mb and mbp.

The programs aren't visually intensive, other than the fact that small screens quickly become mazes.

So, would the MBP be "worth" the extra $500 for the 2.16ghz processor, larger screen, and dedicated graphics card.

 

[emptyCup]

Are you sure you need a laptop?

 

[taildragger]

The computers that we have in the lab at school suck, bottom line. OU has a wonderful IT dept that takes months to fix a site license issue. That being said, a laptop is very prefferable since I have to do group work on the move. I still typically meet in labs and have to sometimes show people how to run the process with pro/II.

That being said I have contemplated going to graduate school for reactor design, which would warrant more useage and more intense designs. So mobility is a must for me (I have actually had to sit down in a coffee shop in Ft. Collins to answer questions for my group in Oklahoma...)

In reality this machine will mainly be for fun, I use simulation software but its not going to be its main use, I'd just really like it to be faster than my 3.1ghz P4 dell with 512mb memory, and have more than 5 minutes of battery life...

 

[Sesshi]

You'd have to run demanding Windows apps in Boot Camp. Parallels has some speed and compatibility tics, as well as really giving the MBP a workout over and above running Boot Camp.

May I suggest alternatives:

HP nw9440
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF25a/321957-321957-64295-321838-3329741-1839859.html

Dell Precision M90
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/precn_m90?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04

Both are certified for various engineering and design applications. I would lean towards the nw as a machine as it's a very good balance of quality feel and durability whereas the Dell looks a bit cheap, but the M90 is better supported at least here in the UK.