Well my soon to be employer will be buying me amoung things, a new laptop and desktop.
On both I need to be able to run
CPU, GPU,
RAM, and Hard drive intensive programs specfic to CMM operation. Along with Cad software, Mastercam, Solid works, and DNS. Both will also be used for software and compatibility testing, hardware testing, and recovery of other systems.
For the laptop, I am considering a Dell. Preferably the D620. I think the Dual Core, 1gig
ram, 60gig 7200rpm drive, a 256mg graphics card, and upgraded screen would fit my requirments.
For the desktop I am completly undecided. Build it or buy a dell?? I would like to stick with Intel due to the other systems at the office. I just quoted out a Dell Optiplex at $900. Dual Core 2.8, 1gig 533 DDR2, 160gig HD, DVD, 20" LCD, XP Pro. Could I do better? Theoreticaly I have a lcd already (KVM attached to servers). I am almost considering sticking with just a old GX520 I have laying around and keep the laptop as the power house... But... If I can get it funded,

. So give me some good recommendations. Im looking for speed, performance, and cost. I would like 2 gigs
ram, atleast 300 gigs of hard drive space, and a 256mg video card.
I have gigabit ethernet for both when in the office or at home and Cisco AP1200's for wireless. Should be interesting to see what I end up with.