12-08-2006, 01:02 PM

Okay, so basically, I'm going to be attending IADT for their course in Video Game Design/Development.. This is my passion, I love video games, more than I've ever been passionate about playing bass guitar..

My question is, I'm going to need an uber-fast machine to do the 3d rendering and all that jazz to go along with it.

So.. I love Macs, and I love my TiBook, but my debate is, should I go with Windows or Mac OS X for 3D Design?

I don't have too many specifics on the course, other than it covers C++ Programming, Java, 3D Studio Max, etc.

I'm debating on getting a fully loaded Dell XPS m1710 laptop, C2D @ 2.0 ghz, 2gb ram, 512mb FX7960 GTX, 120gb hdd, WinXP MCE, and all the little bells and whistles to go with it.

My second choice, as I love Macs, is a 17" MacBook Pro C2D @ 2.33ghz, 2gb ram, X1600 256mb, 160gb hdd, etc, etc, etc...

They'll both be running in the same neighbourhood for cost (~3500-4000 CDN), cost is not a factor.

I'm having trouble deciding which one I want to sink the money into. Any thoughts/oppinions would be appreciated. I use WinXP and Mac OS X on a regular basis (Windows mainly for gaming, and because it is faster than either of my Macs).

Thanks!

12-08-2006, 01:25 PM

For 3D rendering I wouldnt get any notebook. Mac Pro or high end PC are the best options IMO.

12-08-2006, 01:36 PM

I would go with a desktop system, however, the new job I'm starting in the new year requires me to travel a lot. So I want to be able to take it with me on the road and minimalize my personal belongings.

Basically, it's an OS X vs. Windows debate regarding 3D Design/Game Design/Photoshop

12-08-2006, 02:38 PM

This is one instance I'd suggest go for a high-end Windows desktop.

If you doing C++ game programming you'd be silly to go on the Mac route. Plus 3ds max is the industry leader for games and that's Windows only.

Go for a Dell XPS desktop.

12-08-2006, 09:28 PM

You can always get Bootcamp on your MacBook Pro.

12-08-2006, 10:46 PM

osx 10.5 is rumored that it will be able to switch between osx and windows without restarting. If this is true macbook pro all the way.

12-08-2006, 11:13 PM

What I just thought about, and didn't realise this until today.. What if I ran 3DsMax under WinXP via Bootcamp? Would there be an performance difference compared to a "true" windows machine? Or does XP just recognize the hardware within the Macbook Pro as typical PC hardware?

12-08-2006, 11:24 PM

I would find out that the school/course requires, then get whatever that dictates.

12-09-2006, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by punkr0x0r

What I just thought about, and didn't realise this until today.. What if I ran 3DsMax under WinXP via Bootcamp? Would there be an performance difference compared to a "true" windows machine? Or does XP just recognize the hardware within the Macbook Pro as typical PC hardware?

It would perform exactly like a PC of the same specs...