Ultrabook for VJing

[Nackgi]

Hi,

I'm trying to choose a laptop for VJing and content creation. I have focused my search to small laptops because I would like to use it to create content with Cinema 4D on the go. But the problem with small laptops seems to be that they usually have quite poor GPUs which hinders the performance when using Resolume.

At the moment my strongest candidates are:

1) Dell XPS13
Processor: Intel Core i5-7200U (Kaby Lake)
Memory: 8GB LPDDR3 1866MHz
GPU: Intel HD 620 Graphics

2) Asus Zenbook UX410UQ
Processor: Intel Core i5-7200U (Kaby Lake)
Memory: 8 Gt DDR4
GPU: GeForce 940MX, 2 Gt

The main difference between these options is the GPU. Zenbook would have a bit better GPU, but on the other hand XPS13 has a Thunderbolt 3 -port, so in theory I could buy an external GPU when that technology matures a bit more.

I'm a bit of a beginner with VJing and content creation so I don't yet know what direction I will evolve to, will I use many layers with prerendered videos or just a few layers but with many stacked effects. Currently I have been using about 2-3 layers and stacked effects but I have also been checking out VVVV and realtime 3d graphics.

In any case, the Zenbook is not even released yet so there are no reviews about the build quality and user experience so I'll have to wait for the reviews before I make my decision.

Does anyone have any other suggestions for a portable laptop with enough juice to run Resolume? Or experiences with Intel HD 620 or GeForce 940MX? I didn't find any benchmarks with those GPUs from the benchmark spreadsheet.

Also, do Resolume effects use the main processor or are they handled with the GPU as well as DXV decoding?

[elgarf]

Have you look at MSI GS43/GS63, etc? But they are not long life laptops =)

[Nackgi]

Have you look at MSI GS43/GS63, etc? But they are not long life laptops =)

That one I had missed. The specs seem very nice indeed, but build quality and battery life are also quite important for me.

Though it seems that you can't get good performance and battery life in the same package, so I'll have to think about what kind of compromise I'll have to do.

[Arvol]

Personally, I have found that a used 2011 Mac Book Pro 15" with the 1GB AMD GPU and i7 processor works GREAT for content creation. You can add a SSD Hard Drive and 16GB of ram for about $300-$400. The Laptop runs around $500-$700 so your total investment would be around $800-$1,100. It's only a 1GB GPU but the i7 and 16GB of ram really helps out. I use C4D and After Effects. You definitely won't be able to use Octane Render or anything like that, but it is a VERY stable and reliable work horse.

If you are wanting to go the Windows route there is:

HP ZBook 17 G3 (V2W66UT#ABA) - NVIDIA Quadro M5000M - $3,900

HP ZBook 15U G3 (V1H62UT#ABA) - AMD FirePro W4190M - $1,300

MSI 17.3" FHD 120Hz 5ms GT73VR Titan Pro-202 - Gaming NVIDIA GTX1080 - $3,000

2 of the 3 being double the price as your listed options in the OP.

[Nackgi]

Personally, I have found that a used 2011 Mac Book Pro 15" with the 1GB AMD GPU and i7 processor works GREAT for content creation. You can add a SSD Hard Drive and 16GB of ram for about $300-$400. The Laptop runs around $500-$700 so your total investment would be around $800-$1,100. It's only a 1GB GPU but the i7 and 16GB of ram really helps out. I use C4D and After Effects. You definitely won't be able to use Octane Render or anything like that, but it is a VERY stable and reliable work horse.

If you are wanting to go the Windows route there is:

HP ZBook 17 G3 (V2W66UT#ABA) - NVIDIA Quadro M5000M - $3,900

HP ZBook 15U G3 (V1H62UT#ABA) - AMD FirePro W4190M - $1,300

MSI 17.3" FHD 120Hz 5ms GT73VR Titan Pro-202 - Gaming NVIDIA GTX1080 - $3,000

2 of the 3 being double the price as your listed options in the OP.

Thank you for the input and new alternatives to consider.

I have thought about a used MBP, but at the moment I'm trying to steer towards a PC. I could install Windows to a MBP, but I have been fiddling with PCs for over twenty years now so I'd be more comfortable with the flexibility of a PC laptop.

It's a tough choice between portability and power, but at the moment it feels like I'm going to favor portability so I can get the most out of the investment when its easier to actually carry the laptop with me.

[Arvol]

yeah.... that and thunderbolt adapters SUCK on a ported windows install. they're not hot-swappable

[Digitrevx]

Personally in terms of laptops I choose mid range gaming laptops as my sweet spot for 5 reasons.
Build quality has gotten better and many brands have matured in visual ascetics.
Video cards are hugely improved then what Apple offers even currently.
Cost is actually very reasonable since its not bleeding edge in terms of the best out there since its mid range.
Battery life is reasonable since a mid range wont have a ridiculous gpu that chews through power.
It's usually serviceable and upgrade-able unlike the latest MBP's.

I usually use my laptops only as a life raft to stay productive when I'm forced away from a tower pc. I do a lot of Maya work and real time 3d rendering in other software but also video editing and after effects. When I can I always prefer a tower and fly with one whenever doing event's using even Resolume.

I just don't really believe in high end PC laptops being good values and most certainly not a 2016 MBP. I consider those fashion items.

Contrary to popular belief modern pascal quadros double precision doesn't make a ounce of difference when compared to a geforce. The difference is the ecc vram and the amount of it. It's only useful if your project file and scene requires that which I'm 99% sure for any of us it doesn't. So that is also a waste of money unless it's not your money to waste aka a big company.