I am new to ZBrush and want to get a laptop that can handle the program. What do you suggest, if anything? And, as a matter of general interest for hardware with ZBrush, which hardware resource is most important to the program? In other words, what should I not skimp on when getting any machine?
I have a Alienware computer at this moment.
Also I travel a great deal
I use a Dell XPS m2010. I love it because it combines the power that I want with the portability that I need (although I wouldn’t exactly call it a laptop, it’s just under 20 lbs.)
Specs:
Intel core 2 duo proc. at 2.0 ghz
2gb ram, 120 gb 5400rpm HD
ATI radeon x1800 256mb video card
20.1" HD screen (that’s my favorite part )
The main thing that you want to look for is a decent video card (I would suggest at least 256mb ATI or Nvidia) and at least 1gb of RAM. I would strongly suggest that you look for a notebook that is upgradeable to 4gb of RAM, and upgrade to that, if possible. (my 2gb of ram has started choking on some of my more complex models, so I’m looking for more as well)
I would also suggest a wireless mouse (there’s no way you can model on that touch pad) and a pen tablet (I use a wacom graphire 4, kind of a cheap one but it works fabulously) 
I’m currenlty using a Samsung r60 plus as my traveling machine. Although not as powerful as my main pc it is pretty fine for Zbrush and perfectly useable, so you may want to check that out as prices are pretty damn decent on them right now.
Wayne…
Although I’ve now had it for over 18months I still use my Toshiba M400 Tablet. The model I have is the coreDuo 1.8MHz with 2Gb Ram. This works fine even though its quite small. They’ve updated the spec a few times since, which should make it even better now.
The only downside to this is the onboard graphics (Intel) so not great for games but fine for everything else including most 3D apps.
Upsides are it renders quickly, is very portable, with the add-on battery I can get 8 hours out of it on production stuff, everything is in one package (no peripherals to lug around) and it looks really cool in meetings…
All great info above. Thanks.
I’ve been looking at that XPS 2010 also at Dell outlet. I will check out the Samsung R60 and the tablet from Toshiba.