Best laptop for cisco lab/tech + opinions on screen ratio

virusc

Hi,

What laptop would you guys get for CCNP for using simulation software like dynamips. To run 10-12 routers needs a duel core with at least 1 gig ram right? I have a nice lab at work and home but I would like to try dynamips as I have heard lots of good things

Also.
I have grown to hate 16:9 screens on laptops. I have a new dell d620 at work with a 15" or so 16:9 screen and it is harder to see and use than my sony with a crappy 12.1" 4:3 screen. I really prefer 4:3 for work unless it is a huge 17" widescreen or larger, but then the laptop is to big and still I prefer the smaller 4:3 screens anyway. Anyone else have a opinion. Am I in the minority here?

thanks

dtlokee

You'll need more RAM than that to run 10-12 routers unless you're planning on running older IOS with lower memory requirements, figure at least 128MB of ram per router plus te RAM required for the OS, 2 GB would be the minimum. I run 10-12 routers on a Desktop with a dual cor CPU (2.4GHz) and 4 GB of RAM, but I don't think dynamips is multithreaded (or my version isn't) because it seems to use only one core when I do. I don't use Dynamips too much with all the lab gear at work (3560's, 3750's, 2811's, 3825's) I still prefer to use the real gear uness it's in use by a class, then I will hit Dynamips.

mikej412

I've got a dual core 2 with 2 gigs of RAM that will do 14 routers in 2 instances.

As for the displays, since they measure the screen diagonally, my 24" LCDs are almost as good as my old 21" monitors were. On the laptop I just ignore their recommended high resolution setting and just set it to a boring lower resolution so it's easier to read.

I do love my 9:16 21" Dell LCD -- it rotates and I use it like an old "page display monitor" -- but it is the 2nd montor on the system.