OpenGL: what is it for???

Question

Hi, deciding between the Precision M4300 and the Latitude D830 I find out that the only real difference is the videocard and the true life. Maybe (I am trying to get info), they can have a different display, as generally on workstation they put better stuff. But basically they seem absolutely the same hardware and structure... Well, the FX360M of the Precision supports OpenGL. What is it for? Is it only for professinal graphic programs? Or does the OS (XP and Vista or Linux) work better with an opengl capable video card? I mean, the 140M of the Latitude seem the same card of the FX, but with different bios and driver. So, about the quantity of dedicated memory and the rest, they works same way. Why and for what should one prefer the fx? Maybe the opengl will be a standard for many things in the next years, and this can give a larger life expectance to the precision? What about 64bit OS? DO they like more opengl? In syntesis, as for my needs a 135M should be enough even to guarantee me that the notebook will not become prehistoric for at least 3 years, why should I spend 150 euro more for the fx, or 80 for the 140M? is not a better choice (abotu longevity) the 135M with the T7700 processor then the 140M with the T7500?

Tanis64 · Answer

Hi   To answer your question about OpenGL   OpenGL stands for Open Graphik Language and is a quasi standard for 3D Graphik Applikations on various plattforms. Each Windows capable graphicard should be able to support OpenGL. A graphiccard such as that which is in the Precision M4300 has special Hardware in it that supports (accelarate) OpenGL Applikations. Many Games also use OpenGL, but today most of the newer Games are programmed to use DirectX. So it belongs to that what you want to do with your Notebook. If you i.e. works as an architect and your tools are CAD Software then the better choice will be the Precision M4300, because the hardware supports the OpenGL Standart more (faster) then a normal buisiness Notebook.   I hope this will help you a little bit in your decision   Regards Christopher

Sergioo · Answer

'Should' be able? Means that is able, or that is not and it is a shame? Ok, reading better: each one supports it, the FX accelerate it. Well, tell me, you say that the fx do it by hardware. I initially knew that this fx360M was the SAME chip of the Quadro 140M in the Latitude, but with different bios and driver. SO it seemed as it was not the hardware. Or one should think that the 140M could do the same (by flashing it?) Now someone tells me that no: ' The Quadro NVS 135m and the Quadro FX360m are both based off of the Geforce 8400M-GS. The Quadro NVS 140m is based off of the more powerful Geforce 8400M-GT. I'm quite sure about this. The amount of dedicated video memory is not very important, as none of these cards are powerful enough to use 256mb of video RAM.' and so it is the 135M which should do the same. Anyway, if I have to flash it, and delete my warranty, i will not. So, I am trying to figure out if the 135M can support opengl enough for my needs, which you can read here http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=tt_buy&thread.id=4412 Any suggestion?:smileyhappy: Thanks Sergio

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OpenGL: what is it for???

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