This archive contains answers to questions sent to Unidata support through mid-2025. Note that the archive is no longer being updated. We provide the archive for reference; many of the answers presented here remain technically correct, even if somewhat outdated. For the most up-to-date information on the use of NSF Unidata software and data services, please consult the Software Documentation first.
Hi Kwan, re: > I would like to get back to you regarding system selection and installation > of the virtual machine, etc for running McIDAS-X. OK. re: > I am checking out a > Toshiba laptop with i7-4710HQ (quad), Mobile Intel HD graphics, 8GB RAM, > 1TB HDD, Windows 8.1 for $549.99. This sounds like a good deal. re: > I also saw solid state drives of 256GB > for $90, 500GB $180, 1TB for $358. Questions: - where did you find the 500 GB SSD for $180? - what is the manufacturer of the SSDs you are referring to? We prefer the Samsung EVO or PRO SSDs, but I must add that we don't have experience with recent offerings from SanDisk, etc. re: > What do you think about these deals? These are very good deals. I asked about the 500 GB SSD since I am planning on buying one for my own Dell Studio 14 laptop (which will be 5 years old in July, but it is still going strong). re: > I am thinking of just getting the $549.99 laptop but would also consider > upgrading my current laptop to a solid state drive. My advice if the cost differential is no or little problem is to buy a new laptop. The Toshiba should be plenty fast, and the 8 GB of RAM will allow you to do a lot of different things at the same time. Like I said before, I use my laptop for my McIDAS development machine (in the CentOS 6.6 x86_64 VM), and for running IDV and McIDAS-V and all of the Office applications in Windows7. The only thing that would entice me to change from this setup would be a high/higher end Mac laptop. re: > Thanks again for your help. No worries. Cheers, Tom -- **************************************************************************** Unidata User Support UCAR Unidata Program (303) 497-8642 P.O. Box 3000 address@hidden Boulder, CO 80307 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unidata HomePage http://www.unidata.ucar.edu **************************************************************************** Ticket Details =================== Ticket ID: JAV-781741 Department: Support McIDAS Priority: Normal Status: Closed