Laptops inherently run hotter than desktops as the the hardware is squeezed into a smaller package. Probably not an issue if you are mindful to keep it on a hard surface or add a stand with an extra fan. We picked up one of these from Sams and I have been very impressed.
HP Pavilion Elite h8-1017CB Desktop, Intel Core i7-2600s, 1.5TB, 27" LED
in store price was about 10% less than the online price
> > i could not do the cad work i do with a lap top because i like (need) my 2 screens.
>
> I currently have two external monitors hooked up to my laptop and do not use the laptop's own screen. I set the Windows power settings to "do nothing" when the lid is closed, so I can keep it closed and off to the side.
why not leave the lid open and have a third display?
Sager NP8170 laptop
another small step up: Sager NP8170 (made by Clevo, one of the major OEM builders for Dell, Toshiba, IBM, HP, Apple and others)
I have loved my HPs but hard drives don't take the heat and fail... cooling pads help but are a pain in the butt, especially out in the bush.
I dealt direct with Sager after shopping the web sites... it went like this:
Last Wednesday evening I sent an email with an inane question or two, Thursday morning I got a polite and thorough response, then a little quick email chat, a phone call. Placed the order by noon, I promptly got a phone call verifying my CC data and saying it would build this week. Friday evening I got notice it was on the UPS truck, close of Monday it was delivered... now I have a 6 hour drive to the mailbox.
Awesome Service!
Sager Notebooks
The big bonus is that the CPU and GPU are easily swapped out by the user, and it supports 16GB of ram too.
Laptop Review from PowerNotebooks.com
Sager NP8170- Clevo P170HM
fast forward to 1:33 to see the hood up.
wish me luck!