I'm writing this post in English just in case any international students come across it. I haven't bought it yet, but I've found a customizable laptop (upon ordering the laptop you can configure your own specs) that I've configured to be at least on par with the high end model. Since I haven't bought it, I can't say anything about how well the laptop runs in practice, but if I end up buying this one I'll make another post.
Anyhow, the laptop can be be purchased from either PCSpecialist.co.uk (UK based, but with intl. shipping) or kampen.laptopplus.nl. They are essentially the same but kampen calls their model "Clevo" whereas pcspecialist uses "Optimus VIII". I'll be focusing on the Optimus (15.6 inch, there is an option for 17 inch as well), which can be found
here.
The configuration I use comes down to EUR 1124, including VAT (BTW) and shipping. If you want one that's completely on par with delft it'll only cost EUR 1000, but I recommend my config. I can't link the configuration so you'll have to set these values yourself.
- CPU: Intel Core i7-7700HQ
- RAM: 8GB Corsair 2400MHz
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti
- 1st Hard Disk: 1TB Slim SATA III (5400RPM)
- M.2 SSD Drive: 256 GB Samsung NVMe (2800MB/R, 1100MB/W)
I also recommend getting a second power cable since it's extremely cheap. You may also purchase a second battery pack, but this is completely optional. Now, it will still be expensive but the kicker is that you can choose not to pre-install windows. If you already have a copy that's not OEM, you can use that instead and save a lot of money. For example, I got a copy through the windows Insider program for free a while back and can still use that. Pirating is also an option, but I won't go into detail.
To compare this to the ZBook, the CPU, RAM and M.2 SSD are pretty much on par. You can also opt to go for a cheaper M.2 SSD without NVMe which will be slightly slower but some people don't mind that at all. The GPU performs better in games and can certainly run the programs needed for the courses. Also, a laptop with a GTX is easier to sell than one with a Quadro since there are more gamer buyers than professional buyers. A GTX 1050 would be cheaper and more on par with the Quadro M1200 (ZBook), but I would recommend just getting the 1050 Ti. You can opt to forego on the HDD (1st hard disk) and have the same amount of storage as the ZBook, but honestly I wouldn't recommend limiting your storage so much. As for RAM, 2133 MHz will also do just fine as long as it's 8GB. Most importantly, you can opt not to install the RAM, HDD and SSD and instead use similar components you may already have at home, but do make sure you have those components. This also means that if you find cheaper components elsewhere, you can install them in this machine as well. Make sure the RAM is DDR4, the first hard disk is 2.5" (either HDD or SSD is fine) and the second drive is M.2 (they look like most other PCI-e cards). Additionally, the Optimus has more regular USB ports instead of USB-c which is an absolute must for me.
To summarise
Pros:
- Equivalent price
- Better GPU (particularly good for gaming and other DirectX programs)
- Better connectivity options
- Better storage
- More customisation from the get-go
- Can forego on components and software (optional)
- Easier to sell later on
Cons:
- Slightly heavier (I believe this is 2.5kg)
- No on-site repair
- Not specifically made as a workstation
My main motives for buying this one are the fact that it uses GTX instead of Quadro (which makes it much easier to sell) and that I don't have to install OEM Windows. Also, if you want windows 10 pro instead of home on the ZBook you'll have to buy that anyway. Also, I just couldn't do with the single USB 3 port on the ZBook. I sent PCSpecialist an unrelated bug report earlier on and they responded within a day, so props to that as well.
This is my first post so sorry if it is too long or oddly formatted.