[Baypiggies] hardware question

[Ken Seehart]

On 12/24/2010 05:22 PM, Aahz wrote:
> On Thu, Dec 23, 2010, Vikram K wrote:
>> Recently i got funding to buy a new laptop. The choice is between Apple
>> (which i have never ever used),  or HP/Dell.
>>
>> Since most of my computational work will be using python i wanted to ask
>> others on this forum about whether there would be any compatibility issues
>> with using the various python libraries (matplotlib, scipy, numpy,
>> Biopython, etc.) when using Python on the Mac.
> There's one simple reason why I absolutely stick with Macs for laptops:
> sleep Just Works.  Supposedly there's been progress in recent years, but
> I still often see people booting up their laptops instead of just waking
> them from sleep when it's not a Mac.  Get a Mac with 8GB RAM and you'll
> have plenty of room for virtual machines for Ubuntu, Windows, or
> whatever.
>
> Overall, I'm happier when I'm using my Ubuntu desktop at home, mainly
> because Macs are somewhat keyboard-unfriendly, although you can do an
> awful lots with the Mac keyboard if you invest some time learning.
> (Surprisingly, Windows and Ubuntu are mostly in a dead heat for keyboard
> friendliness.)  If you are familiar with and like Gnome/KDE virtual
> screens, you will hate the Mac implementation.
>
> You should get a mouse with your Mac if you have sweaty fingers, the
> capacitive trackpad sometimes goes wonky.
>
> I've used 13", 15", and 17" laptops.  IMO 15" is the best compromise
> between screen size and portability.  Get the anti-glare screen, the
> glossy is one thing I dislike about my current Mac.
<mutant_topic>
I'm going to buy a new laptop for PYCON, and the Mac virtual
machine idea is tempting.  The one issue I have is whether
it is possible to run CUDA code in a windows vm and a ubuntu
vm on a mac.

Anyone know about this?
</mutant_topic>