Best Workstation For You

Many different companies have attempted to produce a workstation-like unit for lower costs, which unfortunately would come at the expense of performance. One such approach is to remove the local storage capability and thus leave behind a system that has only the keyboard, mouse, processor, and screen. Sometimes these systems can even still run an operating system and perform tasks on the local machine. However, storage would be held on a server attached to their network, or some other remote location. These systems are brilliant in the concept and intended goal, which was to not only reduce the cost of purchasing the initial unit, but the expanse to maintain the system as well. These systems do not require the type of administrative support that standard workstations do, and allow the technician to focus primarily on the server as the main point of recovery concern.

Many workstation manufactures look to push for the replacement of the personal computer in the business environment. The first wave of this was evident with the 3Station by 3Com, and then again later in the 90s with X terminals, or Sun’s “thin clients.” These systems were an attempt to market the workstation as a necessary office standard and a value minded addition to any network. However, as electronics tend to do, the price margins for workstations, as well as personal computers, is plummeting. These systems are becoming easier to acquire and far more comparative (a fact that usually plays to the favor of the consumer). This has sparked a new marketing movement for workstation systems.

More than ever before workstations are actually being branded now, much like the personal computer. This is becoming more evident as people are starting to know more about the workstation than ever before. Marketers will soon find out if the branding process is working when the units start to fly off the shelf. Of course we will be looking for a few more price drops before that happens.

The line between personal computer and workstation computer continues to blur and end users are becoming more and savvier. Marketers are concentrating right now on the business sector, but I am sure that a time will come soon, where standard home users will be browsing the web for advice on their choice to buy a workstation. With all of the graphics and picture editing software out there, not to mention various type of media, it is no wonder that even off the shelf PCs now come with over a terabyte of memory, and a dual quad core processor capable of handling over 8 gigabytes of RAM. The work of branding that the manufacturer’s marketing department has put into their campaign would define their name recognition.

This is unfortunately all that entices a purchase. Many buyers have no idea why they went with a certain product, just like end users will likely not have a clue why they upgraded to a workstation (when the impending trend begins). This is a shame because we cannot ignore the real intrinsic worth of the learning process that we go through as we look into the different brands available today. Many may gravitate toward a workstation because it is the latest “hip” thing to do, just like the blackberry my sister bought and doesn’t know how to use. When looking at worth, the brand may not be the smartest deciding factor. We may find ourselves asking, “Where have all the PCs gone?”

Workstations have a multitude of uses, such as 3D mechanical design, engineering simulation and testing, animation, graphics manipulation, and mathematical plots. For each one of these applications, a different set of requirements may be needed. This is exactly why it is important to know the exact function you need a workstation to perform and check the resource requirements before you head out to buy the system. Otherwise, you may find yourself frustrated at your system’s obvious poor performance.

A basic, typical workstation computer can easily be used in an office setting. These systems do have a top of the line processer, larger screens, and an increased capacity for memory, but are not geared toward intensive computing applications. These systems are optimized for fast paced business environments and enable users, through advanced available resources, to perform multiple functions at the same time. In most cases these computers are also equipped to join larger business workgroups or networks, and come with built in back end utilities to help engineers maintain these systems. These workstations would be considered a low-end or smaller format workstation and are a close kin to the personal computers of today’s market both in ability and appearance, as well as price.

For more specialized applications, such as the aforementioned 3-d structural design, a more high-end, or large format workstation would be required. Attempting to run full application suites such as AutoCAD or Adobe Creative Suite on a normal computer would cause a complete freeze due to a drain on system resources. These high end systems are usually equipped with a strong graphics card, large format visual displays, special pointing devises, and other such gear. They are capable of handling numerous commands and calls to resources at the same time. For example, high-end mathematical models could process trillions of computations at the exact same nanosecond. The capabilities of these systems also not only includes the specialized intended application, but also their normal duties as well. An end user could check their email, construct a report, and compile a huge program all at the same time with one of these workstations. This is why they’re becoming such a staple in today’s mainstream business world.

The decision on whether you need a low or high-end workstation is influenced by a number of factors, such as intended tasks, company size, and most importantly the budget. If the network is fairly complex and the budget allows, a medium sized workstation would probably be a sound investment. Nonetheless, that would be a call for each individual company to make. The beauty of the workstation set up is that there is no solution they can’t provide, and no configuration requirements they can’t reach. With knowledgeable vendors and consultants, it is fairly easy to express your needs and find the solution that’s right for you.

So you’ve decided that you need a workstation, now what? There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding upon the make and model of a workstation computer. Many are obvious, such as the processor speed, graphics card, et cetera. However, there are some other considerations that I feel elude the standard shopper. When looking for a computer of any kind, especially a workstation configuration, be sure to also consider the following.

Should you bye a brand named system, such as a Dell or HP? Maybe yes, maybe no… it would depend on your situation. For example, one of the major issues with the “brand named” systems is that their products are very proprietary. This means that if the fan or power supply flake out on you, you’d have to go through the manufacturer to get a replacement part. This is fine if your system is still under warranty, but no so much if that coverage has expired. With a more customized workstation, using generic parts, you can go down to Best Buy, and they’ll have a part that will work hanging on the wall. For a smaller business, this would likely be a better option, but for a larger firm this would obviously not be the case.

Another factor is the warranty. Larger companies can afford to purchase the extended warranty that is available for most brand named workstation systems, or maybe even a service plan (which are even more pricy). However, for a smaller business, such as a sole proprietorship, might be better of to piece a system together, as many components sold individually will already have a 3 year warranty. It is not difficult to figure out exactly what you need with a little research. This doesn’t mean actually “build” the systems, just simply picking out the items in your package separately, which are likely to all be different brands.

Also, the price difference, and featured software is a factor to consider. Some branded systems are certified by certain software vendors, such as Autodesk (the makers of AutoCAD). These specialized configurations would usually come with your software installed, functional, and integrated with any add-ons prior to you even removing it from the box. For a generic system you would have to manually install all of the software that you required. This could be a nightmare to an inexperienced user. However, an inexperienced user is likely to not be purchasing a workstation.

Again, there are always a ton of things to consider when purchasing any kind of new computer equipment, but I urge you to look beyond the walls of the well known brand’s box. There could even be a combination. You could get a preconfigured tower, and choose a generic brand, workstation quality monitor, and other peripherals that are just as good. The decision is always based on your means and there might be an easier and cheaper way to get that perfect system.

When trying to decide which workbook is right for you, it is important to consider a broad overview of your options. I found that it is much easier to list pros and cons then make a comparison prior to making a purchase. However we consumers usually are not willing to put the effort or time into researching the different models there are, and how they perform.

There are a ton different vendors out there, but for the sake of simplicity, I will focus on a few of the top, and most well known manufactures. Considering the Dell Precision T3600 which harbors an ideal combination of affordability and performance, this system is designed to provide efficient solution to any companies workbook needs. Featuring the latest generation of Intel Xeon processors, this workstation comes with all the perks of owning a dell, such as the new Intel Turbo Mode which allow you to shift the processor’s performance into a higher speed without causing issue with the system heat. This system tends to run over $6,000, but if you’re running labor intensive software such as the Unigraphics NX CADCAM software, you can’t go worn with this investment. Another system that is comparable to the T3500 would be the HP XW4600 which comes fully loaded with a high end graphics card and a nice selection of processors to choose from. This system is based on the new Intel X38 Express performance chipset and the latest workstation-class Dual and Quad-Core Intel processors. The HP xw4600 delivers up to twice the performance of previous editions this workstation has a ton off options to choose from. Your system could be geared toward graphics, processing, or even designed to be eco-friendly. Priced at around $2000, you can’t beat this package.

Another workstation to consider would be the IBM IntelliStation M Pro – Pentium This unit is geared toward graphics and output is brought to the screen via a 3Dlabs Wildcat Realizm 800 x16 PCI Express graphics card. Storage is a bit lacking (only 72GB), but as configured, the M Pro series are serious 3D workstations. This is due to its top of the line 3dlabs Wildcat graphics subsystem, a company that was a pioneer in workstation technology. However, if your company is into going green, this system requires 150 watts of power to run. Priced at around $700-1000 for just the tower, this system could be the low cost solution you’re after.

When moving into a more high-end workstation solution, you should consider the Dell Precision T7400. This system comes standard with over 25 active certified ISV’s and over 60 application certifications, such as CAD, or GIS; as well as applications including Pro/Engineer, Unigraphics, Softimage, and much more. This system also harbors newest, and most powerful Intel Xeon processors, as well as superior memory, graphics, and RAID options to muscle through the most taxing applications. These systems are also equipped with eco-friendly power options and tend to be priced around $1,800 for just the bare bones tower. Another high-end option would be the HP XW8400. Intel’s latest screaming fast processor announcements included not only the Core2 Extreme and Core2 Duo, but also the new Dual-core Xeon processor, two of which are the masterminds behind one of HP’s newest workstations, the xw8400. This system uses the dual core Intel Xeon 5160 processor and includes a 4MB cache. At a price around $3,600, this system is very fast and known to be very reliable. Finally the IBM IntelliStation Z pro with a Xeon processor. This system is built for multitasking, with multithreaded application power. This system is built as a workhorse, data soars through wider passageways for a vast leap in performance. With a price that runs about $2,100 and is a great buy for any firm.

So you’ve decided you need a computer, now what? Before you can begin to decide whether you need a workstation or not, you should first understand exactly what a workstation is. Typically it is understood to be a higher functioning system that is catered to its specific use. Older versions, like those released by Apollo or Sun, were very powerful compared to personal computers, however they were also up to 10 times the cost ( Wallich, 1988 ). Thus, these systems were quite unattainable to the average consumer. In today’s tech savvy times, the line is a bit hazier. There are a number of options, configurations and resources out there that could likely help with any workstation requirements. The trick is to simply make a list of what you need your systems to do and then do some research to find the best solution for you or your firm.

Obviously any end user would desire to have application compatibility and performance, but what else should you look for? Well, first off, you should look for reliability and availability of support. Consumerism 101 tells us that if a company doesn’t back their product to the fullest extent, they’re not the best on the market. This same rule applies to —especially to— technology. Considering that most businesses will require the need to remotely communicate with other systems, perform complicated tasks, and interface multiple software applications, your system will not come out of the box completely ready to go. You will need support while linking all of the pieces together.

Next you should pay mind to the expandability of the workstation. Can you add multiple peripherals? Can you easily add memory, RAM, drives? This all walks hand in hand with compatibility. In addition to your list of needs, you should also make a list of your desired software’s system requirements. There is no sense in buying a workstation that you can’t use efficiently. They are meant to be a vital tool for the business process. This is why they can run software, render graphics, and complete processes that the normal personal computer is not designed to handle.

The most obvious discerning factor when considering a workstation is the return on your investment. Does the need justify the expense? If you are working in the IT, marketing, or design industries the answer would likely be yes. You wouldn’t be able to handle large databases, or engineer and audio recording. Nor would you be able to create and fully render high definition graphics, or edit professional video clips. These workstations have become a staple in many of our industries. They are used for utility grids, manufacturing equipment, engineering, and many other necessities. If you have a large amount of computing ahead of you, you’d be better off to go with a workstation.

Before you can understand the purposes of a workstation computer, and some of the types of tasks it can be used for, you must first understand what a workstation is. For the sake of simplicity, workstations are nothing more than high-end microcomputers (or sometimes previously referred to as main frame systems). These systems are intended to be used in highly technical, scientific, or artistic settings and are built with the resources that end users will need to perform their job efficiently. These systems were not intended for public (or private) use and would previously be far outside of the typical consumer’s budget. A workstation could be utilized by various staff, each with their own profile, and usually will fall nicely in line with any business orientated group policy.

Many people confuse a Workstation with a personal computer; however the differences are quite numerous. A workstation must perform at higher speeds and capacities; harbor a much larger amount of memory and resources; and is usually connected to a high performance network. This station would have to have a working operating system, a larger than normal display, and are usually comprised of high end, reliable, sometimes customized components and peripherals. The graphics are purposely intended to be far superior to those found on a personal computer and such graphic usually will render at a much faster rate. Although these types of packaged systems are becoming more and more popular among the general public, there was a time when these types of configurations were only found on business workstation computers.

Optimization is key for a well manufactured workstation. This will enable the system to display and manipulate complex data. This data could be anything from 3D design, engineering simulations, and mathematical applications. Consoles often support multiple displays and peripherals, such as tables, pointing devices, and other new age technologies. One of the most common uses of a workstation falls within the scope of design or advanced visual tasks. Again, this is usually accomplished by configuring the system to have a series of specialized equipment, and software optimized for the task that user is trying to perform, or the “work” they need the station to help them do. In today’s market personal computers are commonly being referred to as workstations, and for good reason. Most personal systems today are far superior to their workstation counterparts of yester year; this is why the market for workstations has gravitated toward much more specialized applications. However, workstations are designed for situations requiring quite a large amount of computing power. Most standard systems would simply become unresponsive.

A very common use is a CAD workstation. Which is a computer designed for Computer Aided Drafting. This system excels in the most demanding, CGI, digital video, and CAD environments. This provides various engineers the tools they need to perform complex tasks, such as structural engineers and steel detailers who need to produce extremely large, complex models without any freezing or bottlenecks commonly computer hardware that has not been designed for this purpose. Creating drawings, issuing jobs, rendering intricate CAD models, or detailing digital video streams becomes effortless with these systems. This offers companies the maximum efficiency for any role dealing with high level graphics and benefits the firm by saving them time, money, manpower.

Workstations can come in a wide variety of configurations and specialized packages. However, for the sake of argument, a few industry standardized packages and processors have started to emerge. These machines bring rapid response times, increased capacities, and an overall performance than machines of standard home or small business personal computers. One of the more common standard workstation is the Dell optiplex 680, which offers higher processing speeds, faster transfer rates, supports network capatablilities and is geared for the business environment. However, this workstation still maintains its PC appearance, thus creating a more user friendly interface. This also would save on training and such for end users who would not be as savvy as others, yet still need higher computing power. These units are affordable enough for businesses to be able to purchase them in large quantities and deploy to all end users. From there a company would likely provide a higher end specialized system for users who have a role requiring a more advanced computing capability

Now a day, it is getting more and more common to find a lot of the same components found in workstations to be found in personal PCs too. Many other similarities are evident as well, such as a narrower price gap, performance similarities, and common operating systems. Nonetheless, a workstation is still a faster and more efficient system. This is usually due to a simply higher performing processor fine tuned to a specific purpose.  For example, some workstations use complex instruction set computing based processors like the Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 as their central processing unit (CPU).  Workstations leaning toward the higher end still utilize more sophisticated CPUs such as the Intel Xeon, IBM POWER, or AMD Opteron, and provide a truly reliable tool for various intensive computing tasks. Higher end workstations do generally tend to be designed for graphics applications.

Many workstations are configured for use with only a particular application such as AutoCAD, 3D Studio Max, etc. These workstations also usually come pre-certified by the software vendor. This solidifies that the system is optimized to run said application. For example, a CAD optimized workstation could incorporate the very latest in hardware and software. These systems contain certified graphics technologies and are efficient enough to eliminate bottlenecks typically found with older computer platforms. This system would also utilize a graphics solution, such as the NVIDIA Quadro FX, geared for AutoCAD. Autodesk has partnered with numerous companies such as NVIDIA, and has vowed to work with system manufacturers to create a better product.  These innovative companies recognize the need for optimized systems and as such they have spent thousands of labor hours to test, re-test and then certify the newest graphics cards with AutoCAD, such as the Quadro FX. Many of AutoCAD’s advanced features won’t run optimally without a professional class graphics processing unit. These units provide increased design productivity, unparalleled performance and exceptional visual quality.

When comparing workstation packages, a number of criteria tend to be evaluated in an effort to ensure that the best end value is found. Some of the primary concerns that should be taken into account would be the reliability of the product, the technical specs (to ensure it will do what you need it to do), the customer support that is offered, mobile solutions, and most importantly, the price. Information about all of these factors is detrimental to making an informed decision.

The major difference between most configurations is standard use and proximity. Do you travel a lot? If so, I would recommend one of the new lines of workstation notebooks that are surfacing. If you’re an HP fan a great option might be the ProBook 4310.  This system emulates a classic PC, but comes stock, jam packed with modern computing technologies. If you are purchasing a workstation to perform various tasks with photography, a notebook system to consider would be one that is manufactured by Lenovo, such as the ThinkPadW700. This system houses a bountiful storage space, an exceptional screen, a built-in digitizer, and an on-board color calibration system and is optimized for photography.

For more labor intensive computations you could choose any of the Dell Precision mobile workstations, which are infused with the Intel Pentium Xeon technology. These processors are capable of up to 300 times that of a personal computer.  Another type of large computation that would require a workstation could be statistical analysis and 3D data modeling. For these tasks, you may want to look at the Sony VAIO Z11.

The fact of the matter is that the workstation system is geared to the office environment. Due to the common practice of standardization (brand loyalty) many that the purchasing agents are convinced that the other brands do not matter and it is only a certain vendor that needs to be taken into consideration when looking to make a purchase. This could also be attributed to a supplier having preexisting relationships and pressing in one direction, a very clever marketing or sales ploy developed by the workstations manufacturer, or even outright ignorance of the product and going with the first thing that seems to fit. We all know that there are a ton of workstation computers on the market today, and we all also know that the decision on what to buy can be a very difficult choice to make. Every consumer, even if buying for a large firm, is looking for the best “bang for their buck.” Honestly, for any task you have, there is likely to be a notebook workstation that could more than handle the work load. The trick is to find the class of system that you will need, and then start to shop within that class. Workstations tend to be geared toward processing, graphics, or large storage capacities. Do the research… you won’t be sorry that you did.