Introduction
I think it’s fair to say that you won’t find a bigger 3D fan than myself. I just love the stuff. I have multiple 3D computers for AMD and Nvidia platforms, I have more 3D monitors than I can count, and even at an amateur level, I do my best to get all my content produced and shown in 3D. I even have a 3D smartphone!
The one hurdle I’ve faced is mobility. As much as I enjoy going to conferences, interviewing people, and sharing 3D content on MTBS, it really sucks that it’s next to impossible to publish stuff until I get back home.
The problem is twofold: first, my notebook computer is too old and doesn’t have the processing power to render fast enough. Editing on the go is chunky to say the least, and encoding ten minutes could easily take over an hour PLUS the upload time. To add insult to injury, I can’t see the 3D content the way it’s Meant to be Seen, and that also makes editing and publishing harder to do.
Sometimes, I’m away from home so long, that I need to take my full sized desktop with me. A couple of years ago, my wife and I visited her grandmother for a week. Her 98 year old grandmother doesn’t have high speed internet, computers, or even a three prong plug for that matter. I can get by with the Internet at the hotel, but I’m screwed for doing any kind of 3D game review, testing, or image views without the right equipment. The last time we went, we got stopped at the border, and the border guard was in disbelief that I really had my whole 3D setup in the trunk of our car (“He really has his office back here”). That’s what it takes.
I decided to chase down a proper solution: a 3D notebook computer – but which one should I choose? I tried to get an HP Envy 3D, but they are discontinued. LG’s 3D notebook computers are supposed to be pretty good, but they aren’t sold in Canada, and I didn’t want to risk a geography limited warranty on an eBay purchase. Samsung recently made headlines with a good 3D performer in Korea…but just in Korea. Grrrr!
What was a 3D fan to do?!?