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Help picking out a working forensic laptop- Need suggestions

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(@tall1)
Active Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 11
Topic starter  

Hello,

I have pretty good knowledge when it comes to purchasing desktops for conducting forensics, but I need to purchase a laptop that can be taken into the field to conduct forensic analysis, and then use that same laptop in the office hooked up to monitors and remote storage for all the other forensics.

Are there any suggestions on types of systems to get, what to watch out for, and options/functionality that is a must. I only want to make the purchase once. I have about 3K for a system. It is important to me to have dual monitors, but I can plug one into the laptop and use they laptop monitor as well. As much as I like Mac's I will have to have a base OS of Windows for Encase and all the other forensic software. I will be running Vmware on the laptop for my linux needs. I also don't care how big or heavy the laptop is since I know its a desktop replacement.

Thanks for your input.


   
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(@jasonjordaan)
Eminent Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 30
 

The first question that I need to ask is what forensic software or applications are you planning to run on the laptop (besides EnCase), as they will fundemantally determine the specs that you should have. Do you have an idea at this stage what you plan to use?

With regards EnCase, will you be running 7?


   
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pardhu
(@pardhu)
New Member
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 4
 

Hi
As of i remember Dell is selling some high configured laptops for forensic specialists please check dell site for more details i think the model is Dell Latitude


   
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(@craigl-sec)
Active Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 5
 

www.dell.com/forensics ?


   
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(@tall1)
Active Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 11
Topic starter  

Hello all,

Thanks for your reply.

I will be running Windows 7, Office, and just some smaller forensic applications.

I have been initially looking at the Dell Mobile Workstation series.

Are there any options that are necessary?

Thanks again.


   
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(@allend)
Active Member
Joined: 15 years ago
Posts: 17
 

The problem with dell (or any company) is that when they slap the "forensic" label on it, the price typically more than doubles.

I have both FTK and Encase running great on my laptop (ASUS G73 series). My recommendation is to jump on website that allows you to configure a laptop geared towards gaming. The two websites I have listed below have configurations that have 2-3 HDD's built into the laptop. That way, you can install oracle on a separate HDD to get better performance (if you use FTK).

http//www.originpc.com/
http//www.xoticpc.com/


   
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(@kovar)
Prominent Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 805
 

Greetings,

I carried the Dell M6500 for about a year and am considering buying one again. It is a very capable machine - lots of RAM, lots of cores, dual drives, big screen.

Only downside is that it is big and heavy, so much so that I invested in a roller case for it though there was plenty of room for other things in with it.

-David


   
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(@agungor)
New Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 4
 

I also like the Dell Precision laptops for field work. Consider the M4600 (15.6") if you are looking for something a bit more compact.


   
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