When selecting the right laptop for 3D scanning, design, and dental applications, it is essential to focus on the machine’s technical specifications rather than superficial features like fancy cases or RGB lighting. Most gaming laptops on the market are either over- or under-specced for the types of intensive computational loads involved in scanning and design work. Therefore, it’s important to match the laptop to the requirements of the software and hardware you'll be using.
For professionals working with dental scanners such as Aoralscan L, Aoralscan 3, Aoralscan Elite, Metismile, and AccuWare, your primary focus should be on the amount of RAM, the quality of the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and the availability of USB-C ports that support Power Delivery (PD). These elements ensure smooth operation, faster rendering, and seamless 3D modelling performance.
Why You Don’t Need a High-End Gaming Laptop
A common misconception is that a high-end gaming laptop is necessary for running advanced software like 3D scanning applications. However, gaming laptops are generally built for running video games, which do not come close to the computational load demanded by professional 3D design and scanning software. Purchasing a gaming laptop without considering the technical specifications specific to your needs could lead to overpaying for features that won’t benefit your workflow or, worse, a system that doesn’t perform as required.
Knowing your target requirements is key when choosing a laptop. The focus should be on performance components like the CPU, GPU, RAM, and, most importantly, whether the machine has the necessary power delivery capability. For example, the Aoralscan Elite requires a USB-C PD port capable of delivering more than 15W of power. Without this feature, even a top-tier machine might not function properly with the scanner.
Two Recommended Models
At Osseo Group, we have researched and tested various laptops to find the best balance of price, performance, and compatibility for dental professionals. We’ve selected two models: the Dell Inspiron 16 and the Alienware M16 R2, both available from Osseo Group or directly from Dell.
Dell Inspiron 16
The Dell Inspiron 16 is an excellent choice for those using Aoralscan L, Aoralscan 3, Metismile, and AccuWare. It has the right combination of power, memory, and GPU for handling 3D design and scanning tasks, making it a solid choice for dental professionals looking for performance at a competitive price point. However, it falls short when it comes to the USB-C PD requirement for the Aoralscan Elite.
Key Specifications:
Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H (24 MB cache, 16 cores, 22 threads, up to 4.80 GHz Turbo)
Memory: 32GB, 2x16GB DDR5, 5600MT/s
Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060, 8 GB GDDR6
Storage: 1 TB, M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
This configuration provides more than enough processing power and graphical capability for handling complex models and renders. However, as mentioned earlier, the absence of a USB-C port with Power Delivery greater than 15W means it’s not suitable for users working with the Aoralscan Elite. What it's compatible with
Aoralscan L
Aoralscan 3
Aoralscan 3 Wireless
Metismile
AccuWare
What it's NOT compatible with
Aoralscan Elite - The absence of a USB-C port with Power Delivery greater than 15W makes it Inspiron 16 incompatible.
Alienware M16 R2
While we typically advise against gaming laptops for professional use, the Alienware M16 R2 stands out as a versatile choice due to its perfect balance of price, performance, and essential specifications. Not only does it have all the technical capabilities to handle the Aoralscan Elite and other software, but it also features the necessary USB-C port with Power Delivery, making it ideal for Aoralscan Elite users.
Key Specifications:
Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 185H
Memory: 32GB, 2x16GB DDR5, 5600MT/s
Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070, 8 GB GDDR6
Storage: 1 TB, M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
USB-C Port: Includes Thunderbolt™ 4.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort 1.4 (iGPU) and 15W Power Delivery (3A/5V)
This laptop ticks all the boxes for high-performance scanning, rendering, and designing tasks, while also being capable of powering the Aoralscan Elite scanner due to its Thunderbolt and USB-C Power Delivery capabilities.
What it's compatible with
Aoralscan Elite
Aoralscan L
Aoralscan 3
Aoralscan 3 Wireless
Metismile
AccuWare
Conclusion: Focus on Your Needs
In conclusion, choosing the right laptop for 3D scanning and design is not about buying the most expensive gaming machine or being swayed by a fancy chassis. Instead, you should focus on getting a machine that meets your specific requirements. Both the Dell Inspiron 16 and the Alienware M16 R2 have been tested and found suitable for various dental applications, from Aoralscan L to AccuWare.
The Dell Inspiron 16 is a great cost-effective option for those who do not need the Power Delivery for Aoralscan Elite, while the Alienware M16 R2 is the best all-around choice for those requiring USB-C PD and top-tier performance.
Another key factor to consider when choosing a laptop for 3D scanning and design is future-proofing your purchase. Shining 3D has announced that future models of their scanners and accessories will all be USB-C Power Delivery (PD) compatible, meaning they will require the same high-power USB-C ports as the Aoralscan Elite. With this in mind, it’s essential to think about potential upgrades or accessories you may want to add in the future.
For this reason, selecting the Alienware M16 R2 is the smarter investment if you plan on upgrading or expanding your equipment down the line. With its Thunderbolt 4.0 and USB-C PD capability, the M16 R2 ensures that you are fully prepared to integrate any new Shining 3D scanners or accessories without needing to replace your laptop. In contrast, while the Dell Inspiron 16 may be a great choice for current applications, it lacks the necessary Power Delivery for future devices.
By opting for the Alienware M16 R2, you’re not only meeting your immediate needs but also preparing for future advancements in technology, ensuring your laptop remains a powerful tool for years to come.
Learn more
Check out our article Configuring your PC to support Shining 3D software for a comprehensive guide for optimising your PC to fully harness the capabilities of Shining 3D's cutting-edge software–in the dynamic world of dental technology, staying ahead with the most efficient tools is vital.