We use a custom built HP 9000 series laptop for all of our work. You can custom build them on the HP site to whatever specs you want. Ours has:
2.5 gig Intel core two duo
4 gig of DDR Ram
Mirroring 120 gig hard drives at 7,500 rpm (they now have mirroring 340 gig drives)
800 mghz front end bus (that is important and determines the speed factor)
17 inch monitor with 1080P hi def screen (we calibrate it once a month and it is always dead on perfect!) This is also great for proofing images in Lightroom on a hi-def flat screen T.V. because you do not have to use some other way to get the images into hi def since the computer already does that.
Runs on Window Vista 64 bit
The only thing I don't like about this PC is the start up time and all the junk (which we deleted) that comes pre-loaded on it.
The computer is super fast and editing is seamless even when going from Lightroom into PS (which we do not do hardly at all). We also use an external E-Sata hard drive for all editing which has super fast (3 gig a sec) transfer speed.
Sticker price 5 months ago was $1,699. Same thing on a Mac Book Pro at the time we bought this was $3,100.
MacBook Pro. Am thrilled with mine, the second to latest gen with matte screen and 4GB ram. Runs LR2 really well. And you can drop em and they usually don't break
<-- PC Guy, I just snagged two Dell Studio 17 inch, Intel Core 2 Duo, 3 gig of ram, 320gig HD today...So far it seems fast enough for my processing. Got each for $650.00 which I was pretty happy with and didn't want to pass on.
I know you have a great eye for detail and color. Others have mentioned the new MBP. Go in and look at the screen. It may work for you but the glossy screens just don't cut it serious color work. If you get one get the old style with the non glossy screen like Sam said.
I know you have a great eye for detail and color. Others have mentioned the new MBP. Go in and look at the screen. It may work for you but the glossy screens just don't cut it serious color work. If you get one get the old style with the non glossy screen like Sam said.
To be honest I don't think I'd ever use a laptop for serious editing. Saying that I have a MacBook which I use for all my on the road stuff and love it. It's nowhere near as quick as a desktop but it does what I need, when I need it.
Sam's right about the RAM and Hard drive update. Apple charges a fortune for RAM. Much better to buy the smallest you can get away with then take a quick visit to crucial.
I'm in the same boat as you researching a high power laptop for post work. 6 months ago I would have said MBP like the rest here, but I can't stand the glare on glossy screens and I'm always on the move so it's an issue for me. I'm thinking Lenovo lineup now.
no need to buy a NEW macbook pro these days... the regular mac books are just as powerful as the old gens last version. if you don't mind the 13 inch screen, but who wouldn't hook that up to a cinema display or somethin? i'm a big fan of the new macbooks - i have one.
