I really dont want to make the costly switch to Mac, so I'm interested in models, advice, experience with the larger PC-laptops. It will be my primary computer, used for photo editing.
I'm thinking I need 6 mb RAM, probably at 500 GB hard-drive (most are at 5400 RPM, is that OK). Do I need a special video card? I will mostly work with LR, Nik Collection and some Photoshop (currently CS, but will probably move to 64 bit CS 4 soon).
Plan on only using very high resolution LCD. Currently I have a Dell 15.4" with 1920x1200 resolution and I will want that level again.
Only thing I can readily find in Dell 17' Studio 17 seres, XPS series, and a very much overpriced Alienware/Dell collaboration.
Anyone have HP? Acer? Other ideas/experience?
You can get an 18 inch notebook PC with a quad core, lots of RAM, up to 1.5 terabytes of internal drives, etc. It's a local company here in Ottawa but I don't know much about them.
Alternatively, Sony will let you configure pretty good notebooks on line and we know Sony quality is good.
i have a sony vaio aw-series. With the 18.4 inch led screen. I bought it as a desktop replacement, running lightroom and CS4 is a breeze. And the screen calibrates well. At this moment it's my main machine. My quadcore desktop is collecting dust now. it also has a nice nvidia 9600gt videocard so i can even play some nice games on it.
I'm very happy with my vaio. You might take a look there. They arent cheap tho. But i've never seen another laptop with such a great screen and that screen is important to me...
I've got an AW series Sony as well. The display is simply stunning and profiles really well. It's very wide gamut, so you'll need to stay in colour managed apps. Lightroom, Elelents and Premiere Elements was included with my model and it has integrated card readers (CF, SD and MS - all high speed), mine has a raid Hdd array and a 64bit OS. It's a joy to use with LR and Photoshop. But the highlight is the screen. I've a cuple of monitors including a 24" Dell (given to the wife now) and an Eizo 24" collecting dust. The onjly negatives are the crappy trackpad and the USB ports are in the worst place ever.
flash wrote:
I've got an AW series Sony as well. The display is simply stunning and profiles really well. It's very wide gamut, so you'll need to stay in colour managed apps. Lightroom, Elelents and Premiere Elements was included with my model and it has integrated card readers (CF, SD and MS - all high speed), mine has a raid Hdd array and a 64bit OS. It's a joy to use with LR and Photoshop. But the highlight is the screen. I've a cuple of monitors including a 24" Dell (given to the wife now) and an Eizo 24" collecting dust. The onjly negatives are the crappy trackpad and the USB ports are in the worst place ever.
Thx for the info and links, folks.
For those of you with the Sony AW series, do you actually sit with it on your lap? If so, how's the size, heat?
So far sounds like the best deal price and screen-wise.
I don't. I use a mouse or small tablet attached and on a desk. I do move from location to location with it but I travel by car. Heat doesnt seem to be a problem but the fan blows pretty warm air out the left hand side. For me, I wouldn't use it on a lap, bujt I'd find any machine, regardless of size, uncomfortale on the lap while editing photos.
Battery life is pretty terrible, as mentioned above. Also, the power brick is enormous. I use a Kensington 120w power supply when I travel as the original power brick weighs a couple of pounds on its own.
but that doesn't matter for me either