Considering Dell, or HP duo core.
I've been running XP Pro but afaik only Dell sells XP laptops and the configuration is very limited. What problems should I be aware of if I would switch to Vista?
I'm assuming that I could always re-format and load XP if I don't like or have problems with Vista?
This will be used with Photoshop CS2, Breezebrowser 2.11, DPP, Neat Image 5.2, and really don't want to upgrade to newer versions.
What do you think, any other brands to consider? Should I try Vista? and which version?
Thanks,
Forest

Some of my progams (non photographic) go back ten years and work well on XP. They will not run on VISTA. Photoshop CS2 and CS3 both run on XP. It would be too expensive for me to go to VISTA and be forced to upgrade several programs. I used a Dell laptop (PS 3) seven years and loved it; it even worked with XP.

If I had to replace a computer I definitely would choose one that had XP.

George

Forest - Get one of the machines that has the Vista disk included with XP already installed on the machine. Dell sells those (maybe only under 'Small Business'). I'm impressed with the XPS line of laptops, but they are kinda pricey.

Things I would get, if it was me:

- Non glossy screen
- 15.4" screen, widescreen, minimum XGA
- 2 GIG of RAM minimum, make sure you can upgrade to at least 4 gig. Some you can only upgrade to 2 gig.
- 9 cell battery (better battery life, pricier, but better battery life)
- 250 gig 5400 or 7200 RPM drive (the faster the better)
- External 250 gig USB drive (because you need to back up the drive)


I would get dual core, 2gigahertz minimum, more if you can afford it.

Questions? Feel free to ask.

Mike.

I've been using an HP 15" Entertainment Pavillion laptop with Vista Home Premium, a Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB RAM for 15 months now. I run PS CS3 and a bunch of other programs without problem.

Vista is the future for PCs and as long as you make sure your software and peripherals have updates for Vista, you should have no problems. I would get Vista Ultimate, which I have on my desktop, for the better back up options, rather than Home Premium.

You need at least two GB of RAM and the rest of what Mike Strock said. Get the most powerful laptop you can afford and future proof yourself for a few years. Dell and HP both make really good laptops and you won't go wrong with either.

When you buy the laptop, buy the support plan. With a desktop, it isn't as big a necessity as it is with a laptop. But, in my experience, buying a support contract where they will fix your laptop when something breaks (and trust me, if you use the laptop, it will eventually break), is invaluable.

Mike.

I think I've decided on the HP Pavilion special edition with 2.1Gz, 3Gb ram, and Vista Home Premium. When BestBuy opens I'll go and maybe pick up one. And hope that all of the programs I rely on will work!
Thanks for all of your suggestions.
Forest

Lenovo Lenovo Lenovo Lenovo Lenovo Lenovo.

And, did I mention 'Lenovo'?

my xps laptop has been good. get the three year service plan.

I always loved Thinkpads by IBM. I only found out they sold the line to Lenovo when I was trying to figure out why my new Thinkpad had "lenovo" on the power brick. Talk about paying attention.

The good news is, the new Lenovo Thinkpad has been just as fantastic as the old IBM's used to be. I'm about to upgrade again, and Lenovo is getting my business, again, for sure.

"Lenovo Lenovo Lenovo Lenovo Lenovo Lenovo."

Just don't rely on their restore and recovery process or the ability of the support people to guide you in this. This may be true with other manufacturers too.

Simply take your future into your own hands and keep full backups on an external USB hard drive. Ask me how I know this.

I'm running a SONY Vaio with Vista Business and it runs everything I've installed.
CS2 - CS3
But as per a previous post make sure sure you get as much RAM as you can.
Vista/XP 32 bit will only access up to 3 gig, but install 4 or more for the future.
I'm seeing a lot of systems now offering 3 gig.

Un-install ALL the crapware-bloatware-trialware when you first get it.

When I got mine I "flattened" it and install a fresh copy and installed exactly what I needed.

One feature to look for on your final selection in a DVI output. This will allow you to connect up an external monitor digitally. A quality external monitor is the way to go for photo editing.

wtlloyd wrote:
Lenovo Lenovo Lenovo Lenovo Lenovo Lenovo.

And, did I mention 'Lenovo'?

Have to agree. As an IT manager for 20 years I've evaluated, purchased, and used HP, Compaq, Dell, Sony, and IBM (Lenovo). Lenovo might look bland though I tend to like the look, but they just work day in day out. I also always preferred the feel of their keyboard over any others. They are fairly slim and best yet, many of the newer ones are coming with an intermal, protective metal cage to protect the laptop. You might here people complaining about Lenovo's displays being inferior but honestly I don't use my laptop for heavy post processing, that's why I have a desktop. The laptop is for ingesting, reviewing, and submitting images on the road. For that, I don't need the best, most accurate, color calibrated display. In the end though, opinions will always be very subjective based on the individuals' preferences and experiences.

The T-60 was, briefly, shipping with an IP-S display....wish that was still an option.
Second best, as already mentioned, is make sure you have a DV-I port. I missed looking out for that on my current laptop....

wtlloyd wrote:
The T-60 was, briefly, shipping with an IP-S display....wish that was still an option.
Second best, as already mentioned, is make sure you have a DV-I port. I missed looking out for that on my current laptop....

Yes its sad that the Flexview IPS LCD is no longer in production. I have two old ThinkPads a A31P and T43P with the 15" UXGA Flexview IPS LCD the best LCD I have seen on laptops.....