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Archive 2014 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

warpig602
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p.3 #1 · p.3 #1 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

Budget aside, my first 2 options were the Asus ROG 750 series and the Alienware 17 or 18

Jul 27, 2014 at 06:59 PM

dustin curley
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p.3 #2 · p.3 #2 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

Lisa I've got a 17" toshiba, i7, 24gb, 2x 1tb drives, usb3. Runs perfectly. Only about 1300 into it

Jul 31, 2014 at 05:19 PM

Scroggins
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p.3 #3 · p.3 #3 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

redford01 wrote:
I have a Dell XPS 15 with 512GB SSD and 16GB of RAM and since getting it, have done away with my desktop completely. The resolution is amazing, and PS6 and LR5 just fly...

Make sure you get something to calibrate the screen. I use the Colormunki and it matches prints exactly. I also carry an external 1TB usb 3.0 harddrive to store images on. The entire system weighs under 5 pounds and it is quite durable and easy to transport.

I run this same setup. Screen on the dell is excellent. Closest Windows laptop to a rmbp I've found. Price can be pretty good too if you catch the right sale plus coupon.

Aug 01, 2014 at 10:50 PM

aubsxc
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p.3 #4 · p.3 #4 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

For what its worth, I am using an HP Elitebook 8570W laptop at work with an Intel 3830QM CPU, 16GB DDR3 RAM, a Quadro K2000M GPU and 256GB SSD. This is the "mobile workstation" option that most engineers use in the company. It is a top of the line machine, very fast, and would make for a very nice portable photo editing workstation if you can justify the price ($3,000+). With the docking station it can drive two monitors and I believe the Quadro GPU will allow a full 10-bit/channel connection if you have a professional monitor that uses 10-bit display hardware.

Aug 11, 2014 at 10:11 AM

conebeam
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p.3 #5 · p.3 #5 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

Lisa,
I am radiologist and need to be picky on the laptop screen for all gray scales. See if you can build a laptop of your choice at xoticpc or Falcon Northwest. I am happy with both the companies. I build my workstations at MicroCenter, and then get NEC monitors for medical images.

Aug 26, 2014 at 09:49 PM

dustin curley
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p.3 #6 · p.3 #6 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

Ive got a Toshiba P875-S7102.
17" HD, 2 HD bays (awesome feature, especially for a laptop), came with 8gb ram, i added 16 for a total of 24 (also has 4 ram slots), runs everything I do just fine.

Aug 28, 2014 at 11:30 AM

vgoetz22
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p.3 #7 · p.3 #7 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

Go for broke...custom SAGER!!!

Aug 28, 2014 at 01:01 PM

Lisa_Holloway
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p.3 #8 · p.3 #8 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

Thank you guys! I totally forgot I started this thread - I am sorry! I didn't mean to drop off the face of the earth. In the end, I had a laptop custom built for me and I LOVE it. Runs bridge, CS6, and LR5 without a hitch and the colors match up perfectly to my desktop. I edited some pics while we were on vacation as a test run. It's my new traveling buddy!

Aug 28, 2014 at 10:15 PM

Mikeality
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p.3 #9 · p.3 #9 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

For people still out there for a laptop for photography.
I currently have a Dell XPS 15 L502x (have had it for the last 3 years actually) nothing has been able to beat it for me, which is why I haven't upgraded yet and I'm usually one of the first to jump on something new.
It has an Intel Core i7-2630QM (Quad Core), which still outperforms most new laptops released, dual graphics cards NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M + Intel Graphics (for battery saving). and most importantly it has the same wide gamut screen as the older L501x which at 98% Adobe RGB is to this date one of the highest available when it comes to laptops. (MacBook Pro retina doesn't come close with around 72% Adobe RGB) and the latest Dell XPS 15 which is also 72% Adobe RGB is also far off (would still take this over MBP).
You can read more about the wide gamut dell screen here:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1432348

That being said and as was mentioned earlier in this thread, Asus is on the verge of releasing what will finally I think be a winner and contender for best photography laptop (for me anyway) with the Asus Zenbook NX500 which will feature a 4k ultra-wide gamut screen.

"...Zenbook has a higher-density panel, with its whopping 3820 x 2160 px resolution, but you won’t actually miss the extra pixels when using the the Retina display on Macbook (2880 x 1800 px). At the same time, the Zenbook gets a wider gamut panel, able to cover 97% of the AdobeRGB spectrum, with a DeltaE of just 0.8 (the panel is factory pre-calibrated), while the panel on the MBP is not as impressive, but again, trails closely enough to never perceive the difference in actual use."
- http://blog.laptopmag.com/asus-zenbook-nx500-eyes-colorful-4k-display-amazes

So I'm currently holding out for the Asus Zenbook NX500.

Colour gamut is obviously not the only factor in a quality display, but to me is one of the most important.
I love looking at photos in lightroom on a high gamut screen as I see the differences.
I added an SSD drive to my Dell L502X along with 16Gb of RAM and it absolutely flies. You can pick up one of these laptops for between $400 and $700 i've seen on ebay. The only downside to them is weight and size, they're not as pretty and light as some of the newer ones coming out. Otherwise (and until the NX500 comes out) I don't know of much better on offer, but would love to also hear of other wide gamut laptops (I believe HP Envy is also a decent alternative).

Aug 28, 2014 at 11:26 PM

Pandemic
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p.3 #10 · p.3 #10 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

This one is only available used, and it several years old, but is absolutely made for photographers:

Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds

A DUAL SCREEN laptop....
With a Wacom pad built in...
Dual hard drives.....
Built-in colorimeter....
Large, HD screen as primary
Slide-out, "Tools" screen as secondary
PEN INPUT....
Media card reader...

http://shop.lenovo.com/ISS_Static/merchandising/US/PDFs/w700_datasheet.pdf

Aug 29, 2014 at 12:22 PM

elluDe
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p.3 #11 · p.3 #11 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

The thing I really like about Lenovo Thinkpad laptops is the little red button in the middle of the keyboard (TrackPoint). So much easier to use than the touchpad (which is also built in) when editing photos.

Also, I think the matt type screens that Lenovo computers use give a better representation of how a print will look, rather than the glossy type screens on many other laptops.

Sep 01, 2014 at 07:24 AM

Mike Tuomey
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p.3 #12 · p.3 #12 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

conebeam wrote:
Lisa,
I am radiologist and need to be picky on the laptop screen for all gray scales. See if you can build a laptop of your choice at xoticpc or Falcon Northwest. I am happy with both the companies. I build my workstations at MicroCenter, and then get NEC monitors for medical images.

I took this advice re xoticpc. My experience:

1. Ordered an ASUS via phone (no need to list the specs for this purpose).
2. Week later was informed that ASUS chassis was on back order. Salesperson convinced me to order same specs in a Sager. I did so, and spc'd rush assembly.
3. Received Sager PC in ~7 days.
4. Powered up PC. Got usual flood of update pop-ups from Microsoft & other app sources, incl. drivers.
5. Lost Internet Explorer browsing capability almost immediately upon completion of updating.
6. Began getting strange pop-ups and window messages that certain apps weren't functioning.
7. Tried to run McAfee protection/scan, realized despite spec'ing it that xoticpc had not loaded it and had no disc for it either.
8. Called xoticpc tech support. Several evenings and calls - one call lasting almost 4 hours where I was directed to re-install Win 7 and all the PC's drivers (approx 16, one at a time with individual re-boots), tech guys citing infection. Tried to load combifix and other anti-malware through the backdoor via flash drive. No go - all failed to install.
9. After the re-install, still no IE browsing capability, multiple pop-ups and strange windows indicated problems with various apps.
10. No further answers from either xoticpc or sager tech support, multiple calls, leaving messages where possible (Sager line, represented to be 24/7, just rings and rings).

Wanted to share, not out of spite, just to let folks know. I'm hoping to get a return authorization as soon as possible, praying that xoticpc honors their "no questions" asked 15 day return policy. I'm pretty sure my story is more exception than rule, given that xoticpc seems to be well-regarded. But I'm disappointed at the result of spending over $1,500 for a high-end unit with this level of delivery and service. The tech guys made me feel like an idiot, one even shaming me for not loading McAfee at his direction (this was after all the problems started), and clearly weren't able to do anything decisive. On the whole, a really poor experience.

Oct 05, 2014 at 09:43 AM

Kathy White
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p.3 #13 · p.3 #13 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

With all the recommendations for Laptops to buy, I have one for "Not to buy". A few months ago I got a HP Envy Dv7. It actually smokes in PS even with 20 and 30 layer posters I do occasionally. It has 16 g of Ram 500 mb SSD HD and another HD for photo storage. It runs everything I do great in both Photoshop and LR. But, now the downside. Graphics card is wonky and will screen will black out when it's unplugged occasionally, the hinges are broken badly and I am just trying to find a lull in working on it to return it for warranty work. Also, one of the USBs broke off inside. Just for the record, I have never had this much damage to a laptop. I used my old Dell Studio for literally years without tearing anything up. I am not rough on things and they usually look brand new the entire time I have them. This laptop is proving to be very fragile and won't take daily use. As great as it runs I'm really wishing I had bought something else.

Added: Oh I forgot to add that as of 2 weeks ago, the wireless won't work at all. I am having to use corded internet on it. Such a bad purchase.

Edited on Oct 05, 2014 at 07:39 PM · View previous versions

Oct 05, 2014 at 05:07 PM

Matt Anderson
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p.3 #14 · p.3 #14 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

Best Mac Book Pro with Retina, SSD maxed RAM.
That's what every high end color critical pre-media company uses ( if not using the new Mac Pro's )
I have a dozen artists that use them day in and day out.
Oh wait, you don't want the best tool (Mac) for the job.
Sorry, I have no recommendations.
Sits down, shuts up.

Oct 05, 2014 at 05:14 PM

Mike Tuomey
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p.3 #15 · p.3 #15 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

Matt Anderson wrote:
Best Mac Book Pro with Retina, SSD maxed RAM.
That's what every high end color critical pre-media company uses ( if not using the new Mac Pro's )
I have a dozen artists that use them day in and day out.
Oh wait, you don't want the best tool (Mac) for the job.
Sorry, I have no recommendations.
Sits down, shuts up.

If xoticpc honors their return policy and I get a refund, I'll run not walk to the Apple store. Seriously. If I'm going to spend Mac money on a Windows machine, why not get a Mac in the first place? As I posted above, $1500+ on a custom PC that's sitting on my desk giving me NVIDIA graphics card and GeForce "fail to load" messages, won't run IE or Firefox at all, and runs LR 5.6 hardly faster than my old Toshiba ... and no effective support from either Sager or xoticpc. My son's Mac has never once let him down in three years of daily use & travel, nor have the Mac units my friends use. What was I thinking?

Oct 05, 2014 at 06:44 PM

conebeam
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p.3 #16 · p.3 #16 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

Mike,

I am so sorry to hear the trouble that you faced from Xoticpc. I feel guilty that I recommended this company. It is a shame that the company is not honoring its return policy. I am sorry, and I will keep your experience in mind before I recommend this company to anyone else.

Oct 11, 2014 at 03:45 PM

Paul Mo
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p.3 #17 · p.3 #17 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

Make sure you do your homework not only on internal spec. but on screens as well. You may or may not like super glossy screens - hard to see in the wrong light. Apple do come with some of the nicest looking screens on the market.

Oct 12, 2014 at 12:28 AM

Mike Tuomey
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p.3 #18 · p.3 #18 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

conebeam wrote:
Mike,

I am so sorry to hear the trouble that you faced from Xoticpc. I feel guilty that I recommended this company. It is a shame that the company is not honoring its return policy. I am sorry, and I will keep your experience in mind before I recommend this company to anyone else.

Absolutely no worries, my decision entirely. I'm sure my experience is not the norm. Since I posted originally, xoticpc has provided return authorization, the unit has been returned directly to Sager, and I'm hopeful I'll see a refund soon, although their customer service people have indicated I'm at risk for restocking charges and wire refund fees. I should have updated my post, apologies, have been really busy. Again, I appreciate the sympathy, only wanted to share my negative experience, not create any guilt, not at all.

Oct 12, 2014 at 05:41 PM

AFC168
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p.3 #19 · p.3 #19 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

Hi Lisa,

What specs did you wind-up getting and about how much did you wind-up spending?

Thanks!

Oct 31, 2014 at 12:07 PM

elliotkramer
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p.3 #20 · p.3 #20 · BEST laptop for photo editing...Go!

I know this thread is basically over, but everyone has overlooked the Surface Pro 3 which is what I use. It is very powerful. It can even edit video with no problem. It is very fast, has a great screen and can even emulate a Wacom tablet. I don't think anything is better.

Oct 31, 2014 at 02:06 PM

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