Hello everyone. I am in the need of a laptop that is powerful enough to run the various photo editing software, such as LR, Topaz etc. I am a PC user. Just a note. I plan to use the laptop during African safari trips. Can anyone suggest a laptop?
Moderator: I posted in the Canon forum also and someone suggested I post here, so if necessary please combine threads/responses.
Thanks for your help...Al
Edit:
I should've included this information in the original post:
My main workstation has the Ryzen 9 7900X, 4090 gpu, Gen 4 NVME, 128gb ram. What laptop (PC or Mac) would be comparable to my desktop setup?
Depends on form factor and screen size. Are you planning to use it as a main computer or just when traveling?
For modern software and AI tools especially you need discrete GPU, better nvidia and 8+ gb of VRAM.
I use Asus ROG Flow x16 transformer with great wide-gamut mini-led display, stylus to draw, 3070ti Geforce GPU but it's old and Asus didn't have an updated model in this line-up (for modern standards its a little heavy and battery life is not good).
@Methodical, due to the nature of desktop vs laptop, there will be no laptop(s) which can come close to one another, due to power and thermal differences. That said, the laptop I posted above (and they also have a 5080 option too) are very similar to your desktop (sans the RAM).
Keep it simple - Apple Air or even just an Apple iPad if that's all you need.
By the way get some USB-C Nitecore Air batteries for all you peripherals to charge on like phones. I have five of them of various sizes. They are the best!
What about a headlamp? I also like the Nitecore NU27 600 Lumens Running Camping Headlamp. It is a must have. I own four different models from different manufacturers. This is the least brightest of the best. But it gets the job done and it will never wobble on your head. This is not the light I would use for using tools in the middle of the night but for passing by and seeing everything on a trail at night this is the one!
I was a staunch Windows user from the very first version. Built many PCs. Finally tired of dealing with the updates, equipment swap outs and other related issues. Tried out a MacBook Pro back and loved it. Currently using it in a clamshell mode with a Studio Monitor for my main computer but also detach and take it with me when needed. Best of both worlds, at least for me. The latest M4 Max version with 64Gb of unified ram will do the job for you. Usually I would suggest keeping the cost down a bit with only a 1TB internal SSD but that might be tight for swallowing up all the shots taken on an African safari. You can always bring along an external SSD but that could become an issue where room in luggage becomes a premium along with possible weight restrictions. If it's a concern then go with a 2TB internal SSD.
As a PC user I purchased (in 2024) a HP - Envy 16" Wide Ultra XGA Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Core i7 - 16GB Memory - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 - 1TB SSD - Natural Silver last year which is my travel photo workshop laptop. My experience has been that it's outstanding for on the road editing and general use. I believe its been superseded by a newer model. The downside is its got some weight to it when I slide it onto my F-stop backpack alongside my photo gear. I also need to carry a CF Express card reader.
