Optimal laptop for photo editing

[fotocano]

My 5 year old Dell Inspiron laptop is dying slowly, and I am in a real quandry as to what to buy next. I realize that a laptop is a compromise ( an optimal system would be an iMAC desktop), but I'm not willing to switch from PC and I really would prefer a laptop for convenience. I have heard that Dells aren't as good as they used to be, HPs have had some failure issues, etc. etc. My criteria would be the best available monitor, likely a 17" screen, 4-8GB RAM and 320GB or larger hard drive. Other than surfing the internet, doing emails, some work processing and powerpoint work, I want to manage and edit my photos in the most efficient and optimal way. I also live in a rural area, so I need a brand which has a good reputation for troubleshooting, as the nearest Future Shop, Costco, Best Buy is about 2-3 hours away. Does anyone have any words of wisdom for this technically-challenged photographer? Which laptops do other members use (including model #s ) and what has been their experience?

[Riepejer]

I have a Sony VAIO - VGN-NS110E with a 15" screen that I bought in December of 2008 that I have not had any problems with. I didn't pay that much for it but it is pretty basic. Of course Sony has several other higher priced models that would probably fit your needs.

Jerry

[Landscaper]

I am on my 2nd consecutive Acer, and have had no problems with either one. Upgraded because the 1st one couldn't handle CS2. My 2nd one is now loaded withCS4. When and if I find I need another laptop, you better believe I'll start by seeing what Acer has to offer.

But hey, that's just me.

[JWurst]

You can plug an external monitor into your laptop when you are at home. Then you don't have to compromise on your screen. My experience is that the laptops with 17 inch screens may as well be desktops, they are so big. Personally I'd go as small as you can go while still getting the needed processing power.

[Nikon_D80]

ASUS and Toshiba are the two best rated laptop's... AMD or Intel CPU with ATI VISION Pro for graphics.

I do this for a living so I know were of I speak.

Regards,
Gary
P.S: Ck out Newegg.com

[fotocano]

Hello, Nikon D 80,
Thank you for your comments. Could I take it one step further and ask you to possibly recommend a model # for an ASUS and/or Toshiba which would have the appropriate processor and graphics component and also the best screen for my requirements?

[WRon]

Whatever laptop you buy, I second what JWurst said: get an external monitor - preferably at least a 21-inch model - to plug into your laptop when you're post-processing photos. It's hard, if not impossible, to accurately color calibrate a laptop's screen.

I also recommend that you get a mouse for your laptop, too, unless you're really adept at moving your finger around that little pad. You can always disconnect the mouse and monitor when you need to go portable with the laptop.

I also agree with JWurst on screen size. Get a 13- or 15-inch model for portability and relatively light weight; then, plug in the monitor and mouse when you're home.

As for brands, I've had success with HP, Toshiba, Dell, and Mac iBooks. I'm sure Asus, Acer, Gateway, et al, also make good ones.

I can never decide whether to buy an extended warrantly on them. I did once, but, naturally, the computer never failed me until after the warranty expired. On the other hand, I had an iBook quit on me for some unknown reason and I didn't have a warranty. That prompted me to buy my present laptop, which is a 13-inch Toshiba. It has faithfully served me for 2.5 years without a problem. I didn't buy an extended warranty for it either.

[fotocano]

Thanks for more insight. I have another question. I hear that some laptops run hot, at the best of times. Will adding another monitor to the laptop make it run even hotter?

[ckranz]

Bargin or Performance

Currently I have an acer laptop witha 15.4 wide display but looking to upgrade sometime in the next year to year and half.

Shopping around I see that Asus, Acer, etc.. have somewhat decent systems, but one complaint I have is having a good display that renders color correctly. My current acers dvd burner went out after a year.

I have had nothing but problems with ATI graphic cards and prefer NVIDIA.

I have heard no one mention anything about some of the super hardware laptops on steroids....Deimos and Alienware.

Deimos comes with an 18.4 display while Alienware comes with 17". as both are design for highend 3d gaming I expect that graphics should be more than I would need for serious photo editing and review. Granted both systems do have high price tag, but the promise of performance and graphic capability intrigue me. Does anyone have experience with either?

Before someone repeats get an external monitor, I do not have room for a large external flat panel display and less room for a CRT. I of course could use my HDTV as a display and have in the past. Great for slide shows, not so good for actual editing.

[coppertop]

I've got a Dell 1564 Inspiron. Windows 7 has a screen calibration tool but it's a challenge to get it just right. I'll end up using either the Syder or Huey calibration to get it just right.