Advice sought - Laptop

[Mike McCarthy]

Hi Everyone,

As an absolute beginner I would be interested to hear what people here think about using a laptop for editing images. (A laptop makes more sense for me than a stand alone PC).

I need a new computer and don't really want to spend more time on the computer than with the camera (if that makes sense). My budget is up to £500 or thereabouts.

Any suggestions as to minimum specifications and manufacturers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Mike

 

[arad85]

I prefer the desktop for editing due to more space and far more screen area/resolution. If I were looking at a laptop, my in order priorities would be (and assuming this would be the only thing you edited on):

- biggest screen (in inches and dots) you can find (I'd prefer 17" at least, but these can be more pricey and are less portable).
- decent processor (laptop processors are not as fast as desktops due to difficulty of getting rid of the heat)
- 4G RAM
- Windows 7 64bit
- Reasonable sized disk
- Some form of backup medium (could be external USB drive).

I've always found Acer to be OK and good value.

HTH...

 

[arad85]

PS. Go with an Intel processor. They are better performers per watt, which means more battery lifetime.

 

[CHPhotography]

Your looking at a budget of £500 and there are a lot of decent laptops around that price point.

Stick as close to your budget as possible. Get the most RAM 4gb will be fine, Make sure you get a decent dedicated graphics card as well. It makes a difference if your working with hi res photos.

I've always chosen my laptops for spec as apposed to screen size. 17" laptops are heavy! I wouldn't like to carry one with a power supply for more than the 10 feet it takes me to get to my car. They do have their benefits for photography work, but is it worth the weight. Personal preference.

Reasonable hard drive 250gb/ 320gb/ 500gb, Win 7 64bit and something for backup as mentioned already.

 

[Mike McCarthy]

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