Best Laptop for photographers

[DonSchap]

I been kicking around the idea of getting a more up-to-date laptop to process my work "on-the-road". Obviously, it needs to be able to run all the current photo-editting software and have the capability of reading the storage medias.

If there is any reason one laptop manufacturer exceeds the others for post-processing or capability, please detail that advantage and the specific model it comes on, in the thread.

[Erad]

me personally, i dont look at certain brand and model laptop, when it comes to laptop, and u want good performance but yet have a battery that will last quite a while, i would go Centrino Duo Core, with atleast 1gb of ram. ive seen quite a few laptops that already comes with those specs and coming in a reasonable price. i would also reccommend a laptop with a Turion 64 processor.

[Erad]

im a manager for staples and if u go to your nearest staples there as an Acer laptop with a centrino processor non-duo with 1gb of memory and 100gb harddrive for only 799.99 which i think is a really good deal for what you get, its also a 15" screen. like all laptop it has built in 802.11g. you should check it out.

[Rhys]

I think they're all pretty good. Out of preference I would go for:
1. Apple purely because Aperture is good and because viruses/malware don;t affect OSX yet.
2. Fujitsu Lifebook because it's so small and has such a good battery life.
3. Dell because their screens are so good.

I'd avoid anything with a glossy screen as it'll reflect light badly, rendering it unusable outdoors.

Buy the extra long-life battery. The ordinary battery is pretty well useless for more than 90 minutes.

[DonSchap]

Fujitsu LifeBook T4020 Tablet PC (http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=891198)
13506

or

Apple MacBook Pro (http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=982422)
13504

I am not locked on these, by any means, and really would appreciate any other ideas along these lines. When you are on the run, a "5-pound PLUS" laptop can really put a cramp in your mobility. Powerful (speedy and lots of storage on HD), DVD-CD-RW, media reading, reasonably-sized screen (no less than 11 inches) and lightweight...

[aparmley]

I selected other. Why? Because, it matters not what the make of the laptop is but rather the make-up, ie components. ;)

[Rhys]

http://store.shopfujitsu.com/fpc/Ecommerce/buildseriesbean.do?series=P7120

I like this laptop. I've seen this in Atlanta. I am attracted by the 11 hour battery life. Imagine using this on the flights between the US and UK!

[phatkid77]

www.notebookreview.com

[jamison55]

I had one custom built by these guys (www.rjtech.com). I started with the MSI 1032 w/15.4" widescreen, and a Centrino at 2ghz, added 2 gigs of ram, and 80 gig HDD, and wireless. It already had a ripping VCard. Configured it cost around $1200 less than the comperable Dell, and it's built like a tank. I highly recommend exploring this option!

[Clyde]

http://store.shopfujitsu.com/fpc/Ecommerce/buildseriesbean.do?series=P7120

I like this laptop. I've seen this in Atlanta. I am attracted by the 11 hour battery life. Imagine using this on the flights between the US and UK!

Sounds nice, but it doesn't seem to take AAs. What do you do if you forget to charge it some night?

Clyde

[wutske]

http://store.shopfujitsu.com/fpc/Ecommerce/buildseriesbean.do?series=P7120

I like this laptop. I've seen this in Atlanta. I am attracted by the 11 hour battery life. Imagine using this on the flights between the US and UK!

11hour is impossible, the problem is that there are no rules to measure the battery life, so manufacturers can give you the battery life when the laptop is not used and when the backlight is turned off (or min. power). Expect maximum 3 hours of battery life when you use it.

For me, the brand doesn't matter, I think the most important things are screen (okay, this depends on the brand), a built-in card reader, good hdd (shock & drop protections) and enough power while keeping the temperature and power drainage low.

[Jason25]

I use a 12" Apple Powerbook and have been very happy with it thus far. The only thing I'd trade it for is a 15" MacBook Pro, so I can dual-boot between OSX and XP.

[GaryS]

I've been a fan of Dell's notebooks lately, mostly because of their excellent "Complete Care" warranty. Complete Care covers all malfunctions, even those you cause. Spilled coffee, drops, sand and dirt, everything is covered, and they don't complain at all when you call with a problem.

For a laptop that will be used outside of the home, its a great plan.

And the machines are fine. Nothing super special about them, but nothing wrong with them either.

[aparmley]

Sounds nice, but it doesn't seem to take AAs. What do you do if you forget to charge it some night?

Clyde

ROFLMAO - Funniest thing I've read in a long long time! ouch my sides are killing me. . . nice one clyde! :D

[wicker_man]

I think Apple laptops are the best for photo work.

They have dual core processors which is excellent for multitasking, great software for organising (iPhoto) and editing (Aperture) and a very good operating system. There are practically no viruses for Macs (so you have less chance of loosing your photos) and it is much less likely to crash.

The MacBook is fairly portable too at 13.3" and pretty good price.

[Rhys]

11hour is impossible, the problem is that there are no rules to measure the battery life, so manufacturers can give you the battery life when the laptop is not used and when the backlight is turned off (or min. power). Expect maximum 3 hours of battery life when you use it.


My Compaq gave me 4 hours when it was brand new. Now I reckon on getting 3 from the battery (after 6 months ownership). I might splurge for the bigger battery but honestly I think I'd rather put the money toward a MacBook.

[Rex914]

There's no "best" laptop for photographers just like there's no "best" camera for photographers. You have to decide what aspects you prioritize and which you don't. If you plan to work in the field, something light and powerful fits the bill like the Dell XPS M1210 (12") or the Sony SZ series (13"). Both sport dual core processors and are the few notebooks in their class with discrete graphics processors, if you care about that. If you don't need something that small, then the choices are many, and it just comes down to narrowing down to a few you like and trying them out. Unlike cameras which have at least some differentiating factors, notebooks are more or less the same with few things to set each apart besides exterior appearance.

As some have already stated, notebookreview.com is the best site on the net to research more on this topic, and I frequent the forums there too.

[coldrain]

Well, I think it is not a matter of what notebook is best for a photographer, but what OS is best. Nothing in a notebook makes it more or less good for a photographer.

So... it is more a question of what the photographer is used to, and what OS actually is best. Most are used to Windows ("shudder"), and the step to Mac OS X will be a bit hard at times (not familiar) or expensive (you need to buy your software again, for instance when you have your (legal) windows copy of photoshop.

But on the other hand, Mac OS X is the better OS, with very good built in colour management (since more than 10 years now) that quite easily lets you calibrate your screen, so you actually get to see what you are supposed to see. Also its device "management" is head and shoulders above Windows, things just work. Just plug in your camera and Image Capture, iPhoto or other software of your choice pops up to download the photos, or pop the card into a card reader and the card shows up as drive on the desktop.
No silly OS messages, boxes and allerts, no device driver problems, no fighting with driver installations that just refuse to work.
And you can just concentrate on work getting done, no annoying obtrusive crappy firewall software getting in the way, no fighting with ad and spy ware, no virus fears with every email you receive. No silly crap and headaches from that weird MS wonder called "the registry". Things just work.

So.... if you are able and prepared to switch, an Apple notebook is the best and only choice for the superior OS. Else just buy the notebook that matches your ideas best (weight, typing comfort, screen size you want, number and types of ports you need, appearance, price, and type of graphics chip if you find it important to play the newest games written for windows on your notebook).

[cdifoto]

Well, I think it is not a matter of what notebook is best for a photographer, but what OS is best. Nothing in a notebook makes it more or less good for a photographer.

So... it is more a question of what the photographer is used to, and what OS actually is best. Most are used to Windows ("shudder"), and the step to Mac OS X will be a bit hard at times (not familiar) or expensive (you need to buy your software again, for instance when you have your (legal) windows copy of photoshop.

But on the other hand, Mac OS X is the better OS, with very good built in colour management (since more than 10 years now) that quite easily lets you calibrate your screen, so you actually get to see what you are supposed to see. Also its device "management" is head and shoulders above Windows, things just work. Just plug in your camera and Image Capture, iPhoto or other software of your choice pops up to download the photos, or pop the card into a card reader and the card shows up as drive on the desktop.
No silly OS messages, boxes and allerts, no device driver problems, no fighting with driver installations that just refuse to work.
And you can just concentrate on work getting done, no annoying obtrusive crappy firewall software getting in the way, no fighting with ad and spy ware, no virus fears with every email you receive. No silly crap and headaches from that weird MS wonder called "the registry". Things just work.

So.... if you are able and prepared to switch, an Apple notebook is the best and only choice for the superior OS. Else just buy the notebook that matches your ideas best (weight, typing comfort, screen size you want, number and types of ports you need, appearance, price, and type of graphics chip if you find it important to play the newest games written for windows on your notebook).


Gee what an unbiased opinion. :rolleyes: :p

[Daydream Image]

I saved over $400 on my latest Dell (was about 1400.00 after tax and goodies down to under 1k otd) by just Googleing "Dell promo code" or "savings code". You'll find websites that have all the latest "codes" that you enter in at check out. Dell is great for these and sometimes they allow you to stack them. Of course this is true with almost anything you order online or over the phone, but even more so with computer componets and you tend to see larger savings.

I just saved 15% at zipzoomfly.com doing the same thing. With a new 30D on the way, I'm going to need lots of space!

Heck, I also saved 15% last night ordering a domain name.... its amazing how much money you can save just spending a few min doing a search. I'd say 95% of the time the very first link that comes up has all the codes you need.

Happy hunting!

PS. 1st post, thanks for having me!

[coldrain]

Gee what an unbiased opinion. :rolleyes: :p
You will not get less unbiased easily. Just think on it, the only reason you said that is because you always have had a Windows computer. You never have worked for real with a Mac. I on the other hand have experience with both.

I have actually developed software for years on windows computers (win95/NT/win98/win XP), so I am sort of a power user, not just someone that writes an email, saves pictures and surfs the web. I also have programmed on and worked on Macs for years, and own Macs myself. I know both OS-s, their pros and cons, and all the things I stated in my post above are just facts, nothing more and nothing less.

You are not familiar with Mac OS X, and that is fine. But then do not slam my post as being totally biased, I actually know what I am talking about and I do know and work a lot with Windows.

[Jason25]

Well, I think it is not a matter of what notebook is best for a photographer, but what OS is best. Nothing in a notebook makes it more or less good for a photographer.

So... it is more a question of what the photographer is used to, and what OS actually is best. Most are used to Windows ("shudder"), and the step to Mac OS X will be a bit hard at times (not familiar) or expensive (you need to buy your software again, for instance when you have your (legal) windows copy of photoshop.

But on the other hand, Mac OS X is the better OS, with very good built in colour management (since more than 10 years now) that quite easily lets you calibrate your screen, so you actually get to see what you are supposed to see. Also its device "management" is head and shoulders above Windows, things just work. Just plug in your camera and Image Capture, iPhoto or other software of your choice pops up to download the photos, or pop the card into a card reader and the card shows up as drive on the desktop.
No silly OS messages, boxes and allerts, no device driver problems, no fighting with driver installations that just refuse to work.
And you can just concentrate on work getting done, no annoying obtrusive crappy firewall software getting in the way, no fighting with ad and spy ware, no virus fears with every email you receive. No silly crap and headaches from that weird MS wonder called "the registry". Things just work.

So.... if you are able and prepared to switch, an Apple notebook is the best and only choice for the superior OS. Else just buy the notebook that matches your ideas best (weight, typing comfort, screen size you want, number and types of ports you need, appearance, price, and type of graphics chip if you find it important to play the newest games written for windows on your notebook).
After having my first Mac ever for the last year and a half, I will completely agree with all of these points. Everything just works as it should, virtually all the time. The only time I ever even have to reboot is after a big software update. I'm a very happy convert :)

Ironically, my day job is fixing Windows boxes and servers :D

[DonSchap]

like up there, Jason. Locations like yours usually means "the big bucks". Is the market supporting six figures? Or do you have to go to Fairbanks for that kind of upgrade?

[Jason25]

like up there, Jason. Locations like yours usually means "the big bucks". Is the market supporting six figures? Or do you have to go to Fairbanks for that kind of upgrade?
Six figures is easier to reach if you work for the Feds, as they give a 25% COLA (Cost of Living Allowance) tacked onto your salary for this location. I work for the state gov't, so I don't get that.

[DonSchap]

or the hospitals? Are they paying a "location"-based wage?

[mcenut]

I’m going to throw a wrench in the works here and give a dissenting vote against Apple. I own both types of laptops and do speak from experience.

Here is my one and only reason:

If you are a native PC user, then you will be more familiar with the Windows environment and programs. Things will just come easier for you to work with your photos in a Windows environment. Unlike what Apple users would have you believe, Windows can now do everything that a Mac can do. And can do it for much less upfront cash. My $700 PC laptop runs rings around my $1700 Mac when it comes to sheer performance.

[Jason25]

or the hospitals? Are they paying a "location"-based wage?
I honestly don't know about that, never really looked.


I’m going to throw a wrench in the works here and give a dissenting vote against Apple. I own both types of laptops and do speak from experience.

Here is my one and only reason:

If you are a native PC user, then you will be more familiar with the Windows environment and programs. Things will just come easier for you to work with your photos in a Windows environment. Unlike what Apple users would have you believe, Windows can now do everything that a Mac can do. And can do it for much less upfront cash. My $700 PC laptop runs rings around my $1700 Mac when it comes to sheer performance.
I'll agree with your points. Windows boxes certainly are capable of performing very well. My main issues with Windows are along the lines of stability (though not as bad as it used to be), maintenance and security. I really do like how much freeware you can get for Windows though.

[Rhys]

I understood a lot of software for Linux especially FreeBSD is usable with OSX (which is a modified version of FreeBSD - ref http://www.dreamtimeproductions.com/pages/osx.html).

[coldrain]

Jason, im suprised you do not know how much freeware there is to be found for mac os x, and a lot of that of very high quality, often much better than what can be found for windows.

[coldrain]

I understood a lot of software for Linux especially FreeBSD is usable with OSX (which is a modified version of FreeBSD).
No Rhys, Mac OS X is not a modified version of FreeBSD. I hope someone will quote me because else Rhys will keep on thinking that :rolleyes: (apparently he has me on ignore).

[Jason25]

Jason, im suprised you do not know how much freeware there is to be found for mac os x, and a lot of that of very high quality, often much better than what can be found for windows.
I guess I just haven't looked hard enough lately, too much going on in my life these days. I'm not quite the internet junkie I once was :D

[ticocats]

Most are used to Windows ("shudder"), and the step to Mac OS X will be a bit hard at times (not familiar) or expensive (you need to buy your software again, for instance when you have your (legal) windows copy of photoshop.

Actually, Adobe will help you switch, with no expense. They will give you a Mac version of Photoshop (or whatever) in exchange for your Windows version - no charge. You just complete a form which asks for your Win serial number, promise not to use the Windows version any more and, presto, they send you a free Mac version. I used this to upgrade from Win PS v.7 to Mac PS CS; just paid the same price that upgrading from Mac PS 7 to the CS version would have cost. I think they offer the same service for any Adobe product. I forget what this exchange program is called, but I just called their customer service line and told them I wanted to switch. Absolutely no hassle.

[Vumlimvis]

It is really??

[RichNY]

If you are going to comparing OS platforms then you should take into consideration that XP is about to be replaced by Microsoft Vista. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/experiences/memories.mspx

I'm looking forward to applying weekly OS patches to a new OS... doing it with XP just doesn't have the same charm it once did ;)