Question:
Photoshop, graphics & business laptop needed
1) What is your budget?
Around $2,000 USD, would go higher if worth it
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
2nd choice b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
1st choice c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.
Canada
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Just want the best
5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Photoshop and Lightroom will be used lots.
CAD software and business software will be used a lot too
6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
It will travel with me 50% of the time it is used, though I do not need a real small format as most of my travel is in vehicles.
7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Nothing real intensive at all.
8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
As much as possible, or options to extend battery usage
9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Not real worried about this if I am convinced of the quality by those who know.
10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Windows, most likely Vista
Screen Specifics
11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Uncertain
12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Standard
c. UXGA - 1600x1200 - Very small text and graphics icons, you can fit lots of stuff on the screen.
Widescreen
f. WUXGA - 1920x1200; Wider viewing version of UXGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Not sure, whatever is best for viewing photographs clearly and accurately (I will use Spyder2 screen calibration).
Build Quality and Design
14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Not as important as performance
15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
2 years
Notebook Components
16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 200GB?
Closer to 200GB if possible, though would use XHD if req'd
17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Yes, a real good DVD burner
As you all may have noticed, I really want a notebook that has the best screen for viewing and editing photographs. This, and it needs to perform fast and efficiently too.
I will be buying this computer right away, as my daughter will be needing my hp Compaq nc8430 right real soon for school. This is a good performer for me in almost all aspects except screen display which I just can't seem to get right.
I would really appreciate input from those in the know with todays notebooks as I am really confused with all the offerings out there.
Answer:
Re: Photoshop, graphics & business laptop needed
Consider the Thinkpad T61.
Answer:
Re: Photoshop, graphics & business laptop needed
Also consider Dell's Precision line. the M4300 or M90 are good models that are ISV certified with excellent support packages (3yr onsite is standard).
Answer:
Re: Photoshop, graphics & business laptop needed
Consider the Thinkpad T61.
Jetstar, this was one I was hoping for to fit my needs. In the wee bit of research I have done on them I have heard that the screens are not the best out there, not even as good as the flexview screens on the T60. Is there real truth to this? As I had mentioned, this is THE most important feature to me in this new notebook.
Answer:
Re: Photoshop, graphics & business laptop needed
PM'd you if your interested in a M1330. I have one arriving in the next day or so.
Answer:
Re: Photoshop, graphics & business laptop needed
surfasb, you do seem to get a lot of performance for the price in this line. How well rated is the screen? I do hesitate with buying from Dell as one of my 2 worst customer service issues ever was with them, buuuut, if it is the best performance around then....................:)
Answer:
Re: Photoshop, graphics & business laptop needed
flameko, I will keep that in mind. I like everything about a 13.3" display except for when editting in Photoshop, and that will be my most common usage.
Answer:
Re: Photoshop, graphics & business laptop needed
Jetstar, this was one I was hoping for to fit my needs. In the wee bit of research I have done on them I have heard that the screens are not the best out there, not even as good as the flexview screens on the T60. Is there real truth to this? As I had mentioned, this is THE most important feature to me in this new notebook.
There is truth to this. The Thinkpad notebooks are not the best when it comes to color accuracy, but they are not terrible. This could be a deal breaker for you, but the machines themselves are very nice. Laptop screens in general are usually not amazing.
Answer:
Re: Photoshop, graphics & business laptop needed
Thank you...you can see whats available by my signature block. Both have LED display and NVidia Graphics. They will prob be gone as soon as I get them in...Advise if interested.
Answer:
Re: Photoshop, graphics & business laptop needed
Check out the T61p, also the new review of it....
I supposed that with the budget you have, nothing can beat the T61p...for all the needs that you want in terms of graphic, durable, performance and business