Suggestions On Laptops For Photo Editing?

CyberSteak · January 8, 2010

I keep going back to Dell's site and can't seem to put together a laptop for less the 2 grand. I know I'm likely over doing it on the specs I'm picking out. But to me one of the most important features would be the screen and with the way Dell sets up there selections, the RGBLED seems to be their best screen and only available on the Studio XPS.

Anyhow, am I over doing it? What's everyone else using for a laptop? Really open to suggestions here.

LKN Dave · January 8, 2010

CyberSteak wrote:

I keep going back to Dell's site and can't seem to put together a laptop for less the 2 grand. I know I'm likely over doing it on the specs I'm picking out. But to me one of the most important features would be the screen and with the way Dell sets up there selections, the RGBLED seems to be their best screen and only available on the Studio XPS.

Anyhow, am I over doing it? What's everyone else using for a laptop? Really open to suggestions here.

You can get a reasonable equipped 15" macbook for 2 grand.

ziggy53 · January 8, 2010

I moved this to the Digital Darkroom Gear, where we discuss computers and monitors, etc.

I also suggest looking at used Dell laptops. I found a used Dell workstation class laptop for my son that also worked fairly well for photographic applications.

Whatever you get, consider using a separate, external monitor for most accurate color rendition. It also gives more screen real estate and often you can set the built-in screen for OS and application, and use the external screen for image processing/manipulation.

Qarik · January 8, 2010

CyberSteak wrote:

I keep going back to Dell's site and can't seem to put together a laptop for less the 2 grand. I know I'm likely over doing it on the specs I'm picking out. But to me one of the most important features would be the screen and with the way Dell sets up there selections, the RGBLED seems to be their best screen and only available on the Studio XPS.

Anyhow, am I over doing it? What's everyone else using for a laptop? Really open to suggestions here.

macbook pro here.

Newsy · January 8, 2010

I no longer do so but for several years I did my critical color and levels post processing on a laptop but always connected to a calibrated external monitor.

All civilian laptops sold today use a 6bit "TN" TFT panel, even the Mac Book Pros. The RGB LED of the Dell will ensure that there is a broad color space covered, but it may not be an accurately balanced space. Calibration is required and you'll still be dealing with the off-angle view issues of those TN panels.

This is a little dated but might be of interest...

http://wonderingpondering.wordpress.com/2009/03/28/top-5-laptops-for-photographers/

.

Newsy · January 8, 2010

Ewww.... ohhhhhhh.... ahhhhhh

just spotted this...

http://www.engadget.com/photos/studio-xps-16-oled-concept-laptop-hands-on/2600383#2600383

This is where the industry is going to - OLED panels which promise wide gamut with very good off-angle viewing.

But today... very very very expensive. Probably, if it was even available, the panel alone would be a $1000 to $2000 uplift over the base price.

.

CyberSteak · January 8, 2010

Thanks to you all for your input. Got impulsive (well if you can excuse the minutes I spent pacing before making a decision while I left the dell sales lady on the line waiting) and ordered the xps studio 16.

I got the RGBLED display, I7 processor, 4 gigs of ram, 1 gig video card, and a 128 gig solid state drive. Even broke down and got the 3 year warranty. Yes, likely way more then I needed. But I should be good for a long while as far as laptops go.

I know very little (read: nothing) about calibrating monitors. Not sure if we should discuss it here or save it for another thread down the road.

The main motivator for getting a laptop was that I work nights in a group home so there's lots of down time. With the laptop I'll be able to get photos edited, cropped and photoshopped away from all of the distractions at home.

Any thoughts or input welcomed.

bloomphotog · January 9, 2010

CyberSteak wrote:

...I got the RGBLED display, I7 processor, 4 gigs of ram, 1 gig video card, and a 128 gig solid state drive. Even broke down and got the 3 year warranty. Yes, likely way more then I needed...

Oh yeah, you should get at LEAST a year or so out of it. Then just send it to me and get another.

colourbox · January 9, 2010

CyberSteak wrote:

I know very little (read: nothing) about calibrating monitors. Not sure if we should discuss it here or save it for another thread down the road.

You might want to read this article as an overview of how a pro photographer would assess PC and Mac laptop displays and calibrating them.

(That article is not kind to the MacBook Pro that's so popular in this thread, but apparently that was fair for the model that was out at the time. In the subsequent article, which I link to not so much for you but for the Mac people, they note that the mid-2009 MacBook Pro displays were vastly improved and were finally best of class again.)

Newsy · January 9, 2010

colourbox wrote:

You might want to read this article as an overview of how a pro photographer would assess PC and Mac laptop displays and calibrating them.

(That article is not kind to the MacBook Pro that's so popular in this thread, but apparently that was fair for the model that was out at the time. In the subsequent article, which I link to not so much for you but for the Mac people, they note that the mid-2009 MacBook Pro displays were vastly improved and were finally best of class again.)

There definitely is something good happening with the new 17" MBP - I have to get into a store and check one out. As it stands, I'm still leery as I know it is a TN type TFT panel in it but the pictures are sure interesting.

http://gizmodo.com/5063492/macbook-and-macbook-pro-dual-review
- scroll down until you see the two side by side at a slight angle.

.

r9jackson · January 9, 2010

Calibrating monitors
I did a mini-review of color management and calibrating monitors last year in my technology blog Random Thoughts of a CIO. The link to the post is:

Photographs and Color Management

I am currently working on a blog entry about the Color Munki by X-Rite in my photography blog Random Thoughts of a Photographer. It should be finished in about two weeks. I will tell you that the Color Munki is much more powerful than the Huey. The Color Munki also matches your printer to your monitor. It also is a little harder to use. The Huey is almost plug and play and is very reasonable in cost for a unit that does the job of calibrating a monitor.

Sorry for the confusing "Random" blogs, they are for different audiences and end users. This is the first post I've ever mentioned them at the same time.

chrisjohnson · January 9, 2010

CyberSteak wrote:

I keep going back to Dell's site and can't seem to put together a laptop for less the 2 grand. I know I'm likely over doing it on the specs I'm picking out. But to me one of the most important features would be the screen and with the way Dell sets up there selections, the RGBLED seems to be their best screen and only available on the Studio XPS.

Anyhow, am I over doing it? What's everyone else using for a laptop? Really open to suggestions here.

More or less the conclusion I came to a few months ago. I ended up with a 17" MBP - I overdid it but am well pleased.

(I have not bothered to calibrate the screen as it looks just fine out-of-the-box. I'm sure if you are a working pro with lots of printing to do then it is a different matter, but for me it works fine on default settings)

colourbox · January 9, 2010

Newsy wrote:

There definitely is something good happening with the new 17" MBP - I have to get into a store and check one out. As it stands, I'm still leery as I know it is a TN type TFT panel in it but the pictures are sure interesting.
http://gizmodo.com/5063492/macbook-and-macbook-pro-dual-review
- scroll down until you see the two side by side at a slight angle.

That difference no longer be true. The review is from October 2008, covering the older models, before the improvements I mentioned earlier in the thread. In the latest article, robgalbraith.com says

Plus, by switching to a different LED-backlit LCD panel in the 13 and 15 inch models, our testing shows that no matter which of the three MacBook Pro models you select, you'll be buying a display that delivers better colour accuracy than any Apple laptop we've ever profiled since we first began doing so in earnest back in 2001...
...The displays in the current MacBook Pro 13, 15 and 17 inch models are also remarkably similar to each other. So much so that a description of the display in one applies about equally to the other two. Whether viewing colour or black and white photos, straight on or from an angle, the three laptops' screens couldn't be more alike...
...As we've used each model in the past 10 days, the one we've kept gravitating towards is the MacBook Pro 13 inch. This could well be the more enticing option of the two for Mac-based photographers wanting to pay less and carry less.

BeemerChef · January 22, 2010

Was just searchiing for monitors designed for photograhy. Anyone experience with EIZO? Pricey, bu this model seems good..

Keep you laptop and get a monitor instead.

Be well...

Ara & Spirit

CyberSteak · January 22, 2010

BeemerChef wrote:

Was just searchiing for monitors designed for photograhy. Anyone experience with EIZO? Pricey, bu this model seems good..

Keep you laptop and get a monitor instead.

Be well...

Ara & Spirit

$ 1,248.95

for a 22" monitor?

colourbox · January 23, 2010

CyberSteak wrote:

$ 1,248.95 for a 22" monitor?

The price is comparable to the other monitors in its class. These monitors, the Eizo, the over-$1000 24-inch NECs, etc. are at a different level. In addition to having an IPS panel, in these types of monitors the lookup table is typically 10 or 12 bits, higher than the 8 bits you find in the 99% of the monitors out there. In addition they can be hardware calibrated such that a calibrator can reach in and directly alter that 10- or 12-bit table.

With the "affordable" monitors, you can only make a software profile that the image must go through in addition to the un-editable 8-bit monitor LUT, meaning the image colors go through an additional conversion at only 8 bits, which is a destructive disadvantage (in the eyes of those who can tell the difference).

BeemerChef · January 23, 2010

colourbox wrote:

The price is comparable to the other monitors in its class. These monitors, the Eizo, the over-$1000 24-inch NECs, etc. are at a different level. In addition to having an IPS panel, in these types of monitors the lookup table is typically 10 or 12 bits, higher than the 8 bits you find in the 99% of the monitors out there. In addition they can be hardware calibrated such that a calibrator can reach in and directly alter that 10- or 12-bit table.

With the "affordable" monitors, you can only make a software profile that the image must go through in addition to the un-editable 8-bit monitor LUT, meaning the image colors go through an additional conversion at only 8 bits, which is a destructive disadvantage (in the eyes of those who can tell the difference).

Thanks, this helps me to...
Be well... Ara & Spirit

Newsy · January 23, 2010

BeemerChef wrote:

Was just searchiing for monitors designed for photograhy. Anyone experience with EIZO? Pricey, bu this model seems good..

There are several threads re monitors in this forum.

I'd suggest that rather than "hi-jack" this thread, that you start a new one titled "Looking for a Monitor".

In your first post give a $$$ budget, if you have an space limitations, what software you use for editing, do you use AdobeRGB or ProPhotoRGB, do you have a calibrator.

Then we can post all kinds of info there and it will be easier to keep it on discussion.

For starters... if you search on my ID you'll find a lot of info on monitors.

http://www.dgrin.com/search.php?searchid=75267

We'll continue in your new thread, OK?

.

Zanotti · January 23, 2010

CyberSteak wrote:

Thanks to you all for your input. Got impulsive (well if you can excuse the minutes I spent pacing before making a decision while I left the dell sales lady on the line waiting) and ordered the xps studio 16.

I got the RGBLED display, I7 processor, 4 gigs of ram, 1 gig video card, and a 128 gig solid state drive. Even broke down and got the 3 year warranty. Yes, likely way more then I needed. But I should be good for a long while as far as laptops go.

I know very little (read: nothing) about calibrating monitors. Not sure if we should discuss it here or save it for another thread down the road.

The main motivator for getting a laptop was that I work nights in a group home so there's lots of down time. With the laptop I'll be able to get photos edited, cropped and photoshopped away from all of the distractions at home.

Any thoughts or input welcomed.

How do you lke the Dell? Did the RGBLED screen work for photography?

Z

CyberSteak · January 23, 2010

Zanotti wrote:

How do you lke the Dell? Did the RGBLED screen work for photography?

Z

Dunno...Dell's still building my comp. Incredibly slow really. It's suppose to ship first week of February. Keep in mind I'm still very much a noob. So I'm not sure if I would be the best person to give you a review on the screen. I know it was the best they offered, so I'm just hoping it'll do.

BeemerChef · January 23, 2010

Newsy wrote:

There are several threads re monitors in this forum.

I'd suggest that rather than "hi-jack" this thread, that you start a new one titled "Looking for a Monitor".

In your first post give a $$$ budget, if you have an space limitations, what software you use for editing, do you use AdobeRGB or ProPhotoRGB, do you have a calibrator.

Then we can post all kinds of info there and it will be easier to keep it on discussion.

For starters... if you search on my ID you'll find a lot of info on monitors.

http://www.dgrin.com/search.php?searchid=75267

We'll continue in your new thread, OK?

.

I am sorry Newsy! I had just got out of 4 hours gum surgery when I wrote that!!! I am not in a habit of hitchaking a thread... Thanks.
Be well... Ara & Spirit

Newsy · January 24, 2010

BeemerChef wrote:

I am sorry Newsy! I had just got out of 4 hours gum surgery when I wrote that!!! I am not in a habit of hitchaking a thread... Thanks.
Be well... Ara & Spirit

No problem.... just wanted to make sure you get the best help possible and I can't tell if you're one of those people new to the net and forums so I let a little bit of the forum nazi slip out as delicately as I could.

Gum surgery.... ouch! No pics please.

.

CyberSteak · January 24, 2010

<---wasn't offended his thread was highjacked as he's done it himself at times unwillingly.

And HEY! My laptop shipped Friday!<img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/wings.gif" border="0" alt="" > :ivar

CyberSteak · January 26, 2010

Woot! Laptop will be here tomorrow. Would be much more happier if I wasn't riddled with guilt about how much it cost. Going to have to get really serious now about taking pictures.

CyberSteak · January 28, 2010

So yesterday Purolator messed up and gave my laptop to the wrong driver. Spent the entire day at home waiting...for nothing. Called later in the evening and got the update. Guy on the other line said it'd be delivered today and filed a complaint for my troubles. Though I wonder. What's the point of filing a complaint? How is Purolator suppose to compensate me for my troubles?

Regardless I was told that someone in management would contact me today. It's nearly 4 central now. Still no laptop, or a call from Purolator. Yeesh.

Zanotti · January 29, 2010

CyberSteak wrote:

So yesterday Purolator messed up and gave my laptop to the wrong driver. Spent the entire day at home waiting...for nothing. Called later in the evening and got the update. Guy on the other line said it'd be delivered today and filed a complaint for my troubles. Though I wonder. What's the point of filing a complaint? How is Purolator suppose to compensate me for my troubles? Regardless I was told that someone in management would contact me today. It's nearly 4 central now. Still no laptop, or a call from Purolator. Yeesh.

Oh yeah, this is the worst! What can they really do to compenste you for staying home all day? (at most refund your shipping cost, which from Dell is about $25!)

I have been following this thread and am interested in how you find the RGB LED screen for photography and general use. It looks like a really high end machine - enjoy it!

Z

Zanotti · February 17, 2010

Any update on the new mchine?

Z

CyberSteak · February 17, 2010

Hey,

Well Windows 7...interesting. A lot of new bells and whistles that seem a little redundant. Trying to figure out where everything is after using XP for so many years is going to take a while for sure.

SSD - seems to work well. Thought it'd improve the battery life and heat. Not having the same system with a standard hard drive, I have nothing to compare it to. But it does still run fairly warm (boardering on hot) if it's sitting in your lap. And battery life...well it's not great. I got a second battery as a "toss in" and contemplated returning or selling it. I may end up keeping it after all.

Screen. It's a very nice screen. Very sharp and vibrant. Havent had a lot of time yet to edit any photos but I think like many have suggested, I'll double check the images on table top 1080P screen before considering the images done. More so I think for a "second opinion". My one complaint about the screen is that it sits behind a pane of glass which is great to protect the screen, but it's got HUGE amounts of glare to it. Takes a while to get use to seeing through it, sort of speak.

Piano Black Finish...Seriously...can this stop!?!?!? I can't stand it. And any and all electronics nowadays seem to have it. It's a pain. Fingerprints all over the place. Probably spend just as much time wiping off prints as anything else I do on this laptop. If you don't mind it, then it's fine. Invest in a micro fiber cloth to carry along with the laptop.

Backlit keyboard is GREAT. Very nice to have.

Again I don't have any other laptop to compare it to but it's fairly heavy. I'm still hauling it around in the box it came in. Hopefully I won't notice the weight as much when I get in my laptop backpack.

I can understand the worries some have had with regards to the laptop venting out towards the screen. One would hope this won't effect the screen at all. I'm glad I bought the extra warranty though.

Facial Recognition. Not sure how long it takes for this to finally work properly. I'm still having days where it's not recognizing my face and requiring me to manually punch in my password.

So those are the first initial impressions.

Newsy · February 17, 2010

CyberSteak wrote:

Facial Recognition. Not sure how long it takes for this to finally work properly. I'm still having days where it's not recognizing my face and requiring me to manually punch in my password.

!

Same here. I gave up on this feature and the fingerprint scanner I have on my recent laptop. Never could get them reliable - facial recogition requires images of you in various lighting conditions and "shave states"; fingerprint scanner just never worked unless you think a 2% success rate is acceptable. Password is just much faster.

.

Dedalus77 · February 17, 2010

I love my Macbook Pro, all told with memory upgrades and a 500gb harddrive it ended up costing about $1600.

Snowgirl · February 20, 2010

Dedalus77 wrote:

I love my Macbook Pro, all told with memory upgrades and a 500gb harddrive it ended up costing about $1600.

Where'd you buy it at that price?

My Acer laptop is on its last legs. Fingerprint recognition rarely worked, even when new.

I lugged a 17" laptop around Europe a few years ago and came home with serious back issues (my chiropractor is sending his kids to college thanks to me). So I bought the 13" pro Acer - which was good while it lasted. Computers seem to die at age 3.

So, since my desktop is an iMAC, i want a Mac laptop and am thinking 13" MACBookPro. First - I need some $$:cry

Suggestions On Laptops For Photo Editing?

Comments