Please suggest a computer for me

[Craig Brelsford]

I'm in the market for a laptop, probably a desktop replacement and most likely not an Apple. I haven't bought a computer for five years; I've had a good run with the setup I put together back then. I've done little research in those five years and so am asking for help here. Being a photographer, I'm very much interested in getting a laptop powerful enough to quickly process my very large RAW files. Another big consideration is an excellent display (I therefore am interested in a desktop replacement and not a smaller laptop with a little screen). A huge hard drive is not entirely necessary, as I rely on a set of backup hard drives, but I'd want at least 320 GB. Where should I turn for a blazing fast laptop with a killer display?

[allanrube]

Craig, I only know APple which you don't want. All I can say (concerning Apple)is that the fastest laptops are slow compared to desktops.

[Nancy A Elwood]

Craig over the last 6 years I have had very good luck and results with Dell's XPS line of computers. You can order them with as little as just the OS and no bundled software. This is what I do and load the programs I want when I get it. As far as harddrives, you can order the ones you what. Windows 7 64-bit is an excellent OS and how it deals with CS5, CS3 and all my other photo programs is perfect. I also have a Dell laptop. Their Studio line of laptops are great, along with their Inspiron. I also have all my photo programs on mine and it works great.

[Bonnie Block]

Craig, I'll second the Dell XPS series. I have a small (13") one-- but it is more than adequate for handling CS4 and LR--You can order it the way you want it, as Nancy states. I have a small one, because I like it for travel. It can be hooked to a larger monitor if needed.

[Bill Coatney]

Asus brand is worth a good look with a good balance of speed and cost--


if you want blazing speed with great graphics--Alienware--
but be aware that blazing can get pricey real quick regardless if it is cameras,cars or computers

[James Prudente]

I am currently using an HP dv7 notebook Pavilion 17.3" Intel i7 quad core, 8gb, two 500gb hard drives, Window 7 64 bit, CS5(64bit) and while it is a bit on the heavy side it really performs.

Jim

[Craig Brelsford]

Thanks to all the respondents so far. I'll welcome more comments from others.

[Robert Amoruso]

Craig,

I have had a number of Dells and HP and generally preferred the HP laptops. It is good that you can get a Dell custom built (which I do with my desktops) but I find I can get really good deals at places like Best Buy or Office Stores on HP laptops when they run promotional sales.

I got an HP 14" with a new I-processor, 340 GB HD, 4 GB memory, Windows 7 that runs everything fast at Office Depot for $450 a while back. I sold my Dell Studio 1535 (Vista 64-bit) once I got that.

Right now I have three HP laptops including a HP Dragon (the one with the 20" screen that I use as my portable desktop).

Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

[Craig Brelsford]

Wow, hi Robert, how long ago did you get that computer running XP? I've been quite happy with XP and would just as soon keep running it on any new computer I might buy. Thanks everyone so far for helping me paint a fuller picture.

[Roger Clark]

Craig,

I suggest moving to a 64-bit operating system. Better performance. XP support will be dropped in the near future (probably still a few years off).

In general, i7 processors are a real cut above the rest. I've also had poor performance from relatively expensive desktops from the main manufacturers. I've gotten amazingly better performance out of machines I put together myself (e.g. go to Newegg and check out bundled packages--check reviews then buy). It is pretty intimidating when getting all the parts to put one together the first time, but follow the instructions and in a few hours of assembly you'll likely say, gee that wasn't so hard--more tedious than hard. (Kinda like getting your first DSLR.) Of course a laptop is different--I haven't put one of those together.

Regarding a laptop for photo processing, watch out on the display. Most laptop screens are poor TN type displays. But one can always use a good external monitor at home.

[Robert Amoruso]

Wow, hi Robert, how long ago did you get that computer running XP? I've been quite happy with XP and would just as soon keep running it on any new computer I might buy. Thanks everyone so far for helping me paint a fuller picture.

Big DUH, Windows 7. I fixed it above.

Being able to use a 64-bit operating system is the big advantage of Vista and Windows 7.