Comments on: Best Photographer Laptop?

By: Ian Smith

Ian Smith — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:51:06 +0000

i would recommend the dell studio 17( available in touch if needed), its fairly priced(beginning at 739 dollars) and can be upgraded to your needs easily, with intel core 2 duo processor, 4 g shared dual channel, 500 g harddrive, 9 cell lithium ion battery and much more, i think it would suit your needs fairly well

By: Fredreica (Fred) Speyer

Fredreica (Fred) Speyer — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:26:26 +0000

I’ve had my MacBook Pro for almost a year and I still can’t figure out how to organize them the way I’d like. I do sports photography and I might have several games in a week and I might take 500+ photos per game. I can’t figure out how to rename the photos and store them in folders and subfolders attributed to the different teams and their different sports and in different years! Is this an issue for you and if so, what will you do about it? Thanks for your advice!

By: Paul

Paul — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:52:21 +0000

It seems the more I look at the laptops the more confusing it gets. I like the Sony’s and HP’s and after looking at the Mac…well… Like I said it is very difficult. I have an older Dell Desktop and was also thinking of replacing it with a new more powerful one (brand is still up in the air) to do most of my work and a lower end laptop to take with me when I travel…. tough decision….

By: Most popular 5 posts of 2009 | JarvieDigital Photography Blog

Most popular 5 posts of 2009 | JarvieDigital Photography Blog — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:40:29 +0000

[...] Best Photographer Laptop? [...]

By: Neil

Neil — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:49:58 +0000

I have the same question. But I think the real issue lies in which product now has the best screen/video card to get good calibration for serious editing. I think Macs have been the leaders but not sure if that is still the case. Viewing angle is a big issue if you will only get good results with your head in a vice. So does anybody know the answer to the viewing angle/accuracy/calibration questions as to who makes the best laptops for photo editing?

By: seth

seth — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:19:54 +0000

you cannot knock the mac for looks and battery life…and the screen is quite brilliant. but they are vastly more expensive for less spec, and more importantly, every pro or semi-pro photographer uses compact flash cards…the mac has no cf reader and as it only has an express34 slot any reader will stick out from the side of the laptop…plus it is more expense. the spec of the dell is exceptional, but the battery life is absolutely terrible and it has a terrible time overheating. i am afraid i would avoid that.

as a photographer, who has used pc’s and macs and is comfortable with both, i would have to say the best option at present is the sony (although it galls me to say it…as i am not sony’s biggest fan at the moment). the screen is probably the best you can get anywhere in the world on a laptop. it has excellent battery life, cf slot, etc its all there!

but my eye is always drawn back to the slick styling of the mac book pro. aaaagh!

By: Kimbrey

Kimbrey — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:34:33 +0000

enjoyed the advice!

By: scott

scott — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:52:40 +0000

As mentioned in later posts I ended up with the MacBook Pro 17″

My short review is… I like the computer.
It’s not way impressive and I wouldn’t have it as my primary computer. And as I explain a PC desktop well built is way better for some serious lightroom processing.

But that being said it looks great fits well in my photo backpacks
I think the battery life is pretty good. But i hear some PCs last even longer.
I think the advantage is the small size and weigth for a 17″

But again I only use it while traveling. Or to let my assistants use it when I’m on the other computer.

And steve… I agree

By: Steve

Steve — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:42:15 +0000

I am having the same conundrum, but between a HDX18t and Sony Vaio AW. 18”.

It’s interesting to note the clear Mac preference on this thread. The Mac aura is a fascinating dynamic in the computer world….akin to the Grateful Dead phenomenon for musicians. Mac’s account for somewhere in the vicinity of 3% of the worlds computers and yet Mac owners take personal offense at any comment or suggestion that Mac’s are not the end-all and be-all of computers. The same dynamic exists for Dead Heads. The similarity goes beyond this comparison and extends to the top professionals in both fields, the animation field (the most demanding process for computers) and the music industry. The Dead are seen as moderately talented musicians with an average song writing ability and a subpar stage performance rating. If you should decide to share similar opinons with a Mac owner or a Dead Head….expect heated protest.

In the end, I admire those who circle their wagons to protect their beliefs, even when I consider those beliefs to be in error.

So I am a PC guy…….and I am still undecided about the HDX18t or Sony Vaio AW. 18”.

By: Photography editing and laptops | JarvieDigital Photography

Photography editing and laptops | JarvieDigital Photography — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:01:59 +0000

[...] It wasn’t too long ago I wrote a post looking for the “Best photographer Laptop?” [...]

By: scott

scott — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 06:03:47 +0000

This is the Fully maxed out HP from COSTCO!
It makes me feel more comfortable just knowing it’s from Costco

Configuration Summary

Selected Features:
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad Processor QX9300 (2.53Hz)
$100 OFF!! 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) – For 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M
640GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (320GB x 2) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M – For DDR3 Memory
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
18.4″ diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920×1080p)
Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
No Productivity Software
Extra 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Full Size Backlit Keyboard
Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)
50% OFF!! HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
Included Features:
Type: Premium innovation at the edge of entertainment
Memory card reader: 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader
Accessible memory slots: 2
Maximum Memory Expansion: 8GB
Ports: 4 USB (4th shared with eSATA port),1 Expansion Port 3 connector
Additional Ports: IEEE 1394 Firewire, HDMI
Hard Drive Protection: HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Audio: Altec Lansing stereo speakers
ENERGY STAR Qualified: EPEAT Silver
Adapter: 120W AC Adapter
Dimensions: 17.17(W)x11.26″(D)x1.33 (min H)/1.72(max H) -

By: Shawn

Shawn — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:22:28 +0000

I’ll have to add my vote for the MacBook Pro. I personally have the 15″ because I already had an older Mac Pro at home and I wanted it to be more portable. The 17″ would be a great do it all computer and the display on the re-designed 17″ MacBook Pro is gorgeous. I have been Windows free for 3+ years with no regrets. The few windows apps I do still run, run in VMWare Fusion just fine.

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:13:18 +0000

Definitely go with the Mac. The hardware and the battery will last so much longer and the whole experience will be more pleasant. Also make sure to get the Apple Care, awesome warranty.

By: drfindley

drfindley — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:09:04 +0000

I’ve been looking over the HP and I think what they are skimping out on price-wise is the screen and the memory. While they hit your numbers (17″+ and 8 gigs), those don’t define the quality, same as a 10 megapixel SLR is much better than a 10 megapixel point and shoot. If you go to HP’s site and configure the same laptop in their business line, the price starts to go up. Also it’s a pretty heavy laptop (8-9 pounds w/o the extended battery).

There’s a reason why you can go out and by a 24″ display for $200-900. Memory prices vary the same way. Weight also costs a lot to remove. Case in point: Macbook Air, Dell Adamo and Lenovo X301.

It’s hard to explain till you load up some of your favorite photos on one of those beautiful screens and it takes your breath away.

By: Tom Sparks

Tom Sparks — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:40:37 +0000

Well, it is getting near time for me to upgrade, but the desktop in my home office is still doing well. I run a PC, I have had a couple of Macs and I love them. I probably will switch to Mac when it is time to upgrade computers. Scott Bourne has a review of his current MacBookPro here : http://twipphoto.com/archives/3501

I don’t have 5k to put down, but boy oh boy!