2 Replies Latest reply: May 10, 2011 8:25 AM by Bill Hunt RSS

    Best laptop for photoshop?

    avpromedia Community Member

      Sometimes I need to edit photo outside of my home -- at a client's place, at a photography class, etc.

       

      I'm eyeing 17-inch laptop with 1600 x 900 or higher resolution laptops. But I can't seem to find one with IPS panel. Do they exist? If not, what's the next best thing?

        • 1. Re: Best laptop for photoshop?
          Noel Carboni Community Member

          In general, avoid a machine that has an Intel-based display adapter (graphics interface) in it.  NVidia or ATI-based systems are better.

           

          People report the most problems on this forum and elsewhere with Intel systems because Intel's OpenGL drivers aren't very well structured.

           

          -Noel

          • 2. Re: Best laptop for photoshop?
            Bill Hunt CommunityMVP

            Is THIS what you mean by IPS Panel?

             

            For a laptop rec., I will offer Sager. I have used one of their high-end models for four years, and love it. I will be ordering a new laptop from them very soon. Luckily, the top models are now 10x faster, with larger HDD capacity, much more RAM and also cheaper, though Sagers are anything BUT cheap.

             

            I use mine for some pretty heavy PS work, plus also video editing (one reason that I am a big fan of the 3x HDD capabilities.

             

            Obviously, a 17" monitor has limitations, and I do migrate my images to the workstation with calibrated, dual 21" monitors for final CC and Gamma work, and also for HDR and Pano work. Still, the Sager is strong, fast, can be spec'ed. for some real power and I have experienced zero issues with my unit. It also sees some pretty harsh environments, considering the dust, the heat and then my misting system, as I use it on the pool deck in Phoenix, AZ.

             

            I also heartly agree with Noel, regarding the embedded Intel graphics chips. OK chips, but lousy driver support. This lack of driver support is often manageable in PS, but is death with video editing programs, like Premiere Pro. I would go with a unit with current nVidia, or ATI chips and just be done with it. Driver support will be excellent (though both mfgrs. have issued a few "bum" drivers over the years - however always quickly fixed).

             

            Note: a tricked out Sager will not be light, will not have a long batter life (90% of my work is with a mains connection), as a big display plus 3x HDD's require a fair amount of power.

             

            It also sounds like you will have a desktop for final CC work, etc., so the limitations of a 17" laptop should not affect you that much.

             

            Good luck,

             

            Hunt