A Little Different Question

[tinkerbell615]

I wanted to thank all of you once again for your help. I have found something that I believe should work!

 

[aimyourarrowshigh]

Most things I was going to say have already been said, but I just wanna also throw out there that you might want to shop around and see if some computer models have - or if different stores sell computers with - certain useful programs pre-installed.
For instance, you might see 2 computers that are basically the same in terms of spec but one comes with Photoshop and is $100 more. Now, the extra $100 is worth it because if you're going to be buying Photoshop anyway, it saves you a lot of money. That's if you're going to be using it anyway.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

This is regarding the comment with regards to the HP brand. For the record, I've served in the PC arena professionally since it's inception (and before).

All major manufacturers have professional lines and consumer lines. For example, with HP laptops, the consumer line is currently call Pavilion while the business line is called Pro Book. With these lines, you get what you pay for. Components are not components and build qualities and QC are not the same. Again, this is true across ALL major pc manufacturers. There's a reason HP is the top selling line in corporate America but corporate America doesn't buy Pavilions.

There is nothing inherently wrong with the consumer lines. The take-away here is to be aware that there is a difference. There's no such thing as a great $300 laptop. Period.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

This is regarding the comment with regards to the HP brand. For the record, I've served in the PC arena professionally since it's inception (and before).

All major manufacturers have professional lines and consumer lines. For example, with HP laptops, the consumer line is currently call Pavilion while the business line is called Pro Book. With these lines, you get what you pay for. Components are not components and build qualities and QC are not the same. Again, this is true across ALL major pc manufacturers. There's a reason HP is the top selling line in corporate America but corporate America doesn't buy Pavilions.

There is nothing inherently wrong with the consumer lines. The take-away here is to be aware that there is a difference. There's no such thing as a great $300 laptop. Period.

You bring up a good point/issue. Most of us are not in the "PC arena", but rely on reviews, opinions, brand experience and research to make our computer selection. The majority of photographers on this forum are not professionals (that is we do not derive 51% of our income from photography). Therefore the majority of us are not in the market for a professional level computer and its associated costs. Some/most of us are using consumer level PP software (Lightroom, PSE, etc.). So what should we be looking for in a computer. I have been researching a replacement laptop for my very old single core travel computer. My intention is not to use it as my primary PP computer (I use my desktop because of the better monitor), but for hauling it to my venues for uploading/downloading images with maybe minor PP. The computers I have been looking for range in price from $530-$700 and include 15.6" screen, Intel I5 third gen processor, 6-8mg RAM and 750mb-1 TB hard drive. The brands range from Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Sony, Toshiba, etc. The goal is not to use it as long term image storage (I use external hard drives for storage). Without having inside information, again, what should we be looking for? What are the brands that are more prone to issues, etc?

 

[WDWAtLast]

Great information for shopping for a new computer!!

 

[SplashMo]

A thought: http://www.lenovo.com/products/us/laptop/thinkpad/t-series/t530/

Very durable.

 

[SplashMo]

Here is a link to help you find good deals. One of them has an an IPS display:

http://www.gotapex.com/list/category/5-Computers

 

[wbeem]

Shopping for a computer is like shopping for a camera - or anything else that's important to you. Take some time to understand what features are important to you, what resources you need and how much you're willing to pay. Then be prepared to compromise on something.

If you're just shopping for a deal, then you'll get a deal - but you'll likely end up regretting it later when the thing doesn't work quite right. There's a difference between a deal and value.