View Full Version : What Laptop should I buy?
My old lappy fell asleep during a shoot on Saturday and my assistant was not happy. Fortunately, I took my work one with me as back up.
Hubby has agreed a budget of £500.00 to get a state-of-the-art one, so I had better get a good one. I have been told not to go for a Pentium. It must have at least 1gb of RAM, and have a clearview screen in widescreen between 14 & 17". He said don't go for a HP, Acer or Meridian. I need to look for one that is compatible with Adobe PS CS2/3 etc.
Any ideas? Answers on a postcard please
whitewash
08-10-2007, 14:02
id second that dont buy an acer, mines crap, ive ahd to reformat it about 4 times because it keeps screwing up and in their infinite wisdom they put all the usb ports and soundcard plugs right where you lean your palms on the front edge. the screen is beuitiful though, its one of those gloss black ones that gives a very mnice picture
Two acers ( different models) in the familly and both have give more than their fair share of problems, ie hinges broke, then fixed under warrenty then broke again as the warrenty ran out.
one goes to sleep of its own accord but does wake up when poked and proded.
Won't work when charging ( except when it feels like it) and a few other niggles
What about a Dell?
I've never had a Dell laptop so I can't comment on them, but this one isn't too badly priced.
---------------------
[EDIT - yes it would help if i posted the link wouldn't it?]
http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=uk&l=en&oc=N1010003&s=dhs
Vostro 1000 NB(N1010003)
AMD® Turion 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL60
Genuine Windows Vista® Business - English
OR
Genuine Windows XP Professional
2048MB 533MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM [2x1024]
120GB (5400rpm) SATA Hard Drive
ATI Radeon Xpress 1150 HyperMemory (integrated)
Microsoft Works 8.0 - English
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11b/g Mini-Card - Europe
56.6k V.92 Capable Internal Modem & Adapter - UK
4 cell Lithium-Ion Battery (29 Whr)
Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Drive including Software
15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) Display
The LCD can be upgraded for an extra tenner to give it even more glosssss.
The price is £386, but you'll need to choose 1 year warranty to get it to that price.
I would go for a Core2Duo instead of a AMD X2 they are much better
I would go for a Core2Duo instead of a AMD X2 they are much better
Yeh I would too
Core2Duo
1Gb+ RAM
Toshiba make pretty good laptops as well.
FranchiseJuan
08-10-2007, 14:21
I would go a Dell Vostro 1400. If you get it with
-2ghz core 2 duo CPU
-2gb of ram
-120gb HDD
-dedicated graphics card
-14.1 inch glossy screen with a 1440x900 resolution
you will get it for just about £500 including delivery. If you can streatch another £50, then you can also get 9 cell battery, and built in webcam. It also has firewire built in, which is not exactly standerd these days (but very usefull).
I am probably going to upgrade to this if I can't get the backlight on the LCD of my current notebook fixed.
melbster
08-10-2007, 14:37
I'd second Dell on quality, price and service.
Just my personel experience from ordering pc's for other people. ;)
wgdbradley
08-10-2007, 14:44
try ginger6.co.uk
Really really good value.
Skinny Pete
08-10-2007, 14:51
Answers on a postcard for such a broad question? No chance ;)
There’s nout wrong with HP's either (top of their game atm, imo), give them a look (don't forget to call them up and lie about what Dell are offering) its still back to school time so they maybe looking to shift some stock before Christmas. Don't forget to look at 3 year support warranty, they offer good rates and if you need it backup and running ASAP its a lot safer knowing your spare part is moved by UPS 24/7.
The Dell D620 can be a good machine to work with, the GSK staff use them here and they have a fantastic feel - few friends got them when they were at stupidly low prices a month back. If your getting XP 1-2Gb will be sufficient but if you can get the option to just get 1-Gb check E-Buyer.com or overclockers.co.uk for RAM upgrades which can at times be cheaper then the retailer.
You don't need dedicated graphics, it extra heat and power usage that isn't needed unless your running some heavy apps, even then a Quadro series is better for the bigger power ability that the business side lappys are sold with.
And yes C2D > spec of fluff > AMD x2 series
^^Thats my boyfriends response of MSN, not me
FranchiseJuan
08-10-2007, 15:07
You don't need dedicated graphics, it extra heat and power usage that isn't needed unless your running some heavy apps, even then a Quadro series is better for the bigger power ability that the business side lappys are sold with.
While normally I would agree with this for most people, I have found dedicated graphics cards handle hardware profiling better then the intel built in ones (seems to hold the profile for longer and requires less frequent recalibrating), and the colours, especially on the ATI ones, seem just that little bit better.
Just on another note. Don't buy crap RAM, it'll only bugger it's self up in the long run. Worth spending extra to get crucial or corsair IMO.
No doubt someone will disagree :lol: :D
What laptop you should get for photography? That's a no-brainer:
MacBookPro with Core2 Duo and 2GB RAM, gorgeous 17" screen. Runs Windows and Mac operating systems side-by-side, simultaneously, if you need it. And Linux too. So you get 3 machines for the price of one.
The choice of pros.
Vrrroom with a view! (http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/)
(I got mine a week ago . . . WOOOHOOO ! Complete with Airport Extreme (wireless broadband LAN) and 500GB external HD)
What laptop you should get for photography? That's a no-brainer:
MacBookPro with Core2 Duo and 2GB RAM, gorgeous 17" screen. Runs Windows and Mac operating systems side-by-side, simultaneously, if you need it. And Linux too. So you get 3 machines for the price of one.
The choice of pros.
Vrrroom with a view! (http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/)
(I got mine a week ago . . . WOOOHOOO ! Complete with Airport Extreme (wireless broadband LAN) and 500GB external HD)
Busts the £500 budget quite considerably though ;)
Skinny Pete
08-10-2007, 15:46
While normally I would agree with this for most people, I have found dedicated graphics cards handle hardware profiling better then the intel built in ones (seems to hold the profile for longer and requires less frequent recalibrating), and the colours, especially on the ATI ones, seem just that little bit better.
Laptop displays are never up to it, and its not going to be down to the GFX card but the actual display, there is a difference but on a laptop its negligble, its extra mony which will never be used - ofcourse everyone should agree Photoshop should be done in a comfy chair with a lovely Dual 20"+ Display.
:D
Another point the laptop will ofcourse have DVI out (CRT for you retro behomoth users) which can display the image in all its glory so the inputted graphics will be better - depends on which Intel display chip is used or indeed what ATi or nVidia core is installed.
£500 is way too tight, you're much better off saving for a few months and buying a decent spec C2D unit, or ideally a macbook pro.
Busts the £500 budget quite considerably though ;)
W.Smith - That's not fair :nono::'(. I just took a look and I want one now. There is noooo way I can afford that before my next event on the 3rd Nov. I might be able to stretch to £600 though. I will explore all of the things you guys have said above. Thanks for your comments. Oh! just remembered my Brother also said, if I can, see if I can get a DVD drive that will come out and put a Hard Drive in instead (hot swappable) ?
Is it more expensive to get someone like Dell to build it with your own shopping list?
I've had my Sony Vaio for two years now and never had any bother with it, bit pricey when it was new, but have seen the newer models quite cheap now.
£500 is way too tight, you're much better off saving for a few months and buying a decent spec C2D unit, or ideally a macbook pro.
You have a point.
I will be mainly using the laptop for taking to events. My assistant uploads the RAW images into Zoombrowser and creates a quick slide show for the clients to view and order. I want Adobe CS2 (3 in the future) on in case a client wants to see me after the shoot about a particular image etc. After the 20th family has been photographed, my current laptop is ready for bed and usually gives up and can take half an hour to upload 20 images. On Saturday when this happened, I said shut it down and re-boot it to release the memory, but it refused to start up again. Grrrreat!!! not. Just don't want the extra stress of the client sighing when you have to get the other laptop going - which belongs to my employer.
[...] if I can get a DVD drive that will come out and put a Hard Drive in instead (hot swappable) ?
[...]
That's one other important reason why I got the MacBookPro, Gilly: it's got a 160GB harddisk – more than plenty for on-the-go – and you can hook up to 4 hard disks to the Airport Extreme which are fully online (USB 2.0 plus) the second you get within range of your Airport Extreme base station (150 feet plus).
That way I now have my new 500GB and my old 300GB disk online! 800GB total . . .
(And I can expand further as needed).
No need to "hot-swap" (with associated risks), nor to schlepp hard disks around (with associated risks)!
Worth saving up for, imo.
the mac is the dogs wotsits when it comes to imaging apps..
if windows is more ideal, i have used, toshiba, ibm, fujitsi, hp, compaq & sony
tosh good but can be bulky
ibm just didnt like
hp good
fujitsu good BUT the mouse pad will kill you its just too sensitive and you will hit it all the time
sony expensive
compaq would be my recommendation - i'm running vista home premium, office 2007, cs2, countless downloads and browser sessions, usually has 3 users logged on at any one time, it has dual core 1.6ghz and 1gb ram and should fall in budget - plus it looks good, and the screen is very good and bright
Buy a reliable laptop that's C2D+.
Buy 2GB of RAM for it.
Buy a decent (IPS) panel screen (as laptop screens are all average to terrible for photoedit).
Buy a reliable laptop that's C2D+.
Buy 2GB of RAM for it.
Buy a decent (IPS) panel screen (as laptop screens are all average to terrible for photoedit).
Thanks for your continued responses. TeeTee - what does C2D+ and IPS mean please? I might be good at taking photographs, but I am useless at PC techi stuff.
All I want is a laptop with a shiny screen, lots of RAM (Girls! calm down:nuts:), and compatible with Adobe PS CS2 & 3... and a bit more of course.
the compaq would be my recommendation - i'm running vista home premium, office 2007, cs2, countless downloads and browser sessions, usually has 3 users logged on at any one time, it has dual core 1.6ghz and 1gb ram and should fall in budget - plus it looks good, and the screen is very good and bright
Andy, what model do you have for me to look it up please?
theMusicMan
09-10-2007, 20:08
Hey Gilly... couldn't you s t r e t c h a little more and go for a Macbook...? I have a Dell and a macBook - luv 'em both, but if I were to choose what to get next, there'd be no choice. Would have to be a Mac.
Clickety Linky (http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=browse&mco=7B723643&node=home/shop_mac/family/macbook)
Hey John, I suppose I could dip in my 70-200mm IS 2.8 lens fund.:'(
Actually, your linky surprised me, as the Mac Books I was looking at last night were all way over £1,000.
My concerns with a Mac were always about compatibility with other software packages. Is the cheapest Mac Book shown on that link any good?:shrug:
Just out of curiosity, what Dell do you have.
Word of warning about Sony laptops. The after sales service I found to be appalling. I purchased several Sony laptops, they were good pieces of equipment, but once they go faulty the level of service I found to be far below par.
Word of warning about Sony laptops. The after sales service I found to be appalling. I purchased several Sony laptops, they were good pieces of equipment, but once they go faulty the level of service I found to be far below par.
Yikes, Taxi I will certainly bear that in mind.
theMusicMan
09-10-2007, 21:49
Hi Gilly
I have a Dell D820 and it's superb. The screen resolution is a staggering 1980x1200 and is crystal clear, have had just coming up to 18 months now and as I am self employed, I use it as my business PC. Most of my clients have PC based networks and compatibility with MS Project (which most of my clients also use) is one reason I stick with PC's.
The Macbook I have is the middle one of the MacBook range you see on that link I provided. I have to say Gilly, it is an exceptional machine... simply exceptional. I am not one of these people who 'once gone Mac are anti MS' - not at all. However, I really do like the simplicity of the OSx interface, no blue screens of death, the way all the applications integrate cleanly, the speed, and of course the aesthetic... Apple really know how to design good machines. I will keep buying PC's for business use, and will certainly stick with Dell (have had 3 or 4 now for business as I have upgraded over the years), even my son has a Dell desktop system. However, for personal use - and for all my music (several hardware synths connected as well as a few softsynths), recording studio gear (Cubase), and my photography (Lightroom and Photoshop) I will 100% always use my Mac.
Personally, depending on what you want to use the machine for - if it's your tog stuff, I'd go for a Mac no question. There's absolutely no issue with compatability as you can run all XP apps on the Mac through Parallels, however - all apps I want to use are available for the Mac too. I have Office for Mac, Photoshop, Lightroom, as well as loads of music software - all working brilliantly.
Hope that helps...
Normal Macbooks are not much more than your £500 budget, if I had around that much to spend that's what my money would go on.
Otherwise if you're set on getting Windows then look at the Dell Factory Outlet for bargains.
Apple
HP/Compaq
Sony
Dell
all make good notebooks and you won't go far wrong with any of them.
Geez, thanks John and Ross for taking the time to explain your reasons etc. John, I am half erring on the side of a Mac Book now but, and it is a big but, bringing myself down to earth again, 9 times out of 10 it won't be me using it - but my assistant! As I mentioned above, it is for loading RAW images on during events where people are queuing to view their piccies in a slideshow and then ordering up. Of course, I will use it occasionally. Arrrgh! Gilly tugs on her hair a bit.
I am going to have a look at the Dell factory outlet and another look at the Mac Book site. I will probably have a few more questions tomorrow.
theMusicMan
09-10-2007, 23:03
Sure, fire away - if I can offer any assistance then I'll do my best to offer an impartial view.
If you are using Lightroom, then this runs perfectly on a Mac. The touchpad is the same, and you can use the standard 3 button wheel mouse you possibly use on your laptop. Double click opens an app too!!! ;) Of course, you can set up Lightroom that when you insert your card in your reader, it opens up and launches automatically, loading the images as you go.
By the way.... just in case you're asked, Mac's do have right click!!! :):)
iPhoto for the mac will do what you want with regards to loading raw files for viewing as a slideshow
Go and find an apple store and have a play :)
Don't paint yourself in a corner by choosing either Windows or Mac! Keep your options open to run either Windows or Mac. Or even both. When you need them. Side-by-side, simultaneously. On a Mac you can do that. On a Wintel machine you can't.
FranchiseJuan
10-10-2007, 00:18
I really don't want to turn this into another windows vs mac thing, but I could never bring myself to spend twice as much on the same hardware if I am going to end up using windows anyway.
If you already own much of the software on the windows side, it makes no sense to spend the money again to get the Mac version (just remember how much one copy of photoshop costs), and it you going to buy a powerbook to run XP, then you might as well go and buy a Dell or Toshiba for half the money, as they will have the same hardware inside.
If you really wanted to, you can run OSX on an emulator an any generic notebook anyway.
[...] If you really wanted to, you can run OSX on an emulator an any generic notebook anyway.
Really? Which emulator? And which generic notebook for instance? Any links you could share on the subject, FJ?
I really don't want to turn this into another windows vs mac thing, but I could never bring myself to spend twice as much on the same hardware if I am going to end up using windows anyway.
If you already own much of the software on the windows side, it makes no sense to spend the money again to get the Mac version (just remember how much one copy of photoshop costs)
You can have the best of both worlds these days with VMWare Fusion
You can run Windows applications in seamless windows, check out the screenshots
http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/
VMWare Fusion is around £30
teddyt72
10-10-2007, 10:56
I have just ordered a new dell laptop. I have heard lots of good things about them. I got the following:-
Dell Inspiron 6400 with all standard stuff plus extra RAM (2024) it also has
160GB HDD
Inter Core2duo processor
15.4'' "truelife" widescreen
531 delivered (although there is a 3 week delay, I was quoted 5th Nov when I ordered yesterday)
I had a similar brief and after a bit of research and a word with the tech guys at my work, this was my choice.
Eddie
Thanks Eddie. I have just been on the Dell outlet site. 5th Nov is a bit late for my next event on the 3rd Nov though. Hmmm. I am thinking more realistic about what I need a new laptop for. I know the Mac's are the best etc, but for me at the moment, I think a Dell or similar will have to do. Thanks.
Slipper-one
10-10-2007, 15:53
Hi Gilly, if you plump for Dell, here's £50 off voucher if it's your first dell purchase and over £549 ex vat.http://www.hotukdeals.com/deal/48176/50-off-any-order-over-549-ex-vat-on
Russ stands by with extinguisher, Tesco are doing a 17" A**r(sorry) at 399 that may be worth a look. http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.200-5525/btnResultSort.x%3d510/btnResultSort.y%3d391.aspx
Hi Gilly, if you plump for Dell, here's £50 off voucher if it's your first dell purchase and over £549 ex vat.http://www.hotukdeals.com/deal/48176/50-off-any-order-over-549-ex-vat-on
Russ stands by with extinguisher, Tesco are doing a 17" A**r(sorry) at 399 that may be worth a look. http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.200-5525/btnResultSort.x%3d510/btnResultSort.y%3d391.aspx
Thanks - I will give it look.
I have just ordered a new dell laptop. I have heard lots of good things about them. I got the following:-
Dell Inspiron 6400 with all standard stuff plus extra RAM (2024) it also has
160GB HDD
Inter Core2duo processor
15.4'' "truelife" widescreen
Eddie
Eddie, what does truelife mean?
theMusicMan
10-10-2007, 16:19
Thanks Eddie. I have just been on the Dell outlet site. 5th Nov is a bit late for my next event on the 3rd Nov though. Hmmm. I am thinking more realistic about what I need a new laptop for. I know the Mac's are the best etc, but for me at the moment, I think a Dell or similar will have to do. Thanks.
Hey Gilly
I got my D820 from the Dell outlet site. Excellent service and delivery spot on too. I'd also try to look for a model that has 3 years on site warranty with it as well as htis is good guarantee and reassurance. I have used this once on my current Dell when the external display malfunctioned. I was at a client site and needing to do a presentation but the external monitor output wouldn't change resolution from the main laptop screen. I called Dell, they asked me to run a few checks, found an issue and sent an engineer the very next day when he fixed it with a new motherboard!
j
I've been following this for awhile as I am thinking of a lappy. The truelife are to my mind although very nice effects, I wonder if you show a client an image on that particular screen if you can emulate it on the fininshed product and if not, wont they be dissapointed? I would suggest a "normal screen" then when the image exceeds the one shown on a "duller" monitor they will be over the moon? :shrug:
BTW Gilly the screens are rather bright & rather saturated to my mind
Andy, what model do you have for me to look it up please?
mine is a compaq presario c542ea (c500 series models change frequently)
i was asked opinions on a HP g5010/6010 (http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=407038) today which looks almost identical (HP & Compaq are same company) and spec wise is very similar too priced at £399 i think it was
I would like to narrow it down to Dell but I am unable to wait until November for it. I was thinking of going somewhere in the next few days and buy one from a retail outlet. Problem is, I live in rural Mid Wales. An hour to Shrewsbury in one direction and an hour to Wrexham in another. Cardiff is 3 hours South of us. Apart from Currys, Comet and PC World, can you think of anywhere where I can pick up a decent laptop? or is it better to chance buying on line? I dunno anymore. Being full of cold isn't helping my brain function either.
theMusicMan
10-10-2007, 23:16
Gilly
For online purchases I'd 100% trust Amazon, ebuyer, simply, and of course the Apple store!!!
Go on.... you know deep down you really want to go Mac... :) Just think... I can help you then, hehehehe
Gilly
For online purchases I'd 100% trust Amazon, ebuyer, simply, and of course the Apple store!!!
Go on.... you know deep down you really want to go Mac... :) Just think... I can help you then, hehehehe
Tsk! John, what are you like? Got to go, late for work:coat:
Okay, quick update. I was advised to go and check out a business that had opened up in the town for a chat with the guys there as they build desktops and laptops. So quite negatively, I went up in my lunch-hour today and was smitten with the laptop the guy produced after taking lots of notes as I was spitting out my wish list. The machine looks lovely and I have decided to go for it. It is the following:-
Acer (I know, I know) 9300 series with:-
Processor: AMD Turion 64x2 TL52 - 1.6Ghz
RAM: 2048MB DDR-533Mhz
Hard Drive: 160Gb
Screen: 17" Widescreen CrystalBrite TFT (1440x900 - 16:10)
Optical Drive: DVD + & - RW Super Multi Double Layer
Graphics: NVidia GeForce Go7300 128Mb
Wireless LAN: 802.11b/g
Weight: 3.7kg
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000
S-video Output
PCMCIA Type II Slot
Built-in 0.3 Megapixel Camera
5-in-1 Flash Memory Card Reader
Built in Stereo Speakers
£600.00 delivered. This includes warranty from Acer with all warranty work carried out locally - shop is 500 yds from my office. Lovely friendly guys too.
What do you think then?
theMusicMan
11-10-2007, 18:03
No no no no no Gilly. Acer = bad news, very bad news.
Poor build quality, poor components, poor laptop.
Simply spend £200 more and get a quality new Macbook delivered to your door within 2 days.
I've had a Vaio for the last 10 months, no faults with it so I can't comment on the after sales. The best thing about it is the X-black LCD screen, it's superb, when I get things printed e.g. photobox, the colour match is exact (and that's only with basic calibration). I can't remember how much I paid but it was close to £550 (laptopsdirect).
No no no no no Gilly. Acer = bad news, very bad news.
Poor build quality, poor components, poor laptop.
Simply spend £200 more and get a quality new Macbook delivered to your door within 2 days.
Aw! John, I knew you would be first to blast me out. If money were no object, don't you think I would have gone for a Mac Book Pro. I was looking for everything within my budget. The Guys in the shop assured me that they had sold 300 of these this year and not one has been returned. They are local and have also assured me of their advice and after sales service. I know I have taken a flyer on this, but your words were ringing in my ears when I was there.
John, it is so shiny and new and loverrly and I want it tomorrow. Gilly always gets what she wants - not! :woot:
Please don't say - don't come crying to us if its crap!!!:bat:
I've got a Compaq R4000 and love it. Got it from PC World (had no choice, it was the Computers from Home scheme)
theMusicMan
11-10-2007, 18:23
Aw! John, I knew you would be first to blast me out. If money were no object, don't you think I would have gone for a Mac Book Pro. I was looking for everything within my budget. The Guys in the shop assured me that they had sold 300 of these this year and not one has been returned. They are local and have also assured me of their advice and after sales service. I know I have taken a flyer on this, but your words were ringing in my ears when I was there.
John, it is so shiny and new and loverrly and I want it tomorrow. Gilly always gets what she wants - not! :woot:
Please don't say - don't come crying to us if its crap!!!:bat:
haha.... I wouldn't do that Gilly!!
Go on, go and get your shiny new Acer and have some fun... but... didn't you say you needed a machine for a job you have in a few weeks...? Just hope it's still working for you then... ;);):bonk:
cowasaki
11-10-2007, 18:34
Definately go for an Apple. If you cannot afford the Macbook pro the Macbook is certainly up to the job. I have a Mac pro but my wife and daughters have Macbooks and they are certainly up to running CS2. In fact Mac OS is so much more efficient than Vista/XP I can even run CS3 on my old 1.33GHz single core G4 iBook. Just make sure you have plenty or RAM.
shiato storm
11-10-2007, 19:18
I haven't read all o fthis thread but heres my 2p, aside from suggesting a mac-top, if you can spec out a good one Dells do last pretty well, my dad has had his for ages and it seems pretty sturdy. They've also redesigned a few so they're probably not half bad.
avoid vista if you can, its terrible as it eats resources up like no one's business!
higher screen res is preferable too 1600x1000 sort of range for a WS 17" is worth aiming for, not the 1400x900, you get more photo on the screen that way.
As a word of advice if you call Dell and order over the phone you get through to Dell India, get chatty with the person who answers, maybe ask where they're from, and that that part of the world sounds great, you'd love to visit etc. - my mate did this and got loads of extra stuff for free and a good deal on the original order too!...bit of flattery never harms ;)
Definately go for an Apple. If you cannot afford the Macbook pro the Macbook is certainly up to the job. I have a Mac pro but my wife and daughters have Macbooks and they are certainly up to running CS2. In fact Mac OS is so much more efficient than Vista/XP I can even run CS3 on my old 1.33GHz single core G4 iBook. Just make sure you have plenty or RAM.
Thanks for your comments cowasaki. I don't need a Mac right now. This laptop is mainly for my assistant to use to upload RAW images into a slideshow at events. If I change my desktop, I may consider a Mac then.:)
I haven't read all o fthis thread but heres my 2p, aside from suggesting a mac-top, if you can spec out a good one Dells do last pretty well, my dad has had his for ages and it seems pretty sturdy. They've also redesigned a few so they're probably not half bad.
avoid vista if you can, its terrible as it eats resources up like no one's business!
higher screen res is preferable too 1600x1000 sort of range for a WS 17" is worth aiming for, not the 1400x900, you get more photo on the screen that way.
As a word of advice if you call Dell and order over the phone you get through to Dell India, get chatty with the person who answers, maybe ask where they're from, and that that part of the world sounds great, you'd love to visit etc. - my mate did this and got loads of extra stuff for free and a good deal on the original order too!...bit of flattery never harms ;)
I was originally looking to buy a Dell, even up until this morning. I spent ages trying to get through to someone of the phone and after about 40 minutes I gave up. Thinking if this is their service, then I am not interested.
With regard to the screen resolution, I wrongly though that 1440 x 900 was good.:shrug: Am I buying a load of Sh*t then? Tell me now before I handover my money tomorrow. :(
The MacBookPro 17" has 1680x1050 = high definition.
theMusicMan
12-10-2007, 07:08
I was originally looking to buy a Dell, even up until this morning. I spent ages trying to get through to someone of the phone and after about 40 minutes I gave up. Thinking if this is their service, then I am not interested.
With regard to the screen resolution, I wrongly though that 1440 x 900 was good.:shrug: Am I buying a load of Sh*t then? Tell me now before I handover my money tomorrow. :(Hi Gilly
It's OK Gilly, just remember that 1440x900 is a widescreen format resolution so just check that the lappy is a widescreen model. I am sure it will be as most are nowadays.
What resolution are you used to using? what was on your previous model? do a comparison to that and you'll get some idea as to what to expect. You can always ask to see the screen and have them boot a demo machine up with that resolution.
Another thing... you will almost certainly have an external VGA port on the laptop, which you could connect to a monitor probably up to 1920x1200 resolution, maybe more.
Thanks for that John. Yes it is a wide screen. I will ask them to fire one up today to check resolution. How do I check what resolution my current monitors and laptop screen is please? Remember, I'm no techi :shrug:
Are those new laptop really shiny screens any good for editing? They sure LOOK good but dont you get lots and lots of reflections in them?
theMusicMan
12-10-2007, 07:18
Oooh, now you're asking me - I am on my Macbook and haven't done this on a PC for ages. I think if you right click on the desktop, then select settings from the tabs, you should see the current resolution of the monitor.
What time are you off out to work / purchase the Laptop...?
redhed17
12-10-2007, 09:33
To check the resolution, goto
Start>Control Panel>Display>Settings.
If you move the slider on the settings page, you will see what range of resolutions you will be able to use with the computer you're using. There will normally be a 'native' resolution with LCD screens that looks the sharpest.
Hope you see this in time, ;) and good luck.
Geez thanks guys. I googled "what is the screen resolution of my computer" and a window came up and told me. Clever thing!
Janice, Redhed17 & John the MM, - too late! been and done it. Bought it and will arrive on Monday. The guys will unpack it and set it all up for me so I should be able to go home and plug it in and go! Janice, the screen is very glossy but just like any screen I have used, I just tilted it and it was fine. Following W.Smith's comment on Resolution, I rang ahead and asked for someone to switch the laptop on for when I arrive. They did and it is lovely and sharp.
I will let you know on Monday evening how I get on with it.
theMusicMan
12-10-2007, 12:20
Nice one Gilly... congrats on the purchase.
kissfoto
12-10-2007, 12:21
I've had my Sony Vaio for two years now and never had any bother with it, bit pricey when it was new, but have seen the newer models quite cheap now.
Me to. Sony has been Ace and has travelled world over with me without a hiccup, touch wood as its going to Cambodia with me at the end of the month, some great deals at the moment on the Vaio. :thumbs:
Chickenhawk
15-10-2007, 11:34
I had an Advent laptop, which was a problem from the start and broke after a year.
My mate is a computer programmer and he says that DELL stands for "Dont' Ever Last Long", though I have never owned one.
£500 is ample for a good laptop though not for a state othe art one, you would probably need about £1500 for that.
chouglez
15-10-2007, 11:38
Hey Gilly,
Have U considered Macs as they will nicely go with what U may be looking for.
Also what ever U may decide to bu do keep checking on www.hotukdeals.com as many laptops are advertised there everyday with quidco and voucher codes so U may end up saving a buck or 2.................
chouglez
15-10-2007, 11:49
Check this out Gilly
http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=uk&fb=1&l=en&oc=N1017002&s=dhs
£587.57
theMusicMan
15-10-2007, 12:11
So Gilly - did your Acer arrive this morning...? c'mon... tel us :)
Laptop too expensive?
Get its desktop twin bro.
Same specs, half the price.
So Gilly - did your Acer arrive this morning...? c'mon... tel us :)
Yipeeeeee! :woot::woot: Company rang me this morning to say it was waiting for me. Unfortunately, I was travelling in the opposite direction to Aberystwyth for a meeting. Got to pick it up at 4.30pm.
S-h-i-n-y! it is a lovely looking laptop. Sturdy, Shiny, great resolution, shiny, very quiet and very shiny - oh! and did I mention how shiny it is?
Loaded the Canon software on and then loaded PS CS2 fine. Thanks to all you guys for your suggestions. :)
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