Help to find Laptop/PC for photo editing (HDR, Lightrooms, not heavy Photoshop) - if possible prefer Intel/Windows

CyberMurning on 21/10/2013 - 12:56
Last edited 21/10/2013 - 13:28

hi.
first, my requirements are just HDR batch processing, light retouching in lightroom, photo managements (need to managed thousand of photos in the NAS, and maybe sort couple hundred new photos every month). no gaming at all.

im using photomatix and similar software, plus lightroom and acdsee not willing to go to photoshop, too complicated for me. file format will be RAW, screen i think im happy with 15.6" no need 21", i can watch them on my 55" tv later. my editing style is not pixel per pixel, but colour, composition and overall picture so i dont need to have big screen for editing (i hope this is correct)

is it true people need apple product to do photo editing? if yes which are the entry level apple desktop i should buy, do i need desktop or notebook form (macbook pro) is enough?

second, if using intel and widow is possible, which processor and graphic card i need? also same thing, can i get notebook instead of desktop.

now using 3 years old notebook with intel core duo with integrated graphic card and feel it is too slow. prefer intel/window combo than apple/mac.

thanks

Computing

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 21/10/2013 - 14:56

    is it true people need apple product to do photo editing?

    Most people buy an apple product because they want to run the operating system and use OSX software, and if they require the high-resolution IPS screen, they buy the Retina macbook.

    If you're going to run Windows, you won't be getting a Mac, but probably a high end desktop or laptop with 1080p display. I'm assuming you already own and spent money on Windows versions of the programs you mentioned, so you will most likely get a Windows system rather than getting Mac + dual booting Windows.

    Don't know if you need full HD or 1366 x 768 will be enough, I know 1080p is a requirement for people looking to use Photoshop, and IPS displays for people looking for color accuracy.

    My recommendation is to go with a Clevo (well known whitebox brand amongst enthusiasts) laptop, customized to your needs
    http://www.affordablelaptops.com.au/contents/en-us/d442_meta…

    $1360 gets you
    Windows 8
    15.6 HD IPS matte display @ 1080p
    Haswell generation Core i7 4700MQ CPU
    Geforce 750m 2GB discrete GPU
    8GB RAM single DIMM
    1TB 7200RPM drive (Supports MSATA SSD as well)

    or $1,198.00 gets you
    Ivy Bridge i7-3630QM
    16GB RAM
    Geforce GTX670MX 3GB
    BONUS UPGRADE TO 15.6-inch FHD LED
    Windows 8
    Plextor M5M 128GB SSD MSATA
    No hard disk

  • CyberMurning on 21/10/2013 - 15:19

    thanks~! yes i have all the softwares incl o/s.

    the second option actually $1,128.95 incl shipping but refurbish.
    the first option A$1,259.00 with free shipping also good.
    all without windows 8 (already have)
    but never have experience buying customised brand laptops.

    i saw few other options:
    asus ZENBOOK™ UX52VS
    Dell XPS 15

  • Benicio on 21/10/2013 - 17:36

    It sounds like you are a photography hobbyist so I wouldnt worry about breaking the bank with the very best of everything - there's really no need with the beefy systems you can get for a reasonable price these days.

    Most good laptops/desktops will be fine for you as long as you maximise the RAM in whatever system you decide on. I'd recommend getting SSD hard drive and a couple of TB of extra hard drive space as HDR images will fill up your drive in no time.

    Any of the options listed will be fine for your needs.

    • CyberMurning on 22/10/2013 - 10:36

      yes im not pro and not trying to make $.
      ok let see if i can increase my RAM, and get SSD first. my 3 yo laptop is slow but still in mint condition so im not sure if i need to upgrade.
      now only use it for NAS management and photo editing, not gaming, watching movie, or working at all.

      • scrimshaw on 22/10/2013 - 17:42

        RAM only gets you so far. With a Core 2 Duo (only 2 threads) it's going to be a big bottleneck.

        Don't spend big bucks on RAM, because if it's DDR2 memory you won't be able to use it in a modern laptop.

        The main thing you're looking for really is a Core i7 CPU. Maybe just wait for a good deal with an Acer lappie + i7 to pop up.

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