Laptop for Photo and Video Editing - Budget $2,500

Calcifer on 04/02/2025 - 19:14
Last edited 04/02/2025 - 21:30 by 1 other user

Currently using a Dell XPS13 from 6+ years ago, and it really struggles with even scrolling through raw files in LR. As I get more into photography and videography I am looking for something that will handle the loads a bit better.

It's been a while since I have shopped for a PC and previously didn't have specific requirements. Hoping someone has more experience here and can make a recommendation.

Probably looking at max $2-$2.5K (considering typical sale prices).

My current laptop is a 2-in-1 that converts to a tablet, and I do use this a bit. Would be a good feature to have.

Not keen on Mac and want to stick with Windows options.

Looking for something light and portable, in a 14-15 inch size. Decent battery life. Screen with colour accuracy. And of course, grunty enough (RAM, GPU, CPU) to handle demanding graphics processing.

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  MS Paint on 04/02/2025 - 20:00

  Do you exclusively use LR?

  • 

    Calcifer on 04/02/2025 - 22:49

    Mostly LR and photoshop. Looking at Premier or alternatives for Video. Considering trying Topaz as well.

    • 

      MS Paint on 04/02/2025 - 22:55

      Ok. Last time I researched this the Intel ultra 9 was the best CPU for this and any medium tier upwards GPU will help accelerate rendering.

      I'm running an i9 13900 and A2000 (12gb) card in a desktop with 64gb of ram and adobe products run well. Nice and compact in a lian li Dan a3 case. Do you really need the portability of a laptop. I personally hate making image adjustments on a 14" display.

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  FoxJump on 04/02/2025 - 20:46

  maybe buy a sff or tiny pc and use your laptop to remote desktop into it

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  neoleo on 04/02/2025 - 23:09

  +1

  Maybe start with this list:
  https://www.jbhifi.com.au/collections/computers-tablets/wind…

  Or this list if you really prefer a 2-in-1 laptop:
  https://www.jbhifi.com.au/search?query=2%20in%201%20laptop&s…

  Maybe better avoid Snapdragon processor for now, also avoid gaming laptop as they are generally heavy.

  Maybe more durable laptop such as Lenovo Thinkpad or Thinkpad Yoga (2 in 1) could be considered, but they have lower spec than the list above with budget under $2,500. For example:
  https://www.lenovo.com/au/en/configurator/cto/index.html?bun…

  or
  https://www.lenovo.com/au/en/p/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpadx1/t…

  Check if the laptop has soldered RAM or not like the Thinkpad (16 GB soldered). Is it enough with 16 GB?

  Also IPS LCD screen is better for battery life if compared with OLED display. Resolution 1920 x 1200 also has better performance than higher resolution such as 3k display or above.

  I like LG Gram spec for example and it is very light, but I don't know how durable it is. Other competitors are HP Envy or Asus for example, also unsure about their durability too. MSI is a gaming brand, so not recommended and usually heavy.

  I have Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga laptop now.

  You can choose and inform some laptops here and I can inform the good and bad of each laptop for consideration.

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  geekcohen on 05/02/2025 - 05:36

  +1

  Have a look at https://metabox.com.au/, If you want high specs you can customize a machine. I've bought a number of laptops from them and have had a good experience. Even with one that required a warranty fix.