Laptop Editing - Best Setup

[Famateur]

I went out looking at laptops last week, I looked at 50 or more. None impressed mt as suitable for a primary photo editing tool. Displays were mostly horrible, and all seemed to have one drawback or another.

Amen. It's so hard to find the right combination of power, size and display quality -- oh, and price.

Some of the Lenovo machines tempted me, but I just can't get past the Fn key being swapped with the Ctrl key. I'm sure I'd get used to it if it was my only keyboard, but I'd rather keep the "manual of arms", as it were, identical with all my other keyboards. Maybe these two keys can be programmed to be swapped back to "normal"?

Another thing that bugs me is port layout on most machines. First, putting display and power ports on the side is just silly, but nearly all of them do these days. Second, they almost always put the two close together on the same side, leading to EMI that can make the external display look like it's had one too many Red Bulls (that's right -- unplug your power cord, and suddenly the dancing lines disappear). Power and display adapters should be on opposite ends...of the BACK of the machine. Maybe I just haven't found a display cable with decent enough EMI shielding...

I'll know in a couple of weeks if the Dell Precision M3800 I ordered is worth it...

 

[expatinasia]

It might be helpful to know that the Dell XPS 15 is the "consumer" version of the Dell Precision M3800 Mobile Workstation from their "business" line. Not sure if that means it will last any longer.

I use Dell Precision, and it is difficult to fault them. Built like tanks and they are among the most powerful laptops you can buy (hence the size). For video editing and high res photo editing I would say go with a Dell Precision. You just need to decide the size, specs and model you want.

 

[MichaelHodges]

As a non-Mac user who searched a long time for a self-contained photo editing laptop (IE no reliance on hooking up to external monitor), I admit it was a difficult road as others alluded to.

99% of laptops come with unacceptable TN panels, which make it very difficult to edit photos properly. You may as well blindfold yourself and edit in Lightroom, because you'll be shocked when you see your photos on a stable IPS screen afterwards, whether it's an iTouch, iPad, or home monitor.

I see a lot of talk about CPU's, ram, double disk drives, and 17 inch screens. None of that matters if the LCD screen is crap. And trust me when I say all TN panels are just that. It doesn't matter what the resolution is, the upgrade path, whatever. It's still like looking through muddy water, and when you turn your head an inch you're getting different colors and contrast.

In terms of value, this is the best rated IPS panel outside of the $2000 retina display:

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Acer-Aspire-V5-573G-54208G50aii-Notebook.99264.0.html

"The Acer's coverage of the available color spaces is on a very high level. "

"We really have to emphasize the excellent contrast ratio of 1,301:1 that is enabled by the low black value of the IPS panel. "

I have searched high and low for a good photo editing laptop. The screen on this is glorious, and will destroy your 24 inch TN monitor. you'll want to toss it in the garbage. You'll want to stop using any other TN panel laptop, regardless of specs.

It's not a perfect laptop. The build is slim. There's flex. But they sure got the screen right.

Here's a side by side comparison of TN versus IPS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2O63oBOvJU

 

[beckstoy]

I would not get a high end gaming laptop for photo editing, since a lot of your money will go towards a nice video card for gaming, which is not all that relevant for photo editing. My laptop has the Intel video card AND an Nvidia card, and even using Photoshop 6 with 36 GB RAW files, the graphic card doesn't even kick in (Nvidia Optimus function).

Optimus doesn't change/switch automatically between your onboard and nvidia gpu. You have to manually set an dedicated GPU for each application (e.g. Photoshop) in nvidia control panel.

Not all programs works flawless with the 'auto select' feature. So your quote above doesn't make any sense. Select manually your nvidia GPU and you will see that things do speed up.

MxM

Very cool idea. I'd not thought of doing that. Thanks!

 

[Famateur]

It might be helpful to know that the Dell XPS 15 is the "consumer" version of the Dell Precision M3800 Mobile Workstation from their "business" line. Not sure if that means it will last any longer.

I use Dell Precision, and it is difficult to fault them. Built like tanks and they are among the most powerful laptops you can buy (hence the size). For video editing and high res photo editing I would say go with a Dell Precision. You just need to decide the size, specs and model you want.

Very reassuring -- thank you! I'm excited for mine to arrive...

 

[Famateur]

I see a lot of talk about CPU's, ram, double disk drives, and 17 inch screens. None of that matters if the LCD screen is crap. And trust me when I say all TN panels are just that. It doesn't matter what the resolution is, the upgrade path, whatever. It's still like looking through muddy water, and when you turn your head an inch you're getting different colors and contrast.

Agreed! With current technology, it's IPS or nothing for photo editing.

 

[shawnc]

Re: Laptop Editing - Best Setup--In Defense of Cheap(ish)

When I bought my laptop six months ago, I was looking to max out performance, but my budget couldn't handle my "I wants". After researching real world performance strictly for photo editing, I "settled" on a i5 dual core, graphics-on-chip computer with SSD and 8GB RAM (MacBook Pro 13" Retina packaging-but Windows will do the real work about the same). Compared to my i7 quad core desktop with a 7200 rpm HD and 16GB RAM, photo editing is a tick slower (just noticeable) but all file-related actions are much faster. Point being "Best Setup" and "Reasonable Setup" are priced significantly differently. I edit hundreds of photos a week, and my workflow isn't hindered when I use my low end laptop. Also, big screens are great if you have the desk space (buy a separate monitor), but laptops are all about mobility and a 13" works great in coach class and crowded cafés.

 

[expatinasia]

Optimus doesn't change/switch automatically between your onboard and nvidia gpu. You have to manually set an dedicated GPU for each application (e.g. Photoshop) in nvidia control panel.

Are you sure about that on all systems? I think that is how it used to work.

I personally believe that depending on what card you have and what system you have it does switch automatically.

I know mine does.

 

[DesignJinni]

My 2cents…
If viewing angles are an issue then IPS primary advantage over TN screens is that it has better viewing angles... And that's pretty much it.
A High-end laptop TN screens are good enough for image processing’s as well as mostly people always uses optimal viewing angle.
I am using two Z30i 30-inch IPS LED Monitors on a Z820 workstation with a nvidia quadro 6000 6gb GDDR5. I am also using a Qosmio 17.3" Qosmio Laptop.
Off course there one cannot compare these two setup, but I don’t feel Qosmio TN panel much of a letdown compared to IPS.
TN: In combination with LED back-lighting, TN monitors also offer high brightness and draw less power than competing technologies. The drawbacks to the technology are the color shifts that occur at wider viewing angles.
IPS: Noticeably better color reproduction and better viewing angles. The downside used to be a difficulty to emphasize blacks, which in turn meant problems with the contrast.
http://www.tnpanel.com/tn-vs-ips-va/
While IPS is always better to have for images, but believe me it's not a must. There are many professionals who are using way worst displays. Have you seen the Samsung 12.2 Note Pro? Samsung used a TFT LCD in it, have a look at it the images and color look just gorgeous on it.
The way i see it, for a laptop 17" is the way to go, IPS yes better to have but not a must to sacrifice other components. As long as the display is good enough it will do. And not all IPS are made equal. GDDR5 Graphic card yes is a much, large RAM & SSD, Dual hard drive bays & i7 processor.
Plugging the laptop to an external "LARGE" IPS monitor is a good way to see the difference and train your eyes on how to do those minor differences edits accordingly.

 

[MichaelHodges]

I went out looking at laptops last week, I looked at 50 or more. None impressed mt as suitable for a primary photo editing tool. Displays were mostly horrible, and all seemed to have one drawback or another.

Amen. It's so hard to find the right combination of power, size and display quality -- oh, and price.

I really hate to post this again, but let me save you the time:

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Acer-Aspire-V5-573G-54208G50aii-Notebook.99264.0.html

The best IPS screen on a non-Mac, period. Great black levels and contrast, with no major color casts or jaggies like the other non-mac screens.

I'm running Lightroom 5 on the i5 with 12gigs of ram with no issue at all. The screen is *unbeatable* for a laptop. I'd even call it glorious. And the laptop ships with MS Signature, which means no bloatware.

IMHO, I wouldn't worry about the CPU as much as I would the display as long as you have an i5 or higher.

I have a 240gb M-Sata as the O.S. drive, and a 1TB platter drive as the data drive.

 

[MichaelHodges]

]
If viewing angles are an issue then IPS primary advantage over TN screens is that it has better viewing angles... And that's pretty much it.

That's it? I would describe the color and contrasting completely changing when you move your head an inch a bit more than "that's it". Id say it's ruining your entire picture.

A High-end laptop TN screens are good enough for image processing’s as well as mostly people always uses optimal viewing angle.

I would politely disagree. You never see the proper color and contrast on a TN panel. The color and contrast is always shifting, unless you're a robot who never moves his head.

IMHO, laptop sales are sagging because people look at an iPad and love it. Then they look at a TN laptop and get grossed out. Why should people who only post to social media have a better LCD screen than a content creator on a laptop? It makes no sense.

 

[drjlo]

Are you sure about that on all systems? I think that is how it used to work.

I personally believe that depending on what card you have and what system you have it does switch automatically.

I know mine does.

Nvidia Optimus, as it comes, does switch automatically, but one can go into Nvidia control panel and select to use the Nvidia card for each particular program.
I have tried this with Photoshop in past, and unless one is doing 3D rendering, Nvidia card does not speed things up for usual 2D photo editing. Using the Nvidia card does make the laptop run hotter, resulting in the fan kicking in faster and louder :'(

 

[MxM]

Nvidia Optimus, as it comes, does switch automatically, but one can go into Nvidia control panel and select to use the Nvidia card for each particular program.
I have tried this with Photoshop in past, and unless one is doing 3D rendering, Nvidia card does not speed things up for usual 2D photo editing. Using the Nvidia card does make the laptop run hotter, resulting in the fan kicking in faster and louder :'(

Yes and No, there are some misunderstandings about Optimus. The application or game is recognized by the nvidia software/profiles, and switch to the recommended GPU, but it stays on that GPU until you exit your application.

For example: You start up your computer and the Windows GUI is always using your onboard (intel) GPU! When you decided to start an application or game, and that's were it wil switch to the recommende/preferred GPU when the program is recognized (profiles). When you exit the application or game optimus switch automatically (there you have it!) back to your onboard GPU. Try to run WEI (Windows Experiance Index) it would allways run on your onboard GPU.

Photoshop CS6 and CC does benefit from the much stronger nvidia GPU against the onboard intel. True you won't notice it when painting or fill a color, but more and more actions or plugin's use complex maths (OpenGL/OpenCL/Cuda) and that is were the nvidia GPU really shines!

I hope this clears it up for you... It does not change dynamically/automatically between your onboard or dedicated GPU while in your application or game.

 

[wsmith96]

You may want to consider HP's Zbooks. I can vouch for the Zbook15 as I have one for work - the thing is a powerhouse and you can get the dreamcolor display on them too if you need a higher end screen.

 

[expatinasia]

Using the Nvidia card does make the laptop run hotter, resulting in the fan kicking in faster and louder :'(

That is when getting a laptop that is made for such high performance pays off. Here in Asia Pacific I am nearly always working in hot temperatures, and when I render HD videos and do other stuff that pushes the laptop, it never overheats and I hardly ever hear any noise from the fans (and I still have not cleaned the fans out yet, which will make them even quieter - though I wonder if that is even possible!). It is this amazing build quality, that makes me recommend the Dell Precision range - especially the M6XX - as they are built like tanks and are imho, the best available on the market.

The application or game is recognized by the nvidia software/profiles, and switch to the recommended GPU, but it stays on that GPU until you exit your application.

For example: You start up your computer and the Windows GUI is always using your onboard (intel) GPU! When you decided to start an application or game, and that's were it wil switch to the recommende/preferred GPU when the program is recognized (profiles). When you exit the application or game optimus switch automatically (there you have it!) back to your onboard GPU. Try to run WEI (Windows Experiance Index) it would allways run on your onboard GPU.

Photoshop CS6 and CC does benefit from the much stronger nvidia GPU against the onboard intel. True you won't notice it when painting or fill a color, but more and more actions or plugin's use complex maths (OpenGL/OpenCL/Cuda) and that is were the nvidia GPU really shines!

I hope this clears it up for you... It does not change dynamically/automatically between your onboard or dedicated GPU while in your application or game.

Good explanation, MXM. Thanks.

 

[HenryS]

Hello,
I use 2 Laptops for editing: a dell Precision M 4700 and a Lenovo Thinkpad x230.
Thinkpad: i5 2310M 8gb 250gb msata ssd 500gb hdd 12" IPS screen. I use this laptop for mobile editing for example if a client needs some images quickly for Facebook upload etc. The screen is a bit off and cuts the blacks but its far better than most non ips screens. This laptop is very portable, has a decent battery life and is capable of handling Lightroom. I plan to upgrade this machine to 16gb ram sometime.

Precision M4700: i7 quad, 16gb, 250gb msata ssd, 1tb hdd, 15" IPS screen. I use this one at home or for studio work and it's fast! Also the display is far better. Just not that portable, I wouldn't like to carry that one with me all day.

Henry

 

[Zv]

Why do you need a new one, if your is 1-yr old and pretty fast?
I'm using a VAIO Z, which is about 3 or may be even 4 years old. It used to be a top-range, so it's pretty competitive now with i7-2660k, 8 gigs of ram and 256Gb SSD drive(RAID0 of two 128GB sticks).

The only thing you need for photography you need is an external display. Get yourself a nice 27" IPS DELL and have fun.

This is very close to what I have too - a 3 yr old Vaio that I upped to Crucial 8Gb RAM and added a Samsung 500Gb SSD. The biggest improvement that came though was when I bought a 22 inch external display! The original 16.4" TN screen is totally unacceptable for photo editing so I can't recommend anything that doesn't have an IPS display. So many headaches were due to the poor screen on my laptop.

My laptop is now my desktop and doesn't move from the desk.

 

[ray5]

Why do you need a new one, if your is 1-yr old and pretty fast?
I'm using a VAIO Z, which is about 3 or may be even 4 years old. It used to be a top-range, so it's pretty competitive now with i7-2660k, 8 gigs of ram and 256Gb SSD drive(RAID0 of two 128GB sticks).

The only thing you need for photography you need is an external display. Get yourself a nice 27" IPS DELL and have fun.

This is very close to what I have too - a 3 yr old Vaio that I upped to Crucial 8Gb RAM and added a Samsung 500Gb SSD. The biggest improvement that came though was when I bought a 22 inch external display! The original 16.4" TN screen is totally unacceptable for photo editing so I can't recommend anything that doesn't have an IPS display. So many headaches were due to the poor screen on my laptop.

My laptop is now my desktop and doesn't move from the desk.

I am going to do the same but don't have a external display picked yet. I work exclusively from a 2010 Macbook Pro. Any suggestions?

 

[Zv]

Why do you need a new one, if your is 1-yr old and pretty fast?
I'm using a VAIO Z, which is about 3 or may be even 4 years old. It used to be a top-range, so it's pretty competitive now with i7-2660k, 8 gigs of ram and 256Gb SSD drive(RAID0 of two 128GB sticks).

The only thing you need for photography you need is an external display. Get yourself a nice 27" IPS DELL and have fun.

This is very close to what I have too - a 3 yr old Vaio that I upped to Crucial 8Gb RAM and added a Samsung 500Gb SSD. The biggest improvement that came though was when I bought a 22 inch external display! The original 16.4" TN screen is totally unacceptable for photo editing so I can't recommend anything that doesn't have an IPS display. So many headaches were due to the poor screen on my laptop.

My laptop is now my desktop and doesn't move from the desk.

I am going to do the same but don't have a external display picked yet. I work exclusively from a 2010 Macbook Pro. Any suggestions?

I'm prob not the best person here to give advice on displays tbh. I know didly squat about screens. The one I have is an LG 22EA53. I bought it because it was cheap and got pretty good reviews. I calibrated it using Xrite i1 Display Pro. I'm not that fussy about getting things perfect, just wanted something simple but good. Fits the bill.

I would go for the 23" as the price difference isn't much. I got mine last year for just over $100 on amazon. I can't believe I never thought of getting one before. I just asssumed they'd be expensive but then again I put down thousands on camera gear! It's funny how you can justify a lens purchase much easier than other stuff!

 

[RustyTheGeek]

I'm a little late to the party here but let me address some of the points in a general sense without naming names.

- Laptops (Apple or PC) are always a compromise compared to a good desktop unit with a high end IPS display. And I agree with many who say gaming laptops are overkill. A gaming laptop is purposed for a completely different use dependent on 3D video performance. For photography, it's all about the display and CPU/RAM/SSD and protecting the data.

- Avoid TN Displays, get IPS. Most everyone agrees on that and the OP wants the BEST, not a compromise to save $$.

- Durability - Many have said they went out and looked at laptops to compare. Most laptops at retail stores are not built to the standards that business line laptops are. Lenovo Thinkpads vs Lenovo Ideapad. DELL Precision/Latitude vs Inspiron. HP ProBook/Elitebook vs Envy/Pavilion. The major name business lines are built like tanks for enterprise traveling workforces. The retail lines are built for individuals who don't know the difference and want shiny plastic.

- Display, CPU, RAM, SSD all matter, but not video. After that, it's just a difference in configuration.

- Macbooks aren't better, they are just different (and overpriced). They won't last longer. They have the exact same hardware inside built by the same manufacturers. If you like Mac, buy it. Heck, you can even install Windows on it if you want. But macs don't have much in the way of versatility. They are pretty limited for real world use with abbreviated ports, no docking or removable parts like batteries, optical drives, etc. And I HATE GLOSSY HIGH CONTRAST DISPLAYS. But to each their own.

- Workstation level business laptops are expensive but they offer multiple custom configurations like drives with RAID, mSATA and other options including replacing the optical drive with even more storage, etc. So you can create a custom drive setup that protects your images and even backs them up internally without the need for external drives hanging off, etc. This is one area where macs and other retail offerings are totally lost. You can also get custom docks that you can connect at your desk with everything including multiple displays.

- What would I buy? The Thinkpad W series from a W520 on up are excellent. DELL and HP also have great workstation level IPS offerings that are similar. These are serious workstation replacement products that are much more durable and powerful than retail products (and macs). You could get a refurbished unit for a lot less and still enjoy everything you need including good performance and IPS display.

I'm not familiar with the Acer unit that has been mentioned here heavily but someone is pretty impressed with it so it's probably worth a look. It's still a retail laptop however so I'm a little worried about the durability.

Finally, I saw a comment about why shouldn't all devices have the better IPS displays? Well, it's mostly about money and profit. IPS is more expensive and most devices are built for profit for a market that doesn't know the difference and doesn't care. Most of the market wants a cheaper device with specs they think matter, like hard drive capacity and fancy names on the audio chip. An iPad costs a TON of money and gives Apple something like a million percent profit margin to boot.

OP - Good luck finding what you want. Please stay in touch here and let us know what you decide. Again, my suggestion is to go with a Thinkpad W series or one of the DELL or HP business offerings.