New Laptop

[Terryw]

I'm considering buying a laptop PC. I know that there have been threads on the topic on several occasions but I tried to search using the word "laptop" but could not find any obvious links. Is it just me or would it help to have a separate forum for hardware?

Anyway, I'm after advice that will help my selection. I don't want to use the laptop for major processing...mainly for wordprocessing, internet usage and viewing photos on location if needed. However I am wondering what software I should run on the laptop and therefore what Laptop specs I should look for. Any specific brand suggestions. In fact any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

cheers

Terry

[ricktas]

My suggestion is to get the best you can afford. When I bought my laptop, thats what I did and i have never regretted it, but if you go for a cheap one and it can't do all you want, then you will either be upgrading soon or not using it much.

i would write down a list of things you want in your laptop.

How big hard-drive?
how much memory?
Wifi built in?
Bluetooth?

I have a HP Pavillion with dual core 2ghz / 2gb ram, 2 x 120gb hard drives / wifi and it is brilliant. Probably more features than I need. but at least it will last me several years before I think of upgrading

[davesmith]

I just picked up a new laptop myself. While the desktop will remain (it's basically now a server for an wireless network), the laptop is really a desktop replacement purely to run more power hungry apps (ie CS3).

A lot of your decision will come down to your budget. Any idea on what you want to spend?

[brindyman]

agree'd find a budget first.also once you know what you want.......dont buy retail, wholesale will save you alot more money and they always come with manufacturers warrentys

[Terryw]

Thanks guys, No Dave I haven't set a budget yet. It's not an urgent purchase. I guess I'm just trying to avoid buying for the short term.

Rick, do you run CS3 and Lightroom on yours?

What are your thoughts on Vista vs XP...I do like the look of Vista but is it likely to be buggy with photo software?

cheers

Terry

[brindyman]

get xp

less hardware problems more reliable and if you have only like 2 or 3 gigs ram then no need for vista

i run cs3 on mine but i have a some what gruntier system than what your after....i could have a look at a few places i requent if you want a idea on price?

[davesmith]

I've got more than enough power under the hood on this new baby as well. I'd been putting off processing so much, but CS3 is so quick now. Imagine running CS3 on a desktop with 512MB and then going to a 3GB machine. Awesome.

I was dreading Vista when I bought it too but I think so-called problems are blown a bit out of proportion. I've had no issues whatsoever and am enjoying using it. I think 64bit Vista is where problems may be cropping up. If you can get a new machine with XP probably go for it, but I think you'd want it to come with Vista install discs.

It still comes down to budget though. $ = performance, so what you plan on spending will have a bearing on what you plan doing with it (or vice versa).

[m841]

Go with Vista. XP will be EOL before vista, so you are better off future proofing yourself now

[brindyman]

I think 64bit Vista is where problems may be cropping up. .

that is correct......if you are going to go vista get the 32bit edition

you dont need 64 bit anyway unless your going quadcore and want more than 3.5 gigs of ram.....thats the reason why i went with 64bit....their slowly worken out the bugs. spose it can only get better

[brindyman]

I think 64bit Vista is where problems may be cropping up. .

that is correct......if you are going to go vista get the 32bit edition

you dont need 64 bit anyway unless your going quadcore and want more than 3.5 gigs of ram.....thats the reason why i went with 64bit....their slowly worken out the bugs. spose it can only get better

[ricktas]

Thanks guys, No Dave I haven't set a budget yet. It's not an urgent purchase. I guess I'm just trying to avoid buying for the short term.

Rick, do you run CS3 and Lightroom on yours?

What are your thoughts on Vista vs XP...I do like the look of Vista but is it likely to be buggy with photo software?

cheers

Terry

I run CS3 on it, but not lightroom. I do not do any serious photo editing on my laptop, preferring to use my desktop system for that. I have not used Vista (ever- not even played with it in a Store), both my laptop and desktop systems are vista compatible, but I have found no reason to upgrade from XP.