Just looking at different options for a laptop and unsure of which way to go.

Main reason is I need something faster to process raw files etc and more related to photography as the only other need is word / email / internet and not alot else.

So my question is there are quite a few laptops for around $1500 with dual core 2 2ghz and up. I guess I am wanting to know what is a good min to look for and branding.

I had a acer and found them ok apart from not very strong on hinges etc.

Would love some comments mainly on which brands are ok and even specs to look for. I did see a toshiba, but unsure if they are any good.

Any help would be great