Thread: advice on replacing an aging craptop

Originally Posted by Pelao

I'd have to disagree with this assessment of the Air. They run i5 or i7 processors, and the same graphics as the 13" Pros. If you need more drive space simply add an external drive.

That's breaking the form factor, and diminishing the primary purpose of portable computing. If one wants to lounge around the domicile while processing photos, it'd be a bit of a bummer to have to lug around an external HDD.

Also, the MacBook Pro can be configured with substantially more powerful processors than the Air, as well as having other goodies, like Gigabit Ethernet.

Besides, I was merely pointing out that the Air is limited compared to more full-bodied laptops, not that it is an insufficient machine.

Originally Posted by Djarum

I am in a similar boat. The biggest complaint I see, and agree with, is screens. They are still aweful. Both the verticle and horizontal viewing angles are bad. The second issue is color gamut. For photo work, I suppose this is a big deal. I'm looking more for an entertainment laptop, though.

I've narrowed it down for me to one of the following:

Sony S series with 1920x1080 with 15.5" IPS screen. Apparently it has issues representing reds properly though.
HP dv6 series with 1920x1080 with 15.6 inch screen. HP does not advertise it as an IPS screen, but from user reviews it is either PLS or IPS, and has excelent viewing angles. The also had red issues, but apparently are fixed.
Lenovo Y500 or Y580 with 1920x1080 15.6 inch screen. Again, lenovo doesn't advertise it as an IPS screen but viewing angle is good.

All three of these are roughly 1K USD. I believe both Samsung and Dell have laptops with FHD PLS type screens with really good color gamut coverage, but I think they are a good bit more.

Any other suggestions?

Of the 3 you listed, I'd go with the Lenovo, but I am a tad biased toward that brand, and intensely dislike Sony.

Originally Posted by Djarum

I am in a similar boat. The biggest complaint I see, and agree with, is screens. They are still aweful. Both the verticle and horizontal viewing angles are bad. The second issue is color gamut. For photo work, I suppose this is a big deal. I'm looking more for an entertainment laptop, though.

I've narrowed it down for me to one of the following:

Sony S series with 1920x1080 with 15.5" IPS screen. Apparently it has issues representing reds properly though.
HP dv6 series with 1920x1080 with 15.6 inch screen. HP does not advertise it as an IPS screen, but from user reviews it is either PLS or IPS, and has excelent viewing angles. The also had red issues, but apparently are fixed.
Lenovo Y500 or Y580 with 1920x1080 15.6 inch screen. Again, lenovo doesn't advertise it as an IPS screen but viewing angle is good.

All three of these are roughly 1K USD. I believe both Samsung and Dell have laptops with FHD PLS type screens with really good color gamut coverage, but I think they are a good bit more.

Any other suggestions?

If you wait for the right opportunity and pounce, you can get that Sony or Lenovo for well under 1K USD. Both Sony and Lenovo had blowouts within the last couple of months. That Sony S you are referring to was sold off for $430. Similarly Lenovo sold the Y580 for $400.

I'm an old Thinkpad user and they are rock solid. I switched over to a Sony Z about 3 years ago. I can't go back. The Thinkpad is still my choice in harsh environments, but for everything else the Sony's are my choice. Take a look at that Sony S in person. It's an absolutely beautiful machine.

Originally Posted by Yeats

That's breaking the form factor, and diminishing the primary purpose of portable computing. If one wants to lounge around the domicile while processing photos, it'd be a bit of a bummer to have to lug around an external HDD.

Also, the MacBook Pro can be configured with substantially more powerful processors than the Air, as well as having other goodies, like Gigabit Ethernet.

Besides, I was merely pointing out that the Air is limited compared to more full-bodied laptops, not that it is an insufficient machine.

Not at all: the computer is still perfectly mobile. I wasn't referring in any way to lugging an HDD. Most photographers need additional space and/or back-up and use an external drive. For working files an Air, or any reasonably modern computer has lots of space.

Originally Posted by Pelao

Not at all: the computer is still perfectly mobile. I wasn't referring in any way to lugging an HDD. Most photographers need additional space and/or back-up and use an external drive. For working files an Air, or any reasonably modern computer has lots of space.

You must have a much smaller "in progress" photo work scenario - not to mention other software habits - than I.

This is great, people are fighting over Luke.

Originally Posted by Gary

This is great, people are fighting over Luke.

Maybe I should have been more explicit in my "thanks" post (#26) that I had finished my purchase, but it's nice to be fought over.

Pelao and I are wrestling for Luke's very soul...

What did you get, Luke?

Originally Posted by Yeats

Pelao and I are wrestling for Luke's very soul...

What did you get, Luke?

Well, Luke is unbearably attractive, in that rugged, yet needy way of his.

I would think he went Lenovo. That was good deal!