Which Computer Should I use?

[Strathias]

Hi All,

I've just started getting into photography, and I have a choice to make regarding my platform for post processing. I have two laptops to choose from:

Asus G73jw (i7 CPU, 8GB RAM, 17" screen)
Summer 2009 13" Macbook Pro (2.0 Ghz Proc, 4 GB RAM)

Now, at first glance there doesn't appear to be much of a contest. The Asus wins hands down on specs. However, the screen isn't the greatest, and even when trying multiple different color profiles, I come across either "too blue" or "too brown" problems with my greys. I haven't tried calibrating yet, as I don't have access to a hardware calibrator, and don't want to drop the money at this point in my learning process if I can help it.

The Macbook Pro seems to have better, more vibrant color reproduction, but the screen is much smaller.

As an aside, I do have an older 19" Sony Trinitron G410 lying around that I could hook up, but if I can make due without it, that would preferable due to the layout of my house and my workspace.

So, the question is: which platform do I go with? The laptop with the bigger screen, but lackluster color reproduction, and try to calibrate it hoping it comes out okay, or the laptop with the smaller screen but what looks like better colors?

Thanks for the help!

John

[ddr]

it's a good thing that you are concerned this early into photography. do you plan on post processing on the go? is this your primary computer?

if it was me i'd get a 15" mbp, the screen resolution is much better matched to its screen. but like you suggested, you can always purchase or hook up a better monitor if you only post process at home.

lately, i've only suggested much lighter and thinner machines to ppl who already own a desktop tho.

[gturner]

Hi have just bought a DELL XPS L502X
1080 screen
i7 2630 processort
8gig RAM
Blu Ray player
+ 4 year worldwide onsite warranty
for the same money as a poorly speced Mac.

I cannot tell you how good it is. Highly, highly recommended for photo and video editing.

XPS 15 ? Intel Core i7 Laptop for High Octane Entertainment | Dell

[MrJones]

I own that MBP model. it's a great computer but for PP work I really prefer hooking it up to an external display (24" LG LED in my case).
it's a bit hard working on a regular basis with a 13" display and I don't think a 15" display will make much difference.
when you're doing PP work you need the photo on a big scale to edit the colors, not mentioning skin treatment.. you need a big display for that.

[gturner]

I hada 13" viao that was lovely (similar spec to the Mac) but it is too small for editing.
The 15 inch at 1080 is plenty of real estate. It also has a HDMI out and I have often connected it to a 27" and 40" LED HD screens.

[Strathias]

Thanks for the input everyone!

I should have specified that I already own both these laptops, and won't be buying new equipment anytime soon. I apologize for not being clearer.

I think I'm going to stick with the 17" display on the Asus for now. I really like the colors on the Macbook Pro, but as several people in this thread have mentioned, the 13" is just too small for PP. I guess my next step is to try and get a hold of calibrator and see if I can adjust the colors a little better. Most of my pics will be going up online at first, with limited prints, so, while important, color matching isn't as critical for me as it would be for some.

Thanks again!

[gturner]

Cool - definitely the 17" in my view

What software do you have/ want?

[Strathias]

Originally Posted by gturner

Cool - definitely the 17" in my view

What software do you have/ want?

I'm using a trial of Lightroom right now. I'm still learning it at this point, but I like it so far.

John