14", 16", or Larger Laptop??

[SixTwoImages]

I am in the process of replacing my laptop, a 17" that currently stays connected to a 24" monitor and remote keyboard and trackball. I am taking desktop replacement to a new level =).

I was at a group shoot lately and noticed a lot of the "pros" carrying their laptops with them so they could post-process on the job and get pics up on sites ASAP.

My question lies in what the opinions are out there concerning screen size and therefore total laptop size and weight. What are you currently using or what would your dream setup be?

Would you go with a small light and "quick" model for better mobility... or jump up to a larger screen for better editing on the go? I use Lightroom 2 and Photoshop for editing so computing power and screen size do come into play.

Thanks for all the help and ideas...

TJ
Six Two Images

[katia]

this probably won't be of much help at all, since i've never actually done any pro/paid shoots. so i don't edit on the go or anything.

but i DID used to have a 17" laptop, and i HATED it! it was such a monster, so heavy and i don't think they even manufacture dedicated laptop/camera backpacks for a behemoth like a 17"

so, last christmas i replaced mine with a 13" HP DV3510NR, the bestbuy/HP exclusive. and i freakin' LOVE it! it's so tiny and cute and lightweight.

HP DV3510NR

i too, use a larger, external screen that i leave on my desktop.

sorry if this wasn't much help, basically my main point is that i'm agreeing with you to get a smaller laptop!

[kurtwall]

If you want ultra-portable and awesome battery life, I suggest one of the ATOM-based netbooks, such as the HP Mini 110. No, I don't work for HP, but a number of guys at work have these and love them.

[OsmosisStudios]

A friend of mine uses a 17" as a portable studio. I don't know how she manages: I often find my 15" unwiedly in bags and in the field. On a desk, though, the 17" makes sense.

[ddr]

If portability and battery life is a concern, check out Asus's UL series of laptops. They come with stock overclocked processors, switchable graphic cards, and consistently lasted longer than advertised battery life - about 12 hours. In particular look at the UL30VT and the UL80VT.

I own a netbook myself but would never post-process on them. Not all the panels are seen on a 10" or lower screen in lightroom in my experience. Even on my 13" MBP, it just fits nicely.

[kirbinster]

Wow 17" is huge, not exactly portable in my mind. I use a desktop, but have an ASUS 10.1" netbook for portable use.

[CaptainNH]

I've started to use mine for marketing presentations to clients [and to review shots with them when I win the work ].

I used to get by with my 13" MacBook, but since I upgraded to a 5D2, it's not enjoying the huge RAW files.

I'm a mac man through and through so there was really only one way for me to go.

17" MacBook Pro - chocked full of RAM and with the anti-reflection screen.

I love it, love it, love it, and so do my clients.

Yep, it's bigger than I'd like, but it's nothing compared to the mountain of camera gear.

That said, I use an Asus netbook to download to when I'm travelling. As long as I don't actually want to work on the files, that does the job nicely.

[dharmit]

Hi,

As you already have a 24" screen, go for a 13" MacBook Pro.

You can use it for portability and when at home, connect it to your screen for awesome power of big screen.

Win Win Situation.

Good Luck

[jdepould]

I've got the 15" MBP right now, but I'm probably buying a new machine in the next six months. I'm torn between 13" MBP + 24" display or 27" quad-core iMac. Personally, I'd never go bigger than 15; that's slightly unwieldy as it is. It's fine in the studio, but it's a pain to haul around airports.

[ddr]

i'm not sure if they can fit the core i5 or i7 in a 13" chasis, but definitely wait for the roll-out before settling on the MBP. right now, it is the worst time to be buying a new mbp.