Laptop or Desktop?

[roxannemfg]

I am in the process of getting a new computer for my wedding photography business. I will most likely go with a Mac but I am torn as to whether I should invest in a nice laptop or a desktop. On the one hand, a laptop would allow me to bring my work with me which would prove beneficial for client meetings. On the other hand, a desktop usually offers more memory at a faster speed for less money.

What type of set-up do you use for post-processing and why?

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by roxannemfg

I am in the process of getting a new computer for my wedding photography business. I will most likely go with a Mac but I am torn as to whether I should invest in a nice laptop or a desktop. On the one hand, a laptop would allow me to bring my work with me which would prove beneficial for client meetings. On the other hand, a desktop usually offers more memory at a faster speed for less money.

What type of set-up do you use for post-processing and why?

A desktop with a CRT calibrated monitor. (I prefer a CRT to a flat screen because most inexpensive flat screens may look good, but they may be difficult to match their output to the printed version)The changeable angle of a laptops screen can influence the look of a photo dramatically

[ShantDotMe]

Instead of getting a MAC, get a windows/intel based Desktop PC (processor / memory / Graphics...) & a Tablet to show off your work to the clients.

[Photologyst]

The desktop is dead!

Over eighty percent of computer retail sales today are for laptops. Gizmodo, the Gadget Guide

Most artistic/graphic/photo pros and amateurs use laptops, especially in the field. I haven’t had a desktop in at least a decade.

If you can only afford one computer, MacBookPro 15” with a larger ad-on screen and a tablet. I use a 23” Apple cinema screen but, there are plenty of others that are not so pricey.

Many more possibilities with the above combo. The MBP is terrific for work, anywhere, anytime; lots of power, great screen, ergonomic, back-lit keyboard. You can take your laptop, work on the road, at home, wherever and do client presentations. You won’t get carpal tunnel from a MBP.

[Thunder_o_b]

21" iMac, CS5, Topaz, Spyder to balance the monitor.

Why? for 12 years I fought with PCs, switched to Mac a year ago Jan and never looked back. No crashes, bugs, endless updates, or lost data, it just works, every time. Look at my photos that I post here (mostly in macro) to see how this set up works with my Canon gear.

[roxannemfg]

Thank you all for the advice! Some very inciteful and persuasive arguments... now to check my budget!

[jdepould]

i7 Laptop + 30 inch Cinema Display. Mobility when I need it, big !@$#ing screen when I don't. Good processor, lots of RAM.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by jdepould

i7 Laptop + 30 inch Cinema Display. Mobility when I need it, big !@$#ing screen when I don't. Good processor, lots of RAM.

Jamie, can I assume you don't use the laptop's screen for doing your important editing...the laptop is your cpu, but it's connected to a fixed screen (not unlike a desktop in that regard)

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by autofocus

Jamie, can I assume you don't use the laptop's screen for doing your important editing...the laptop is your cpu, but it's connected to a fixed screen (not unlike a desktop in that regard)

I generally use Lightroom's dual-screen mode, generally using the 30 for loupe mode and the 15 for the grid. I do use the laptop when I need to; I went with the matte screen for that reason.

The 30 is a somewhat recent addition, I'd been working on laptops for years, though I did have a moderately sized CRT for a while too.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

The desktop is dead!

Long live the desktop!