Gaming/photo processing laptop.

Rojin · 19 Sep 2010 at 09:42

I'm looking to replace my old desktop (Q6600 @ 3.6Ghz GTX295) as it's under used due to it being connected to the TV (space problems in the house!).

A laptop would suit my needs better at the moment. I'd like something based around the 5870m, 15" to 17" in size. The upcoming MSI GX660 looks great but contrast issues with the screen wouldn't make it suitable for photo work. I haven't looked at the Asus offerings much mainly due most likely out of date view that they are poor quality. The Sony F series has a great screen but I wouldn't be happy with a 330m!

Any suggestions, what laptops are people using for photo processing? Ultimately if I can't get what I want I will drop down on the gaming requirements. A sharp 1920x1080, well contrasted, colour accurate screen is essential. I do have a Huey Pro calibrator which will be used as well.

hillbilly2 · 19 Sep 2010 at 09:52

Whats your budget? Have you looked at the Toshiba Qosmio range?

Rojin · 19 Sep 2010 at 10:18

Yeah, I guess an idea of budget would be good! The GX660 I was looking at is £1100, so ideally around that area. Maximum of £1600 ish if needed, but obviously I'd like to keep costs down!

Just had a quick look at the Qosmio, it's huge!

I'll have a proper look later, cheers.

iGiDK · 21 Sep 2010 at 12:31

Watching with interest, I'm looking for something similar. Although my requirements edge slightly further toward image editing than gaming. For me I'm trying to decide between the Sony F12, Dell Studio XPS 16, or going for a MacBook pro.

I think the Sony F13 series is not far away I'm pretty sure theyre replacing the 330 gpu with a 425? Not sure if that's a significant leap though...

Rojin · 21 Sep 2010 at 14:00

It seems the laptop screen is the sticking point. There are some laptops out there with IPS screens for the best image editing but they are costly. I'm not interested in a Macbook so not an option for me. The RGBLED tech seems to be hit and miss from reviews. The HP Dreamcolor 2 screen looks a good shout, so I might be going for one of those at the expense of the gaming GFX...

edit: The Dreamsolor 2 is with the HP 8740W laptop which is mighty pricey! On reflection of it all I might just get a gaming laptop and connect it to a screen for anything that it crucial post processing wise.

iGiDK · 21 Sep 2010 at 18:53

I've had a look at the Vaio Display on the F12/M on a couple of occasions and it is a pretty nice screen. Image quality/sharpness are both good, the colours are quite natural without being overcooked. The contrast could be a punchier, and the viewing angles could be better.

That said, I think I could live with it - I'm going to go on a mission this weekend to compare the Vaio Display with the Vaio Display Premium (F12/S or V model) head-to-head this weekend.

I too am a bit wary of the RGB-LED in the XPS, I've seen threads where people have been singing it's praises, and others have found the reds and yellows to be really oversaturated, and it being difficult to calibrate.

Based on this, I've actually been contemplating the bog-standard 1080p screen - although I doubt I'd commit to this without reading more reviews or seeing it in the flesh first.

ste-sim2x9 · 21 Sep 2010 at 19:42

I have the asus G73JH and plays games great

Rroff · 21 Sep 2010 at 19:48

A laptop screen acceptable is gonna be a bit difficult - I've tried a lot of gaming laptops and the contrast ratio on most is naff, even on expensive screens very very naff for real image editing work - the ones that do have decent panels tend to be business laptops that cost over the odds and have rubbish GPUs

jas72 · 22 Sep 2010 at 16:15

Thought about a docking station and buying a large screen? Good compromise...

Rojin · 22 Sep 2010 at 16:23

Basically the situation is that I do have a desk, 24" screen etc. but I only live in a 2 bed house. My desk (home office) is shared with my daughters bedroom! Hence when she goes to bed I lose access to the desk. I do have the gaming PC hooked up to the TV (40" LCD) but obviously I don't sit there on the computer all of the time as it's not practical and the wife does not approve! A compromise is to have a laptop which I can sit at the dining table with during the evenings. I'll also have the option of connecting it to the 24" or 40" when needed.

It doesn't look like any of the gaming laptops with a decent screen based around a 5870 etc are in my budget. I'll probably have to drop the gaming requirements in favour of a better screen.

Rojin · 15 Oct 2010 at 17:21

Just to wrap this up. After a lot of searching around and trying to pin down a reasonably priced laptop with a top screen... I surmised that what I want isn't really there so I had a reality adjustment. I also had a look at some of the RGB LED screens out there and I'm not a fan of the glossy screens. In the end I picked up a refurbished Dell M6400 with a Q9100 Core 2 Quad, 4GB RAM, ATI M7740 and a WUXGA 17" 1920x1200 screen. It's a nice piece of kit and as good as new. It seems pretty nippy from the limited testing I've done. I'm just installing W7 64bit, then I'll check out some games. The M7740 is supposed to be equivalent to a 4850 so should hopefully be fine for the gaming I'll be doing. The screen is ok, I'm used to working with the Dell line though work so reasonably happy.