Laptop with Good Screen, NOT Mac

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

11/16/2011 08:43:35 PM · #1

My old Vaio TZ with 11" screen has become so slow that I have no choice but to replace it. I'd like a bigger screen 13.3 to 15", I7 processor, 8G RAM, I am not bothered about large HDD but it needs to be fast or have SSD. I don't care about Blueray but I'd like an HDMI connector. It cannot weigh more than 1.8kg (4 pounds). The main uses will be photography and business (hence no Mac as all business applications require Windows). I like the screen on the old Vaio, it is high quality. The current equivalent Vaio Z2 has great screen but it is extravagantly expensive ($4000!! in Australia) so I am looking for an alternative. I'd like to spend less than $2000. Any recommendations?

Message edited by author 2011-11-16 21:40:00.

Basta

Nikon D4

11/16/2011 10:04:35 PM · #2

Mac can run Windows...

11/16/2011 10:15:53 PM · #3

Originally posted by Basta:

Mac can run Windows...

I know but I don't want dual OS or any drop of performance when running Windows.

mcaldo

Samsung GX-10

Pentax SMC-F 50mm f/1.7

11/16/2011 10:25:06 PM · #4

Dell is supposed to have good screens, at least on some models. But it's a pricey upgrade from the base models.
I am very happy with the acer timeline series, and new models have a dual graphic card, so good performance but also autonomy.
The screen is ok once calibrated but not top notch.
What about using an external screen for fine tuning and the laptop screen for sorting, cropping, rough editing and other things which can be done on the go?

11/16/2011 10:30:02 PM · #5

Originally posted by mcaldo:

Thanks but I can't take an external monitor with me while traveling :) I have a desktop with 2 good Dell monitors at home.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

11/16/2011 10:33:31 PM · #6

I narrowed down my search to this Vaio:
//www.sony.com.au/product/vpcse17gg
I can get it for $1750. Good choice for photography? I have CS5, Lightroom, Photomatix and NIK.

IAmEliKatz

Nikon D5

11/16/2011 11:44:02 PM · #7

Originally posted by Basta:

Mac can run Windows...

And, Windows can run Mac

Message edited by author 2011-11-16 23:44:19.

Snowboard3r

Canon EOS-550D Rebel T2i

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

11/16/2011 11:51:49 PM · #8

Originally posted by MargaretN:

I narrowed down my search to this Vaio:
//www.sony.com.au/product/vpcse17gg
I can get it for $1750. Good choice for photography? I have CS5, Lightroom, Photomatix and NIK.

I would upgrade the memory to 8 GBS. Do you have a local store you can go in and view the laptop? Just like a TV, they say they are great, but some displays look better than others. Make sure you have ample cooling, the i7s get pretty hot.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

11/17/2011 12:12:44 AM · #9

Originally posted by IAmEliKatz:

Originally posted by Basta:
Mac can run Windows...

And, Windows can run Mac

Macs run Windows faster than PCs with the same specs. They generally also have better support, longer battery life, better display quality, FAR fewer viruses and higher resale value. The base model MacBook Pro has a quad core processor that easily outpaces that dual core Sony. This isn't a comparative evaluation, though. The OP has dismissed Apple out of hand. *shrug*

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

11/17/2011 12:35:11 AM · #10

Originally posted by scalvert:

OK, I do have limited knowledge there - can I install Windows 7 on a MacBook Pro natively without installing any Apple OS? I have only Windows software.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

11/17/2011 01:43:17 AM · #11

Of course. It'll come with OS X, obviously, and the best approach is to use Apple's Boot Camp to install Windows. It won't slow down the system at all, and you'll at least have the option of using Apple's OS (more importantly, you'll have the ability to run any future firmware or battery updates). However, you can just reformat the hard drive and install Windows like any other laptop.

jbirkman

Canon EOS-7D

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro for Canon

11/17/2011 03:02:08 AM · #12

Keep in mind that a 64-bit OS is required to access more than 4GB of RAM. The retailer will be happy to sell you a 32-bit system and 8 Gig of RAM, but you won't see an advantage.

Apple iPhone 5

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

11/17/2011 06:06:17 AM · #13

I've found ThinkPads to be pretty reliable;

//shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/ieweb/LenovoPortal/en_IE/catalog.workflow:item.detail?GroupID=240&Code=T420sBEST

Intel Core i7-2640M Processor (2.80GHz, 4MB L3)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
14.0 HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Antiglare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
NVIDIA NVS 4200M Optimus Graphics 1GB, Intel Core i7-2640M Processor
4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)
UltraNav with TrackPoint & touchpad plus Fingerprint reader
320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable
6 cell Li-Ion Battery - 66+
Bluetooth 3.0
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000
Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
4171: 3 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller

�1,400

The thing is, the components (including the display panel) are all made in a couple of factories, and then assembled and branded by the likes of Dell, Sony and Lenovo. So it's probably the same display panel in a ThinkPad as in a Sony.

Message edited by author 2011-11-17 06:08:57.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

11/17/2011 06:53:49 AM · #14

Originally posted by JH:

14.0 HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Antiglare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
So it's probably the same display panel in a ThinkPad as in a Sony.

Sony 15.5" is: Full HD 1920x1080 display with Anti-reflective glossy finish

I found this one:
//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822085-REG/Sony_VPCSE13FX_B_VAIO_SE1_VPCSE13FX_15_5.html
at a very agreeable price and with sufficient specs. I just have to be sure that the price on customs declaration excludes delivery as anything over $AUD1,000 gets slammed with 10% GST and customs duty making it not worthwhile to order from the US. The lowest local price here is about $AUD1,350. AUD and US dollars are currently close to parity.

Message edited by author 2011-11-17 06:54:10.

Apple iPhone 5

11/17/2011 07:01:08 AM · #15

Originally posted by MargaretN:

Originally posted by JH:

14.0 HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Antiglare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
So it's probably the same display panel in a ThinkPad as in a Sony.

Sony 15.5" is: Full HD 1920x1080 display with Anti-reflective glossy finish

Oh, you mean like this one;

//shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/ieweb/LenovoPortal/en_IE/catalog.workflow:item.detail?GroupID=240&Code=W520BEST&category-id=7169546BFB61412BA52F819D914F4A03

15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
Intel Core i7-2760QM Processor (2.40GHz, 6MB L3, 1333MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
NVIDIA Quadro 2000M Graphics with 2GB DDR3 Memory

;-)