Laptop for Image/Video Processing

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marmel

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#150024 8-Jul-2014 20:45

As the title suggests I am looking for a laptop that can handle processing multiple Raw files from my DSLR, files sizes are approx 16mb plus a bit of video processing.

I purchased a new laptop a few months back, went for a cheap Acer and ended up with a lot of frustration. Anything even remotely taxing and this POS locks up for a minute or two, you get what you pay for I guess.

What are your thoughts on MacBook Pro? Dollar for dollar are they equal to Windows based machines?

Looking to spend around $1500.

Thanks.

nathan

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#1084425 8-Jul-2014 21:23

What specs do you need?

Sounds like ram, ssd, fast CPU?

Lenovo

Lenovo computer and accessories deals (affiliate link).

marmel

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#1084430 8-Jul-2014 21:29

nathan: What specs do you need?

Sounds like ram, ssd, fast CPU?

Yes, all of the above.

I did consider a Surface Pro 3 but don't really want to wait 2 months to get one.

raytaylor

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#1084444 8-Jul-2014 21:50

Any computer with an SSD and 8gb of ram, and either an i3 or higher should work.
The SSD and having at least 4gb of ram will make the biggest difference over processing i would think.
If you are doing video then the processor probably would help more.

Ray Taylor

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richms

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#1084451 8-Jul-2014 22:05

HP Probooks seem to do the trick for most things I have thrown at them, Proper buttons for the trackpad too which IMO is essential.

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marmel

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#1084479 8-Jul-2014 22:47

Ok I think I've narrowed it down to the following specs:

4th gen i5 or i7
Min 8GB ram
Min 240GB SSD
Dedicated graphics card
Min Full HD screen
Screen no bigger than 15.6"

Now I just have to find something that fits the bill, don't mind 2nd hand.

raytaylor

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#1084504 9-Jul-2014 00:01

Go to trademe and get something, then replace the hard drive with an SSD
Or a laptop shop that sells ex business lease laptops - our sister company sells them for about $500 - decent refurbished business models (not what harvey norman sells) and then its about an extra $150 for an SSD

They go real well.
A laptop shop in your area should be able to supply you something.
I think PBTech sells ex lease stuff too.

Ray Taylor

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timmmay

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#1084535 9-Jul-2014 08:01

i5 or i7, 8 or 16GB RAM, SSD 60GB for OS and programs plus whatever size you need for your images, no video card required - the one in the i5/i7 is fine. An i7 will be a bit faster than an i5 exporting images. Lenvo do good laptops, ugly but robust.

Jared777

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#1084556 9-Jul-2014 09:14

I've also been looking for a similar laptop in terms of specs/price.

Couldn't find too many in the price range with a decent SSD, but I liked the look of these two in particular:

Asus VivoBook V551LB-CJ094P w/ 24GB SSD
HP Envy TouchSmart 15-J114TX no SSD

surfisup1000

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#1084562 9-Jul-2014 09:34

Jared777: I've also been looking for a similar laptop in terms of specs/price.

Couldn't find too many in the price range with a decent SSD, but I liked the look of these two in particular:

Asus VivoBook V551LB-CJ094P w/ 24GB SSD
HP Envy TouchSmart 15-J114TX no SSD

SSD prices are ridiculously cheap now....

Amazon....

Samsung Electronics 840 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Single Unit Version Internal Solid State Drive MZ-7TE250BW
Price: $129.99

nathan

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#1084579 9-Jul-2014 10:15

marmel:
nathan: What specs do you need?

Sounds like ram, ssd, fast CPU?

Yes, all of the above.

I did consider a Surface Pro 3 but don't really want to wait 2 months to get one.

PB tech or Ascent can sell you a parallel imported Surface Pro 3 now, or you can import one yourself through Youshop etc

Will be more than your 1500 budget for the specs you want.

Batman

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#1085645 9-Jul-2014 12:11

For your pics and videos minimum 240gb ssd. Go 512 if I were you.

timmmay

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#1085666 9-Jul-2014 12:21

Remember not every image you ever took has to be on the SSD, using external drives is valid for stuff you don't need immediate access to. I have heaps of images offline, older weddings I may never need to access again.

toyonut

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#1085741 9-Jul-2014 14:29

Jared777: I've also been looking for a similar laptop in terms of specs/price.

Couldn't find too many in the price range with a decent SSD, but I liked the look of these two in particular:

Asus VivoBook V551LB-CJ094P w/ 24GB SSD
HP Envy TouchSmart 15-J114TX no SSD

The envy does have a hybrid drive. It is not as fast as a dedicated ssd, but we have had minimal complaints about them at work. Not a bad laptop overall. Should be able to get an msata ssd and put it in there too as there is a slot for one. Have not tried this though.

Try Vultr using this link and get us both some credit:

http://www.vultr.com/?ref=7033587-3B

Jared777

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#1086176 10-Jul-2014 07:17

paulmilbank:
Jared777: I've also been looking for a similar laptop in terms of specs/price.

Couldn't find too many in the price range with a decent SSD, but I liked the look of these two in particular:

Asus VivoBook V551LB-CJ094P w/ 24GB SSD
HP Envy TouchSmart 15-J114TX no SSD

The envy does have a hybrid drive. It is not as fast as a dedicated ssd, but we have had minimal complaints about them at work. Not a bad laptop overall. Should be able to get an msata ssd and put it in there too as there is a slot for one. Have not tried this though.

Thanks for the headsup Paul. I may have a look in store this weekend.

Batman

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#1086180 10-Jul-2014 07:29

Don't settle for a hybrid. For your usage a hybrid makes no difference.