Computers & Tablets

[joel1839]

I am currently seeking a laptop strictly for photo/video editing.  I desire an i7 processor (Ivy Bridge is better from what I'm hearing but am not sure), dedicated graphics card (at least 3G video memory), a minimum of 8GB ram that is still expandable, a 17" 1920x1080 matte display with a wide color gamut, a 7200rpm drive and would absolutely love to find one with Windows7 as I personally cannot stand the new Windows8.  One other thing, I need the necessary ports available to hook to a larger monitor for more detailed work.  I was looking at the ASUS G75VW that BestBuy was carrying, which I hear has gotten good reviews (other than the sound driver issue that I hear is fixable) and here begins the other half of my dilemma. 

At two local stores, I have went and looked at computers on display, and, although nice personalities abounded, when I started mentioning the above mentioned desires, every single employee I spoke with stood there and looked at me like a cow looking at a new gate before handing me a printout of "specs" off of the BestBuy website.  I pointed out several inconsistencies I had noticed on the "specs" (ie information left out, inconsistent information) and the looks only got worse, as if I had suddenly started speaking in tongues from planet "what the f...??". 

All of this being said, I realize I could purchase a "designer" laptop from a myriad of other sites.  However, I was recently given a sizeable gift card, from BestBuy, and am limited in this aspect.  So, with an open mind, any suggestions, experience, recommendations anyone? 

P.S. I have also considered the MacBook Pro, as well as the iMac 27" (yes, I know it's not a laptop but it's freakin' cool looking).  Despite the PC vs Mac MMA cage fights to the death, I don't care if it's a pc, apple, orange or a grapefruit as long as it's fast, reliable, upgradeable to a degree, repairable when it breaks and does what I need it to do. 

Thanks in advance!

[xl]

I have the G71 purchased long ago and just love it for video editing.  My only complaint is the bad hinge design.  This should be corrected in the new model.

Note, ASUS makes more than one version of the G75.  I want the 3D model with Blu-Ray drive.  Some models come with SSD for even better performance.  I'm holding out for a touch screen version if they ever release one.

[Michael266]

I've only seen Windows 8, never used it, and it looked like a pain. But if I'm not mistaken, isn't there an option for it to function like a normal Windows machine with Desktop and Start menu/ bar?

The laptop you linked looks fine for running CS5. I'd max out that RAM for rendering reasons thats about it. The only thing is the graphics card is mid-range, and being a laptop you can't upgrade it. I don't know what your work load for file size is or what type of video your doing in Premiere though.

I like iMacs and everything, but when it comes to upgrading stuff, don't count on it. Depending on what your workin' on, I'd rather invest in a MacPro and pick my own monitor. 

As far as Windows or Mac goes, you can obviously use either one, but I personally like the workflow on a mac. Windows seems to be more worried about being 'flashy' and not concerned with the user experience. Unfortunetly Macs are gettin there too. For some stupid reason people are thinking the workflow on a tablet and phone are the same on a desktop. 

[bobberuchi]

The learing curve for Windows 8 is pretty minimal.  The lower left corner will have an icon to take you direct to a desktop.  They did away with the Start Button, but all your executibles are on your Windows 8 interface.  You can right click to show an icon for all executibles and you can pin what you want to the screen.  And it will automatically put an icon for any new program you install right on the start screen.  If you don't want it there you right click and select unpin.

[joel1839]

My apologies for taking so long to say this, but thank you all for your responses.  Sadly, it appears as if I have waited too long on the ASUS ROG laptop I was looking at.  Best Buy does not seem to be carrying it anymore, other than a few open box items which I do not want with only a %10 discount for the amount of money spent.  Still, I appreciate the input!

[Conaete]

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@joel1839 wrote:

I am currently seeking a laptop strictly for {removed per forum guidelines}/video editing.  I desire an i7 processor (Ivy Bridge is better from what I'm hearing but am not sure), dedicated graphics card (at least 3G video memory), a minimum of 8GB ram that is still expandable, a 17" 1920x1080 matte display with a wide color gamut, a 7200rpm drive and would absolutely love to find one with Windows7 as I personally cannot stand the new Windows8.  One other thing, I need the necessary ports available to hook to a larger monitor for more detailed work.  I was looking at the ASUS G75VW that BestBuy was carrying, which I hear has gotten good reviews (other than the sound driver issue that I hear is fixable) and here begins the other half of my dilemma. 

At two local stores, I have went and looked at computers on display, and, although nice personalities abounded, when I started mentioning the above mentioned desires, every single employee I spoke with stood there and looked at me like a cow looking at a new gate before handing me a printout of "specs" off of the BestBuy website.  I pointed out several inconsistencies I had noticed on the "specs" (ie information left out, inconsistent information) and the looks only got worse, as if I had suddenly started speaking in tongues from planet "what the f...??". 

All of this being said, I realize I could purchase a "designer" laptop from a myriad of other sites.  However, I was recently given a sizeable gift card, from BestBuy, and am limited in this aspect.  So, with an open mind, any suggestions, experience, recommendations anyone? 

P.S. I have also considered the MacBook Pro, as well as the iMac 27" (yes, I know it's not a laptop but it's freakin' cool looking).  Despite the PC vs Mac MMA cage fights to the death, I don't care if it's a pc, apple, orange or a grapefruit as long as it's fast, reliable, upgradeable to a degree, repairable when it breaks and does what I need it to do. 

Thanks in advance!

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I think any laptop can perform well for photo editing as long as it has a high processor, RAM and screen card.