Topic: Suggestions for laptop with good color (Read 35602 times)

Dan Wells · « **Reply #20 on:** March 26, 2015, 04:25:20 pm »

Unfortunately, so's a MacBook Pro (at least the Surface has the semi-disposable keyboard/mouse cover). I really don't like the way Apple's going on that front. I've been looking at the MacBook Pro versus Dell and Lenovo notebook workstations, and the glaring difference is that Apple is allowing no user upgrades or maintenance AT ALL. A friend's MacBook Pro had a keyboard problem, and the quote to fix it was over $700, because the keyboard is permanently affixed to a huge percentage of the machine. Any other notebook has the keyboard attached by a ribbon cable - it's a 5 minute fix, and under $100 (often $20-$50). Even other computers in the same weight range have RAM slots, plus generally two drive bays (one is often mSATA on something that thin and light). The user can configure RAM and drives, and can repair keyboards, trackpads and several other common fail points with a few simple tools. Apple's response is "you'd better have AppleCare, because a keyboard or trackpad failure means the entire shell, a RAM issue means the motherboard, and any port means both"! The other thing I don't like about Apple's current direction is the take it or leave it nature of their offerings - there's no way to say "I want dual drives, and will accept an extra half pound to get them".

nsnowlin · « **Reply #21 on:** July 13, 2015, 10:32:54 am »

I purchased a Malibal 15.5" about 4 years ago. It was intended for gamers so it is still a fast machine. I have no problems using Painter 2015's latest math intensive brushes. It is a Clevo boarded notebook with the best screen at the time. Everything was replaceable and upgradeable. However, the new processors came with different pinouts so it wasn't really upgradeable. It has been completely reliable. Tonal & color values are good and I can do some editing on it but it will never beat the Eizo 2K monitor when I can plug it in at home. I'm waiting for better screens on another Clevo (boutique gamer?) system in hopes I can future proof my investment. Just try to get one with a Displayport out for the 30 bit screen output.

Stu

nsnowlin · « **Reply #22 on:** July 13, 2015, 10:54:17 am »

I did notice this 15/5" notebook that does interest me. It has a 4K (3840 x 2860) glossy display (no matte screens at this resolution):

http://www.anandtech.com/show/9042/eurocom-p5-pro-clevo-p750zm-review-true-dtr

The only problem with this is the cost. About $3,200. Quality & performance here are really for professional use -- which is how I use my Malibal. With the GPU (GTX 980) and CPU (i7-4790K quad core) it is pretty well future proof for performance. It can also be over clocked if you are into that.

Stu

AlterEgo · « **Reply #23 on:** July 13, 2015, 11:14:15 am »

Quote from: nsnowlin on July 13, 2015, 10:54:17 am

I did notice this 15/5" notebook that does interest me. It has a 4K (3840 x 2860) glossy display (no matte screens at this resolution)

not correct, Clevo (Sager) has 15" models with matte IGZOs, for example = http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np9752s-clevo-p750zm-p-7854.html?wconfigure=yes ("...15.6" 4K QFHD (16:9) Matte-Type Screen (3840x2160) (Sharp Brand / 60Hz) (SKU - S4K003) - [ETA: 07/14/2015] ( + 285 ) ...", available to configure and order - you might need to wait a little bit for shipment

alatreille · « **Reply #24 on:** July 27, 2015, 10:51:56 pm »

Maybe have a look at the Lenovo W541 or W550s

I've had my W530 for a number of years. Upgraded as I go.
I think nowdays, I'd go for something more like the W550s (over the 541) which is a little lighter with not much performance expense.

The screen has been really good.

A

Kiwi Paul · « **Reply #25 on:** July 31, 2015, 03:22:59 pm »

I have a Dell XPS 15, very nicely speced laptop with high res screen and very good colour.
A few folk have had issues with them but mine has been absolutely fine and is a lovely machine to use, very well made and excellent performance.
I was reluctant to spend so much but now I have it there are no regrets.

Paul

alatreille · « **Reply #26 on:** August 13, 2015, 12:00:42 pm »

Lenovo just announced two new workstation laptops.

Specs look good. I imagine the screens will be stellar.

http://www.notebookreview.com/feature/lenovo-thinkpad-p50-and-p70-first-look-preview/

NancyP · « **Reply #27 on:** August 13, 2015, 12:16:15 pm »

I agree with Dan Wells. The most recent unibody MacBook Pros don't allow user upgrades, and I think that's a mistake. If nothing else, they should give the user an option to swap out the CD/DVD drive for a second flash drive. That would allow a segmentation between the large catalog drive and a small boot/scratch drive.

HSakols · « **Reply #28 on:** August 13, 2015, 12:52:31 pm »

This is my first post after being in the wilderness for 55 nights - no phone - no internet - just photography

My 2007 white macbook is getting a bit crusty and I'm sure would choke using Lightroom 6. I am considering a Retina Mac Book Pro. However, my desktop machine is a 2012 mac mini with maxed out RAM and SSD. Would a new rMBP run as well or better than my mac mini? I would use the rMBP with a calibrated NEC monitor. I figure I could sell the Mini and have just one computer.

Czornyj · « **Reply #29 on:** August 13, 2015, 05:09:02 pm »

rMBP15'15 is fast as hell, faster than any mini Mac - not to mention it works flawlessly with 2 external UHD monitors or 3 2,5k monitors.

http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench3/3196796

alatreille · « **Reply #30 on:** August 14, 2015, 05:31:08 pm »

I was interested to see how my 3 year old Lenovo Workstation compared to this current mac.

http://browser.primatelabs.com/geekbench3/compare/3201114?baseline=3201114

Chris Livsey · « **Reply #31 on:** August 16, 2015, 04:56:30 am »

"Lenovo also offers the ThinkPad P Series with X-Rite Pantone color calibration to keep colors accurate throughout the life of the product."
http://www.notebookreview.com/feature/lenovo-thinkpad-p50-and-p70-first-look-preview/
Any comments from the gurus?

Looking to replace an ageing (2007!!) MacBookPro 15, as others seem to be, maybe the Apple tax is no longer worth it?

AlterEgo · « **Reply #32 on:** August 16, 2015, 08:07:10 am »

Quote from: Chris Livsey on August 16, 2015, 04:56:30 am

Looking to replace an ageing (2007!!) MacBookPro 15, as others seem to be, maybe the Apple tax is no longer worth it?

it never was, if you don't need an IT HelpDesk to help you with anything - but are you going to leave OSX for Windows or you are going to try Hackintosh...

Hans Kruse · « **Reply #33 on:** August 16, 2015, 08:35:25 am »

Quote from: Chris Livsey on August 16, 2015, 04:56:30 am

"Lenovo also offers the ThinkPad P Series with X-Rite Pantone color calibration to keep colors accurate throughout the life of the product."
http://www.notebookreview.com/feature/lenovo-thinkpad-p50-and-p70-first-look-preview/
Any comments from the gurus?

Looking to replace an ageing (2007!!) MacBookPro 15, as others seem to be, maybe the Apple tax is no longer worth it?

The P50 looks like a possible replacement although 1 pond heavier and not the nice thin design of the 15" MacBook Pro 15". If you look for a replacement of the old 2007 MBP why not get the shining new MBP 2015? It is blazingly fast, light, elegant and works really well. I have not seen the P50 other than on pictures, but I must admit as an old Windows laptop user that I never liked the clumsy design of these machines. It's a joy to take the MBP with it's elegance and performance. It is expensive but as similar as possible Windows laptops cost a similar amount of money. So I don't see your point on the Apple tax. If you for some reason want to sell the machine e.g. 3-4 years after there is no Windows laptop that comes even close and in second hand value. Yes, I'm biased as I switched from Windows to MacBook Pros in 2009 and never looked back.

powerslave12r · « **Reply #34 on:** August 16, 2015, 10:38:29 am »

Quote from: NancyP on August 13, 2015, 12:16:15 pm

I agree with Dan Wells. The most recent unibody MacBook Pros don't allow user upgrades, and I think that's a mistake. If nothing else, they should give the user an option to swap out the CD/DVD drive for a second flash drive. That would allow a segmentation between the large catalog drive and a small boot/scratch drive.

The latest Macbook pros have been without an optical drive for a while now.

Hans Kruse · « **Reply #35 on:** August 16, 2015, 10:58:12 am »

Quote from: NancyP on August 13, 2015, 12:16:15 pm

I agree with Dan Wells. The most recent unibody MacBook Pros don't allow user upgrades, and I think that's a mistake. If nothing else, they should give the user an option to swap out the CD/DVD drive for a second flash drive. That would allow a segmentation between the large catalog drive and a small boot/scratch drive.

The MacBook Pro with DVD drive was discontinued in 2013. Since then only the slim SSD based retina MBP was available. There is no upgrade, but with 16GB RAM there is no reason to upgrade. It is important to choose the SSD of the right size. I see many who buy too little. For older retina MBP's the SSD can be upgraded. But since e.g. the last 2013 model cannot to my knowledge. The very slim design has a cost in no upgrading except for SSD's after a while from 3rd parties like here http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC

For those who have the older MacBook Pro with the DVD drive this can be replaced with a HD slot and this can be used with a 2.5" SSD drive like the main drive.

For MacBooks with only one slot there is the option of buying a 1TB SSD which I did. If more space is needed one can buy an external SSD drive connected via USB 3 or thunderbolt or an ordinary 2.5" HD. I bought the 1TB SSD as I don't like to have external drives hanging off my machine. But an external SSD drive is robust for moving around so that's an option. Up to 2TB 2.5" SSD drives are now available. LaCie has one 1TB drive rugged version https://www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?id=10629

So in essence I'm not missing the old DVD drive model which was heavier and did not have the retina display.

Chris Livsey · « **Reply #36 on:** August 16, 2015, 12:08:09 pm »

Quote from: Hans Kruse on August 16, 2015, 08:35:25 am

It is expensive but as similar as possible Windows laptops cost a similar amount of money. So I don't see your point on the Apple tax.

There may be country price variations at play here. I am UK and same spec/similar, Windows laptops are 20% minimum cheaper than the Apple equivalent. That's a lot of cash:

15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display
2.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.7GHz
16GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
1TB PCIe-based Flash Storage

£2,399.00
$3,750

What's your local price?

I am of course now in the spiral of waiting for the next update as the maybe chip generation skipping iMac is due "real soon now".

Hans Kruse · « **Reply #37 on:** August 16, 2015, 12:13:02 pm »

Quote from: Chris Livsey on August 16, 2015, 12:08:09 pm

There may be country price variations at play here. I am UK and same spec/similar, Windows laptops are 20% minimum cheaper than the Apple equivalent. That's a lot of cash:

15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display
2.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.7GHz
16GB 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM
1TB PCIe-based Flash Storage

£2,399.00
$3,750

What's your local price?

I am of course now in the spiral of waiting for the next update as the maybe chip generation skipping iMac is due "real soon now".

Which Windows laptops do you compare with?

digitaldog · « **Reply #38 on:** August 16, 2015, 12:13:42 pm »

Quote from: Hans Kruse on August 16, 2015, 10:58:12 am

The MacBook Pro with DVD drive was discontinued in 2013. Since then only the slim SSD based retina MBP was available. There is no upgrade, but with 16GB RAM there is no reason to upgrade. It is important to choose the SSD of the right size.

Totally agree. The last MBP I purchased (Retina, early 2013) was purchased maxed out, is plenty fast and I can count on one hand, the number of times I needed access to a DVD. And when I did, the $40 USB DVD external unit I purchased worked just fine.

Chris Livsey · « **Reply #39 on:** August 16, 2015, 12:18:16 pm »

Quote from: Hans Kruse on August 16, 2015, 12:13:02 pm

Which Windows laptops do you compare with?

ThinkPad W550s
Intel Core i7-5600U Processor (4MB Cache, up to 3.20GHz)
16GB PC3-12800 DDR3L
NVIDIA Quadro K620M 2GB
512 GB Solid State Drive, Serial ATA3
£1,852.79

As a quick example.
BTW Apple since a IIe

(DUAL floppy drives !!)

Author Topic: Suggestions for laptop with good color (Read 35602 times)