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Looking at the specs of the Dell Alienware laptops, there is no built in memory card reader, which is surprising.

Thank you ever so kindly, Brian. Currently digesting all of the info you've shared and looking at Tammy's thread, I see it's an IPS Anti- Glare Display. Stupid question perhaps but is this another term for Matte display?

PS... Very interested in the ROG Mothership GZ700 but it's not available yet...

Hi Brian, Laptop is still in computer shop, bad graphics card. It's my understanding they wiped out the computer and tried reloading both Windows 10 and Nvidia card, graphics card still didn't work. He is going to do something with the BIOS this weekend (whatever that means) to see if it will bring back the graphics card. I am looking to buy a new laptop and trade in/resell the notebook. I'm currently looking at the ASUS ROG series (Mothership, Zephyrus, Strix, Matrix models), trying to sift through all of the specs, particularily the screen specs, wanting a matte IPS display as you recommend. and my head is spinning. As per ASUS' wbsite, some models say they are IPS Levels equipped, and/or anti glare screen. Is the anti glare screen going to screw up my calibration when the time comes? I want the best, regardless of the price. Which ASUS ROG laptop do you recommend? Thanks.

Hi Damien, I'm trying to get the paper profiles for Press Cards, Fine Art Giclee Prints, and Photographic Prints from my new lab for soft proofing and I seem to be getting the run-around as they only want to send me the lustre/deep matte or pearl metallic but that's not the finishes I want to order (ie: glossy, watercolor, glossy on silk, etc). My question is, is the lab not obligated to give the photographer these profiles? Why wouldn't I want to soft proof the images prior to submitting my order, I'd be foolish not to? Thanks in advance.

Thanks Brian, appreciate it. I’ll have them reload everything fresh?

Ok, thanks Brian. As I mentioned earlier, I only use it very minimal, like if I go away on a weekend or take it up north on our summer vacation so I can view my photos (I’m too impatient to wait until I return home, lol!). I talked to the computer shop again and insisted on a new power supply which they are going to order in. I guess I’ll take it in tomorrow and have them deinstall the Nvidia card and reinstall to start. What is the advantage to reinstalling Windows? Just so I’m clear when I go in.

Hi Brian, My laptop is an ASUS FX53VD-RS71 Notebook equipped with Intel i7-7700HQ @2.80GHZ, 8GB DDR4 RAM (plus 4GB DDR4 RAM Upgrade, Machine to 12GB total), Nvidia GTX 1050 4GB Video Card, 1TB 7200RPM Hard Drive, Windows 10. Purchased Sept 10, 2017. When I first got it set up, I noticed PS was using the Intel (R) HD Graphics 630. Photoshop was working fine, so I didn't question it. I should mention I only use this laptop, maybe once every 3 or 4 months. In Nov 2017, I went to use it and PS dropped the video card entirely, wasn't even bringing up the check box to check mark the graphics card. I called Adobe, they ran a Nvidia driver update which then recognized the graphics card (GTX1050). This week I went to use it again and the same thing, PS dropped the Nvidia graphics card again, check box is greyed out. I also noticed when I clicked on Nvidia control panel, it was telling me no graphics card, couldn't even access the Nvida card in the laptop. I gave up trying to find the driver updates online. Also the power brick gets red hot, which is unsettling as well. I've called the computer shop where I purchased it and they want to charge me a diagnostic fee, etc. etc. Also called ASUS and of course, because it's over the one year warranty, it's up to me to pay the repairs. I think I've been sold a dud for $1600.00. At this point what do you recommend? Removing graphics card completely and doing a fresh install or can you link me to the proper Driver download? (Running PS CC2017) Thanks in advance.

It had been a while since I oredered prints (Don's Photo) so I gathered all the images I edited in class, about 30 - 4x6's along with 4 -5 x 7 black-and-white test prints for the sharpening class. I was hugely disappointed with the color; snow scenes have a blue tint and skin tones look green, overall very contrasty and dull, lacking vibrance. But I have to admit, I was very pleased with the sharpening on my 5x7's and anxious to concentrate more on the Sharpening Class once I get the color error corrected. I know, I've been foolish to not order regularly but I just kept putting it off. Anyway, I spoke with the lab manager and he offered to do a re-print for me. So, I'm patiently waiting for them to arrive before I recalibrate. But I have to admit, I'm very leary to re-order anything from them if they're not reliable and inconsistent. In the meantime GTA Imaging out of Toronto (Pro Lab) has accepted my application since I'm not considered a professional photographer and they're closed for the holidays until the New Year at which time I'll send in for test prints. Going back to calibration, I currently use the Spyder 5Pro, my monitor is a 24" ASUS Pro Art PA248Q. LCD monitor but LED backlit (the LED / LCD is confusing me) and I'm questioning if I should upgrade my calibrator. I went through all of your calibration tutorials and I can't decide if I should go with the Xrite i1Disply Pro (as it does both LCD and LED) or if I should stay with Spyder (because I'm familar with the brand) and upgrade to the Spyder 5Elite. Curious to hear your thoughts Damien when time allows. UPDATE: Since I emailed you this morning, my re-prints were just delivered (YAY!) Night and day difference, lab screw up I guess. Attaching a quick cell phone picture (sorry, very poor lighting here at work, re-prints on right). In real life, I feel the color is spot on to my edited version, anxious to compare in proper lighting to the computer. However, I am still considering the new lab and a new calibrator.

Yes, i was using a card reader, built in to my computer.

UPDATE: I plugged my camera into my PC via the USB cable and was able to copy and paste the three images which I’m also able to view in ACR with all metadata (yay!). Took another picture tonight on the same card and that image can’t be previewed on PC either eventhough it previews in camera. So I put in a new card, took some more shots and it seems perfectly fine. Bad card I guess??

Sorry, correcting the card info: Lexar Professional 32GB. 95MB/s. SDHC UHS-I (1) Class 10

Hi Brian, While out shooting today, I put in a brand new SD card, preview shows perfectly fine in camera but not on PC. I have three images that I can not pull off the card, says file is not supported or may be damaged. I've been using this brand for a long time and this is the first issue I've encountered. The card is a Lexar Professional- 32GB - 95MB/s - SD (1) HC I class 10. Not sure where to start troubleshooting. Any help and suggestions would be most appreciated.

Forgot to upload my photo...

Hi Damien, Question regarding HDR imaging. I've been following a local photographer in my area on Instagram who creates HDR images with Photo Affinity software. Is there a way to create such images in Photoshop without purchasing HDR dedicated software. I've been playing around with the channel mixer and high pass filter but not getting the results I like. Curious to hear your thoughts and suggestions. https://www.instagram.com/gilbertkaterynych/?hl=en Thanks!