matching laptop/desktop calibration?

[melanieswanson]

Hi all!

I think I know the answer but figured I'd ask anyways--is there a way to get your laptop and desktop calibration to match? I used to edit solely on a laptop until I got my desktop--now I exclusively edit on that but would like to be able to bring my laptop with me to edit, when needed.  I use the Spyder4Pro to calibrate both but they look pretty different. 

 

Thanks!

[Damien Symonds]

Hi Melanie,

Yeah, it's very very difficult.  The Spyder Elite gives the best control for it, but even then it's not guaranteed by any means.

Can you tell me how the screens differ in appearance?

[melanieswanson]

Hi Damien!

Thanks! I was guessing that was the answer

My laptop tends to be brighter and warmer than my desktop; I also see quite a bit more green.

[Damien Symonds]

Just to clarify - we're talking about two separate computers here, right?  You don't have your desktop screen plugged in to your laptop computer; you actually have a whole separate desktop computer?

[melanieswanson]

Correct!

[Damien Symonds]

Great, thanks.

So which screen matches your pro lab prints?

[melanieswanson]

16 minutes ago, Damien Symonds said:

Great, thanks.

So which screen matches your pro lab prints?

My desktop

[Damien Symonds]

But your original post indicated that you'd edited on your laptop for a length of time before you got the desktop.  So did your laptop screen ever match your prints?

[melanieswanson]

They never matched my laptop perfectly.

The lighting is different where I have my desktop set up (versus where I would normally edit with my laptop) and I switched labs (ordered new prints when I started editing exclusively on my desktop); not sure if either of those play a factor?

[Damien Symonds]

Ok, I feel it's really important to establish the connection between these two statements:

1 hour ago, melanieswanson said:

The lighting is different where I have my desktop set up (versus where I would normally edit with my laptop)

 

6 hours ago, melanieswanson said:

would like to be able to bring my laptop with me to edit, when needed.

And to ask you if you've read this article (particularly the very last paragraph):

https://www.damiensymonds.net/2012/01/light-around-your-computer.html

[melanieswanson]

Yes, I've read that.  And I understand that a laptop is not the best choice for editing. I don't plan to edit extensively on it; I just would like it to match my desktop closer so that during busier weeks, I can bring it with me and get some editing done when I'm away from home and also so that I can use it while I'm out of town for shoots/weddings.  I like to be able to post a few pictures right away for marketing purposes.  It's not like I want to go back to editing on my laptop; this is just for a small percentage of the time.  If it's not possible, that's fine; I just thought I'd ask.

[Damien Symonds]

Ok, great.

Now, have you tried following the troubleshooting at the end of these instructions?  It's not the same version as your calibrator, but the troubleshooting should be roughly the same.

[melanieswanson]

I haven't tried that--I will do that. Thank you!