Ready to buy laptop NOW (finally!) - Thoughts

[Thuie]

Hi Brian,

Happy New Year!

I've read through many posts and comments and I am finally able to buy a laptop right now with my budget of ($3.5k)

I narrowed it down to these two. I'm leaning towards the ASUS purely because its a bigger screen. Both laptops looks like it ticks all the boxes. What are your thoughts? If both are not worth the $, happy for your recommendation.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1745684-REG/lenovo_82wq002tus_16_legion_pro_7.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1762238-REG/asus_g733pz_xs96_17_3_republic_of_gamers.html

 

Thank you kindly,

Thu

[Brian]

The RTX 4090 is a bit overkill for Photoshop, and Photoshop really won't take advantage of it. (You only have a 5-ish% performance boost with a 4090 vs a 4070, so if you are just running PS, it's not worth the extra money.) Either a NVIDIA 4070 or 4080 is fine. So a better comparison would be the model below what you linked to:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1745683-REG/lenovo_82wq002rus_16_legion_pro_7.html

Which is the Lenovo for $2749.

Now for the real answer to your question: EITHER.

Personally, I have had excellent luck with Lenovo Laptops, but the larger screen and more video memory with the Asus ROG is also a plus. The Asus also has a 2.5Gb Ethernet as well. So going by specs only, the Asus edges out the Lenovo by a small margin. That said, both are excellent.

Final Verdict from the Judge:

• Asus ROG - 51%
• Lenovo - 49%

...but really, you can't go wrong with either.

[Chas Thompson]

Hi,

Hoping to piggy back off this thread. I looked into the asus and lenovo Brian suggested and Im finding them both to be discontinued. 

Should I look for the model and be excited for a sale price or choose something else? 

Thanks,

Chas

Edited September 10 by Chas Thompson

[Brian]

2 hours ago, Chas Thompson said:

Should I look for the model and be excited for a sale price or choose something else? 

"Sales" and Laptops happen typically in August, before College Students go back to classes. Then the Fall Line (in the northern hemisphere) models come out. Laptops are typically "En Vogue" for about 90-Days or so. Sometimes, they can linger for a bit longer...say around 6 Months, then around the 8-9 Month Mark, they will be discontinued and prices at "Limited Stock Available" will start to become more common. That's the problem waiting for sales and me creating What-to-Buy Links; I've given up. Things just move too quickly and if you don't buy it when I first link to it, and wait for a "sale," you will come away disappointed. Now, I get wanting to save money, but trying to find THE biggest requirement, IPS-Based Display Panel is TOUGH. It's a down-right Pain in the Ass to find one. While "IPS-Like" is better than a TN Panel, it's always better to get the true IPS version.

What's so great about IPS? Things like Contrast, Color, Sharpness, Brightness, etc. are better overall corner-to-corner. Plus you have a much greater viewing angle. Simply put, if you are editing Photos & Video, it's best for you to work with a IPS-Based Display. If you can't find a laptop that has one, then purchase a nice 27" external monitor to edit off from. "But that will cut down on portability!! I MUST be able to edit next to the Pool while my Kids swim!!!" or "I can't be chained to a Desk!!! I must be able to edit photos in the Passenger Seat while my family drives to vacation at the Beach!!!"

Trust me, I've heard it all. I don't care...if you want my opinion and want to ask what I would buy, it's a IPS Display Panel for editing Photos & Video. Period.  

Now for your laptop...

BUY THIS AND BE HAPPY.

[Chas Thompson]

I have a Lenovo desktop at home with all the specs you guys recommend, I appreciate all the help so much! I also have the displays you guys recommended. We are relocating and I dont think I can bring my computer with me so hoping for the best laptop option to keep me going in the meantime (moving where electronics are hard to find). And I haven't thought of a way to get my display into my luggage!  I wasn't worried about a sale price so much as I wasnt sure if I should go for the next model release or grab the "discontinued" ones based on the last rec I saw mentioned. I'll bring your suggestion to my computer dealer  

Always grateful for your help and time,

Thank you!

~C

[Chas Thompson]

Oh, a quick google shows me I can find a travel size IPS display. Will look into!