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Need to buy a new computer (laptop) as I travel to another State.


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Hi Brian, I have spent two hours reviewing your recommendations for the specs that is needed to adequately run PS cc. I need a laptop as I spend days and weeks at another location. I use a monitor when editing at both locations. I will also need a new monitor. I looked at the Dell UltraSharp you listed. My first must have is the laptop. Please help me! I tried looking for a Dell laptop since you were so positive about Dell XPS line. I could not find a laptop that fit all the recommendations. I looked at Asus, Dell, and Lenova. Fortunately, money is not an issue. I want the best that is needed to run Photo Shop without issues.  

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One thing to note!!! MAKE SURE ALL OF THE LENOVO DRIVERS ARE UP-TO-DATE OTHERWISE PHOTOSHOP WILL COMPLAIN. There is a Lenovo Utility Software package that goes out and finds the drivers for you. Also, make sure Windows is up-to-date as well, and I'd do this before installing Photoshop.

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I am about to press buy at B&H for the Lenovo. My IT guy suggested this option. What is your opinion?

laptop-alienware-m18-r2-hd-perkey-intel-

Alienware m18 R2 Gaming Laptop

 
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$3,193.99
 
Tech Specs
Base
Alienware m18 R2
Processor
Intel® Core™ i9 14900HX (36 MB cache, 24 cores, up to 5.8 GHz Turbo)
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro, English, French, Spanish
Graphics
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080, 12 GB GDDR6
Memory
64 GB: 2 x 32 GB, DDR5, 5200 MT/s, non-ECC, dual-channel
Storage
1 TB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD
Display
18" QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 165Hz, 3ms, ComfortView Plus, NVIDIA G-SYNC + DDS, 100% DCI-P3, FHD IR Camera
Color
Dark Metallic Moon (Anodized AL)
Keyboard
English US AlienFX RGB backlit (per-key) Alienware M Series keyboard
AC Adapter
360W Small Form Factor Adapter
Wireless
Intel Killer™ 1750 2x2 and Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Card with Wifi 7 Ready
Primary Battery
6 Cell, 97 Wh, integrated
Systems Management
System Software
FGA Module
No FGA
Driver
Killer 1675i/1750x Driver
Documentation/Disks
Documentation, English/French
Cable
Power Cord (US/Philippines)
Support Tech Sheet and Powercord
No POD Label
Retail Information
Direct Information
Processor Branding
Intel® Core™ i9 Processor Label
Packaging
Shipping Material
Games
Includes PC digital download of Indiana Jones 1 code/customer. Redeem by 1/30/25
Additional Software
Additional Software
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Never mind. Does not appear I can purchase the Dell one above from B&H. My IT guy is biased towards Dell. He does not fully understand the needs of PS or what is needed for editing, Thanks.

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THE BIGGEST THING WITH A LAPTOP USED FOR PHOTO EDITING IS A IPS DISPLAY PANEL.
 

That alone is damn near impossible to find in a lot of laptops. So while your IT guy might push Dell, which is fine...it's the stupid IPS Display that you NEED.

What's so important about IPS? An IPS Display has consistent colors, contrast, brightness from corner to corner. Plus it has a better Viewing Angle. All of these things are kinda important for PHOTO EDITING WORK. I do not care how "great" a particular Dell Laptop is, if you are using it to edit photos, IT NEEDS TO HAVE A IPS DISPLAY PANEL. Period.

See this?

ScreenShot2024-11-23at7_48_27PM.thumb.png.cf87e8d97ec6eb29351ad7103a490394.png

No mention of IPS.

Most laptops use a TN Display Panel, which is great for everything else BUT Photo Editing. IF THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT MENTION IPS, SKIP-IT!!

The other thing you need to look for is a robust video card with at least 8GB dedicated Video Memory. I like NVIDIA RTX 4070 and RTX 4080 with 8GB - 12GB of dedicated Video Memory. Photoshop has become bloated with fancy tools, AI Crap amongst other things...all use the Video GPU in order to function. So if you get a Laptop that doesn't have a high-end video card, the current version of Photoshop CC will complain and sometimes flat-out not work.

Basically, you need a Gaming Laptop with a IPS Display. That Dell Alienware Laptop almost checked all the boxes, and would be "fine" if you were using an External IPS Display. But since you need to be portable, your needs are a bit different.

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Brian, I do use an external IPS monitor. If fact, I am purchasing this - Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27" 16:9 4K UHD HDR IPS Monitor. I was not clear on why I need a laptop vs desktop. It is only because I travel to another state. I do have two external monitors I use when editing. So, Is the Dell laptop above acceptable if I do not need the IPS? I am still leaning to the Lenovo as I only purchase from B&H and I could not find the Dell laptop on B&H.

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2 hours ago, Kathy1 said:

I do have two external monitors I use when editing. So, Is the Dell laptop above acceptable if I do not need the IPS? I am still leaning to the Lenovo as I only purchase from B&H and I could not find the Dell laptop on B&H.

If you are using external IPS monitors for editing in both locations, then get whatever. That Dell Alienware is fine. I thought you were editing solely on the Laptop's Display. The only thing you will need to worry about is calibrating both Displays and then making sure the correct profile is loaded for the particular Monitor.

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I’m interested in the Lenovo laptop linked above and also see it is available with the 4090 video card for an additional $400.   Any benefit to getting the 4090 or this bordering on overkill?

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