Find something with a much better display and video card.
Bob
I would probably pass up the sale. The display resolution is too low for efficient use of CS3 programs, the 4:3 aspect ratio may not be a big deal and 12" is small for a display used primarily for viewing graphics and images for hours. I run CS3 on a Thinkpad G41 (3.2 Ghz, 1G ram) with a screen resolution of 1440×1050 and a second monitor. Look for something with a larger display dimension and more pixels.
Paulo
It sounds from you two that I should pass. Let me clarify something. This computer is not meant to be my primary photo-editing devise–I use a desktop computer with a large monitor. It’s meant for travel, uploading photos daily, sorting through them, and perhaps some preliminary editing in Photoshop. Also used for showing photos, and showing multimedia productions from the still photos. The latter does use sound (which isn’t too good, apparently, with this computer.) So–does that info change your thoughts at all?
kdoc
Doesn’t change my mind at all.
Bob
Let me ask you this, Bob. Here we are, PC based. And I (perhaps we) would like a very portable laptop to traipse around the world with–negligible weight. Apple has one. But PC’s–there just doesn’t seem to be one with a fast processor, which can handle this task. Will there be? What’s your and others take on this. How do we approach this problem. I’m simply not happy carrying luggage, camera gear, and a modestly heavy and large laptop.
kdoc
It seems to me (and please correct me if I’m wrong) that you’re more concerned with weight and price than you are with quality.
You haven’t even told us what the Thinkpad cost so I can’t really offer alternatives in the same price range but Dell has a new line of Latitudes coming out that are lightweight and have excellent displays.
To me, any laptop with a lousy display is a bad buy at any price.
Bob
Well, I’m always cost conscious when buying computerware, because the possibilities are so wide. And yes, I’m definitely weight oriented, given travel with luggage, camera gear, and computer–at times, only carry-on. But your comments are still very welcome and are being listened to. I’ve discovered, for example that the IBM X200, a new ultraportable might be good, albeit more expensive. And now, you’ve introduced the new Dell as something to look at. So I’ve pretty much dropped the X61 as an idea. What will (is) the new ultralight Dell called? I have to say also that I’ve bought Dell’s for years and years, but over the last two years have become discouraged with them: First, when buying my current desktop, they were overcharging terribly, and I did great with a HP. Then my Dell Laptop has been nothing but trouble–replaced parts and eventually computer–and I got the sense that ole Dell had peaked and were on their way down. So, possibly they’re revamping their line and image…I don’t know.
kdoc
PS: you asked about cost. Were one to buythe X61, it’s on sale now with a 2.4 GHz processor, 3 Gb Ram, 160, 7200 rpm HD, burnable DVD drive etc. for a few cents over $1200. Which is why I was previously interested!!
kdoc
I use PS CS3 on an IBM X31 12" laptop (some years older than X61) as a fun travel work station. It has 1 GB RAM and only 40 GB HDD. I’m fine with it, esp with the trackpoint. It’s not for production. I can recommend it for travel. One time the X31 fell down 1 meter onto Asphalt and – did business as usual on the floor. The keyboard is fantastic. Esp for travel i also like the built-in "keyboard torchlight" and the hard buttons for volume and total-sound-off (on the X31). I don’t use bridge a lot on this laptop, bridge is too slow (the fault is bridge, not the computer). ThumbsPlus is much faster for IPTCingm renaming etc. On the road, i also produced postcards on the X31 and got them printed there and got fine results (looking at histograms a lot). So, go ahead, there’s no better travel machine.
For that kind of money check out the Dell XPS M1330.
Bob
Now that looks interesting…very interesting. I haven’t gone over it yet with a fine tooth comb, but since you clearly know something about this line, what can you tell me about the "cons." Is it really under 3 lbs (with standard battery)–it looks like it with the additional think screen? But anyway–this does look very promising–clearly the best I"ve seen yet. How would you configure it: I’m thinking 2.0, 2.1 or best 2.4 GHz, 7200 rpm, 3 GB ram. Any thoughts? I’m particularly in question about how much the various processor speeds (and other processor details) affect performance–I’m totally ignorant in this realm. Suggestions?
I’m very appreciative of this discovery, and of your help.
kdoc (Keith Cohn)
Do you have a Staples near you? They’re blowing out some older stock for about $650. Worth the ride to check them out.
Bob
Roger on that!! There’s one on Van Ness (San Fran).
kdoc
Henrik: Thank’s for your reply. For some reason I didn’t see it until now. I appreciate your help, and am now considering also the Dell as mentioned below.
kdoc
