Show me an affordable laptop

[mrSHEiK124]

With >WXGA resolution, and any degree of usefulness in color accuracy (for photo editing) over the average laptop.

Oh, and it can't be huge - I'm not looking for a DTR, I'm trying desperately to find a 13-15" laptop with a decent screen that won't break the bank. And I really can't find anything. I've got an hp pavilion dm3 and the screen is disappointing, getting used to 1680x1050 PVA on the desktop makes the panel on the laptop look like crap.

 

[stlcardinals]

you might clarify how much "breaking the bank" is.

 

[Winterpool]

Does 'won't break the bank' disqualify Apple? There's an option for 1680x1060 res on the 15-inch MacBook Pro. MacBooks don't have the best notebook screens, but they've got considerably better over the past few years. Some ThinkPads and (yes) Dells do have better displays though.

That said, they're all TN panels. Old PowerBooks and ThinkPads had IPS panels, and perhaps Apple will bring them back to their notebooks considering they've stuck IPS in the iPad and even the iPhone 4. Colour accuracy: well, you'll have to calibrate, and I dunno how good a job is possible with notebook displays.

Why do you need to do colour work on a notebook?

 

[mrSHEiK124]

I just meant as cheaply as possible. The MBP is around $1800 (with a free iPod touch, yay?).

 

[vbuggy]

Depends on what you consider 'better'. Many people for example find the 'lipstick on a pig' displays of the current Apples - panels that often appear to be rejects from other makers, enhanced by Barbie-mirror glass frontage - a lot better, even though it may not be the actual case... because they're not equipped to tell the *right* difference. You're going to have to provide more details in that respect. Matte? Would you tolerate semi-glossy? Are you using a calibrator? (if you aren't, any talk of colour accuracy is moot) If so, which one? Also, bear in mind most cheap laptops get 6-bit panels, not 8-bit (Well, most Apples have also been /are 6-bit, but let's not even bother going there).

In addition you'd have to define affordable better. Without being a complete ass, for *me* a fully loaded Precision M6500 is perfectly affordable for example. Since the screen is probably the last component to get upgraded in terms of quality (apart from just resolution and the aforementioned piggishness), you may have to look at Apple-like (but not Apple itself) price points for something actually good. But it all depends on whether you need accurate colour / good calibrateability, or just something that looks the part.

If you're just looking for the latter, I've generally found Sony's (although I've never bought anything but their flagships so have no experience of the cheap ones) to provide a good balance of 'pop-y' colour, all-light visibility and plausible by-eye accuracy.

 

[Fayd]

last week's frys deal you mighta liked..

http://frys-electronics-ads.com/ads...o-Featuring-2-4GHz-Intel-Core-2-Duo-Processor

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Affordable means around $1500, I guess? Ignore my request for color accuracy then, just high resolution. No crazy glossy screens, I'll tolerate semi-glossy, matte preferred.

HP Envy 14?

 

[vbuggy]

Envy's are unfortunately in the 'crazy glossy' arena, as is the Dell XPS 16. For something actually portable, I'd take a look at the Sony Y for starters, Acer's Timeline machines and perhaps there's a U-series Asus that you might find works for you...?

If straying to Macbook Pro pricing isn't too much of a stretch, then...
What about the Z?


Not necessarily affordable, but if your planned budget is $1500, then I'd say the Z is definitely worth the stretch. Macbook Air weight, Macbook Pro function, yet better than both as a machine.

EDIT: OK, Anandtech does something to links... try entering SKU 9988306.

 

[CurseTheSky]

DO NOT get an ASUS U-series for photo editing. While I love the machine to death (UL30A-A2), the screen is one of the weak points. The black levels in particular are "medium gray" at best.

The Envy 15, on the other hand (which I returned to get an Envy 14), had a wonderful screen. It was glossy (the 15 has an option for matte as well), but the colors were vibrant and pleasing. I cannot speak for the accuracy as I never tested or calibrated it, but the display was night-and-day compared to my UL30A, my girlfriends XPS 1530M, and most other notebooks I've had experiences with. It even blew away the display in my friend's ~year old Macbook Pro 13.

If battery life doesn't concern you, see if you can find a coupon for the Envy 15. I was personally able to get mine for around $900 out the door with an i5-430M, 1080P glossy display, 4GB DDR3, ATi 5830, etc. I just ordered an Envy 14 with somewhat similar specs for $1200, but the (hopefully) better battery life and slightly better portability make it more ideal for my situation.

 

[shortylickens]

If the display is so important just get a crummy laptop and a good monitor. When at home plug it in.
Do you NEED to edit photos on the road? Or more importantly, does the good quality color part have to be while you are on the road?

 

[Emulex]

find an old 8530p/8730p with dreamcolor display. its not a real dreamcolor but its pretty darn good.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

I just wanted to see if it was possible to find something for around $1000 with a somewhat high-res screen. The HP Envy 14 seems to fit the bill. Thanks!

 

[aggressor]

Did they fix the trackpad issues with the Envy line yet? That's the only thing holding me back from picking up an Envy 14.