Dell Inspiron 15R

[Tommo224]

Does anyone know much about the Dell Inspiron 15R? This is the combo I'm going for ($800):
http://configure.ap.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=U510315AU&c=au&l=en&s=dhs&cs=audhs1&model_id=inspiron-15r-n5110

Intel® Core™ i5-2410M Processor (2.3GHz base, up to 2.9GHz,Dual Core,4T,3MB L3)
15.6" (39.6cm) HD WLED True-Life (1366x768)
4GB (1 X 4GB) 1 DIMM DDR3 1333Mhz
640GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M - 1GB

Then I'm going to the parts store and buying a 2gb or 4gb Ram stick to whack in to the laptop. Boost it to 6gb/8gb Ram! :)
http://accessories.ap.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?c=au&l=en&s=dhs&cs=audhs1&mfgpid=2769850

I just want something I can use Lightroom, Photoshop, etc on. But that's it. Not a gaming machine.


My home computer I built 2 or 3 years ago, and it's been what I've done all my graphics work on. Photo editing, video editing, etc.

It's a QuadCore, 1gb graphics, 4gb Ram and hasn't caused me any problems with editing.
I get a little lag with Lightroom, basically no lag with Photoshop CS4, and a little lag when doing Premiere and AfterEffects.
I'm running Windows 7 64bit too.


I decided that 15.6" is the ideal size of screen I want, 17" screen is too big for what I want (based on what my dad just bought), and anything smaller is of no use to me.

The XPS 15z would be perfect, but at $1300-1600 it's too much.

[ameerat42]

Is that 6-8GB of RAM also to run a 64-bit operating system? Otherwise, why would you need that much?
Am.

[ricktas]

My personal thoughts are that using a laptop as a serious photo editing computer is not the way to go. The screens are generally the cheapest tech (see this thread (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?89862-The-different-types-of-monitors-available-for-photo-editing)). If you are serious about your photos and editing, upgrade your desktop system.

[JM Tran]

My personal thoughts are that using a laptop as a serious photo editing computer is not the way to go. The screens are generally the cheapest tech (see this thread (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?89862-The-different-types-of-monitors-available-for-photo-editing)). If you are serious about your photos and editing, upgrade your desktop system.

Or still have an upgraded laptop but hook it up to a good external monitor:)

[Tommo224]

Sorry I forgot to mention, this won't be a replacement for my desktop machine. My desktop machine copes just fine for when I'm at home.

This will be a "on the move" machine, something I can carry in a bag or store in the car, and edit photos on if I need. Because I spend a lot of time away from my own house, and more often at a friends place or out elsewhere travelling around, I figured this would be a good affordable option if I needed to call upon it.

There are more beefer machines, but I'd rather NOT spend $1300-1600 on a machine if I don't really have to. So if I can make do editing in Photoshop/Lightroom on this machine for a cheap budget price, It'd be good.



Is that 6-8GB of RAM also to run a 64-bit operating system? Otherwise, why would you need that much?
Am.

Yup, Windows 7 Professional 64-bit :)

[woofie]

My personal thoughts are that using a laptop as a serious photo editing computer is not the way to go. .

I would say this would depend on if you use a laptop/notebook or a desktop replacement laptop/notepad. We run laptops at work for surveyors to use all their software and they crush the data pretty darn good. Keep in mind though I'm talking $6k up of laptop here as well.

[arthurking83]

...




Yup, Windows 7 Professional 64-bit :)

Specs say Win7 HP(Home Premium) which is not Professional!
Can't remember each and every detail difference, but I do remember back when I got my Win7 Pro, there were a couple of detail differences that made Pro the more compelling OS to have.
I also recently purchased a copy of Win 7 Ultimate too(which I'm yet to install, and keeping it 'in reserve') and apparently the only difference from Pro to Ultimate is this Bitlocker drive feature, which secures data from prying eyes, if ever the hard drive fell into the hands of the enemy! :D(LOL!)

SO if you were expecting Win Pro, just makes sure that it's available as an option.

[Tommo224]

Standard is W7 Home, but you can upgrade for $30/$60 to Pro :) that's what I'd be doing ;) You can also update to Ultimate, however I'm not sure if I'll bother!

I just think as a good secondary machine, these laptops would be good value :)

At the moment the top spec Inspiron (i7, 8gb ram, 1gb graphics, etc) is on sale for $999