Posted by Dennis Plank on July 26, 2011 at 4:59 PM
Does anyone know of a laptop that has a good calibratable display? I can't seem to find any information on color gamut capability or stability for these. Computing poser doesn't seem to be much of an issue these days.
I just bought a Lenovo x220 laptop with a matte IPS monitor, which was the 'holy grail' for me. I will not use a laptop with a glossy TN screen that shifts whenever you move the monitor. You need to choose the "premium HD" option, but I thought it was a bargain at $50 extra. With the brightness turned up all the way, it comes mighty close to what my NEC desktop monitor displays.
Having said that, I still won't do any critical image editing using a laptop monitor.
I have a Lenovo W701ds which has a 17" WUXGA (RGB LED, 100% Gamut 280 Nit. I do all my editing on this laptop. Unfortunately Lenovo does not make this monster machine any more (stopped make them early this year). It is quite large and heavy but I love it. It also has a built in Huey Pro color calibration device. I believe Dell may have some possible options but I am not sure they have a built in calibration system. http://smidgenpc.com/2011/06/06/dells-rgb-led-the-best-laptop-display-ever/
I have a Dell with the full RGB LED backlit screen that is an IPS panel (not sure what type) has a gamut wider than Adobe RGB, great viewing angles and calibrates pretty well. I love it. It's also a fulll 1080 screen, but I don't think those are offered anymore (it seems like laptop resolutions are down a bit everywhere - maybe manufacturing issues with the panels?)
That said, no laptop screen that I've seen is the equal to a good stand alone monitor, although the ones mentioned here are probably pretty close. Here's some testing that pretty dated now : http://www.anandtech.com/show/3509. You might be able to search for newer references.
Posted by Dennis Plank on July 26, 2011 at 8:25 PM
Thanks everyone who has responded thus far. I won't be using it for primary processing, but when I retire before too many more moons, I'd like to have something decent for extended trips. I looked at the Dell website and talked to their chat line. It looks like the XPS 15 is available with a good screen currently. I'll definitely checkout the Lenovos.
From what I understand to get a better monitor on the XPS 15 you must upgrade to 15.6 FHD B+RGLED TL (1920x1080) HD display. + $150. I'm thinking about this machine myself and would love to hear from someone who has one.
An IPS panel display is what you're after. Dell and Lenovo are good choices. I've been a longtime Dell user, but recently I've been sold on Lenovo's stuff, very good quality. If you have a robust budget, here's your baby.
Try Puget Systems. They specialize in custom configured and built systems (both laptop and dedktop) for photogs. I am currently having a new desktop built. They are pretty impressive in their service and support as well as their knowledge of yourvparticular needs.
Posted by Steve Uffman on July 27, 2011 at 8:46 PM
Lenovo X220 for reasons above....strong battery life is also a plus 6hr in a basic config....weighs 3lb..IPS monitor is wonderful
Run LR3 primarily and have done some editing with NIK software suite...have photoshop on it but have not yet tried it..have the I7 with 8GB ram... USB 3.0....real fast, blazing boot also have a 1tb passport to go with it
A pro bought one and put a SSD in it and is in the field right now for 30 days....be interested in his feedback.
Discussion
9 repliesThanks,
Having said that, I still won't do any critical image editing using a laptop monitor.
That said, no laptop screen that I've seen is the equal to a good stand alone monitor, although the ones mentioned here are probably pretty close. Here's some testing that pretty dated now : http://www.anandtech.com/show/3509. You might be able to search for newer references.
Run LR3 primarily and have done some editing with NIK software suite...have photoshop on it but have not yet tried it..have the I7 with 8GB ram... USB 3.0....real fast, blazing boot also have a 1tb passport to go with it
A pro bought one and put a SSD in it and is in the field right now for 30 days....be interested in his feedback.