In the past, you had no idea what your photos looked like until you got them in the darkroom or they came back from the processing lab and editing your photos? Forget about it. Modern, digital photography allows you to see the photos you have taken instantly and computer software allows you to edit and enhance those photos as well. You can even bring those editing features out on the road or into the field with you if you have a laptop for photo editing.
Selecting a laptop for photo editing will require some forethought as well as a knowledge base concerning what features you are looking for. Our buyer’s guide will help provide the information you need for a standard of comparison between various models. Following our buyer’s guide, we will provide you with an opportunity to compare the various features of some top laptops for photo editing and even break them down into various classes for an even sharper comparison.
Our objective is to provide you with enough information to make a well-qualified decision when it comes to purchasing the laptop for photo editing which best fits your needs, preferences and expectations. With that in mind, let’s consider the benefits and features to look for.
Why do you need a laptop for photo editing?
You might be asking this question because you already have a desktop with photo editing equipment in your home or office. In this case, a laptop for photo editing might be necessary because you want to be able to do photo editing on site rather than having to wait until you return to your home or office. Alternately, you might not have the space to setup a desktop unit or might prefer to use a laptop for all of your computer work, but photo editing is a major necessity to consider when making your purchase.
What benefits can you expect from a laptop for photo editing?
The hardware and software components necessary for large-scale and advanced photo editing are going to be best on a desktop. However, with that being said, the advances in laptop design and the significant improvements made in hardware capacity in laptops are rapidly bringing them to a level where they are better able to compete with desktops. Being able to take advantage of these advancements in technology will require some of the best built laptops with some significant, innovative features. With these features included in your laptop, you can perform the same or very near the same quality of photo editing while you are out in the field or on the road as you can back at your desk or in your office.
What are some features to look for in a laptop for photo editing?
To get the level of photo editing that you require for truly professional work on a laptop will require a significant amount of computing power as well as some specific features that you won’t be able to leave off of you list when selecting the right laptop for photo editing. Here are the most basic of those features to keep in mind:
Screen Size and Resolution
A major drawback of a laptop is that whatever screen is on the machine is what you get. Consequently, choosing the monitor size and resolution you want is a major consideration when it comes to purchasing a laptop, especially for photo editing. You will want to choose a screen size between 12” and 15” for photo editing, though stretching to screen sizes beyond 15” is certainly not going to hurt. Though size does matter, resolution actually matters more because you want to be able to edit down to the finest detail of your photographs. Keeping in mind that quality photos are at 300 PPI, you want the resolution density of your laptop monitor to be as close to that number as possible in order to get the best possible editing of your photos.
RAM and Storage Memory
Selecting memory in a laptop includes both random access memory, and storage memory. In general, photo editing requires a minimum of 8GB RAM, but if you carry out heavy amounts of Photoshop editing you will want to push that up to 16GB RAM. Storage memory is also a major consideration. Keep in mind that there are three types: SSD, HDD and Hybrids. Each have their pros and cons, which would take up an entire article to discuss, and many manufacturers are installing the hybrids (combination of the two) in order to give you the best of both worlds. In general, you want about 1TB of storage memory, which will cost you a mint if you get that in SSD memory instead of lower cost HDD memory. According to an article on SSD vs. HDD in PC Magazine, “Video and photo editors wear out storage by overuse. Replacing a 1TB hard drive will be cheaper than replacing a 500GB SSD.” https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2404258,00.asp Keep that in mind as you consider storage memory.
Processor
The speed at which your laptop will function while you are doing photo editing, which requires a lot of screen regeneration, is determined by the processor contained in it. Most of the newest laptops come with an i5 or i7 processor. Though you might immediately assume that i7 means that the processor is faster than an i5, that isn’t always the case. The age of the processor has more to do with its actual speed, so pay attention to the number or GHz associated with the processor. You can save a few bucks on getting an older dual-core processor that is only marginally slower and still get along fine, but if you want it to move fast, you will want a newer quad-core processor in your machine.
Additional Considerations
The three features listed above are generally the most important features to take into consideration when purchasing a laptop for photo editing. There are some additional considerations to keep in mind that might help to distinguish the value of various models of laptops with the above features being equal. Those features include:
• Operating System. Mac OS X operating systems are the best when it comes to photo editing, but only if you have a Mac computer. For PCs, Linux will outperform Windows as operating systems for photo editing go.
• Device Versatility. A wide variety of card slots, device ports and USB ports increase the value and versatility of your laptop. A greater number of these ports can come in handy when it comes to photo editing in the field.
• Battery Life. The battery life of a laptop makes a big difference when it comes to photo editing in the field. Longer battery life will come with higher capacity batteries and those will come at a higher price.
• Budget. You are in something of a balancing act when you consider budget. Your best approach is to prioritize the features that are most important to you and adjust your budget to models that feature the highest priorities on your list while making concessions on those that are of lower priority.
Keeping mind that unlike desktops, laptops are difficult and costly to upgrade, so what you purchase needs to be looking toward the future rather than being close to becoming outdated. In the long-run, the price of the more advanced and innovative computer might save you more money.
Mac vs. PC
You will get plenty of arguments from both sides when you ask anyone which is better. Each have a long list of pros and cons, but for our purposes, we’ll just look at a few of them that are directly related to our subject of laptops for photo editing. Apple or Mac products, in general, tend to have better photo editing capabilities than PCs. A major advantage cited in this comparison is the Mac OS X operating system and the Retina brand, which provides photographers with a better view of their photos. On the other hand, when it comes to raw power, the variety of available options, versatility, and performance PCs edge out Macs. In addition, you can usually get a higher level of performance at a lower price from a PC than you can with a Mac. Again, you are looking at a budget balancing act when choosing between a Mac or a PC.
The guide above should have provided you with enough information to make a well-informed decision concerning what features you should consider when purchasing a laptop for editing. The following top laptops for photo editing reviews will allow you an opportunity to compare how these features are integrated into the various designs of different models.
Top Laptops for Photo Editing Reviews
Overall Choices:
Apple MacBook Pro Retina 15
Specs:
Screen: 15.4” widescreen, 2880×1800 (220 ppi) Retina Display
Memory: 16GB RAM/512GB SSD Storage
Processor: 2.7GHz Ivy Bridge Intel Core i7-3740QM (6M cache up to 3.7GHZ)
Operating System: MacOS Sierra 10.12
Battery Type/Life: Lithium Ion/7 hours
Weight: 4.5 lbs/2.02 kg
Budget: $$$/$$$
Among the top choices of laptops for photo editing is the Apple MacBook Pro Retina 15. Retina provides some of the best visual clarity of any monitor, which helps a great deal when it comes to photo editing. The processing speed of this computer as well as its RAM and storage memory capacity insures that you will be able to handle any level of photo editing you might come across. In addition to this laptop’s features are wide variety of various types of ports for connecting other components.
The Good
• This computer has the speed, RAM and memory available to handle any photo editing need.
• The high-quality and high-resolution of the Retina display monitor gives you a better look at your photos as you work.
• It comes with a wide variety of ports to connect additional components.
• Thin and lightweight with decent battery life.
The Not So Good
• You are going to shell out a lot more cash for this laptop with your initial investment.
• RAM cannot be upgraded after purchase.
• Replacing internal components is next impossible.
A Great Choice If…
You desire the higher quality photo editing capabilities found with Mac laptops and don’t mind paying the higher price. If you are hoping to do expansions after purchase, this laptop is not going to work for you.
ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop
Specs:
Screen: 13.3” wide view IPS 170 degrees, 1920×1080 (166 ppi) Anti-glare FHD
Memory: 8GB RAM/256GB SSD Storage
Processor: 1.6 GHz 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U (6M cache up to 3.4 GHz)
Operating System: Windows 10
Battery Type/Life: Lithium Ion/12 hours
Weight: 2.6 lbs/1.18 kg
Budget: $$/$$$
Another top choice is the ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop, which is a much lighter and more compact laptop which is a great deal more portable to take out into the field. This is a well-built laptop in an aluminum case for greater durability. It has solid graphic capabilities and a wide view anti-glare display to get a better look at your photos as you edit. It comes with a variety of connectivity options as well.
The Good
• Lightweight, but in a harder, aluminum case makes it more durable.
• It has excellent display capabilities.
• This laptop has decent processing speed.
• The battery life on this laptop is excellent.
• It comes at a decent mid-range price.
The Not So Good
• The case shows fingerprints badly.
• Its CPU performance is not always consistent.
• The keyboard on this laptop leaves a little something to be desired.
A Great Choice If…
You need a durable, lightweight laptop to take with you out into the field. Its keyboard and the inconsistency of the CPU’s performance might leave you wanting.
Best High-End Laptops For Photo-Editing:
Dell G5587-7866BLK-PUS G5 15 5587 Gaming Laptop
Specs:
Screen: 15.6” widescreen, 1920×1080 (141 ppi)
Memory: 16GB RAM/128GB SSD + 1TB HDD Hybrid Storage
Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H (9M cache up to 3.9 GHz)
Operating System: Windows 10
Battery Type/Life: Lithium Ion/5 hours
Weight: 6.8 lbs/3.08 kg
Budget: $$/$$$
You get high-end performance without the high-end cost with this Dell G5587-7866BLK-PUS G5 15 5587 Gaming Laptop. Processing speeds of this laptop as well as its RAM and storage memory make it a solid choice for photo editing. In addition, you will like the 15.6” wide screen display that is available and powerful graphics card and driver. It also comes with a wide variety of connectivity options.
The Good
• This laptop has a top of the line processor.
• Its RAM and Hybrid memory storage are at the top of the industry.
• It has solid display and graphics power for a better visual vantage point of the photos you’re editing.
• It has numerous ports for a wide variety of additional components attachment.
• You don’t have to invest a lot of cash to get a lot of value with this machine.
The Not So Good
• This computer is heavy and bulky.
• Its battery life is a little bit weak.
• Its PPI could be better as well.
A Great Choice If…
You want higher end components in a laptop without paying a lot of money to get them. The bulkiness and short battery life of this laptop might keep some buyer’s away.
ASUS VivoBook Pro 17 17.3” Thin and Portable FHD Laptop
Specs:
Screen: 17.3” Wide View, 1920×1080 (127 ppi)
Memory: 32GB RAM/512GB SSD + 1TB HDD Hybrid Storage
Processor: 1.8 GHz 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U (Turbo cache up to 4.0 GHz)
Operating System: Windows 10
Battery Type/Life: Lithium Polymer/Fast Charge Technology
Weight: 4.6 lbs/2.09 kg
Budget: $$$/$$$
The ASUS VivoBook Pro 17 17.3” Thin and Portable FHD Laptop provides you with a large display to do photo editing on. It comes with a high-end processor and loads of both RAM and Hybrid storage memory. This computer comes with a fast charging battery, which charges up to 60% capacity in less than 50 minutes. In spite of the fact that this laptop has a large display, it still comes fairly lightweight and easy to carry. In addition, you get a wide variety of ports for adding components.
The Good
• This laptop comes with a large display with solid graphics.
• The processor in this unit is top of the industry.
• It comes with tons of RAM and hybrid storage memory.
• It has a fast-charge battery.
• This laptop is thin and lightweight.
The Not So Good
• The GPU on this laptop is a little bit slow.
• Its PPI is pretty low.
• This is a pricey laptop.
A Great Choice If…
You want high-end memory and speed and are not on a budget. The low PPI of this machine might make it a little less than desirable for photo editing.
Dell_XPS-Premium 13.3″ 2-in-1 Laptop PC
Specs:
Screen: 13.3” 3200×1800 (276 ppi) 10-Finger Multi-Touch Screen
Memory: 16GB RAM/512GB SSD Storage
Processor: Intel Core i7-7Y75 (turbo cache up to 3.4 GHz)
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Battery Type/Life: 4-cell, 46 WHrs/15 hours
Weight: 2.7 lbs/1.22 kg
Budget: $$$/$$$
Another high-end laptop to keep in mind is the Dell_XPS-Premium. This is a lightweight, ultra-thin model with ingenuity that defies the typical industry standards. It has excellent PPI for higher quality photo visualization. Its processing speed and RAM are at the upper end of the industry standard and it comes with decent memory. Its display has touch-screen capabilities for easier manipulation and comes with a higher level graphics card and driver. A wide variety of components can be attached to its various ports and it boasts a battery life of up to 15 hours.
The Good
• This computer has a lightweight, ultra-thin design for easy transport out in the field.
• The speed and RAM of this computer are at the upper end of the industry.
• The touch-screen capabilities on a higher PPI monitor provide great photo editing.
• It has a wide variety of ports for adding other components.
• The battery life of this computer is pretty impressive.
The Not So Good
• The storage memory on this computer leaves a little something to be desired.
• The display size is a bit on the small end.
• This is a pricey laptop.
A Great Choice If…
You want high-end components on a lighter weight and highly portable laptop and don’t mind paying for it. Justifying the price of this computer might be difficult for a number of users.
Newest Flagship ASUS ROG Strix Gaming Laptop
Specs:
Screen: 17.3” Wide View, 1920×1080 (127 ppi)
Memory: 16GB RAM/256GB SSD + 1TB HDD Hybrid Storage
Processor: 2.8 GHz Kaby Lake Intel Core i7-7700HQ (6M cache up to 3.8 GHz)
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Battery Type/Life: 4-cell 64WHr Battery /2 hours
Weight: 6lbs/2.72 kg
Budget: $$$/$$$
Also among the high end laptops to keep in mind is this wider screened option. The ASUS ROG Strix Gaming Laptop provides high-speed and high-quality graphics on a wide screen display. Its processor is among the best and fastest out there. This laptop provides high end RAM and excellent hybrid memory storage. It has a dual fan design to keep it running cooler and includes a wide variety of ports for attaching a number of components.
The Good
• The wider screen and high-speed graphics on this laptop are definitely attractive.
• It is hard to beat the processing speed of this unit’s processor.
• It comes with a healthy amount of RAM and plenty of hybrid memory storage.
• There are a wide variety of ports for attaching components.
The Not So Good
• The PPI on this machine could be better.
• This laptop is pretty heavy.
• Its battery life is next to deplorable.
A Great Choice If…
You like a wider screen with higher speed graphics and don’t mind paying extra for those features. The battery life on this laptop is so bad that it might as well be a desktop.
Mid-Range Laptops For Photo-Editing:
ASUS FX503VD 15.6” FHD Powerful Gaming Laptop
Specs:
Screen: 15.6”, 1920×1080 (141 ppi)
Memory: 8GB RAM/128GB SSD + 1TB HDD Hybrid Storage
Processor: 2.8GHz 7th Gen Intel Core i7-7700HQ (Turbo cache 3.8GHz)
Operating System: Windows 10
Battery Type/Life: Lithium Ion/5 hours
Weight: 5.1 lbs/2.31 kg
Budget: $$/$$$
Higher speed and powerful graphics place the ASUS FX503VD 15.6” FHD Powerful Gaming Laptop among the best of the mid-range laptops for photo editing. The processor in this machine runs very fast and its graphics card matches its velocity. It comes assembled in a durable slim-line case. It has midrange RAM and higher end hybrid memory storage. There are a wide variety of ports for plugging in accessories and its weight isn’t bad for a computer in its class.
The Good
• You get excellent speed and performance from the processor and graphics card on this machine.
• It has a dual fan cooling system to keep it running cool.
• This laptop has an ultra-thin design and decent weight.
• It comes with plenty of ports for attaching additional components.
• Its price isn’t too bad for a laptop at this level.
The Not So Good
• This laptop lacks in PPI.
• The battery life could be a little bit better.
A Great Choice If…
You want high-speed processing and graphics in a moderate price range. The low PPI and marginal battery life on this laptop might turn you away.
Acer Aspire 5, 15.6″ Full HD
Specs:
Screen: 15.6” Comfy View widescreen, 1920×1080 (141 ppi)
Memory: 8GB RAM/256GB SSD Storage
Processor: 1.6GHz 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U (Turbo cache up to 3.4GHz)
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Battery Type/Life: Lithium Ion/7 hours
Weight: 4.41 lbs/2.0 kg
Budget: $$/$$$
The Comfy View widescreen display of the Acer Aspire 5 provides you with full HD on a broader screen. It has a back-lit display to make it easier on your eyes and comes with a solid processing and graphics package. This computer has mid-range RAM capabilities and plenty of ports for adding your additional components and accessories. This is a light weight design with decent battery life for better portability.
The Good
• The lightweight and thin design of this laptop is a positive.
• It has decent processing speed and graphics.
• The RAM of this computer is about par for a mid-range laptop.
• It has decent battery life and runs cool, making it good for use out in the field.
• Priced to fit just about any budget.
The Not So Good
• Its storage memory could be better.
• Its PPI leaves a little something to be desired.
A Great Choice If…
You want a decent mid-range performance laptop at a budget price. You might be disappointed with its poor PPI and low storage memory when it comes to photo editing.
ASUS VivoBook F510UA FHD Laptop
Specs:
Screen: 15.6” Anti-glare, 1920×1080 (141 ppi)
Memory: 8GB RAM/1TB HDD Storage
Processor: 1.6GHz 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U (Turbo cache up to 3.4GHz)
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
Battery Type/Life: Lithium Ion/5 hours
Weight: 3.7 lbs/1.68 kg
Budget: $/$$$
The anti-glare display on the ASUS VivoBook F510UA provides for midrange photo editing, which you get at a decent speed due to the graphics and processor of this laptop. It is thin and light for great portability and comes with a wide variety of ports for your additional components. Its RAM is midrange and its memory storage is at the high end of this class. It also comes with decent battery life among its competitors.
The Good
• This is a lightweight computer with plenty of portability and power.
• The processing speed on this laptop and its memory storage are pluses.
• It has decent battery life.
• You get the most computer for your dollar with this laptop.
The Not So Good
• Some might not be impressed with the lack of SSD drive.
• Its PPI leaves a little something to be desired for photo editing.
A Great Choice If…
You want a solid midrange computer at a budget price. Those who need a little tighter resolution for photo editing might not be impressed.
Newest HP Pavilion 15.6 inch Flagship Notebook Laptop
Specs:
Screen: 15.6” FHD IPS Bright View, 1920×1080 (141 ppi)
Memory: 8GB RAM/512GB SSD Storage
Processor: 1.8GHz 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U (8M cache up to 4.0GHz)
Operating System: Windows 10
Battery Type/Life: Lithium Ion/9 hours
Weight: 4.67 lbs/2.12 kg
Budget: $$/$$$
HP joins the mix of our midrange laptops for photo editing with the Pavilion 15.6 inch Flagship Notebook Laptop. Speed is key with this laptop, which comes with high-level turbo cache. You get FHD IPS Bright View display with this unit and it comes with solid RAM and decent storage and battery life. This laptop also comes with a wide variety of ports for attaching various components and accessories.
The Good
• You get some high end graphics on this midrange computer.
• The processor speed on this computer is toward the top of the class.
• You won’t be disappointed in the battery life of this machine.
• It comes with decent RAM.
• It isn’t overly pricey.
The Not So Good
• The PPI on this computer is a little less than needed for crisp photo editing.
• Its storage memory leaves a little something to be desired.
A Great Choice If…
You want a well-known brand name computer at a midrange price with midrange performance. The lack of memory and low PPI might turn some away from this model.
Budget Range Laptops For Photo-Editing:
Acer Aspire E 15, 15.6″ Full HD
Specs:
Screen: 15.6” widescreen, 1920×1080 (141 ppi)
Memory: 6GB RAM/1TB HDD Storage
Processor: 2.2GHz 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8130U (Turbo cache up to 3.4GHz)
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Battery Type/Life: Lithium Ion/13.5 hours
Weight: 5.27 lbs/2.39 kg
Budget: $/$$$
You get a decent widescreen display with solid graphics in the Acer Aspire E 15 E5-576-392H. Its processor produces high speeds for a low-budget model and the storage memory on this unit is right up there with the higher end laptops. You have plenty of ports for attaching various components and accessories and you get this computer at a budget price.
The Good
• The widescreen design is better for photo editing.
• It comes with some great speed for its class.
• It also has solid storage memory for a budget class laptop.
• Its battery life is pretty impressive.
• This laptop isn’t too heavy to take out into the field.
The Not So Good
• The PPI on this laptop leaves something to be desired.
• The RAM is a little low compared to others in this review.
A Great Choice If…
You want a budget laptop with some midrange performance. The low RAM and PPI might make it less than desirable to some.
Samsung Electronics XE500C13-S03US Chromebook
Specs:
Screen: 11.6” Anti-reflective, 1366 x 768 (135 ppi)
Memory: 2GB RAM/16GB SSD Storage
Processor: 1.6GHz Intel Celeron N3060
Operating System: Chrome OS
Battery Type/Life: Lithium Ion/11 hours
Weight: 2.54 lbs/1.15 kg
Budget: $/$$$
When it comes to saving cash, none of the laptops in this review can beat the Samsung Electronics XE500C13-S03US Chromebook. Besides being small and lightweight, this computer still has enough power to do simple photo editing in the field. It has decent processor speed for a mini-laptop and it has solid connectivity features as well.
The Good
• This is a sleek and easy to carry laptop.
• It has decent speed and RAM for a mini.
• You are getting into this laptop without spending a lot of cash.
• The battery life on this laptop is excellent.
The Not So Good
• It is a little bit weak overall in RAM, memory storage and speed.
• It really doesn’t have the capacity to handle heavy photo editing.
A Great Choice If…
You are very low on cash and have to have something to do simple photo editing in the field. Overall, this computer doesn’t cut it for high volume photo editing.
Lenovo 15.6 Inch 768P Resolution
Specs:
Screen: 15.6” HD, 1366×768 (100 ppi)
Memory: 8GB RAM/1TB HDD Storage
Processor: 2.7 GHz AMD A12-9720P
Operating System: Windows 10
Battery Type/Life: 2-cell Lithium Ion/6 hours
Weight: 6.06 lbs/2.75 kg
Budget: $/$$$
When it comes to budget computers that still have solid performance it is hard to beat the Lenovo 15.6 Inch 768P Resolution. With this computer you are getting excellent processing speed. The RAM and memory storage of this computer match the midrange computers. You also get plenty of ports for attaching a wide variety of components to your laptop.
The Good
• You get solid processing speed in this laptop.
• The RAM and storage memory of this computer match midrange computers.
• It has solid battery life.
• You get a lot of value without paying much money.
The Not So Good
• The PPI on this laptop leave a lot to be desired.
• This laptop is pretty heavy.
A Great Choice If…
You want a budget laptop with midrange performance. The weight and low PPI might drive some users away from this model.
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