kdoran

I am ready to upgrade my laptop but I don't know where to begin looking. Currently I am using Photoshop Elements 2018 but would like to switch to Lightroom. My laptop is 6 years old and obviously not built for the applications I want to use. I cannot upload Raw files so I am shooting in jpeg fine. I had to install extra memory to run Elements but it is still really slow. Here is what I need...

Laptop that can handle Lightroom and Raw files
Faster than what I currently have
Sadly I cannot afford a Mac

I know that I am not just looking for memory but also speed. I would like to stay in the $1,500 range if that is even possible. I mostly shoot portraits but I am working on my nature skills as well. Hopefully that is enough information. Thanks!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Do you need to account for a high-def monitor and software in addition to a computer? You'll get as many responses and brands / models as you'd get if you asked what camera to buy.

The Dell gaming platform (Dell XPS) are running about $1300 for 1TB disk and 24GB RAM (Dell XPS 8900 Desktop). They even have them at Walmart, or maybe, order and delivery to Walmart. The Walmart site has Dell Inspiron 3670 Desktop with 1TB disk and 12GB for $520, that would be plenty fine for image editing for several more years.

If not done so already, you should take an inventory of your current equipment and confirm:

1. Do you have the install files and license keys / serial numbers for all the software you have already purchased? If no, start finding this data.

2. Do you have the registered user name and password for all accounts needed to register and / or obtain the necessary download files to re-install purchased software?

3. Can you transfer the software as-is, or should you plan for a new purchase, such as MS Office, virus-protection, etc?

4. Do you have / need external hard drives large enough to back-up a new 1TB disk?

5. (Mentioned before) Do you have a large high definition monitor (21-inch or larger)? If a monitor is needed, reserve $300 - $500 for this update too.

6. Do you need a service contract for support? How many years? If a support contract is needed, reserve $300 - $400 for this item too.

7. Do you have a preferred mouse and quality full-sized keyboard that connect via USB? Reserve $200 if you should upgrade these items too.

chevman Loc: Matthews, North Carolina

You don’t need a Mac for Lightroom & Photoshop. I recommend what ever brand of computer or laptop that you get one with an SSD at least 16 gigs of RAM and a dedicated GPU with a good amount of memory, and a CPU with at least a discrete 4 core-processor. A few months ago I got my wife a HP Pavilion 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop - Intel Core i7 - GeForce MX150 Sapphire Blue with 16 gigs of RAM for $749.00 at Costco brought it home and ordered a SSD from Crucial for about a $100 and now she is all set. She uses it for Coral Draw and other graphic arts applications. So I would recommend something like that.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Save your pennies and go with a Apple Macbook Pro.I did and never looked back.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1481052-REG/apple_z0wq_mv96_11_bh_13_3_macbook_pro_with.html

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I've had a Lenovo Legion Y545 from Costco for several months. It works very well with all Adobe apps, including video. It has a faster than usual I7, a 512 GB SSD, a 1 TB HDD, 16 GB RAM and a NVidia Graphics card. The screen is good for a laptop, but it is easy to plug in a monitor. $1050. https://www.costco.com/Lenovo-LEGION-Y545-Gaming-Laptop---Intel-Core-i7---GeForce-GTX-1660Ti---144Hz-1080p-Display.product.100492301.html

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

That’s a lot of computer for $1050. Add an external monitor, and you’re in business, plus you’ll have $ left over for a larger external SSD or HD if you fill up the internal HD with images.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Without knowing what you have, I am going to go out on a limb - if your laptop has 16 gb ram, it will likely run Lightroom just fine. But it's important to use the current version, so that your camera and lenses are supported. Some will advocate the idea that you can import as dng, and use the free dng converter, but I don't care for that approach because of future compatibility with other applications. PSE and Photoshop require far more machine resources than Lightroom. Very modest machines do a great job with LR. But LR does best with 16 gb ram and a 6 or 8 core cpu with multithreading, and an SSD to store the OS, software and image catalog.

But you aren't quite done, as are the majority of images that are solely processed in LR. You will still need Photoshop for a variety of tasks that LR simply doesn't handle well if at all.

Your budget is difficult if you are hoping to run LR and PS, but likely OK if just PS.

I would look here and custom-configure a system for your current and future needs.

https://xoticpc.com/

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

"That’s a lot of computer for $1050."

Yes, I shopped for months before I found it. It is missing a built in card reader so I have to use one that plugs into a USB. Other than that, it is a speedy videography and photography dream machine for a laptop. Similar Apples are three times the price.

kdoran

Wow! Thank you so much, this has helped tremendously. I am hoping to maximize my budget with an awesome holiday sale somewhere.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Newegg sells off contract desktop computers for perhaps $250 for good one... add memory.. DDR4 now low cost... and a $170 Nvidia 1050ti video card and you are in business for low cost.

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

You can’t afford a Mac? I just picked up a 2019 21” iMac with the 4K screen, 512 gb ssd and 16gb ram with 4gb video card for $1600 on Apple’ refurbished site. Same return policy and warranty as new. I couldn’t find a Windows model with 4K monitor and similar specs for anywhere close. My budget was also $1500 range.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

Way to go Paul. Now he'll keep his old one. LOL

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

That's an incredible laptop for $1049. That Intel i7 CPU is one of the fastest available. I have a Lenovo laptop that I bought in 2012. It has the Intel i3 CPU. That was considered one of the best at the time. Then came the Intel i5. Which is in many laptops today. Including the Mac Pro 13" laptop. It sells for $1300. I'll have to visit Costco. I've been limiting my browsing of laptops, only to Best Buy Stores.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

You don't describe your laptop at all. I have multiple Dells, the newest one is seven years old, oldest is nine years old. Core i3 and i5 processors, 8 GB of memory (newest ones can handle 16 GB), solid-state drives, USB3, etc etc. They are used on docks that allow connecting multiple displays, drives. What's not to like for doing photo editing?

There is too much of the syndrome of more-is-always-better-with-no-end, and 3, 4,5, 6-year-old computers being totally obsolete.

tropics68 Loc: Georgia

$2200 for a 13" screen is pretty steep.

I have a four year old Toshiba with a 13" screen 16gb ram, 500gb SSD, three USB ports and a CD rom drive. I have less than $700 in it and it handles Photoshop/Lightroom CC2019 very well. Much better that my sorry Dell desktop with 16gb ram, and a 1TB hard drive, and AMD processor does for sure.

How much speed do you really need?