Mmolique

I have the XPS 15 and have been very happy with it. This laptop is very light compared to my previous one. I don't think you will be disappointed with the larger screen.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

You can always buy a big screen and connect it to your laptop. So if you want to take the laptop with you most of the time get a small one and hook it to the big screen when you are home.

hankswan

You might want to take a look at the Microsoft Surface Pro. I use the Surface Pro 3 and have never had reason to regret my decision. I can run all of my desktop programs, MS Office, PSP 18 Ultra, Google Earth, etc. I see no reason to run more than one Operating System on my computers. I do not use a smart phone. I want a cell phone to receive calls, make calls, voice mail, and I do not text anyone. If I want to watch a video, work on a spread sheet, send/receive emails, and use other Windows programs that is right at hand using the Surface Pro. I am using Windows 10. touch screen, mouse, stylus and attached keyboard, and an external dvd player. Such a small case and easy to take with you. To lighten your load even more, take the attached keyboard off, just grab the key board and pull it away from the Surface Pro, you still have a keyboard that can be called up on the screen. Battery runs Surface Pro for several hours (6-9 for me most of the Time). Check it out. Many other things it can do, but just takes to much time here. Check out the reviews. Surface Pro4 is out and it may not be long before 5 arrives on the scene.

tenny52 Loc: San Francisco

I opt at smaller screen provided it has enough RAM for PS to operate fast.
There is a big difference in weight between 11" & 17".
I am 65 and use a 40" monitor at home with my desktop and an 11" laptop to travel;
plus a 1T Seagate external HD to store all your pictures and another one to backup.

pwrxprt Loc: Beaumont, California

I am in agreement with "hankswan"....I have the New Microsoft Surface Pro...it isn't my main computer, I use it for travel and in my great room too while watching TV or for catching up on emails and news. Easy to take with me and use it almost anywhere that has Wi-Fi. Its especially nice when I'm at my son's house over-night or anywhere for that matter. It runs all my programs, including Photoshop, Lightroom, NiK and love working with pen for editing and I have a blue tooth mouse as well. It weighs less than 3 lbs. with a removable keyboard. Once you remove the keyboard it can be used as a tablet as well. It allows me to edit my photos while on vacation and upon return from my vacation I move the photos to my desktop. I purchase the I7 with 512 SSD and 16g memory. I love it so far. Good luck on you choices.

Smudgey Loc: Ohio, Calif, Now Arizona

👌👌👌👌

Kuzano

The screen size between 13 and 15 is insignificant compared to the loss of an optical disk (no CD/DVD on the 13?). A compromise would be a 14 (which are made) if it has the drive. Most 14's still offer the optical drive.

In actual use, the weight difference will be somewhat significant.

I've been working and consulting on computers since 1987. My choice in this particular set of choices would be... Find a 14 inch, surely with the optical disk. None of the monitors 13-15 will satisfy you well compared to a high quality external monitor to do your PP on. Even a 15 inch is not visibly that much better than the 13, since you can choose type size with either.

When I use a non-optical disk machine, I sorely miss the drive. 14" in order to keep the CD/DVD is not a compromise for me.... that disk is a must in my use of a computer.

Lastly, before you choose a laptop, consider seriously how much you will use it. I've advised so many people on getting laptops, only to find they never truly use the mobility. The laptop sits on the desk at home. Most times when you use a laptop in a remote setting, just when you need to wrap up and leave, the laptop advises it needs to do an update. That can add a half hour or more to your exit. Shutting down the laptop during such an OTR update can corrupt your operating system. That's if you set your updates on automatic. Otherwise you have to set your updates on manual and then make the time every few days to go to your OS site and do the updates.

Laptops are great... Not So much for editing photos. Efficient use of a desktop is far superior to any but the most expensive laptops when it comes to photography.

Kuzano

Two problems looming on the horizon... The Lithium Ion Battery paradox. WE may soon not be able to take such batteries as either carryon or checked baggage. Restrictions are already functional with the shipping companies NOT allowing LI batteries in their cargo holds.

Secondly, at checkin you must be able to power up your electronics equipment to get them on the plane. If the battery is not allowed, so go the laptops and the camera's.

Doubt it?

hbohrs

Both that you describe are portable

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Size doesn't matter nearly as much to me as does brute force horsepower. I'm gonna plug in an external monitor when doing serious image adjustment...

My favorite setup of all time was what I had at work nine years ago... a MacBook Pro, maxed out with RAM and drive space and 3rd party graphics, plugged into a 24-inch NEC monitor that I calibrated and profiled every two weeks. I also calibrated the MacBook Pro monitor, but I never trusted it for color adjustment unless I had to on the road. It just wasn't very accurate.

While you can *sort of* calibrate a laptop PC monitor or a MacBook Pro monitor, most of them can't compare with a decent "made for color adjustment" desktop monitor. And you can always use the portable's monitor for palettes, email, web browser, video tutorial player, etc., while working in Lr/Ps on the big screen.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I'm almost 80 yo and my last 2 laptops have had 17" monitors. (My desktop has a 27" monitor.) I really like the large screen sizes. My laptop accompanies me on all my trips and tours and I download my photos and GPS data to it every evening after a day's touring. (And, of course, when Wi-Fi is available, I use it to check mail, surf the web, etc.) I have a special bag that is designed to carry up to a 17" laptop and its accessories, and I carry it as hand luggage (along with my normal carry-on, which is on wheels)--it counts as my "personal" item.

Warlock43 Loc: Fort Worth TX. 76108

I'm 60+ and I feel your pain!! Thank the creator for Ebay! I got a large screen HP Pavillion laptop for use when I am in one place with little moving around, and a HP Chrome notebook for when I have to shluff around. Takes about 2 weeks of shopping on Ebay but I got both for what I would have spent at Walmart for one, about $480. If you want to stick to one then get the little light weight one, you can adjust the screen to magnify in the settings, Yes you are not stuck at the type size (and Picture size) it comes with. As far as Dell vs. everything else, you will want to shop before you commit. I recommend HP because they have a long life, little maintenance and are cheaper; but I am just one person.

barbie.lewis Loc: Livingston, Texas

Thank you to the OP and all the contributors. Very helpful info!
But maybe I'll wait for the fold-out screens.
https://www.theverge.com/ces/2017/1/5/14112686/razer-project-valerie-multi-monitor-gaming-laptop-concept

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

When a laptop is on your lap, that 13" screen looks pretty big. For my desktop, I have a 24", so viewing distance makes a difference.

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

Seems bigger is the popular consensus. Did anyone suggest a second monitor , attached to a more portable laptop? Yes I saw that idea 're an IMac?

I'm also thinkin g I need a larger screen for PP. Older eyes.
But what about color and resolution. I currently have my laptop attached to my ultra high Def.TV via an HDMI cable. I wonder about the trueness of the colors. Especially because the laptop and tv display slightly differ.

Is there a standard in display resolution and color to shoot for?