GPoyner Loc: North Dakota

Oknoder - you are correct that it is over budget, but was an option to get an i7 vs. i5 with not to much more money spent. But then again what is too much money more is different then someone else's too much more.

Yes the description is a bit vague and I am by far a computer person; just trying to help with an option.

Thanks GPoyner

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

Not a great machine - 2 ghz, 8 gb ram (2 slots fully populated) that is shared with video, and a 5400 rpm hard drive - not exactly a photo editing laptop, unless you have lots of time and don't mind getting out of memory errors.

Better alternative:
SAGER NP4658

here:
http://www.xoticpc.com/custom-gaming-laptops-notebooks-clevo-sager-notebooks-ct-95_51_162.html?gclid=CjwKEAjw9qafBRCRiYrL4-fpuFkSJACvocQ1Flqt4jTKOu-pLuB_HgicjO6WCIWetdh3G2xC9MbyhxoC-Nnw_wcB


2.5 ghz cpu - 25% faster
8 gb ram in one chip, you can add a second without penalty
discreet graphics with 2 gb vram (does not use system ram)
free upgrade to 1 tb 7200 rpm hard drive
You can add a 120 SSD boot drive for $100

Base price is $842, or $942 with 120 Gb SSD

However, I would not get this machine, since the max ram upgrade is only to 16.

I would not get anything less than a 32 gb upgradable machine, which would be the SAGER NP8268 its a few hundred dollars more, but it is a much faster machine. Regardless of which machine you get, the SSD as boot drive is a worthwhile option, as is 16 gb ram.

I have recommended these machines to a number of people and they are all happy with them - fast, reliable and great customer service. And no, I do not get anything by recommending them. The are just great machines for a decent price - a good value compared to the mainstream Toshiba, HP, Lenovo, Acer, etc. And they are fully customizable.

Oknoder Loc: Western North Dakota

I could be mistaken but isn't 32g of ram the ceiling anyways? I know my mobo can see 64g but the processors available for the average consumer can only utilize 32g max anyways. I am just spit balling here but I think Intel's 2011 socket is the only non-workstation/server CPU that can make use of capacities over 32g. Like I said I could be wrong but in the average desktop four DIMMs are standard, so in effect you would need four 16g sticks. Aside from ECC server ram it is not produced in this size configuration and at over 1000 a stick for the server variant, I cant see the normal person being able to justify that price> performance gap.

GPoyner, since it is so rare, I feel compelled to ask. I see you also reside in the glorious wonderful state of North Dakota, I was beginning to wonder if there were any photographers out here. If you don't mind me asking, whereabouts are you located? Probably on the east side with the rest of civilization. lol.

Matthew

GPoyner Loc: North Dakota

Okander - yes I am on the East side...lol. Yes it is a rarity but there are a few other on here from North Dakota, I believe most live in central or western North Dakota. I may be the only east sider! GPoyner

Edit - I see your profile states you where born and raised in the D...that would not be the big ole Detriot?