New Laptop for Photoshop ...

[Oaklodge]

I'm about to buy a new laptop for two main uses, Photoshop with some big files and writing software.

I'm looking for advice on how I should spec the machine also if I should wait until mid may to make the pruchase.

I currently have an X40 and a desktop machine - both will be retired.

I'm needing lots of fast disk space (100-200GB) and lots of memory (3-4GB).

I've also have an external NEC 26" Wide screen LCD display (resolution 1920 x 1200) and I'll be doing most of the Photoshop work with the external monitor - do I need an docking station for this ?

I'll be travelling with the Laptop 2 to 3 months out of the year.

Any advice and recomendations would be greatly appreciated please...

[dr_st]

if I should wait until mid may to make the pruchase

Considering that we're in mid-April, if you don't need it now badly, might as well wait for the new CPUs and chipsets.

I'm needing lots of fast disk space (100-200GB) and lots of memory (3-4GB).

You should get a model with 1GB of RAM in 1 stick, and add another stick of 2GB. As for the HD size, it seems that the largest 7200RPM drive offered in Thinkpads is 100GB. If it's not enough for you, ou can get a smaller and cheaper 5400RPM drive, and upgrade to 160GB 7200RPM.

I've also have an external NEC 26" Wide screen LCD display (resolution 1920 x 1200) and I'll be doing most of the Photoshop work with the external monitor - do I need an docking station for this ?

Not necessarily, but it will benefit, because you will be able to connect using the digital DVI connector (the laptop itself has VGA only).

I'll be travelling with the Laptop 2 to 3 months out of the year.

Then consider light models, like 14" T series or X series.

[Oaklodge]

I'm needing the laptop by the end of May, so maybe I can wait a few more weeks ...

Is there already a 160GB 7200 disk drive available - I had looked but did not see anything, if so can you point me to details please.

Am I better off buying 2GB memory from a 3rd party source and not at time of purchase ... any recomendations please?

DVI - I thought some of the T series laptops come with a DVI port ?

Thanks...

[RealBlackStuff]

If you have money to burn, and get a laptop with SATA hard disk, Fuji can still your appetite for disk space with 300GB!
http://www.physorg.com/news85253336.html

[dr_st]

I'm needing the laptop by the end of May, so maybe I can wait a few more weeks ...

Then it might be tight, because waiting on an order to arrive can take a few weeks too...

Is there already a 160GB 7200 disk drive available - I had looked but did not see anything, if so can you point me to details please.

Seagate Momentus 7200.2, model ST9160823ASG.

Am I better off buying 2GB memory from a 3rd party source and not at time of purchase ... any recomendations please?

Definitely from a 3rd party source. Laptop manufacturers overcharge for RAM.

DVI - I thought some of the T series laptops come with a DVI port ?

Not a single Thinkpad has them onboard, unfortunately. Only on the docking stations.