T42p and Photoshop CS

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kmorrison · #1 Post by **kmorrison** » Tue Nov 09, 2004 4:31 pm

I am considering the purchase of a T42p (2373KXU). I am a technical photographer/writer and spend the majority of my day in Photoshop.

I would like to hear about any of your experiences with T42's and photo editing -- especially if you are converting RAW image files.

The ThinkPad will spend most of its time in a mini-dock attached to a CRT, but I still need to count on the 15" display when I am in the field or traveling. Are any of you using GretagMacbeth Eye-One Match to calibrate the display?

Ideally, I would use a dedicated workstation in the office and a small notebook in the field, but my banker (spouse) laughs at that suggestion. So the ThinkPad will have to fill both roles. Based on what I've read, the T42p will do as good a job at this as any notebook on the market. I would just like to have that confirmed before I empty my checkbook.

Thanks for the information in the forum. It is a great resource.

Cheers,

Kelly

gcchatel · #2 Post by **gcchatel** » Tue Nov 09, 2004 6:17 pm

I use photoshop cs constantly for web design purposes. It runs beautifully on the t42p (my model is 2373-GVU). I have the 14inch model because I love the form factor and I run it in the mini-dock along with a CRT display to check my colors. I love it and am sure you will too!

Gael

kmorrison · #3 Post by **kmorrison** » Tue Nov 09, 2004 6:46 pm

Thanks Gael. That's great news.

Kelly

Greg Gebhardt · #4 Post by **Greg Gebhardt** » Wed Nov 10, 2004 1:44 pm

I use the 2373KXU that Bill sold me for PhotoShop all the time. It is really the best I have used in the field. The larger battery lasts and lasts on trips. I know there are devices that are smaller and cheaper but it's nice to see you images on that screen in the motel room that evening.

You will love the 2373KXU

kmorrison · #5 Post by **kmorrison** » Fri Nov 12, 2004 8:01 pm

Thanks for info, Greg. I'm using a 16x12 notebook now, and like the extra screen real estate for PS, but it just isn't up to the task any more. My external CRT's optimal display setting is 16x12 so I was pleased to see it offered on a ThinkPad. I'm looking forward to seeing how well the T42 cranks through RAW file conversions.

Cheers,

Kelly

lvlolvlo · #6 Post by **lvlolvlo** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 2:23 am

all i have to say is load up on the RAM, Processor and a nice big fast HD, and you'll be a.ok. on my t40 i do a little photoshop nothing major and it runs fine but when i had my buddy do some "advance" things he said I should get more RAM, thus I did and he said it's ok but I'd get more so then I said f-u!

now i have 1gb ram and i'm good, so i'm assuming since you're doing heavy file conversions and what not you might need a nice processor and good hd speed.

dr.b · #7 Post by **dr.b** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 3:04 am

Take 2 GB for Photoshop, cause swapping on a notebook is a bit slow...even with the 7.2k-drive

Greg Gebhardt · #8 Post by **Greg Gebhardt** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 6:53 am

kmorrison wrote:Thanks for info, Greg. I'm using a 16x12 notebook now, and like the extra screen real estate for PS, but it just isn't up to the task any more. My external CRT's optimal display setting is 16x12 so I was pleased to see it offered on a ThinkPad. I'm looking forward to seeing how well the T42 cranks through RAW file conversions.

Cheers,

Kelly

Like the other suggested, get the 2gb ram. It makes a big difference. Most of my PS work is done on the HPxw8200 but the 2 gb ram and faster 60gb hard drive is a nice combination. If storage space is a consideration an USB2 external hard drive is outstanding. I use a 250gb Maxtor just to back up all my images. You still need to back up to Cd or DVD for offsite storage.

scottv · #9 Post by **scottv** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 11:05 am

kmorrison wrote: The ThinkPad will spend most of its time in a mini-dock attached to a CRT, but I still need to count on the 15" display when I am in the field or traveling. Are any of you using GretagMacbeth Eye-One Match to calibrate the display?

I have a T41 2373-7fu and I have not been able to calibate my lcd.
The Eye-One software runs fine and the whole calibration process goes as expected, but when Windows starts up again,I get a really strong brown-orange color cast. I checked Adobe Gamma and it is not running. I also contacted GretagMacbeth and they are not aware of any ThinkPad issues... not sure what's wrong.

Until I find a solution, I am using the T41 LCD profile that IBM includes. It's not perfect, but at least it works.

kmorrison · #10 Post by **kmorrison** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 1:03 pm

Not great news about the calibration on the LCD; I will let you know if I get anywhere with the T42 (due to arrive sometime in the next 2-4 weeks).

And farther up the thread. I did order 2GB of RAM. I hope to stretch the useful Photoshop life of the ThinkPad to three years and will then retire it a quiet life of admin work.

I use external Firewire drives for Photoshop's cache and for working space for photo catalogues. The lack of a built-in 1394 port on the ThinkPad was one of its few shortcomings, but I ordered a SIIG adapter. The IBM customer service rep said that a few people have had problems with them, but they generally work well.

I don't expect perfection from any machine. Your responses will help me know that problems to anticipate.

Cheers,

Kelly

scottv · #11 Post by **scottv** » Sat Nov 13, 2004 9:03 pm

UPDATE!

It's the IBM drivers.

I downloaded the latest Catalyst ATI drivers from the ATI website and applied the http://www.driverheaven.net/patje/ patch, but I got an error about "drivers not compatible with video card" or some such.

So I went and downloaded omega drivers and they installed without problems. Once that was done, I was able to profile the T41 LCD!
Finally, a color calibrated screen!

T42p and Photoshop CS

T42p and Photoshop CS

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