Laptop advice please

[Fluke3232]

Evening,

I am hoping some of you lovely people can help me with advice on a laptop.

I am looking at a HP 15 p249sa. Its speca are as follows:

Intel core i3-5010U 2.10ghz processor

8gb ddr3 ram

1tb (1000gb) hard drive

Windows 10

Intel HD 5500 graphics

15.6inch HD LED screen

HDMI connection Bluetooth connection WiFi connection Usb 3.0 ports Sd card reader Webcam Dvdrw multi drive Beats audio sound

I have looked at the spec for PS and Im certain it will run but I dont know to what degree. The i3 processor is a 5th generation apparently.

Thank you

Fluke3232

[MelissaLA88]

Hi, fluke,

You'll probably be getting a variety of input on this. It'll run on the machine you have listed... but, if I were you, I'd shell out a little more and make sure it runs well. I'd go for at least an i5 processor and 16GB of RAM if you are able. Best of luck to you!

[Fluke3232]

Thank you Melissa, thats very helpful. The one I have been offered is quite cheap at £160 but I am happy to hold on until I see an i5 come along if they are more suitable.

[Dean_Utian]

Hi Fluke,

What other applications are you intending to run on the laptop?

Here's what we suggest to student in my faculty -  Built Environment, The University of New South Wales, Sydney. Our students do architecture and other design degrees and will do a lot of graphic and 3D work, even using gaming engines. 

---

Processor:

You want an i7 (or i5 for lower end tasks) with larger model/chip numbers being better, more GHz means faster) - this is where your laptop's general speed comes from for many tasks (critical for rendering and data processing).

Memory:

You want at least 8GB for most low to mid end use with 16GB being better for loading up large models into specialised software and working with graphics/video. The price of upgrading from 8GB to 16GB is usually good value. (important for larger 3D models, city plans and video).

Hard Disk:

Minimum 256GB SSD. An SSD (solid state disk) is much faster than normal hard disk but provides less storage space for the same cost. You will need space for all your software and many files but larger storage options can be expensive. You will also need to make sure that you backup to external drive/s or into the cloud (protecting your files is essential).

Graphics:

There are 3 main classes of graphics chips (GPUs): 'integrated' (Intel - less suited to graphics applications); 'dedicated gaming' (great consumer graphics eg. NVIDIA GeForce); and 'dedicated workstation' (professional graphics eg. NVIDIA Quadro). Better graphics can make a significant difference when working with visual software - particularly 3D modelling, real-time visualisation and large simulations. The better GPUs can be quite expensive and only available in some laptop models like those designed for gaming.

You can compare different GPUs on Notebook ( https://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html). Check and for higher-end users (eg. students running game engines or creating large digital models), you can see graphics cards comparison for various games (better indicator) here - https://www.notebookcheck.net/Computer-Games-on-Laptop-Graphic-Cards.13849.0.html.

Hope that's helpful.

[Fluke3232]

Hi KShinabery

Thank you for the reply. I had never seen one of those Wacom Cintiq before, they look amazing.

I think that would be what I would look at next. Im new to photo editing so I want to see if I can actually be creative first but that is definitely a future option.

You are right as well in I do need to think of the future. As silly as it sounds I hadnt even taken that into account. I think that is why an i3 is certainly not an option now.

Thanks again for your reply and I now have a Cintiq on my wish list!

Fluke

[KShinabery212]

Fluke....

Of course any time.  Depending where you are located you might even be able to test out a Wacom Device.  The Wacom Intuos is also a great add on to a computer, it just takes a few tries to get used to.  You plug one into any computer! Something to look into as well if you like drawing.... it also comes in handy when photo editing.  Using a pen/stylus is more natural. But look up the Intuos... it could be fun to use.  In fact... you might find someone in your area that has one to let you test out for an hour.

Yes.... always think to the future.  I wish someone would have given me that advice years ago actually.  We evolve as creatives over time and even if we do not think we will use a specific software a few years down the road or even a few months we might change our minds!  Example... I was so into Photoshop for the longest time and I saw no point in using Illustrator.  Wow, I was so wrong... now I am so into Illustrator it is not funny!  I love it!  So yes.... plan ahead, and get a computer that can handle anything!

Cheers!  Hope you find the right computer!

[Fluke3232]

Hi Dean

Thank you fr the reply and thats some very helpful info there.You have helped me discount a few other laptops I was looking at and answered some of th things I didnt know and wasnt sure who to ask!

Thanks again

Fluke32

[KShinabery212]

I think purchasing a laptop depends on your needs and even your future needs as a creative.

I was an APPLE user for quite some time... and then I got my Wacom Cintiq Companion 2 and my life changed dramatically.  Being able to draw directly on the scree and use the pressure sensitivity really advanced my work flow.  You should be able to find those used fairly reasonable.

I now have a Wacom MobileStudio Pro, which is the newer device.... also brilliant.

They work as laptops... so you can go anywhere with them (home..... office.... cafe... train.... park..... you name it).  Windows 10 installed on both of my devices and I can run the full version of any Adobe Product or any other product that I want.

Setting up the Pressure Sensitivity for Photoshop and even Illustrator has allowed me to create more unique designs.

I think when buying a computer you have think how you will evolve in the next year or two.  What types of software do you want to explore.  You might be only using Photoshop now... but maybe in time you will want to use Character Animator or Animate CC or Premiere.  Example.... once I got my Wacom devices I started using Illustrator more often, then I started taking characters that I designed into Adobe Character Animator.  Did I know that my I would do that?  Nope.  But because I have a versatile device I did not have to worry and it can handle other software!

Have fun and HAPPY CREATING!

[Fluke3232]

I have an update.

I have been offered a HP DV6 laptop for £200.

The spec looks quite impressive

Intel core i7 720 qm quad core processor

8gm ram 500 GB HD

AMD Radeon HD 5650 1gb graphics card.

Would anyone have any opinion on this? It's about 6 or 7 years old and looks immaculate.

Thanks

[Lumigraphics]

I would take the higher spec machine, upgrade to an SSD and 16GB of RAM, and get a IPS external monitor. That should be a usable combo.

[Fluke3232]

Thank you Lumgraphics,

Im going to have a look at the DV6 (the i7) laptop on Saturday but in my head I have already bought it !!

Fluke

[talakaran]

i'm turning for this specification of laptop. give me advise