Idea Replacement laptop

Robbie wrote: Hi Robbif
Undoubtedly if you keep looking and asking you’ll find a spread of opinions as to which is THE best laptop for video work. Hard to be definitive as technology evolves , new products are released and prices change faster than we can respond to the question!

>Understood

That being said … I don’t think you could go wrong with the Dell option, and the Newegg link you posted does look like a good deal (Dell is moving to 8th gen CPUs so 7th gen with the 4k monitor at that price looks pretty enticing – and may not last - and will definitely be an improvement on your current rigs). A 1TB SSD might be a better option if you can find one at the right price but not a deal breaker - depending on how many active projects you want to have on the go at the same time.

> I already assumed with the SSD prices dropping, I'll buy one, clone the factory drive and keep it as a backup.

Over the past couple of years the Dell XPS’s have rated highly in many reputable website’s recommendations for best laptops for video editing.
My employer provides my laptops (so I don't get a choice ) but my daughter has had 3 Dell’s over the last 12 years – the latest being an XPS 15 she bought about 7 months ago. All are still working fine with the old one's in the hands of relative's and only replaced to keep up with software requirements (mainly SIMS … sigh). Support - in Aus at least - although rarely called on has been very good.
... as always though - your mileage and personal requirements may vary
cheers, Robbie

mmcswnavy24 wrote: Hi Robbif,

> Hi again Chief,
> You were very helpful over on the Magix forum when I was looking for a video card upgrade for my
> main tower. Most conclusions were I'd get a minimal increase in performance with my older mobo.
> Since to tower is OK but the laptop and its performance is moribund, my priority has switched.

I agree with Robbie concerning how Dell XPS machines have come a long way from what they were, especially for "heavier" productivity loads. Like Robbie, when I was employed by a School District, we preferred HP laptops, so I tended to go with them on the personal side as well (Pavilion version).

> When I returned to IBM Research as a camop contractor for 4-camera shoots in the auditorium, I saw
> everyone was issued Macbooks!

What is also true, per Robbie, is the constant change in technology, as well as pricing.

1. While the laptop in your link shows some nice hardware, mind the actual "Size". It seems a bit on the "slimmer" side, so when things start to "Ramp-Up" due to CPU/GPU processing, you may see a dramatic decline in performance since the hardware is "throttling" due to heat (biggest problem with electronics). It is tough to find a laptop nowadays, at a decent price, that is larger than the current trend for these "slimmer" devices. Just look at all the complaints Apple got with their new "i9-processor" based Mac Book Pro.

> Understood. Maybe a risk I'm willing to take...but will cogitate some more.

2. I agree with Robbie as well to check Dell's website concerning processor availability/type. Intel has released the newer "8th Gen", and will shortly be releasing an update to that architecture as well, though not sure if it will include laptop/notebooks/etc. Additionally, look at pricing to either increase the current 512 GB PCI-e drive to a 1 TB, or make sure you have the capability to add a 1 TB SSD. Keep the source away from the OS drive (at least with what you said currently for projects, an SSD would be able to easily handle both source and rendering).

> As I told Robbie previously, with SSD prices dropping and this offering locked on the PCI-e drive, I'll buy > a 1TB drive, clone the factory drive and use the original as a backup.

3. Not sure how "good" your eyes are, but 4K on a 15.6 inch screen seems like it will really make the icons/text/etc. seem really small. My suggestion would be to go to a store (Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot/Max, Wal-Mart, Frye's, etc.), and see if they have a laptop with a similar screen. Only you can decide from that viewing on whether it will either "Help or Hinder" your productivity.

> I'm lucky that earlier this week I saw one of the lesser XPS15s at BestBuy with the UHD display and it's
> just fine. If it's not a performance hindering factor I would have no problem. I read one review that
> raved about it.

4. If you don't want to move up to a higher capacity OS drive, and want to save money on CPU or GPU upgrade, and since you did mention the possibility of eventually doing 4K work, go with 32 GB of RAM (the 2400 speed is fine).

> I'm assuming, based on my price cap, the laptop will not be my primary machine, but more than
> adequate "in a bind". Hopefully, if in the future I need to edit 4K - and that would entail a
> significant financial bottleneck - having to upgrade my camcorders!
> My current tower and VMS15 will supposedly handle 4K, but at what cost in time?
> So that future is pretty foggy right now.

Hope this helps.

> Incredibly. So thanks again!
> I wish I had the skils to return the favor some day!
> Cheers, Fred

Respectfully,

Mike "The Chief" O'Sullivan

***Now, if only I can save up enough to get one of those awesome HP Workstations, or custom built Eurocom behemoths!***

> Ahh, always the dreams, eh?