I hate to bother you all again, but I need some more advice. A while back, I started doing some graphics stuff for work. I've been doing it all on my personal laptop (which handles fairly well considering it's age), because the work laptops can't keep up. My work is looking into getting me a new work computer, so it's time to look for something that might actually be able to handle graphics programs. I'm currently mostly using Paint.net for what I do, but it's possible I'll need something more advanced in the future. I know for certain my current laptop will not handle Photoshop (it causes everything to freeze up). My current system is running win 7 on 8gb, and has an i7-3610QM. Any recommendations on a laptop system that might work well for me? I do NOT want an Apple or HP product if I have help it, as I have had poor luck with them in the past. I can't do a tower, because I need to travel for work sometimes.

I'm actually on an apple. That said, I'm not overly biased toward anyone specifically HAVING to use an apple.

Are tablet type computers an option? I've heard good reviews on the windows surface laptops for artists but I don't own one personally. They've also been touted as marketed for artists, at least in advertisements I've seen on tv.

They are pretty high price wise though since I know most run for over 1-2k. The pro ones run for over 2k price wise, but from what i can tell they have pretty high specs.

and here's some info on them from last year:

plus a review from someone who used one for arting purposes

I should probably stay away from the tablet styles--My job actually started as just writing manuals and the like, and somehow the graphics just kinda happened. It really has to be a pretty adaptable system--I need to be able to run a few small programming things on it, but also easily work on word docs and pdfs, in addition to the graphics stuff (which I've just learned will likely now include GIMP and Inkscape on top of Paint). Thinking more on it, I don't think an Apple product would even be practical for what I need, simply because I don't think it will run the product software we have for our equipment. I saw some reviews on the Windows tablet, but it seems to be "just okay", especially given the pricing. I think a normal laptop system would work out better than a tablet in any case.

Ah, wasn’t sure if you were looking for one more art oriented or application oriented.

As for apple, I’m an apple user and freely admit to using it but I’m more of the certain things work better on apple, certain things work better on window type, and if most of the applications you’ll be using are windows based then definitely use a windows computer.

I know Gimp works on Mac, I’ve used it on my own Mac for graphics before, not sure about Inkscape as I’ve never used that program personally.

Is there a limit on budget? Also, in general would things like graphic card or anything of that nature matter. I use photoshop on my mac, and mine has 16 GB of ram. You’d need at least 8 to probably run the latest version of Photoshop.

Some of the higher end gaming laptops might work, the Acer Predator comes to mind because although it’s kind of large( it’s 17”) it has a high specs CPU, graphics, and HD in general. Lenovo also makes laptops that aren’t tablet based, and thy seem to get generally good reviews.

I'm not so much worried about graphic program compatibility as the programs for out actual equipment. We have a lot of custom programs that are written to run and modify the system software all the equipment uses and I doubt it would run well on anything but Windows or Linux. I know for sure I need 16 gb but that's an easy fix. I was looking at the Predator as an option, but was hoping to make a short list of a couple different ones. I need at least three USB ports, which certainly narrows the list these days. I'm actually currently on a Lenovo, which has been holding up surprisingly well considering the abuse it's taken. It was really only supposed to be a backup laptop as I looked for something better. It runs at around 2.3ghz and 8gb. It lags a bit when some of the bigger files are open these days.

Ah, requiring 3 USB ports is definitely going to be a bit harder. The predator should work in that respect.

Also, the Asus Zephyrus has 5. 2 USB-C and 3 USB-3.

Ah, didn’t think of Dell. I’d honestly forgotten about Alienware though they’re gaming standard. If price really isn’t an issue I’d say get the Asus Zephyrus(seems to have the most USB slots) of recent gaming computers released or Alienware as they’re pretty reliable gaming computers. With that said, I don’t think any gaming computers, at least not the ones I saw have all usb-3 slots. The zephyrus is 2 usb-c and 2 usb-3, I believe and runs price wise to be roughly the same as Alienware. Any good gaming computer, in general, will likely run 2k+ though, including Alienware.

;; I currently use a 17" Alienware and I love it. I had a 10+ year Lenovo that just couldn't keep up with my Adobe software so I completely understand where you're coming from. I was definitely going to throw in that if price isn't an issue regarding your job, I'd suggest you request an Alienware. I have an R5 and while the price was steep (2k+) it definitely delivers and is sturdy. Besides a small, barely noticeable dent on the top, it runs like brand new.

Downside: battery life is meh due to everything it is capable of doing and they are hefty when trying to get them around so depending on the size you may need a specific laptop bag that can hold it because the shape is conducive for desk space (almost all ports in the back) but this leaves a weird extra inch of laptop to put away. Also, only 2 USB ports but there are also 2 USB-C.

Yeah the USB issue will be a pain, but if one's a USB I can generally get away with that. I've actually been using my Lenovo for gaming and I think it cost like 250? The joys of Ebay, I guess. I thought about that, but honestly, it feels like paying extra for a fancy case for the most part. If their other models work just as well, I'll likely try for one of those. I thought about getting an Alien for gaming at one point, but I ended up deciding against it. Just didn't feel worth it. I figure if it wasn't worth it for that, probably overkill for this.