> > In January I'm going on a extended phototrip and need som memory storage. > My first thought was a portable harddrive but I've come to the conclussion > that a laptop is a better choise. Now to my question what do you guys/gals > suggest/use? The computer will be used both as storage and editing. What > about memory, harddrive size, processor, connections(USB, Firewire, etc) the > screen? Any suggestions are very wellcome. > > By the way, my target price would be in the $1200-1500 range, cheaper if > possible. > Am I asking for to much for that price?
Not in the least. That sort of money should get you a name-brand system with at least 512Mb of memory, a 60GB hard drive, and 1280x1024 or better 15" display. You'll be hard pressed *not* to end up with USB2.0 + firewire, and nowadays many of the systems in that price range come with built-in 802.11b or 802.11g. One thing you didn't mention, but which you should definitely include, is a CD-RW (you don't want a hard drive failure to destroy your only copy of those precious images). Again, most $1200+ systems include DVD-R/CD-RW. I personally love the HP 1400x1050 display, but there is one major problem with some HP systems - terrible battery life. They aren't intended to be used for long periods away from a wall socket - two hours is all I get. That doesn't worry me in the slightest, but it might be a problem for you. My system is one year old, though, and was cutting-edge at the time (it's a 2.4Ghz P4), so is definitely a power hog. New centrino-based systems should offer comparable CPU speed with rather better power consumption.
