Yeah Oceanblue, for the laptop you want, seems that Photoshop is going to be your most demanding application.
To run get the best settings on a photo editing program like photoshop, this is what you'll want:
-Core 2 Duo, any speed should be fine.
-2GB RAM or more
-HD space your own preference
-Size of monitor your own preference, you'll want larger if you like working with big photoshop pictures.
-Video card your own preference, if you do not play videogames then you do not need to worry about it
that's pretty much it. Something along this line should run around $~600 average when there's no good deals, no higher than $800 MAXIMUM for the best in this type of workload. On sale deals or promotional this should go around as low as $300 to $400 after rebates or after buying promotional items.
Sony laptops usually look the fanciest, but they are the most durable. They will also cost a bit more over their competitors. I've worked with Acer, Sony, Toshiba, HP, IBM laptops and I have to say, Sony is the sleekest for the price.
Don't buy a netbook unless all you do is plan to do homework + school stuff, IM and EMAIL, surf web.
As for the other debates over getting stronger and better laptops - I tend to agree with both sides, yet refuse to partake in any side.
Good Laptops:
- Has pros of being versalite and can virtually go anywhere, and you have your "power PC" rig without having to worry about wires, connections, and all that junk.
- Can be used mobile, if you travel a lot (ie, businessman) a laptop is definitely for you. Such as bathroom, living room to connect LCD TV source.
- Can be stolen, high power consumption, Fragility: the better stuff it is, the higher chance you'll break something if you dropped it.
Good Desktops:
- Cost less than laptop, more bang for your buck in same $ spent. IE, guy spends $1000 on PC stuff gets more power compared to $1000 on laptop.
- Desktop VS Laptop, desktop components will always perform faster due to more energy provided
- Power consumption is a con on the electric bill if you're an energy guy/gal.
- Immobile, you have to return to your place to use it - can't use in the bathroom or friends house
It's like buying an automobile really.
Do you prefer a Suzuki Ninja Bike (Netbook) or a McLaren (Alienware) or a Toyota Corolla (Standard $400 Laptop) or a Lexus (Improved $800 Laptop) etc... People have different visions about their buys just like cars. It is totally up to the person's lifestyle and preference.