Laptop vs. Tablet vs. Netbook in the field.

More and more I find myself needing to bring my laptop into the field with me to review images for my own projects or for my clients to get a sneak-peak.

My current laptop weighs about as much as an anchor for a small aircraft carrier and has a similar price tag. I'm just not interested in lugging it around outside of the shop.

I DO NOT want to edit on the machine. I just want a platform to review images.

What do all of you use to review images in the field?

mmhphotos said:

More and more I find myself needing to bring my laptop into the field with me to review images for my own projects or for my clients to get a sneak-peak.

My current laptop weighs about as much as an anchor for a small aircraft carrier and has a similar price tag. I'm just not interested in lugging it around outside of the shop.

I DO NOT want to edit on the machine. I just want a platform to review images.

What do all of you use to review images in the field?

Click to expand...

I use an ASUS 1000HE 10.1 inch netbook. It has a full Windows OS and a real host USB port as well as an SD card reader built in. It's fairly small and light. I also use ACDSee Photo Manager for cataloging and minor editing. Beware some tablets and pads are much more limited.

--mamallama

I use an iPad with Eye-Fi and Shuttersnitch.

No, it is not the cheapest solution around. I chose it because the iPad has the best screen for displaying images - and also because clients love using it. And, in terms of making, or losing, a sale the cost should be inconsequential.

Yours is not the first thread on this topic by any means. Each time someone says that you can get a netbook for x% of the cost. What they are ignoring is that an iPad is perceived as being something different to a computer. In the bar of my local 'club' I can show my chums pictures on an iPad, whereas 'the use of computers...' is banned.

I can take an iPad on holiday to review my pictures and stay on top of my emails. If I took a laptop on holiday my wife would disown me!!

I am not offering you the least expensive suggestion. I'm offering the one that will put you above the mob!

Tony

I'd go with one of the 11.x or 12.x inch screens if doing it all over again. I've got a little Eee PC 900, and it's just too small for my tastes (I tend to "fat finger" the keys since they're too close together for fast typing). Battery life isn't the best either.

Also, some image viewers and editors won't install unless they see a screen resolution of at least 768 pixels on the shorter side (and the resolution of my litttle Eee PC is only 1024x600 pixels, which is typical for the 10" and smaller netbooks). Some web pages are harder to view with a 1024x600 pixel display, too.

So, if I were buying a new netbook today, I'd probably go with something like the new Dell M101z (it's got a screen resolution of 1366x768 pixels with an 11.6" LED Backlit screen, getting the config with the dual core Neo if budget permitted (the less expensive config options are using a single core Neo CPU).

It looks like one that's relatively loaded with the dual core CPU and 4GB of memory is running around $549 now, and it's built in graphics chipset (Radeon HD 4200) supports HD Video decoding. They have lower priced configs with a single core CPU and less memory.

http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/notebooks/inspiron-m101z-amd-1121/pd.aspx?refid=inspiron-m101z-amd-1121&s=dhs&cs=19

It seems to be getting pretty decent reviews, especially in areas like it's screen, keyboard, build quality, speakers sound quality, etc. Just google for M101z review and you'll find some:

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=m101z+review

You may also want to look at the listings available at Dell Outlet. Just go to http://www.dell.com/outlet

The listings change relatively often. So, just keep checking back periodically if you don't find anything you like.

If you google around, you can find coupon codes for more off at Dell Outlet Home right now, too (15 to 20%).

That way (buying refurbished), you get a discounted price anyway, and if you find coupon codes for even more off (and I'm aware of some they have right now for Dell Outlet Home Laptops and Desktops), the savings can be nice versus a new machine (and the refurbs have the same warranty).

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JimC
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http://www.pbase.com/jcockfield

Jim,

I'm surprised you are pushing him down that path.

He says that all he wants to do is view his images.

You are pointing him to better keyboard, better sound, better viewing of web pages and so on.

I'd have left him to respond himself, and no doubt he will, but I very much value your opinions (you even got me into Linux) and I know there is a sound reason behind everything you say.

Tony

I'm using a Fujitsu P-series touchpad/notebook/laptop in the field. I dunno what to call it since the screen is touch-sensitive and it has some slip-out stylus and I can swivel it down flat to work on. Screen must be about 10" diagonally.

I can use the Touch-Screen on it to do things like run the Nikon camera via a USB cable too using ControlMyNikon software (for $10 it can't be beat!). Battery life is about 4-5 hours.

I loaded PaintShop Pro X3 onto it for simple retouching and leave the heavier Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom stuff on a larger home unit that I wouldn't drag anywhere.

Just wish it had a brighter screen in sunlight though. Shade is okay. They make a nice case that allows for access and using it flat too. No CD/DVD drive though so I have to resort to an external Plextor for that. Does have a SD card reader though.

Mack

TonyGamble said:

I use an iPad with Eye-Fi and Shuttersnitch.

No, it is not the cheapest solution around. I chose it because the iPad has the best screen for displaying images - and also because clients love using it. And, in terms of making, or losing, a sale the cost should be inconsequential.

Click to expand...

Hehehe. You make some excellent (and amusing) points and your logic makes a whole ton of sense to me.

Just wondering... can you hook the iPad up to an external monitor and/or HDTV if you have to make a presentation to a larger client group (e.g. corporate gigs).

TonyGamble said:

Jim,

I'm surprised you are pushing him down that path.

He says that all he wants to do is view his images.

You are pointing him to better keyboard, better sound, better viewing of web pages and so on.

Click to expand...

Absolutely. If I were buying another netbook, I'd want better usability, and a small increase in size and weight would be well worth the benefits you'd have with a higher resolution display (which could come in handy for viewing images, too).

Also, even though the primary purpose may be viewing images, you'd want to be able to use one for other things, too (at least I would), and a more usable keyboard would be nice, as would the ability to install and use more software, especially if shooting raw (which I do), with more software requiring 1024x768 or higher resolution to install.

You'll probably keep a netbook for a while. So, might as well get one that's more usable (screen resolution, keyboard, ability to run more modern software, etc.) for a little bit more cost, in trade for a small increase in size and weight. A netbook with an 11.6" screen and no CD/DVD drive is not exactly huge. ;-)

I'd make sure it's capable of playing HD video, too (video chipset that's capable enough), since video recording is becoming more and more popular as time passes, and you may want to take advantage of that feature in a newer camera model without needing to buy a newer netbook to handle it.

To each their own, but if I were buying another one, I'd get one like that with at least 1366x768 resolution for better compatibility with more software and web pages, perhaps going with something like the Dell M101z I mentioned, with the better dual core AMD Neo CPU if budget permitted (they also offer them using a single core AMD Neo). It seems to review well, with a good balance between size, weight, ergonomics, battery life and performance.

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JimC
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http://www.pbase.com/jcockfield

There is no comparison between a S-IPS screen and TN for viewing images (especially at angles). I use a netbook myself and dont even own an iPad but if

If had to show clients the best images then I would go with the iPad (S-IPS). A shifty, bleached out TN is an awful display on most laptops/netbooks. If you show images to a group of people some of them will just be left out because of the viewing angle.

"Just wondering... can you hook the iPad up to an external monitor and/or HDTV if you have to make a presentation to a larger client group (e.g. corporate gigs)."

I very much doubt it.

If I felt I had that need I'd go down Jim's route and buy a 'proper' computer.

This afternoon I have to do a job for a group of elderly people gathering to watch a pre-war movie. I'll probably feed my shots, using Eye-Fi, into my iPad.

They'll love playing with the selection on the pad - but a laptop would frighten a lot of them, apart from being far more tricky to handle.

Tony

"Absolutely. If I were buying another netbook, I'd want better usability"

Thanks Jim.

All good sound advice.

Tony

Tony -

Do you know if you can use/install the Canon Utilities on the iPad? Moreover, Can I review on the fly without removing my CF card. I am shooting with 7D's.

Sound advice, indeed. I am leaning iPad for the high "cool factor" as Tony stated in a previous post.

Thanks for the great info.

"Do you know if you can use/install the Canon Utilities on the iPad?"

Almost certainly no. The iPad is not a PC.

You might be able to get an Eye-Fi card to work on your Canon - but remember it is an SDHC card.

Tony

I like this.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&series_name=tm2t_series&a1=Category&v1=Ultra-Portable

It combines all the aspects of the others
TouchSmart tm2t
Intel CULV processors for powerful performance and long battery life
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium for a simplified experience
A 12.1" diagonal high-definition LED BrightView LED touchscreen (1280 x 800)
An engraved aluminum chassis with full-size, island-style keyboard
An advanced thermal design keeps the tablet cool
High-speed DDR3 system memory (up to 8GB for top performance
4lbs
$799

I like the HP, there are others in other brands with touch screen plus laptop, built in sd multi card reader.

12 monitor is the minimum for me, but then you have HDMI and VGA for larger external monitor for presentations.

mmhphotos said:

More and more I find myself needing to bring my laptop into the field with me to review images for my own projects or for my clients to get a sneak-peak.

My current laptop weighs about as much as an anchor for a small aircraft carrier and has a similar price tag. I'm just not interested in lugging it around outside of the shop.

I DO NOT want to edit on the machine. I just want a platform to review images.

What do all of you use to review images in the field?

Click to expand...

r1,

I think you are missing the point.

The OP said "I DO NOT want to edit on the machine. I just want a platform to review images."

Yesterday I photographed a gathering of elderly people who had met to watch a movie and have tea. I needed a posed image of the organising lady in front of the assembled masses. To get that 100% spot on I fed my images into my iPad and that gave me a much better view of my shots than I'd have got from the back of the GH2.

We then wanted some informal shots of some of the guests. I put the iPad next to the host and with my MiFi in my pocket I went around the tea tables with my GH2. My shots fed back to the organiser. When she saw what I was getting she came up with some suggestions of other people to photograph. When we had enough 'in the can' she told me and I packed up.

Like you I'd love one of those big HP's. Just as I'd love a Harley Davidson - but not to pop round the corner to buy the newspapers when I could use my bike!

I am surprised not to see someone suggesting something like this:-

http://www.maplin.co.uk/7inch-android-2.1-scroll-tablet-506956

Or what about the other Andoid tablets?

IMHO none match up to the iPad - but you'd never catch me taking a laptop to a tea party!

Tony

TonyGamble said:

r1,

I think you are missing the point.

The OP said "I DO NOT want to edit on the machine. I just want a platform to review images."

Click to expand...

The IPad is a small 9" screen the HP 12" is better for viewing than a small pad IMHO

TonyGamble said:

Yesterday I photographed a gathering of elderly people who had met to watch a movie and have tea. I needed a posed image of the organising lady in front of the assembled masses. To get that 100% spot on I fed my images into my iPad and that gave me a much better view of my shots than I'd have got from the back of the GH2.

Click to expand...

The HP can do exactly the same thing, but for old people who have failing eyesight, a bigger screen is better.

TonyGamble said:

We then wanted some informal shots of some of the guests. I put the iPad next to the host and with my MiFi in my pocket I went around the tea tables with my GH2. My shots fed back to the organiser. When she saw what I was getting she came up with some suggestions of other people to photograph. When we had enough 'in the can' she told me and I packed up.

Click to expand...

You can tether a camera to a laptop, the screen is big enough that you can face the laptop back to the subject and they can see themselves right there. The HP has some great organizing software that is touch based.

TonyGamble said:

Like you I'd love one of those big HP's. Just as I'd love a Harley Davidson - but not to pop round the corner to buy the newspapers when I could use my bike!

Click to expand...

The HP is long a few inches bigger on each side. What if you have a canon camera and only shoot raw, how does the IPAD handle that? The HP does quite well with Canon raw converter.

TonyGamble said:

IMHO none match up to the iPad - but you'd never catch me taking a laptop to a tea party!

Click to expand...

IMHO the IPAD is limited in so many ways, the HP has unlimited storage in comparison only limited by the size of drive you want to put into it. The HP will also allow you to spin the screen around and wala, you have a full sized keyboard for your email. You may not want to edit but you may want to run a PC application that the IPad does not run.

You would never catch me taking an IPAD anywhere, it is overprice (499 you get how many gig of memory? ), it is so limited, big compared to a phone so it is not pocketable, small compared to the display area of the HP, The HP also has a touchpad and keyboard as well as the touch display.

A Iphone can handle just about everything the IPad does, a laptop will do everything else better and is not that much bigger than an IPad. IMHO

Then there is versatility, what happens if you decide you do want to edit, or use your laptop for a presentation, or see a flash site or play flash games on the internet, connect 3 party hardware, us it for work and have to use a windows product to get in or windows apps. The laptop does all that for about the same money. The hp with the touchscreen does all that and more and is a better choice for photoraphers and all around general use and for the specific application the OP presented, IMHO

These new Asus models with IPS displays look neat.

They have 10" displays with higher resolution (1200x800) compared to most netbooks with the same size display, and they also have IPS displays (much better for image quality, without as much deviation when viewing the display at an angle), with a design that lets you use them as a tablet or a netbook.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/asus-eee-pad-slider-and-transformer-are-here-for-those-that-can/

But, I don't know what Android 3.0 will offers for RAW conversion, etc. We'll have to wait and see.

Asus is also releasing a 12" table running Win 7. See this article for more info:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2375081,00.asp

--
JimC
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http://www.pbase.com/jcockfield

Jim Cockfield said:

These new Asus models with IPS displays look neat.

They have 10" displays with higher resolution (1200x800) compared to most netbooks with the same size display, and they also have IPS displays (much better for image quality, without as much deviation when viewing the display at an angle), with a design that lets you use them as a tablet or a netbook.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/asus-eee-pad-slider-and-transformer-are-here-for-those-that-can/

But, I don't know what Android 3.0 will offers for RAW conversion, etc. We'll have to wait and see.

Asus is also releasing a 12" table running Win 7. See this article for more info:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2375081,00.asp

Click to expand...

I agree, these are the ones to wait for. That they are also full computers (the 12" one with a Core i5 processor and 4G memory) with a host USB and a mini-HDMI connectors distinguishes them from the lesser and more limited iPads. Also the quality and reliability of ASUS are the industry best.

--mamallama

--mamallama

Good progress guys,

And Jim, you are the one who showed me how to put Linux on a really old Asus! So I respect the brand...

Give the OP something that looks like a tablet and I think you have what he needs. Computer keyboards spell 'work' and photographs are more often 'play'.

And if the tablet has a keyboard at the back that can be put into use then, yes, the machine has lots of extra capability.

Hopefully the bulk and weight will not be far away from that of an iPad - so, as you all say, you get more bang for your bucks and your gms.

Tony