Expert: Bobbert - 4/19/2009

Question
I want to buy a lap top.  I am a photographer, I will be using it to edit photos.  I use Programs (photo explosion deluxe and photo shop elements.)  I will also want to be able to transfer my work to my home computer.  I have an hp w2207h. windows vista.  I most likely will not use it for games or internet.  I just want to be able to edit my photos while I am outside watching my kids in the summer.

Answer
Based on your requirements, and with no thought to budget, I would say that more or less "anything" is suitable for your needs, as Photoshop Elements (or even the professional Creative Suite 4) will run on most any modern hardware, with relative ease (obviously a commerical graphics workstation will outperform an average laptop, but we're talking many times the price for maybe a 30% performance increase).

I would suggest looking at Dell or HP, most of their products in the $500-$600 range will be more than suitable, as long as it offers enough storage for your needs (you'll have to decide what this is), and a screen that suits your taste (many design professionals avoid the glossy models found on consumer equipment, although it would seem this is becoming the "norm" in the current market).

-bob