Another monitor question

[jaomul]

Hi all. If i get a monitor to hook up to my laptop and calibrate it, would that be as effective for editing as a pc and monitor or is there a reason i am unaware of that it is not as good? Thanks

 

[KmH]

The graphics card in a laptop is usually not as good as what can be added to a desktop computer.

For instance, beginning with CS4 Photoshop was able to utilize Open GL. Open GL uses the GPU (graphics processing unit) on the graphics card to speed up some Photoshop graphics functions.

ACR (Camera Raw/Lightroom) is not GPU accelerated.

GPU, OpenGL support | Photoshop CS4, CS5

 

[jaomul]

Thanks. Is it correct so to say it will work but slower?

 

[Big Mike]

Maybe a little, but it shouldn't be too big of a deal. Much more important is how fast your processor is and how much RAM you have.

In general, you should be fine if you use your laptop machine with a good external monitor to serve as you workstation.

 

[jaomul]

Thanks. I never had a problem with its speed now but getting colours consistent is tougher. A monitor should be my next purchase. Thanks for the input

 

[Big Mike]

Don't forget to factor in a calibration system (if you don't have one already).

 

[jaomul]

No I don't. Hoping I can borrow one but to be honest the monitor is a bit of the way off anyway. Fingers crossed for the lotto this weekend

 

[Big Mike]

No I don't. Hoping I can borrow one

The device by itself is useless, you need the software to run it. And sharing software usually isn't legal. Besides, it's not a one time thing, you're supposed to recalibrate on a regular basis...weekly, monthly etc.

 

[Garbz]

Depends on the unit. Not sure what the Spyder comes with but i1 match is a free download.

 

[jaomul]

No I don't. Hoping I can borrow one

The device by itself is useless, you need the software to run it. And sharing software usually isn't legal. Besides, it's not a one time thing, you're supposed to recalibrate on a regular basis...weekly, monthly etc.

I had not realised that. I will in time get one, initially I was hoping to borrow but I may just wait until I can manage to buy both.