Video Card Effect on Photoshop / Lightroom Etc.

[Okami]

Hey guys!

In the process of deciding on my next laptop and was wondering if anyone here knew how much difference a better video card can actually make on photo editing? Is there a big difference between the Intel integrated and something like a nvidia card? I know for video it makes a big difference but does any photo editing program leverage the extra power those video cards can give?

I'm looking for a perfect on location laptop
Thin - light, good battery life, decent processor (no atom!) . If the video card does matter i'm looking towards getting an Asus ul30vt (has a CULV chip and switchable graphics -> can choose either intel or nvidia depending on situation) Only thing is that laptop might not be out till later december. I can hold out but if I don't need the video card then I could just go ahead and get one and save a few bucks too.

[LAD]

Anything will be better than integrated, although it's a diminishing return...

[basroil]

for cs4, you need a compatible GPU for GPU mode, for LR2, you only need to run a display, and be able to calibrate it.

For processing though, do not use a CULV, they are far too slow, you'll actually end up using more battery because processing will take that much longer.

[Okami]

Possible specs for the Asus ul30vt

Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 1.3GHz Processor, Overclockable to 1.73 GHz
GeForce G210M / Intel GMA4500MHD. Switchable.
4GB DDR3 Memory 1066 MHz (8GB max ?)
5400RPM 320GB HDD
13.3" 1366x768 LED LCD Display
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 2.1
~7 hours battery life
< 3 pounds
~700$

I think this is a fair compromise. Unless you are talking about processing video or a massive amount of pictures the processing time vs. battery power is really not going to be an issue.

I have an i7 based computer at home that I can do any heavy lifting i need with but this laptop is again for something on location if I need a preview or crops / resizing. (Think event shooter for agency that might do some quick editing / uploading during downtime)

So based on your post basroil it seems only the GPU mode of CS4 would be my main benefit and not any quicker image processing. That is good to know. The main programs i'll probably be running on this laptop are lightroom and or photo mechanic.

Just wondering have you used any CULV processor? I haven't myself but based on some friend's experiences they aren't.. Tthaaatt bad... but they weren't photographers themselves.

[basroil]

Possible specs for the Asus ul30vt

Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 1.3GHz Processor, Overclockable to 1.73 GHz
GeForce G210M / Intel GMA4500MHD. Switchable.
4GB DDR3 Memory 1066 MHz (8GB max ?)
5400RPM 320GB HDD
13.3" 1366x768 LED LCD Display
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 2.1
~7 hours battery life
< 3 pounds
~700$

I think this is a fair compromise. Unless you are talking about processing video or a massive amount of pictures the processing time vs. battery power is really not going to be an issue.

I have an i7 based computer at home that I can do any heavy lifting i need with but this laptop is again for something on location if I need a preview or crops / resizing. (Think event shooter for agency that might do some quick editing / uploading during downtime)

So based on your post basroil it seems only the GPU mode of CS4 would be my main benefit and not any quicker image processing. That is good to know. The main programs i'll probably be running on this laptop are lightroom and or photo mechanic.

Just wondering have you used any CULV processor? I haven't myself but based on some friend's experiences they aren't.. Tthaaatt bad... but they weren't photographers themselves.

I thought it was going to be a primary comp, not secondary. In that case, actually a really good choice :D

I've used the ULV laptops before, but not CULV, and the ULV ones were slow.... but good enough for on the go processing. Definitely NOT a primary use CPU, but if you have an i7 for real processing, it should be good enough for casual editing.

[Okami]

Thanks again for the info Basroil!