I need help, I'm computer illiterate

[SPORTshot]

I'm in need of a new computer and I need help because I don't understand all the technical stuff. I've been reading and searching on here and found out that the i5 or i7 is the way to go. Apart from that, I don't know much. I found this laptop and wondered if anyone could help me deciding whether or not this could be a good photography machine. I understand that desktop is the better means for photo editing but I like the versatility of a laptop.

I shoot for a couple of colleges and sometimes they like to have a copy asap so they can post some images with the game recap on their website. If I can bring a laptop with me I could just burn a copy after the game and make them happy. Anyways, here is a link to the laptop I'm thinking about. I'm hoping to go out today and get it, so the sooner the better as far as advice. Thank you.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+Qosmio+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%2315 3%3B+i5+Processor+-+Omega+Black/9716111.p?id=1218158634282&skuId=9716111

[basroil]

The laptop itself is decent, though massive. The actual question is how much the colleges will be willing to pay for the added convenience. No sense in spending money if you won't see it recovered.

[SPORTshot]

Thanks basroil. I think that the convenience part of it also plays into my hands as well. Right now I have to go home and burn copy's for them and then find the time to drive them back over to the school's. It's more convenient for both parties.

Do you think it would have any problems handling Lightroom ? I like the fact that it's an 18" screen. It's a big laptop but that doesn't bother me because it's still easily portable and the screen should be decent for editing, right ?

[basroil]

Thanks basroil. I think that the convenience part of it also plays into my hands as well. Right now I have to go home and burn copy's for them and then find the time to drive them back over to the school's. It's more convenient for both parties.

Do you think it would have any problems handling Lightroom ? I like the fact that it's an 18" screen. It's a big laptop but that doesn't bother me because it's still easily portable and the screen should be decent for editing, right ?

You can get better screens in the 16in category, but it'll cost a bit more. That should handle LR2 just fine, probably halfway between a desktop core 2 duo and core 2 quad in terms of performance.

Ever though about getting a website with decent bandwidth and emailing them the link to a password protected file? I do that often and I live within walking distance of the office I do jobs for.

[SPORTshot]

Would it be better to get the laptop or the 21 inch imac?

[basroil]

Would it be better to get the laptop or the 21 inch imac?

This laptop is faster than the imac. And more portable. If you want portable desktop computing, there are plenty of shuttle pc types out there with i5/i7 chips that will provide much more power.