Questions about slideshow presentations...on laptop or DVD/TV

[LeesaB]

During our show we were forced into using a desktop and monitor..it went well...a few "power" problems but...all went well...people LOVED the slide show of the weddings..

We want to purchase either a lap top just for doing slideshows on, or a dvd/monitor...

which do you suggest..

and what size screen?

Thanks again

[mizuno]

I'm going to purchase a 17" MacBook Pro as soon as Adobe CS3 is released.

I'd recommend any of the Apple laptop lineup.

[LeesaB]

I will look into that..and other options, as I thought about it..I should get a laptop, as I get to the point of doing the slideshow presentation at the wedding, I would need that..

Thanks again

I love gateway..my husband is a dell man....I never even thought of apple.

[tim]

Get a projector. Any modern laptop will work, go for dual core. I'd need an assistant to do that during a wedding, I have no free time at all, except during dinner sometimes.

[LeesaB]

I work with my daughter...we both shoot the weddings...So, during the reception, I can stow away somewhere and whip something up..so I am guessing a lap top...a PROJECTOR? UGH...then what would be used for a screen? and lugging that around also? not sure.

[Eoseni]

Depends too on the size of the weddings you do, doesn't it? And the perceived WOW factor of a projected show vs. a laptop. Projections need dark surroundings too for max effect.

I'd go with a laptop for efficiency and portability.

[coreypolis]

laptop.

you need it to do quick sorting and editing, and the idea is to create a buzz not shove it down everyones throat. You can then leave some business cards with a special address on how to see/order the images from jane and john's wedding.

for bridal shows where you can set it up ahead of time, a large monitor (30" for ~1500 now or 24" for 650) will work just fine.

[dgcorner]

Notebook/laptop would be the way to go. Now, if you want to WOW your B&G and guests then a projector and portable screen should be considered.

Although it is going to be a little cumbersome, a portable screen will suffice, unless the reception venue offers the use of a screen. Do not use a wall as it will do your pics injustice, and in the process kill any chance of referrals.

You will also need to consider an LCD projector that is versatile, i.e., has high (ANSI) lumens so that you can do the slideshow whether in a bright or darkened room. The newer high resolution ones are the ones to go for but don't go overboard for the top of the line model that will cost half its worth in 6 months time.

I know that this may seem much of an investment but I do know for a fact that my brother's friend has gotten more referrals from guests at the wedding party and has made his purchases worth it.

Good luck!

[Rick Rosen]

I would suggest considering a 20 inch iMac. It's not really that much larger or heavier to carry than a 17 in. powerbook but it makes for a much nicer presentation. No keyboard or mouse sticking out front, just place them behind the monitor. iLugger makes a great carrying case.

With FotoMagico I can even start and stop the slideshow with the little Apple remote!

Rick

[LeesaB]

my husband LOVES apple...I have had a time getting used to his...He would be thrilled, so I will consider this option..thanks again...for al the help..Tim...when I grow, I will also consider that projector..for now...it will be a laptop...

[kampphoto]

I'm a big fan of the way David Jay does it, and this is also how I have started doing it. Who needs a projector? Just pick your 50 favorite pictures do some quick tweaks to them, save them to a folder, then set your screen saver to that folder (mac) set the laptop up somewhere at the reception and people can check them out whenever they would like. Also helps to set out some business cards etc too. The projector seems like a lot of work and hassel. Simplify and you have more time to shoot, and less time freaking out about the bulb in the projector burning out... cables not being correct, etc...

[Grace]

Originally Posted by Rick Rosen

I would suggest considering a 20 inch iMac. It's not really that much larger or heavier to carry than a 17 in. powerbook but it makes for a much nicer presentation. No keyboard or mouse sticking out front, just place them behind the monitor. iLugger makes a great carrying case.

With FotoMagico I can even start and stop the slideshow with the little Apple remote!

Rick

Welcome Rick! I recognize you from ILP. (I'm tikip over there.)

[tofuboy]

As Corey mentioned, you might want to think about getting an LCD monitor 24" or 30" as well. That way you can put the monitor on a table and tuck the laptop out of the way; not to mention it will be larger than a laptop screen. LCDs are portable enough.

[PIXI_666]

i have a hp dv 4000.
If your using a laptop for your weddings and photography soley (Like me) get a lot of ram and space on the hard drive, a sound card and a really good graphics card....the dv4000 has this hence why i bought it.
I actually rent it for 3yrs then buy it outright for $1 at the end....i pay more for it this way but i couldnt afford $8000 up front for this and my 30D and lens lol
Del