Laptop suggestions for photojournalism student

Hello,

I am in the market for a windows based laptop for my photojournalism classes. I used to own a MacBook Pro that died on me and with out Apple Care, my only option is to buy a new computer all together. For the spec I am interested, Apple's new MacBook Pro runs around $1799. Too expensive for me.So now, I am in the market for a new laptop to get me through the next 2-3 years I have left of school.

I need the laptop to do every day tasks as well as photo editing (obviously) but also need max portability as well. I do a lot of traveling from game to game and noticed the old 7lb MBP I had wasn't a very fun thing to lug around. I've done some HEAVY research and I am really trying to narrow down my choices. Help me,please.

1. Dell Latitude E6430
-i7-3720qm
-NVS 5200m Graphics
-8gb RAM
-Express card slot (for express card CF reader)
-9 Cell Battery - 10 hrs of battery life.
-1600x900 screen

Love the ruggedness of the machine. Got excellent reviews from Notebookcheck.com (Best model from Dell ive seen online wise). Express card will allow Express Card based CF card reader for quick file transfer at ball games. Long Battery life. Only worried about the brand, Dell... and I can only afford a refurb.

2. HP DV6T-7000
-i7-3610qm
-GT650m Graphics
-8gb ram
-1920x1080 Screen

Definitely not a rugged machine, by any means. Although, this could make a great machine for college. This computer will not only be used for working, but for leasure as well. The spec on this laptop will allow me to both do some light gaming and help me in photoshop at the same time. Also, hear this thing attracts horrible finger prints.

3. Dell Inspiron 15R
-i7-3632qm
-HD7730m Graphics
-8gb ram

Good specs, heard bad things... meh... not so exciting but something about it makes me unsure.

4. Alienware m14x
-i7-3610qm
-gt650m
-8gb ram

Reading online, this and the Alienware series in general has had outstanding reviews for their products. The best that Dell has manufactured from what I have seen and saw this was my only option out of the bunch considering the weight of the 17/18in versions. Even at 6lbs, its heavy for 14in... and not so sure about the design. Don't think this one would be so attractive in public.

5. Lenovo Y580
-i73630qm
-8gb ram
-gt660m

Excellent value, but after dealing with Lenovo CS... I'm not so sure I want to buy another product from them. But I hear excellent things about the product and for the price vs. performance... this is an incredible deal. Just bad battery life.

I need opinions. I'm not interested in ordering a ThinkPad W530, before anyone recommends that. I just ended a dispute with Lenovo after they took almost 2 months to ship my $1400 purchase so I was done waiting and filed a return.

Any suggestions, opinions on my choices? Anything helps?

I know the 15r and Alienware have awful screens for photo editing. I know you had trouble ordering a new W530 but what about a refurb'd W520 (assuming they have some of last years model there). Since it is in stock there wouldn't be any waiting (and the differences between the 530 and 520 are very little).

Although I will say the W series probably aren't any lighter then your MBP was and are substantially bulkier.

Another option is a custom build laptop. You can custom build a bunch of Clevo, MSI etc laptops with great screens for photo editing (and light game playing since they are mainly gaming machines).

Checkout places like xoticpc.com

Option 1. The Latitudes are excellent machines (ignore the people who whine about Dell). I have had a Latitude of one flavor or another as my primary computer for about 7 years now and ive only had the batteries wear out, never any other issues. A D630 spent 3 years flying 250,000+ miles with me being used every day for work, personal, games, photos, automotive engine tuning, the works. Never an issue except worn out batteries. I have an E6420 now with the extended life primary battery (the one you have listed) as well as the drive bay battery and I have had it go 12 hours connected to wifi doing internet and email (no Lightroom or movies, etc). This is with an SSD.

The nice lines from Dell and HP are good, i.e. Latitude and the business class stuff. I'd stay away from that Inspiron, a bunch of my friends had them freshmen year of college and they didn't make it to thanksgiving of sophomore year (hard drives crashed). Just my $0.02

Thanks for the help guys, I dropped for the Latitude E6430 and it will be here next week. I'm pretty excited and more than sure it will be a great laptop for me to finish school with. I also ordered PCIe CF card reader and hope it helps me out during games for fast/easy transfer. I'll keep you all updated as I receive next week.

Colin

Good choice, I think you'll enjoy it.

HP or Lenovo. Lenovo would be first.

Please avoid Dell. They have the worst fault rate amongst your choices and its a notable difference in those rates.

Ooops. Didn't read all the posts.. Congrats I guess..on the purchase.