New laptop alternative or better deal

[tfboy]

As well as upgrading my PC, I need to get a new laptop.

As I do a fair amount of photo editing, I'd like it to have at least 6 or 8GB RAM with a fairly zippy CPU. Not interested in a fast GPU as I'm not gaming. However, a high resolution screen is very important, but I don't need it to be a massive 17" because weight is just as important and I don't want a 4kg machine.

Currently, I can get myself a Vaio SA which is nice spec and suits my needs very nicely.
- i7 2620M 2.7GHz CPU
- 8GB RAM
- 500GB 7200rpm HDD <= This is the lowest spec as I might take it out and put an SSD instead.
- 13.3" LCD with 1600x900 resolution <= I don't want anything less
- AMD Radeon 6630M 1GB Graphics
- Fingerprint security scaner
- Wireless a/b/g/n
- Wireless WAN <= again, nice to have to pop in a 3G card without any USB sticks hanging out
- Backlit keyboard (cool for photo editing in a light controlled environment)
- 3x USB2 ports
- DVD/RW (don't need Blu-ray)
- 2 year warranty

That'll cost me around £940.

I could spend a bit more if required, but this fits the bill and is relatively powerful yet light at the same time (around 2kg). Oh and they're offering free name engraving too which is kind of cool (it'll be a works laptop so can have my name on it / name of business).

Can you suggest anything better that fits the criteria?

Thanks

[ik9000]

you do photo editing but want a 13" screen? Seriously?

[tfboy]

It's a compromise. I have my main desktop for serious photo editing, but still want to be able to have a minimal play around with Lightroom whilst on the move.

Bigger would be better, but I really want to keep the size and weight down. So a 1600x900 resolution 13.3" screen is better than a 1600x900 16" screen or even a 1920x1080 17" screen. If I could get a 1920x1080 resolution 13.3" screen, that would be even better, but it's only available on the Z series which is a lot more expensive.

I'm often doing CAD work and have multiple programs open simultaneously. I'm prepared to accept the limitations of a 13" screen as long as I can plug in an external monitor and have an extended desktop. Anything serious will wait till I can have an external monitor or use my desktop machine

[ik9000]

There are a number of 14" laptops coming out that might offer a slightly better solution, though I doubt you'd get above 1600x900 even on those. Might be a touch easier on the eyes though tbh the spec you have there is pretty good. If it were me I'd prob look up how well the screen compares to other brands, and how good the battery life is. Doesn't matter how well spec'd the rest of the machine is, if the screen sucks and/or you can only use it for 20mins then it's not going to be fun to use.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

You should be considering the quality of the screen too.

[tfboy]

Agreed on the screen quality.

Generally, the screens used by Sony which are 1600+ in resolution are pretty good. They're a little on the cold side, but I'd be calibrating them anyway with my Spyder. The gamut / range is pretty good although I accept it's not a patch on the IPS panel I use at home. I also like the ability that there's a wide degree user-adjustable screen brightness as the environments I work in change quite a lot.

I've looked at HP and Novatech laptops, but their screens are all 1366x768 and that just isn't enough and they're bigger too!

The Z is nice, it's an even smaller screen at 13.1" yet 1920x1080 resolution. Must be seriously squinting at that, and I'd love one but it's TWICE the price!