I need a laptop for photo edits: thoughts?

[Balog]

At our house we currently have 3 computers: my wife's laptop, my netbook, and an older desktop. I'm getting into photography and want a computer capable of doing photo edits. Netbook is too small, don't want to use wife's laptop as I'd be either constantly interupted or in her way, adn we have nowhere to set up a desk/work space for the desktop. I'm planning on turning it into a server/firewall and routing our household traffic through it in any case.

So now I'm looking for a new laptop to replace the netbook. Doesn't need to be too fancy, all I'm using it for is internet and photo editing with maybe a little recording of my bass in the future. Good resolution and a clean display are top priorities, not necessarily huge memory (external HD ftw!) or a super fast processor with 18 cores. I'll be running Ubuntu and freeware editing software, so the built in Mac stuff is not an advantage for me.

Budget? Well, ideally $500-700ish, but that may not be possible. I'm open to buying NOS or refurbished, I don't need cutting edge. Any suggestions?

[Ziltoid]

Glossy screen or mat? That's really a personal choice but it will rule out some laptops. Also 15" or 17"?

[Balog]

Probably matt, although I could use either. And 17" is better, 15" would (probably) be ok.

[Ziltoid]

Only talking about 17":

HP's DV7tseries is glossy as well as the Toshiba L670/675(D)

The only Acer aspire in your range is the Aspire AS7551-3068 which only has 3gb ram compared to 4 for the others so I'd leave that one alone (glossy to btw)

I don't know the price/models for asus.

Gateway as the NV73(a) and NV79(a) in you range, they're both glossy screens to but I'm not sure.

Sony's 17" starts over your budget

Dell has the 17R Inspiron glossy screen again.

Compare the spec/price of those and you should be able to pick a winner

Seems they're all glossy to, didn't expect that it wasn't like that when I used to work at staples (Still have nightmares tho)

[Hugh9191]

Glossy screens are the norm now. You'll be hard pressed to find a home laptop with a matt screen. If you look at Dell's business Latitude range most (if not all) of them have matt screens.

Personally I prefer the glossy screens as the colours look nicer on them. It is annoying when you get some light behind you though!