Please offer advice as to which computer is suitable to my needs from the deluge of technology

[George Bialkowski]

After perusing the various laptop options, I determined I don't need a "gaming" laptop, since this computer will strictly be used for: 1) Microsoft Word, 2) Microsoft Excel, 3) Internet browsing, and on occasion 4) Photoshop.

Due to the high demands required by Photoshop, I know a laptop will require ample hardware to allow the program to operate work smoothly. In addition to a dedicated video card, I ensured my choices (at least those which I have narrowed it down to) have enough memory to compensate.

Not sure if I need an internal non-SSD hard-drive (I can always transport files to external hard-drive). While it would be nice to have a built-in DVD/CD player, I imagine the external ones serve the same purpose, and allow the computer to be smaller in size as an added benefit.

Also, while the newest 4K monitor screens seem like a good idea, many of the programs I have to install for work are quite outdated, and won't be benefited by the newest monitor. Rather, their already paltry appearance might be hindered. Therefore, the 4K monitor is not a necessity.

Finally, with respect to the entire Apple vs. world debate, for the ease of use, I prefer a Windows based computer. I know Apple has superior photo editing software, but this is only my hobby, and not done regularly.

Below are the few choices I narrowed it down to:
Option 1:
Model: Lenovo Y700
Processor: Intel Core i7-6700HQ Processor (6MB Cache, up to 3.50GHz)
Memory: 16GB (8B x2) DDR4 2133MHz (2 SoDIMM)
Graphic Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M 4GB
Display: 15.6" FHD (1920x1080), LED Backlit, IPS, Anti-Glare
Storage 1: 256GB Solid State Drive M.2
(Storage 2: 500GB Hard Drive Disk, 5400rpm, 2.5", SATA3 - worth the extra $70?)
Optical Device: None
WiFi: Intel 8260 AC/A/B/G/B (2x2) Dual Band Wireless + Bluetooth Version 4.0

PRICE: $1,347.22

Option 2
Model: HP Pavilion 15t Laptop
Processor: Intel Core i7-6700HQ (2.60GHz)
Memory: 8GB DDR4
Graphic Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M 4GB
Display: 1920x1080
Storage: 256 SSD
WiFI: 201.11ac Wireless LAN with Bluetooth 4.2
Optical Drive: None

PRICE: $1,049.99

Option 3
Model: ASUS K501-UW-AB78
Processor: Intel Core i7-6500U G.5GHz
Memory: 8GB DDR4
Graphic Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M with 8GB RAM
Display: 1920x1080 Matte FHD anti-glare
Storage: 512GB SSD
WiFi: 801.11 A/C
Optical Drive: None

PRICE: $869.99

Option 4:
Model: Asus Zenbook Pro
Processor: Intel Core i7-6700HQ s.6GHz (turbo 2.5GHz)
Ram: 16GB DDR SDRAM
Storage: 512GB SSD (PCIE x 4)
Graphic Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M with 2GB GDDR5 VRAM
Display: 15.6" Auto IPS UHS (3840x2160)
WiFi: Dual-band 802.11 ac
Optical Drive: None


PRICE: $1,479.99


My current computer (as MSI GE62 Apache Pro-001, Intel Core i7-6700HQ GHz, 16GB DDR4, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 with 3GB GDDR5 VRAM, 1 TB 7200 rpm and 128 GB SSD) is technically a fantastic unit, but an overkill for my needs. Sure, it's great for gaming, but I don't do that. I got it for free from a friend who updated his unit, and felt sad I was using a computer from several years ago seeing patients. I like the dedicated video card, as it's useful for Photoshop. Basically, looking for something that will meet, if not slightly exceed, my needs. Admittedly, the SSD is awesome, as the computer starts up VERY quick.

Any advice and direction you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Intel_man]

Wait.... so you want to downgrade yourself by buying a laptop with inferior specs to your current computer?


What.

 

[George Bialkowski]

Yes.

My "supervisor" laptop is obnoxiously loud, such that it bothers me in work. Want a decent laptop for work and running Photoshop. Dont care if I'm downgrading into a lower model, just want to ensure it is good.

You can buy my current PC, if you wish.

Thanks for the very useful feedback though! It's really a boon in helping me make a decision.

 

[johnb35]

Photoshop system requirements is only 2gb of dedicated video ram, so you could go down to a 940m or 950m. No need for the 960 or higher. Also only needs 8gb of system ram. So I'm thinking a machine around 700-800 bucks would suffice.