Looking for an ideal laptop

Hardware Hub Laptops & Netbooks
1

Posted on Reddit but didn’t get any comments.

Just wanted your guys’ advice.

I have an iPad 2 and iPhone 4S and a crummy Netbook. I was hoping of possibly getting a new laptop that could maybe take the place of the laptop and iPad^†. I need it to be able to sync my calendar, notes, and contacts from my phone to the laptop, and vice-versa. (I might be getting a new phone as well, so any recommendations there would be nice) I was looking at the Surface but I’ve heard some not-so-great things about it. But I need a laptop that is very connective (i.e. it can connect to a bunch of devices and works with iCloud or some equivalent.) A laptop that is also a tablet would also be handy. (Like I said, I might want to take the iPad out of the equation^† ) The graphics should be on-par but don’t need to be too fancy. I’ll be doing some light photo editing and photography with it. Price isn’t too much of a concern. I just need something that works well,and is reliable for my business.

TL;DR for those who like bulleted lists:

Productivity ESSENTIALS:

  • Can connect to iCloud (or some equivalent, I just need some way to sync devices efficiently) and automatically sync appointments, notes, and other crucial things like that over a few devices.

  • Not an absolute necessity, but it would make my life so much easier if it were a laptop/tablet duo thing.^†

  • This is for my business, so it must be reliable.

Graphics:

  • Can run Photoshop for moderate photo editing. I’m not talking very heavy stuff here. But enough graphics to be able to produce print ads and manage my photo gallery on my website.

OBLIGATORY LAPTOP QUESTIONNAIRE:

  • Country of purchase:
    USA

  • Budget range:
    Up to $2000. Preferably less. I’d be most comfortable around $1500 but am flexible.

  • Purpose (netbook, ultraportable, mainstream, gaming, desktop replacement, etc.):
    A portable laptop/tablet would be ideal.^†

  • Screen size preference: Would like it to be on the bigger side.

  • OS preference (Windows/Mac/Linux): Windows

  • Gaming requirements (example games and desired fps/settings): Runs Crisis 4 at 900 FPS. Just kidding, no gaming requirements

  • Other performance requirements (video editing, CAD, etc.): Is able to run Photoshop. No heavy rendering or editing will be done.

  • Brand preferences and reasons (already owned accessories, familiarity, business compatibility): None. Well, haven’t had luck with HP in the past.

  • Any particular style that you like (examples are great): Not too picky

Which of the following qualities would you prefer? (Choose one, two, or balanced)

  • Long battery life -vs- Low weight -vs- High performance:
  1. Performance
  2. Battery
  3. Weight
  • Build quality -vs- Low price -vs- High performance:
  1. Performance
  2. Quality (close behind)
  3. Price
  • Low noise/heat -vs- High performance: Again, performance is first.

Which features would you pay a premium for?

  • High resolution screen: Yes

  • A great keyboard: No

  • A great touchpad/mouse buttons: No

  • Great audio: No

List any features that are critical:

  • Essentials are listed above, below the paragraph.

† THE LAPTOP DOES NOT NEED TO REPLACE THE TABLET.