Hi Bob,


For just showing the parents for viewing I would prefer to show them on an ipad. I just think it's a nicer experience with the touch screen, as there is no awkward holding of the laptop with a keypad and passing it to another person. I also think swiping to the next photo is nicer on the ipad. The ipad is limited to 64GB, but that should be enough for 1-2 games, unless you have a lead finger.


If you need a laptop for other uses then I would probably go for the Macbook Air. The Macbook Air used to be slow, but the new generation will be fast enough. The Macbook Air only goes up to 256GB, and 13inch screen is the maximum size. You could always add a USB thumb drive if you need extra space.


The Macbook Pro goes up to 17 inches which gets bulky and heavy but would work better if you set up a viewing booth or had it set on a table, but for hand-holding I think the 13 inch would be better. They also have the 15 inch to further confuse you. The Macbook Pro goes up to a 750GB, regular spinning hard drive. I have a 13 inch Macbook Pro with a 750GB hard drive and it adds a bit a weight to my bag, especially with all of my other equipment. One thing I will tell you is that the metal cases that enclose the MacBooks are very durable, but they are heavier than the plastic or composite laptops and they are "very slippery" when holding them. If you do get one then I would suggest that you get an after market rubber type case that will add some grip that you can leave attached while the laptop is open especially if other people will be handling it, but these can add some heat too


With all that said, I'm not sure that showing the parents the photos as you go will work. After the game is over then you will have to upload the photos, then sort through over 1000 or more photos that will be unedited just to find their kid and if you have a few people interested then there may be a lot of standing around and searching. During halftime, you usually need a break to go to the bathroom, get something to eat and/or shoot the halftime show. Remember, parents of the cheerleaders, kick-line team and the band may buy some photos too. From a marketing standpoint, I understand that some people will want instant gratification, but it also may be better to go home and edit the photos and show them the best ones online, especially while you're perfecting your craft. You will also be dealing with your big white lens, monopod and now you throw a laptop into the equation, it may be daunting. I think in reality you would have to go and put your equipment away after the game is over and then get the laptop out of the car, and then upload the photos, find the parents, find the photos and so on. I just don't think it will work, unless you had an assistant that you can pass the compact flash card to at half-time and then again at the end of the game.


Just to give you other options, there are also wireless compact flash cards that can wirelessly upload the photos to the laptop or the internet. For that you will also need a wireless internet service or you can tether it to a smart phone that has internet service. I don't have this setup, but I have heard about it.


I think you should start off slowly without investing too much money at first. There really isn't a lot of money to be made like this, but it's certainly a fun thing to do, and if you make some money then that will be nice bonus. If you would like to buy a laptop anyway, then that's a different story.


I assume you will have sideline access?


Rich