12 Best laptops for creating Virtual Tours with Pano2VR

It's 2022, and the world has changed a lot. People expect more from their virtual tours and photographs. But one thing hasn't changed – the need for a good laptop to support a professional workflow for photography. That's why I'm taking the chance to craft this guide to help you find the best laptops for Pano2VR.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Pano2VR – it's an application used to stitch together 360° photographs into virtual tours. Its main purpose is to make this sort of media easily accessible and shareable on the web. Doing so requires a bit of technical prowess, which is why having the right laptop is so important.

Therefore, I'm here to provide advice on the specific features you should look for in a laptop to ensure smooth and successful virtual tours with Pano2VR. We'll also compare the different hardware specs to give you an idea of what your options are. Ready to embark on this journey? Let's get started.

Processor Power

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The choice of processor for a laptop is essential when it comes to Panorama stitching software such as Pano2VR. With the release of Apple’s own ARM-based M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M2 system-on-chip modules, and the rise in market share by AMD’s 6th generation Ryzen processors, it’s now more difficult to decide on the right processor. Although Intel's 13th-gen processors are yet to reach the laptops, their 12th-gen chipsets have adopted hybrid performance/efficiency core designs based on big.LITTLE architecture.

It’s possible to run Pano2VR on both Windows and macOS laptops. However, the CPU is only critical for stitching the image while the GPU is important for rendering the panorama. Even so, the CPU doesn’t play as much of a role as in other panorama stitching applications like Hugin or PTGui. To make it easier to compare processors, we recommend using Cinebench R23, which is a popular benchmark that can be easily found online and isn’t too demanding.

In terms of laptop processors, if you’re using a MacBook don’t expect to see much improvement in performance if you upgrade the CPU. Apple locks down its CPUs so they won’t reach their full potential – instead they focus on improving battery life and heat management, which makes sense given how thin their laptops are.

For users who are looking for the best processor for VR rendering, here are our recommendations based on Linus' findings:

CPU Minimum Recommended High-end
Intel i3-1115G4 YES
Intel i5-10310U YES
Intel i7-1180G7 YES

Graphics Power

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Graphics cards have come a long way since the days of NVIDIA's Max-Q GPUs. NVIDIA's latest offering, the RTX 30 series, is the top of the line for laptop graphics. However, these cards have not yet been released for laptops and are expected in 2023. In the meantime, NVIDIA's previous RTX 20 series of GPUs are still the best option for gaming and 3D rendering.

For panorama rendering, though, you don't need a dedicated GPU. Since stitching and rendering are mostly done by the CPU, any low-end GPU like the GeForce GTX 1650 is more than enough. However, if you want to work with 360-degree panoramas or use real-time rendering, then you should consider a more powerful GPU like the GeForce RTX 3050.

To get an idea of the performance level of different GPUs, you can use 3DMark. For example, a GeForce RTX 2060 scores 17,812 on 3DMark Time Spy and 6,531 on Fire Strike Ultra, while the GeForce RTX 3050 scores 18,102 and 7,074 respectively. Of course, the final choice of graphics card will depend on your budget.

Finally, if you're planning to work with VR or AR, you should make sure that your laptop has multiple DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 3 ports so that you can connect an external display with an HMD (head-mounted display).

Here's a summary table of recommended GPUs and their expected laptop prices:

GPU 3DMark Time Spy Fire Strike Ultra Laptop Price Range
GeForce GTX 1650 6,106 2,836 Under $500
GeForce RTX 3050 18,102 7,074 $500-$1,000
GeForce RTX 2060 17,812 6,531 $1,000+

Pano2VR FAQs

Which laptop is best for Pano2VR?

When it comes to laptops for Pano2VR, it depends on your budget and needs. For basic VR content creation, an ASUS TUF A15 with an Intel Core i5-10310U processor, GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, and 8 GB of RAM should be enough. For more intensive tasks, like interactive panoramas, we recommend the GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 with an Intel Core i7-1180G7 processor, GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, and 16 GB of RAM. If money is not a problem, consider getting the MSI Titan GT77 12UHS-064 with an Intel Core i7-1180G7 processor, GeForce RTX 2060 graphics, and 32 GB of RAM.

What laptop specs do I need to run Pano2VR?

Pano2VR requires a laptop with at least an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, and 8 GB of RAM. However, for better performance, we suggest an Intel Core i7 processor, GeForce RTX 3050 or higher graphics, and 16 GB or more RAM.

Does Pano2VR work on a laptop?

Yes, Pano2VR works on laptops. It requires at least an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, and 8 GB of RAM.

What laptop should I buy for Pano2VR?

For basic VR content creation, an ASUS TUF A15 with an Intel Core i5-10310U processor, GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, and 8 GB of RAM should be enough. For more intensive tasks, like interactive panoramas, we recommend the GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 with an Intel Core i7-1180G7 processor, GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, and 16 GB of RAM.

What are Pano2VR requirements for a laptop?

Pano2VR requires a laptop with at least an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, and 8 GB of RAM. However, for better performance, we suggest an Intel Core i7 processor, GeForce RTX 3050 or higher graphics, and 16 GB or more RAM.

Can Pano2VR be used on a laptop?

Yes, Pano2VR can be used on laptops. It requires at least an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, and 8 GB of RAM.

Is i7 enough for running Pano2VR?

An Intel Core i7 processor is usually enough for running Pano2VR on a laptop. However, if you plan to do more intensive tasks like interactive panoramas, it's best to get a laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor and better graphics.

What do you need to run Pano2VR on laptop?

To run Pano2VR on a laptop, you need at least an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, and 8 GB of RAM. However, for better performance, we suggest an Intel Core i7 processor, GeForce RTX 3050 or higher graphics, and 16 GB or more RAM.

Can Pano2VR run on a laptop?

Yes, Pano2VR can run on laptops. It requires at least an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, and 8 GB of RAM.

Is 500 GB SSD enough for working with Pano2VR?

500 GB SSD should be enough for working with Pano2VR. However, if you plan to create more complex VR content, you may want to consider getting a larger capacity SSD.

Optimize RAM

Pano2VR is a memory-intensive application, so having enough RAM is essential for smooth performance. Laptops are usually equipped with 16 GB of RAM, and high-end laptops often have 32 GB or more. However, if you're looking to work with large panoramas, more RAM will be needed.

The latest Intel and AMD CPUs support both DDR4 and DDR5, but the latter is still expensive and needs time to mature as a technology. To get the most out of your laptop, you'll need a minimum of 32 GB of RAM. If you're going to be working with large panoramas, or if you plan to use multiple memory-hungry applications at once, then you should aim for at least 64 GB of RAM.

When shopping for RAM, you should also keep in mind the distinction between ECC (Error-Correcting Code) and non-ECC memory. ECC RAM is better for mission-critical tasks and data processing, but it's also more expensive.

To help you make an informed decision, here's a table of recommended RAM configurations by price range:

Price range Recommended RAM
Entry-level 8 GB
Mid-range 16 GB
High-end 32 GB
Workstation 64 GB (ECC)

6 Best Laptops for Pano2VR

$710
i5-12450H | GTX 1650 | 16 GB RAM | 1000 GB SSD | 15.6″ IPS WA; 1920x1080 |

1.HP Victus 15

HP Victus 15 is a budget gaming laptop with some compromises.
Pros
  • Strong entry-level gaming performance
  • Solid productivity performance
  • Affordable for a gaming laptop
Cons
  • Display and webcam could be better
  • Too much pre-installed software
  • Single-channel RAM in our review unit
Summary

The HP Victus 15 offers a budget-friendly option for gaming enthusiasts. While it delivers strong performance, it has some compromises in terms of display, webcam and pre-installed software.

Alternatives
$720
HP Victus
Pros
  • Terrific display (15.6 IPS)
  • Splendid memory amount (32GB)
Cons
  • Not the best graphics card (GTX 1650)
$900
i5-12450H | GTX 1650 | 32 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 15.6″ IPS WA; 1920x1080 |

2.HP Victus 15t

HP Victus 15t: A budget gaming laptop with good performance.
Pros
  • Excellent price
  • Good gaming performance
  • Can double as a work laptop
Cons
  • Bad battery life
  • Rather plain design
Summary

The HP Victus 15t is a budget gaming laptop that offers great value for its price. It is a solid choice for users who want a laptop that can handle high-end gaming while still being functional for everyday tasks. However, the laptop's battery life is poor, and it has a plain design.

Reviews
TechRadar
4/5
HP Victus 15
Alternatives
$1,230
Dell G15
Pros
  • High CPU performance
  • Excellent battery life
Cons
  • Poor display quality
  • No Thunderbolt support
$1,350
Ryzen 7 6800H | RTX 3060 | 32 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 16″ IPS HDR G-Sync; 2560x1600 |

3.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is a top-performing laptop with a high-quality display and easy serviceability.
Pros
  • High-quality 165 Hz 16:10 IPS display
  • Relatively easy serviceability
  • Integrated numpad
  • Very fast charging
Cons
  • Low resolution webcam with no IR or privacy shutter
  • Very warm CPUGPU temperatures when gaming
  • Moderate-heavy uneven backlight bleeding
  • Only average battery life
Summary

With upgraded CPU and GPU, Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is a high-performing laptop that features a 165 Hz 16:10 IPS display and relatively easy serviceability.

Alternatives
$1,300
ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74
Pros
  • Fast GeForce RTX 3060
  • High TGP target
Cons
  • Chassis base and lid exhibit some flexing
$1,600
i7-12700H | RTX 3070 Ti | 64 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 15.6″ IPS-level; 2560x1440 |

4.GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4

Gaming powerhouse with high system performance, 165Hz panel, PCIe 4.0 SSDs, and Thunderbolt 4, but poor power usage at idle.
Pros
  • Highly responsive 165Hz panel with wide color gamut
  • High system performance
  • PCIe 4.0 SSD with a free M.2 2280 slot
  • Individual key lighting
Cons
  • High power usage at idle and low load
  • No card reader
  • Only one USB-A port
Summary

The GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4 is a powerful gaming laptop with a highly responsive 165Hz panel, wide color gamut, PCIe 4.0 SSDs, and Thunderbolt 4. However, its power usage at idle and low load is high.

Alternatives
$1,800
ASUS ROG Strix G15 G513RM
Pros
  • Good design and solid build quality
  • Punchy and fast QHD 240 Hz screen
Cons
  • Some quirks affecting everyday ergonomics
  • No ThunderboltUSB 4, card
$2,310
Ryzen 9 5900HX | RTX 3080 | 64 GB RAM | 4000 GB SSD | 15.6″ IPS-level G-Sync; 1920x1080 |

5.ASUS ROG Strix Scar

ASUS ROG Strix Scar delivers impressive gaming performance but has subpar battery life and poor thermal management.
Pros
  • Sturdy construction
  • Fast Wi-Fi 6E
  • Excellent response times and no PWM
  • Wide color gamut coverage with Dolby Vision support
Cons
  • Limited display
Summary

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 G533 boasts a powerful Intel Alder Lake Core i9-12900H and a 150 W Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti with a dedicated MUX switch. Its sturdy construction, excellent response times, and wide color gamut coverage make it a great choice for enthusiast gamers. However, it suffers from high heat and noise emissions under load, heavy SSD throttling during continuous reads, limited display angle, lack of biometric login, and poor battery backup.

Alternatives
$2,500
Acer Predator Triton 500
Pros
  • High performance capabilities
  • Excellent, bright 240-Hz display
Cons
  • Soldered-in RAM
  • Inaccessible SSD
$5,500
i9-12900HX | RTX 3080 | 64 GB RAM | 2000 GB SSD | 17.3″ IPS; 3840x2160 |

6.MSI Titan GT77

MSI Titan GT77 is a powerful gaming laptop with a high-end mechanical keyboard, but its bulky design and high price tag may not appeal to everyone.
Pros
  • Slimmer chassis compared to previous generation Titans
  • High performance CPU and GPU
  • Four NVMe slots including one PCIe Gen5 slot
  • 360 Hz display with low response times and no PWM
Cons
  • Bulky and heavy design
  • Poor 720p webcam
  • B
Summary

The MSI Titan GT77 is a powerful desktop replacement that offers high-end performance with a slim chassis. It boasts a bright 4K display, NVMe storage, DDR5-4800 RAM, a highly tactile Cherry MX mechanical keyboard, and a fast 360 Hz display. However, the laptop is expensive, has a poor 720p webcam, and can be quite noisy under heavy loads.

Alternatives
$5,600
Dell XPS 17 9720
Pros
  • Excellent 4K display with AdobeRGB
  • High-quality case
Cons
  • Lower graphics performance than the predecessor
  • Performance not completely stable under combined load

Table of the Best Laptops for Pano2VR

LaptopPrice (approx)
HP Victus 15$710
HP Victus 15t$900
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro$1,350
GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4$1,600
ASUS ROG Strix Scar$2,310
MSI Titan GT77$5,500

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