Posted by scott lanz on January 5, 2008 at 2:08 PM
Brian Monk posted a question of interest to me concerning Mac v PC. I also am in the market for a computer devoted primarily to photo editing, something I have never done and know nothing about except in theory. I have pretty much decided on a mac (as most here recommend), and while I don't want to steal Brian's topic, let me ask a follow up question (or two): what type of mac would you recommend (imac and the mac pro being the two choices, I assume) and how should I get it configured? Also, any opinions on where to buy (e.g. nearest Apple store, Amazon, or elsewhere)? Thanks.
Posted by Carol Hyman on January 5, 2008 at 2:38 PM
Hi Scott,
Whether you use a laptop or a desk computer is up to you. I have to be mobile so I selected the 17" MacBook Pro. Don't know what current configurations are available but get the maximum memory and hard drive you can. I dealt with an Apple store but don't think it matters. I would recommend the Apple care protection plan, and I'm saying this as a person who is a former System Admin and while I'm not a hardware person, I've dabbled with, fixed, and replace parts.
The difference between iMac and Mac Pro will probably boild down to monitor choices and accessories. Some folks report problems calibrating iMac screens (second hand, cuzz I don't know) or prefer to buy some other brand of monitor. For me the fewer number of USB and firewire ports on the iMac have caused my biggest hesitation.
But in truth, we have other computers to run the accessories, and I may well get an iMac for my next desktop unit. I can save a few buxz certainly, but the decision will boil down to resolving the calibration question.
Posted by Mark Stahlke on January 5, 2008 at 2:55 PM
I chose the Mac Pro because it is more expandable. I ordered it online from Apple via an employee purchase program and saved about 7% that way. If you are a National Association of Photoshop Professionals member you can get a similar discount. At $99.00 for a one year NAPP membership, it might be worthwhile for the Apple discount alone.
Apple is very proud of their hardware. I suggest buying a minimal configuration in terms of disk drives and memory. Disk and memory upgrades are very easy to install yourself. For additional disk drives try Newegg. For memory upgrades I was very happy with Other World Computing. You'll pay something like 1/3 of Apple's prices.
For a tattoo and piercing parlor, you're on your own.
I use one of the new iMacs, Have no problem with the screen except that they are to bright. I use a free little program called Shades, download HERE
Itallows you to turn the brightness of the screen down without messing up your monitor profile
Posted by Jim DeWitt on January 6, 2008 at 1:32 AM
I've used Macs since the beginning. Unless you will be making very serious demands on the hardware, a 24 inch iMac with 4 GB RAM, and a hard drive of at least 250GB should meet your needs.
As one contemplating adding a 24" iMac to our spread, I have to ask if you find the small # of USB and Firewire ports to be a handicap? Everything else about the model comes up roses for the set of needs we've identified.
I can say for my self and my use I haven't found the low number of ports a problem. My external drives plug into the computers ports, I use the keyboard USB for my card reader, ipod connection when needed and other things I dont need plugged all the time. I one USB port for eyeTV to get HD TV on my iMac also. The only problem I had with my iMac was the screen brightness but Shades fixed that
Posted by Vandit Kalia on January 6, 2008 at 12:58 PM
I work primarily off a laptop (a Macbook) but ended up buying a Mac Mini and a 24" Dell screen recently. The screen calibrates really nicely, and the Mac Mini with 2GB RAM flies.
Personally, i would go the Mini route - for some reason, having all my electronics in 1 box doesnt appeal to me. With my setup, I can change computers, screens, etc. a lot easier.
Vandit
Posted by Nathan Lovas on January 6, 2008 at 10:22 PM
I can only tell you that I have a Mac Pro with 4 gigs of ram, a 23 inch Apple LCD and I love it. I am sure that the iMac is a great computer...this is just what I have experience using. I also use a 15 inch Mac Book Pro...if you need to be mobile it's great, but having a desktop unit is nice. I ordered mine with 2 gigs of ram from Apple and then added another 2 gigs through Crucial...Apple will tell you their ram is better and it may be the case, but I have never had a problem using crucial and it can save you some money...I would also purchase additional hard drives through 3rd parties, but that's just me...I have had good luck ordering through both Apple and Amazon..nate
Discussion
9 repliesWhether you use a laptop or a desk computer is up to you. I have to be mobile so I selected the 17" MacBook Pro. Don't know what current configurations are available but get the maximum memory and hard drive you can. I dealt with an Apple store but don't think it matters. I would recommend the Apple care protection plan, and I'm saying this as a person who is a former System Admin and while I'm not a hardware person, I've dabbled with, fixed, and replace parts.
Good luck with your choice.
Carol
But in truth, we have other computers to run the accessories, and I may well get an iMac for my next desktop unit. I can save a few buxz certainly, but the decision will boil down to resolving the calibration question.
Apple is very proud of their hardware. I suggest buying a minimal configuration in terms of disk drives and memory. Disk and memory upgrades are very easy to install yourself. For additional disk drives try Newegg. For memory upgrades I was very happy with Other World Computing. You'll pay something like 1/3 of Apple's prices.
For a tattoo and piercing parlor, you're on your own.
Itallows you to turn the brightness of the screen down without messing up your monitor profile
Personally, i would go the Mini route - for some reason, having all my electronics in 1 box doesnt appeal to me. With my setup, I can change computers, screens, etc. a lot easier.
Vandit