Posted by Rob Haman on December 24, 2008 at 10:41 AM
This is partially related to the Epson 4800 issues, but mostly because the current system is dated, overworked and expanded as far as capable. I want to stick with Dell as I've had good luck with them but I'm not sure which system would be the best option.
This is primarily a photo editing and cataloging PC yet I do work with MS Office and accounting software for the business side of things. Processor speed and memory are the key aspects, working with large format scans - that with layers added - can approach 1gb in size stops my current PC in it's tracks.
Rob
Posted by Jerry Greer on December 24, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Here's a system that will do anything you need. One thing I can tell you, if you want to work with 1gb scans, you gotta pay to play and there's NO WAY around it. I've been there and done that. I built a monster AMD dual processor desktop (actually too big for the desk and sat in the floor) for my large-format scanning. Now I use a custom, docked, Dell Precision Mobile Workstation. I'm no longer dealing with LF scans, only digital files. One other thing, pay the bit extra for the US based, pro service. These guys are wonderful and are true professionals, they know what they are doing and are not following a flowchart.
DOT NOT BUY A CONSUMER UNIT OF ANY TYPE!
Posted by John Mumaw on December 24, 2008 at 12:27 PM
DOT NOT BUY A CONSUMER UNIT OF ANY TYPE!
Nonsense.
I recently purchased an HP Pavilion Elite d5100t with far better specs (Vista 64 bit OS, 2.66 Ghz processor, Blu-Ray, and 8GB of RAM) at less than half the cost of that Dell, and it sings with multilayered 10MP TIFF files!
Posted by Scott Nelson on December 24, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Hi Rob, I've been building and helping folks buy systems for many years. My first recommendation is, determine the maximum you are willing to spend. With the different option out there, its very easy it hit the $4000 mark, I've spec'd systems upwards of $13,000.
For photo processing 2 big things, the more RAM the better. For photo work I would suggest getting no less than 8Gigs. Second, get the fastest processor you can afford as well. If you're really into Dell, take a look at Dell XPS
But I do not agree with Jerry, some of the consumer names are really decent systems, especially HP, as John points out, but it sometimes can be a bit difficult to find a system with the exact spec's you're after. Just stay with a well known brand name(Although I would avoid Gateway. I've had a couple bad experiences with them).
Posted by Rob Haman on December 24, 2008 at 1:01 PM
I used to be a die-hard HP fan, but like Scott with Gateway - I had some issues with HP that kind of soured me on them. Besides, I'm a stockholder of Dell so I got to try to get my money back!!!
You know-it's funny how we all looks at things diferentsy. Guess that's good tho. I do not like Dell,as I have had very bad experiences with them. Love HP. John could you please email me some more info. abou the one you have. My present HP Privillion came on board when Windows Millinium was introduced. I changed OS to windows XP Prof. which I still love over Vista, but am having difficulty finding a new computer. with xp, and recently found out that Microsoft will discontinue support for XP soon. So I am torn as to which one, XP or bite the bullet and change over to Vist. I have heard that Vista want work with some programs and there have been clitches. I can no longer add ram to my present computer, so many of my editing software programs are slow. Would really appreciate some opinions.
Posted by David Chauvin on December 24, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Hi Rob,,,,,,if you do decide to go with a Dell workstation, be sure to check out their refurbished systems. A year ago I bought one for half the price of a new machine and could not tell what separated it from new. It was flawless out of the box and has run like a champ. One assurance was that Dell business systems came with three years on site parts and service standard.
Best Regards,,,,,,,David
BTW,,,,,,Dell's business machines don't come with a ton of bloatware and trial software installed. I really hate having to re-install the OS as a first step when buying a new pc.
Posted by Rick Dunn on December 24, 2008 at 6:06 PM
I agree that there are excellent consumer machines out there - I have two HPs that I love (they've come a long way in recent years), but HP's support is pretty disappointing. My main machine is a Dell XPS - it costs more than a comparable HP (though a lot less than a comparable Mac!) - and I've always received very good support. That's what you're paying for with Dell, imo, the better support.
I also deal with large format scans (4x5) and large, layered files from a D2X. I've stuck with XP so far; speed with the digital files is reasonable, but slow with the LF scans. My next machine will be a 64-bit for the added RAM capacity. With 1GB files, I'd definitely go with Vista 64-bit.
There should be some great deals after Christmas, and perhaps even better ones in February once demand completely dries up.
Posted by Jerry Greer on December 24, 2008 at 10:39 PM
No it's not nonsense! If you want great service then stay away for consumer units. Yes, you can buy computers that look better on paper but you must look at the meat of the system. John, you are looking at the base Dell T7400 system. Go back and click on customize and build it the way it should be. What kind of Pro service does HP give you with that system? There's a difference in the units. The Pro business systems are, most always, built with higher quality hardware. You have to look beyond the spec sheet. In the end, you get what you pay for.
Jackie, was your Dell a consumer unit or a Business workstation? Business workstations can only be purchased from Dell. They are custom built for the purchaser. I'm certain yours was a pre-built consumer unit with the standard 1 year service and warranty. Also, Dell's workstations can be built with Windows XP Pro with Pro service from Dell. They have made a commitment to their business customers that they will service XP Pro for the 3-year warranty. By that time Windows 7 will be out!
Guy's agree with me or not, Dell Pro support is a 24/7 US based service and is what makes the difference. This is why I said to stay away from consumer units. With Pro service you talk to a human or chat direct via the internet. They are professionals and not someone from India that you can't understand and reads a flowchart. Dell's Pro service is more in line with Apple's service on their pro machines. Also, this is a business workstation that can be configured in just about any way, they also have a 64bit Vista system and you'll notice that this system comes with XP Pro also (serviced by Dell professional). It's also built with Xeon Core 2 Duo's. There's a difference in the processors for sure. Same processors they now use in the high end MacPro's. I stick to my statement, buy a business workstation and get the Pro US based service. Oh, and it's a 3-year service and warranty on the pro workstations.
BTW, they make a Dell Precision T7400 Workstation 64bit and make sure you check out the customization. You can build this thing with dual Quad Core Intel® Xeon® X5470 Processor's (3.3GHz,2X6M L2,1333). The other link was to the base system, hit the customize button and build it to the max! It's only money!
Posted by Robert Fisher on December 26, 2008 at 9:59 AM
Rob, what version of PS are you using? Any plans to go to CS4 if you haven't already?
What you might want to consider is going to a 64 bit OS. This allows you to have more RAM installed and accessible by the system. PS CS4, while not a true 64 bit app., does have some additional support built in for a 64 bit environment in that it can access some of that additional RAM. CS4 also has the capability to access and use both the RAM and CPU power of your graphics card. This is a very positive development and makes the selection of a graphics card more important than it has been in the past.
Posted by Rob Haman on December 28, 2008 at 7:22 PM
Ok,
I opted for the Dell T7400 system and I did get the 64 bit version, 64 bits seems like the upcoming standard and all of my printers and scanners are capable of working with it. I'm still using PS3 but now with a 64bit system I will likely upgrade in the near future.
And I also opted for the Pro support option, after spending that kind of money on a PC whats a couple hundred more to know that if there's a problem I've got options. Problems never occur when you've got spare time it's ALWAYS in the middle of something.
Thanks All
In the end it's Ford/Chevy, Nikon/Canon or BP/Texaco, we all have our favorites!!
Posted by Jerry Greer on December 29, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Rob,
Good choice! You'll love it and the service is awesome.
Discussion
11 repliesThis is primarily a photo editing and cataloging PC yet I do work with MS Office and accounting software for the business side of things. Processor speed and memory are the key aspects, working with large format scans - that with layers added - can approach 1gb in size stops my current PC in it's tracks.
Rob
Rob,
Here's a system that will do anything you need. One thing I can tell you, if you want to work with 1gb scans, you gotta pay to play and there's NO WAY around it. I've been there and done that. I built a monster AMD dual processor desktop (actually too big for the desk and sat in the floor) for my large-format scanning. Now I use a custom, docked, Dell Precision Mobile Workstation. I'm no longer dealing with LF scans, only digital files. One other thing, pay the bit extra for the US based, pro service. These guys are wonderful and are true professionals, they know what they are doing and are not following a flowchart.
DOT NOT BUY A CONSUMER UNIT OF ANY TYPE!
Nonsense.
I recently purchased an HP Pavilion Elite d5100t with far better specs (Vista 64 bit OS, 2.66 Ghz processor, Blu-Ray, and 8GB of RAM) at less than half the cost of that Dell, and it sings with multilayered 10MP TIFF files!
For photo processing 2 big things, the more RAM the better. For photo work I would suggest getting no less than 8Gigs. Second, get the fastest processor you can afford as well. If you're really into Dell, take a look at Dell XPS
But I do not agree with Jerry, some of the consumer names are really decent systems, especially HP, as John points out, but it sometimes can be a bit difficult to find a system with the exact spec's you're after. Just stay with a well known brand name(Although I would avoid Gateway. I've had a couple bad experiences with them).
Thanks for the ideas
Best Regards,,,,,,,David
BTW,,,,,,Dell's business machines don't come with a ton of bloatware and trial software installed. I really hate having to re-install the OS as a first step when buying a new pc.
I also deal with large format scans (4x5) and large, layered files from a D2X. I've stuck with XP so far; speed with the digital files is reasonable, but slow with the LF scans. My next machine will be a 64-bit for the added RAM capacity. With 1GB files, I'd definitely go with Vista 64-bit.
There should be some great deals after Christmas, and perhaps even better ones in February once demand completely dries up.
Jackie, was your Dell a consumer unit or a Business workstation? Business workstations can only be purchased from Dell. They are custom built for the purchaser. I'm certain yours was a pre-built consumer unit with the standard 1 year service and warranty. Also, Dell's workstations can be built with Windows XP Pro with Pro service from Dell. They have made a commitment to their business customers that they will service XP Pro for the 3-year warranty. By that time Windows 7 will be out!
Guy's agree with me or not, Dell Pro support is a 24/7 US based service and is what makes the difference. This is why I said to stay away from consumer units. With Pro service you talk to a human or chat direct via the internet. They are professionals and not someone from India that you can't understand and reads a flowchart. Dell's Pro service is more in line with Apple's service on their pro machines. Also, this is a business workstation that can be configured in just about any way, they also have a 64bit Vista system and you'll notice that this system comes with XP Pro also (serviced by Dell professional). It's also built with Xeon Core 2 Duo's. There's a difference in the processors for sure. Same processors they now use in the high end MacPro's. I stick to my statement, buy a business workstation and get the Pro US based service. Oh, and it's a 3-year service and warranty on the pro workstations.
BTW, they make a Dell Precision T7400 Workstation 64bit and make sure you check out the customization. You can build this thing with dual Quad Core Intel® Xeon® X5470 Processor's (3.3GHz,2X6M L2,1333). The other link was to the base system, hit the customize button and build it to the max! It's only money!
What you might want to consider is going to a 64 bit OS. This allows you to have more RAM installed and accessible by the system. PS CS4, while not a true 64 bit app., does have some additional support built in for a 64 bit environment in that it can access some of that additional RAM. CS4 also has the capability to access and use both the RAM and CPU power of your graphics card. This is a very positive development and makes the selection of a graphics card more important than it has been in the past.
I opted for the Dell T7400 system and I did get the 64 bit version, 64 bits seems like the upcoming standard and all of my printers and scanners are capable of working with it. I'm still using PS3 but now with a 64bit system I will likely upgrade in the near future.
And I also opted for the Pro support option, after spending that kind of money on a PC whats a couple hundred more to know that if there's a problem I've got options. Problems never occur when you've got spare time it's ALWAYS in the middle of something.
Thanks All
In the end it's Ford/Chevy, Nikon/Canon or BP/Texaco, we all have our favorites!!
Good choice! You'll love it and the service is awesome.