Posted by Jim Erhardt on February 12, 2011 at 8:51 AM
We are pleased to announce Puget Systems as the sponsor of the Digital Imaging forum.
Puget Systems custom builds their PCs based on customer needs and application. They have a very useful and easy-to-use system configuration utility on their site, which explains each component in detail during the selection process. The full technical specifications of each component are explained and Puget Systems technical staff offer their opinions on various components as well. Through this process, it becomes obvious that each and every component used in their builds are quality pieces, from the cases used to power supplies and CPU cooling.
They also offer a configuration review process that once you have selected all the parts and pieces of your build, one of their technical experts will review with you - either by phone or email - the proposed build to make sure it is optimally configured and best fits your needs within your budget. When buying a new PC for the demands of photo editing, this is an extremely valuable service, ensuring that you end up with a reliable, high quality product that is perfectly suited for your needs.
Puget Systems is located entirely in Auburn, WA. where they build and support their systems. If you are in need of a new desktop, workstation or laptop, be sure to check out the Puget Systems website!
I must admit, Jim, that I was surprised to see an advertisement on the page, and until I read your post I was a little miffed. I assume the ad will be a short term thing?
As I remarked in your other thread, I have heard very good things about Puget Systems, and when I am ready to upgrade to a new box, their shop is the first place I will go.
In terms of their sponsorship, what does that mean for NPN members?
This sounds like a great partnership for NPN. Thanks for your efforts!
--P
Posted by Bill Chambers on February 12, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Like Preston, I was a bit surprised to see an advertisement on NPN, but I certainly don't have a problem with it. In fact, as long as it's a high quality company like Puget seems to be, I think it's a good thing. I just pulled up their site and played with a new configuration to get an idea of current pricing and was pretty pleasantly surprised. Now, if I only had the money currently available! Nice work Jim.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on February 12, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Preston, you pose some fair questions!
In a nutshell, Puget Systems is supplying NPN with a new (and very badly needed) workstation in exchange for our promotion. Our Dell 4550 (which we use for all NPN site development, maintenance, monthly article uploads, primary data storage, etc.) is 8 years old, underpowered for todays apps and is no doubt on its last legs. The power supply fan makes a racket I've already replaced the video card once due to a noisy fan. I could not in good faith ignore pending doom any longer.
What this means for NPN membership is as follows;
1. Money that was going to be spent on replacing our workstation can now be directed to other projects, mainly new software development. As per this post, the new commercial software currently under development will be the basis for our new e-book/calendar/DVD/apps/etc. galleries where our members will be able to market their goods directly to our visitors. The new software is progressing quite well and we should be beta testing by the end of the month. As you might imagine, it's not cheap having custom software developed.
2. Until you posted the link, I wasn't aware of Puget Systems. After my due diligence it became clear that they have much to offer to anyone who needs quality, reliable computers. I think giving them promotion will benefit NPN members, at least to the point of being aware of alternatives to Dell, HP, etc. for their PC/photo editing needs. And there's zero doubt that Puget Systems build very high quality PCs, so anyone who buys one will no doubt be very pleased with their purchase.
So, in the end we judged it a win for all - we save $$ that can be directed to better purposes, NPN members become aware of a great computer company and Puget Systems gets exposure to an audience that will no doubt appreciate their products and services.
Unsolicited Puget testemonial here - about six months age, I replaced my aging Gateway with a custom system from Puget. The price was very competitive, the component choices are all first quality brand-name devices, the one-on-one tech support throughout the process was superb. My system is so quiet that you have to look at the indicator light (and the display, of course) to know that it's running. It also ships without the bloatware found on computers from the major suppliers. Definitely worth a look if you are contemplating an upgrade.
Posted by Jon Bach on February 12, 2011 at 1:34 PM
Thanks Rita, that's what we like to hear!
We're proud to be sponsoring NPN. I was telling Jim as we worked out this deal, that we were actually the supplier of test systems to Adobe as they developed CS5, so we have some good experience and history with what it takes to make great photography workstations. I will be personally monitoring and contributing to the Digital Imaging forum, with the sole goal to be a source of information for all things computing. We are *not* a hard sell at Puget Systems, and have no desire to spam or be overly aggressive in our exposure. We feel that it is our place to provide information, answer questions, and let our reputation speak for itself. I look forward to participating here!
Welcome aboard! We appreciate your committment to our membership.
We will return the favor with help on your photography related questions and/or critiques of your photos, if you are doing photography.
Kind regards,
--P
Posted by Luke Ormand on February 12, 2011 at 6:21 PM
Jim,
I for one have no problem w/ads like this on NPN where you and everyone else can benefit (it's called trickle down economics, right?). Having a specific sponsor for each of the forums is a good idea.
I don't have a concern about the Puget Systems banner graphic.
--P
Posted by Jim Erhardt on February 12, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Charlie, NPN has traditionally been a site free of blatant commercialism. That in fact is not changing.
What is changing is our partnering with select manufacturers who will offer our members some direct benefits. For example, we have several banner advertisements in the Group Buy forum because those manufactuers are offering NPN members a special (and substantial) discount via a NPN-exclusive group buy event.
In the case of Puget Systems, the benefits are descibed in my previous post. Direct benefits to NPN members will be coming in a month or so when Puget Systems conducts their first NPN group buy event. I really don't want to let the cat entirely out of the bag at this moment but it's safe to say that partnering with quality manufacturers who make products that are of interest to nature photographers and offer those products at substantial discount to NPN members in exchange for on-site promotion, we will explore ways to make that happen. This is all part of building value in NPN membership.
FWIW, a week does not go by when we are approached by vendors asking "how much do we charge for advertising" on the site. We simply don't accept this kind of traditional advertising.
Posted by Ed Cordes on February 14, 2011 at 9:25 PM
I am a very happy customer of a Puget Systems computer. About a year ago I worked with their excellent staff to develop a first rate machine which has continued to meet my expectations. I particularly like the fact that I got just what I needed and was not overloaded with junk software clogging up the works. Due to an error on my part I needed to contact service once and received polite, expert guidance in resolving the self created issue in language I could understand and remember.
All in all Puget Systems will be an outstanding partner of NPN.
Posted by Paul DeCesare on February 18, 2011 at 6:22 PM
One banner that points to a VALUE for us members is a good thing. My initial concern was that there are many places out there where you get way overcharged for these supposed custom rigs. I do build my own systems, my latest for 5D MKII editing does have 24GB ram, 7 internal hard drives (2 on a 3ware raid card) plus all the trimmings (Blu-Ray burner, GTX470, yadda yadda yadda). So I went to Puget's website and put it through the paces, looking for high markups on components, outdated hardware choices, whatever I could find that would raise a warning flag, and to my delight I found NO inferior options. I researched many options on the Genesis workstation specifically because that is the monster rig to get if you do photo or especially video editing, and every option they offered was top notch and reasonably priced. In fact, the option to add a blu-ray burner was $40 less than what I paid for mine! Jim, you made a wise choice, the hardware is good and the website is well done. I'll be quite honest, us photographers tend to jump at buying a $5K birding lens but balk at buying a PC that's over $399, lol! When it's time to get serious and you don't want the hassle of building a rig, Puget appears to have the goods.
Note to those looking to get a PC for video editing who plan on using Adobe Premiere Pro: you do NOT want a gaming machine, those usually have 2 or 3 video cards wired together. Premiere does NOT leverage this, it can only use 1 video card and that's only CS5 that can. ALSO, only NVidia cards are utilized by Premiere, ATI Radeon are not recognized by Premiere so you won't get the benefit. A video editing machine is one video card and many hard drives with at least two in RAID0 for speed. A gamer machine has a couple decent hard drives and ten grand in video cards, so don't spend more than necessary. I like that Genesis workstation, that'd be my choice if I needed to by an editing rig. I like the name too.
I agree, Mark! I recently purchased a 240GB Intel SSD from Puget for my Puget computer. I needed to call them regarding some billing questions, and it was great to speak with the same person who was answering my questions about SSD's on the Puget Forum. How cool is that!
Going with the suggestions from Puget, the installation went very well. I'm always leery about cloning the system image from one drive to another, but the built-in functionality in Win-7 made it easy, and everthing works nicely.
I have to say one thing about SSD's: They are blazing fast! If you are thinking of upgrading, the prices are steep compared to a regular HD, but the prices are gradually coming down. From a performance standpoint, they are a great way to go for imaging work.
Puget Systems gets another 'thumbs-up' from me!
--P
Posted by Jerry Marella on January 13, 2013 at 6:26 PM
I'll let you all know how my support experience goes. I've worked with Puget support in the past for a card reader that didn't work. They sent a replacement that I couldn't get working with the help of support so they agreed to take them both back and credit my card. That was acceptable. This morning after turning on the computer and preparing to work some files, I left the computer for about an hour and when I returned it was hung. I couldn't do anything so I ended up resetting it. Never came back to life. I've called support, and I know they are off for the weekend, and left a message. Not a pleasant message since I was terribly frustrated since the system is less than two months old. I've also sent an email to the general manager letting him know my frustration level.
I'll assume that I'll get a call tomorrow from support and either a resolution or a return authorization so that they can make repairs or keep the box and give me a refund. I'm really not happy, but I also realize that technical things fail. For me, the proof in the company will be how they handle this situation. I'll either post a positive report, or a negative report depending on their response and the resolution.
I recently received my new Puget Systems Traverse 15" laptop! I must say that it is gorgeous, and was perfectly setup by the folks at Puget. I needed a computer that would replace an old Dell tower, and also for use on the road. So, I opted for the 15" model with an Intel i5 CPU, NVidia 650M 1GB video and a Intel 520-240GB SSD. The unit is also WiFi and Bluetooth capable. I also ordered a 500GB Western Digital USB 3.0 external drive for backup. The full specs are here
Once again, I am very happy with the expert and timely customer service by the folks at Puget Systems (I purchased my workstation from them). They exhaustively test each machine before it goes out the door and the parts they use are thoroughly tested in house before they add them to their product line. I even received an unsolicited phone call from them asking me how much I liked the computer, if was functioning properly and if I had any suggestions or concerns. That's service!
I didn't find the ad obtrusive.
IMO carefully selected advertising/sponsors is an exellent way to make funds go further.
No-one is under any obligation to buy but it does draw our attention to suppliers we might not otherwise be aware of.
The key thing is to keep it under control and be sure that all sponsors are what they say they are.
When I saw this, I jumped on the news and arranged to send my laptop to them for an upgrade from the existing glossy TN panel.
Well, I got my computer back yesterday, and oh! the difference! Glare is significantly reduced, the graphics are crisp and clean and the viewing angles are much better than the TN panel.
Puget's repair process, which I had never used, went smoothly. Just as with the purchase of a new machine from them, they keep you updated as to their progress. They also updated any drivers and Windows and then ran through the benchmarks just to be sure that when it went out the door it was like new.
So, once again, a tip-o'-the-hat to Puget Systems for their great customer service and skilled work!
I'll also note that Puget has recently updated their 15" and 17" Traverse laptop line. These are powerful machines that will get the job done. If you are interested in a laptop, take a look.
I needed a new computer badly, and got some excellent advice from people here re specs. (Thanks!)
I called various computer places with those specs, including Puget Systems, and was getting quotes from 4000$ to almost 8000$. Can't do that!
I called a computer tech who works on my friend's computer, and he built me a computer with the EXACT same specs, and several things upgraded, for less than $2000.
He can build anything for anyone, he says, anywhere in the US.
So now I have a lightning-fast computer that does Photoshop and my 100 filters, etc at warp speed - plus all the usual computer stuff..
If anyone wants his name and number, please email me. His business is A+ with the BBB, and his yelp reviews are 100% excellent.
Discussion
19 repliesPuget Systems custom builds their PCs based on customer needs and application. They have a very useful and easy-to-use system configuration utility on their site, which explains each component in detail during the selection process. The full technical specifications of each component are explained and Puget Systems technical staff offer their opinions on various components as well. Through this process, it becomes obvious that each and every component used in their builds are quality pieces, from the cases used to power supplies and CPU cooling.
They also offer a configuration review process that once you have selected all the parts and pieces of your build, one of their technical experts will review with you - either by phone or email - the proposed build to make sure it is optimally configured and best fits your needs within your budget. When buying a new PC for the demands of photo editing, this is an extremely valuable service, ensuring that you end up with a reliable, high quality product that is perfectly suited for your needs.
Puget Systems is located entirely in Auburn, WA. where they build and support their systems. If you are in need of a new desktop, workstation or laptop, be sure to check out the Puget Systems website!
As I remarked in your other thread, I have heard very good things about Puget Systems, and when I am ready to upgrade to a new box, their shop is the first place I will go.
In terms of their sponsorship, what does that mean for NPN members?
This sounds like a great partnership for NPN. Thanks for your efforts!
--P
In a nutshell, Puget Systems is supplying NPN with a new (and very badly needed) workstation in exchange for our promotion. Our Dell 4550 (which we use for all NPN site development, maintenance, monthly article uploads, primary data storage, etc.) is 8 years old, underpowered for todays apps and is no doubt on its last legs. The power supply fan makes a racket I've already replaced the video card once due to a noisy fan. I could not in good faith ignore pending doom any longer.
What this means for NPN membership is as follows;
1. Money that was going to be spent on replacing our workstation can now be directed to other projects, mainly new software development. As per this post, the new commercial software currently under development will be the basis for our new e-book/calendar/DVD/apps/etc. galleries where our members will be able to market their goods directly to our visitors. The new software is progressing quite well and we should be beta testing by the end of the month. As you might imagine, it's not cheap having custom software developed.
2. Until you posted the link, I wasn't aware of Puget Systems. After my due diligence it became clear that they have much to offer to anyone who needs quality, reliable computers. I think giving them promotion will benefit NPN members, at least to the point of being aware of alternatives to Dell, HP, etc. for their PC/photo editing needs. And there's zero doubt that Puget Systems build very high quality PCs, so anyone who buys one will no doubt be very pleased with their purchase.
So, in the end we judged it a win for all - we save $$ that can be directed to better purposes, NPN members become aware of a great computer company and Puget Systems gets exposure to an audience that will no doubt appreciate their products and services.
I think we all come out ahead with this!
We're proud to be sponsoring NPN. I was telling Jim as we worked out this deal, that we were actually the supplier of test systems to Adobe as they developed CS5, so we have some good experience and history with what it takes to make great photography workstations. I will be personally monitoring and contributing to the Digital Imaging forum, with the sole goal to be a source of information for all things computing. We are *not* a hard sell at Puget Systems, and have no desire to spam or be overly aggressive in our exposure. We feel that it is our place to provide information, answer questions, and let our reputation speak for itself. I look forward to participating here!
Welcome aboard! We appreciate your committment to our membership.
We will return the favor with help on your photography related questions and/or critiques of your photos, if you are doing photography.
Kind regards,
--P
I for one have no problem w/ads like this on NPN where you and everyone else can benefit (it's called trickle down economics, right?). Having a specific sponsor for each of the forums is a good idea.
- Luke
Thanks for answering my questions.
I don't have a concern about the Puget Systems banner graphic.
--P
What is changing is our partnering with select manufacturers who will offer our members some direct benefits. For example, we have several banner advertisements in the Group Buy forum because those manufactuers are offering NPN members a special (and substantial) discount via a NPN-exclusive group buy event.
In the case of Puget Systems, the benefits are descibed in my previous post. Direct benefits to NPN members will be coming in a month or so when Puget Systems conducts their first NPN group buy event. I really don't want to let the cat entirely out of the bag at this moment but it's safe to say that partnering with quality manufacturers who make products that are of interest to nature photographers and offer those products at substantial discount to NPN members in exchange for on-site promotion, we will explore ways to make that happen. This is all part of building value in NPN membership.
FWIW, a week does not go by when we are approached by vendors asking "how much do we charge for advertising" on the site. We simply don't accept this kind of traditional advertising.
All in all Puget Systems will be an outstanding partner of NPN.
Note to those looking to get a PC for video editing who plan on using Adobe Premiere Pro: you do NOT want a gaming machine, those usually have 2 or 3 video cards wired together. Premiere does NOT leverage this, it can only use 1 video card and that's only CS5 that can. ALSO, only NVidia cards are utilized by Premiere, ATI Radeon are not recognized by Premiere so you won't get the benefit. A video editing machine is one video card and many hard drives with at least two in RAID0 for speed. A gamer machine has a couple decent hard drives and ten grand in video cards, so don't spend more than necessary. I like that Genesis workstation, that'd be my choice if I needed to by an editing rig. I like the name too.
Going with the suggestions from Puget, the installation went very well. I'm always leery about cloning the system image from one drive to another, but the built-in functionality in Win-7 made it easy, and everthing works nicely.
I have to say one thing about SSD's: They are blazing fast! If you are thinking of upgrading, the prices are steep compared to a regular HD, but the prices are gradually coming down. From a performance standpoint, they are a great way to go for imaging work.
Puget Systems gets another 'thumbs-up' from me!
--P
I'll assume that I'll get a call tomorrow from support and either a resolution or a return authorization so that they can make repairs or keep the box and give me a refund. I'm really not happy, but I also realize that technical things fail. For me, the proof in the company will be how they handle this situation. I'll either post a positive report, or a negative report depending on their response and the resolution.
Once again, I am very happy with the expert and timely customer service by the folks at Puget Systems (I purchased my workstation from them). They exhaustively test each machine before it goes out the door and the parts they use are thoroughly tested in house before they add them to their product line. I even received an unsolicited phone call from them asking me how much I liked the computer, if was functioning properly and if I had any suggestions or concerns. That's service!
--P
IMO carefully selected advertising/sponsors is an exellent way to make funds go further.
No-one is under any obligation to buy but it does draw our attention to suppliers we might not otherwise be aware of.
The key thing is to keep it under control and be sure that all sponsors are what they say they are.
Puget is now offering wide-gamut, 1080p, matte screens for their Traverse V-Series and Pro-M series laptops.
When I saw this, I jumped on the news and arranged to send my laptop to them for an upgrade from the existing glossy TN panel.
Well, I got my computer back yesterday, and oh! the difference! Glare is significantly reduced, the graphics are crisp and clean and the viewing angles are much better than the TN panel.
Puget's repair process, which I had never used, went smoothly. Just as with the purchase of a new machine from them, they keep you updated as to their progress. They also updated any drivers and Windows and then ran through the benchmarks just to be sure that when it went out the door it was like new.
So, once again, a tip-o'-the-hat to Puget Systems for their great customer service and skilled work!
I'll also note that Puget has recently updated their 15" and 17" Traverse laptop line. These are powerful machines that will get the job done. If you are interested in a laptop, take a look.
--P
I called various computer places with those specs, including Puget Systems, and was getting quotes from 4000$ to almost 8000$. Can't do that!
I called a computer tech who works on my friend's computer, and he built me a computer with the EXACT same specs, and several things upgraded, for less than $2000.
He can build anything for anyone, he says, anywhere in the US.
So now I have a lightning-fast computer that does Photoshop and my 100 filters, etc at warp speed - plus all the usual computer stuff..
If anyone wants his name and number, please email me. His business is A+ with the BBB, and his yelp reviews are 100% excellent.
Sandy
Can you post the specs for your new machine? I am really interested to see what you had built.
I hope it works out well for you!
--P