Computer for Post Processing: My Apple IMac, several years old, can't be upgraded with more RAM, go figure Apple. It has only 4 GB memory which just can't handle normal tasks let alone...

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

My Apple IMac, several years old, can't be upgraded with more RAM, go figure Apple. It has only 4 GB memory which just can't handle normal tasks let alone PS or Lightroom. I have a Lenovo Laptop with 8 GB memory running Windows 7 that actually outperforms the Mac (faster processor as well and larger Hard Drive). I have the pc attached to an external 23 inch monitor. The monitor does not provide as much detail as the Mac but it works okay. I started looking around for a new desktop and have found there is a lot of choice out there.
I am staying away from Apple, been with them for years (decades) and just tired of the problems with upgrades.
Recommendations for new PC? And what do you suggest for minimum specs (memory, processor, hard drive, etc) Is a touch screen important, handy, nice?
Thanks in advance for suggestions. Oh, looking at a price range of $1k.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Bike guy wrote:

My Apple IMac, several years old, can't be upgrade... (show quote)

Check out http://www.dell.com

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1112300-REG/dell_998_bfer_optiplex_9030_i5_4590s_8gb_500gb_windows7p_23.html

blankmange Loc: down on the farm...

I am replacing an 8 year old Mac mini with a new Mac mini - for less than $1k...

what upgrade problems? I did two OS upgrades in that eight year span, for less than $25, but until recently, the hardware was more than enough to do everything I asked of it...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Bike guy wrote:

Recommendations for new PC? And what do you suggest for minimum specs (memory, processor, hard drive, etc) Is a touch screen important, handy, nice?
Thanks in advance for suggestions. Oh, looking at a price range of $1k.

It seems like Apple is shooting itself in the foot with some of its decisions - like installing a a non-removable app for the iWatch on all devices. And not being able to add memory or other things to their computers. Why?

I've had good luck with Dell. I always get a Core i7, minimum 16GB of memory, and minimum 1TG C: drive. I always add a second drive aftermarket - for data.

One major recommendation: replace the C: drive with a Samsung EVO 500GB SSD. I recently bought a new Dell desktop, but they couldn't supply it with an SSD. That's probably just as well, since the Samsung cost less than Dell would have charged.

With the SSD, my computer boots in under 30 seconds - faster than my iPad - and programs load very fast. The price has been dropping quickly.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-2-5-Inch-Internal-MZ-75E500B-AM/dp/B00OBRE5UE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427023537&sr=8-1&keywords=samsung+evo+500gb

Alfresco

The iMac must be quite old to have only 4gb of ram. If you don't include a current 27" iMac in your search, you are really missing out on a great computer. Every upgrade, including new operating systems have been free and their support blows Dell out of the water. I'm not saying don't look at other systems but do yourself a favor and don't dismiss Apple until you look at it, just saying.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Alfresco wrote:

The iMac must be quite old to have only 4gb of ram. If you don't include a current 27" iMac in your search, you are really missing out on a great computer. Every upgrade, including new operating systems have been free and their support blows Dell out of the water. I'm not saying don't look at other systems but do yourself a favor and don't dismiss Apple until you look at it, just saying.

:thumbup:

Alfresco

Jerry,
Apple still allows you to add RAM to their 27" iMac, I just went from 8gb to 24 go without any problem, it was actually easier than my older iMac. I'm also running iOS 8.2 on both my iPhone and iPad and no where do I find iWatch! I don't think Apple has any holes in the foot yet.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Alfresco wrote:

Jerry,
Apple still allows you to add RAM to their 27" iMac, I just went from 8gb to 24 go without any problem, it was actually easier than my older iMac. I'm also running iOS 8.2 on both my iPhone and iPad and no where do I find iWatch! I don't think Apple has any holes in the foot yet.

Right. It's the newer machines that lost the memory upgrade ability. I have no idea how much memory my 27" iMac has. It was a refurb. Ah, wait a minute. Yes, I remember I bought it with the standard memory and added more - very simple. Looking back, I see that I bought 16GB, so it has either 16 or 24GB now, depending on what it let me add.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Build a desk top, simple now a days, see my post:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-293140-1.html#4945431
My 4 gig computer was taken apart for drives and a few screws!! Now I have a real Kick-Ass game machine... not for games but for graphics. Really makes a difference.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

dpullum wrote:

Build a desk top, simple now a days, see my post:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-293140-1.html#4945431
My 4 gig computer was taken apart for drives and a few screws!! Now I have a real Kick-Ass game machine... not for games but for graphics. Really makes a difference.

When I wanted a new computer, I once again looked into building my own. Once again, the cost and the confusion sent me straight to Dell.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Bike guy wrote:

I am staying away from Apple, been with them for years (decades) and just tired of the problems with upgrades.

And you honestly think a PC will be better...good luck with that.

I'll wait for you next post 6 months from now...I bought a PC, but I've had nothing but problems...need to switch back to a Mac.

Granted your budget of 1000 would be extremely tight to buy a Mac, but there's no way in h e double hockey sticks you could ever get me to use a PC on a daily basis.

Larwbuck Loc: Seattle, Washington

I would stick with Mac, I use a Mini Mac with 16G ram, process a lot of photos with no problems. 16 G on a Mac is like 32G on a PC plus your color balance between the pic, machine and printer is much easier to align. Just my 2 cents worth, plus trying to switch back is like taking a downgrade in technology.......

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Bike guy wrote:

My Apple IMac, several years old, can't be upgraded with more RAM, go figure Apple. <snip>
I am staying away from Apple, been with them for years (decades) and just tired of the problems with upgrades.
Recommendations for new PC? And what do you suggest for minimum specs (memory, processor, hard drive, etc) Is a touch screen important, handy, nice?
Thanks in advance for suggestions. Oh, looking at a price range of $1k.

You must go buy a PC now! All your problems will be solved! No Windows PC would ever be limited to the ammount of memory you can add. And Windows updates are always silky smooth, they are never a problem. All the problems you are having are all because of Apple. So get rid of that piece of junk!

Oh for minimum specs, I recommemd you get a PC with a minimum of 8 GB of ram, and with a processor too, and with a hard drive, solid state is much better. You can use your budget as a guideline. For $1K you can get so much more in a PC than than with an Apple.

Get your Windows PC now! The sooner you do that the sooner you will start being happy. Donate that old Apple to a school and go get your new PC today. Please hurry.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

JD750 wrote:

You must go buy a PC now! All your problems will b... (show quote)

I'm trying to figure out whether you're being serious or sarcastic. :?: