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In the market for a new desktop computer
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Aug 24, 2016 06:24:28   #
OZMON Loc: WIGAN UK
 
if you can afford one, get one with an i7 processor and 16gb ram, that will last you for several years, and it will be very fast. stick with win7 and keep away from win10, it is full of spyware.

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Aug 24, 2016 06:36:35   #
hj Loc: Florida
 
I'm not defending the recommendation for a MacMini.... but your response (calling it absurd) seems to assume the OP wants the most powerful computer available. Perhaps he just wants one with normal capability, 1tb storage and 8gb ram. Not everyone wants or needs a supercharged computer.
Gene51 wrote:
This is an absurd recommendation. A maxed out mini uses a dual core cpu, limited to 16 gb ram, 1 tb ssd, shared system memory for graphics, and with a mouse and keyboard. And it would cost $2300. Out of the box it is already underpowered, doesn't have enough storage, and cost more than the powerhouse system you can get buying a Windows machine. It is not even close. Look at the specs - nothing outstanding about it.

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Aug 24, 2016 06:44:01   #
sb Loc: Florida's East Coast
 
TriX wrote:
Nice configuration and very cost effective in terms of performance - the only thing I might add would be a BluRay/MDisk drive. Question: have you ever built a machine for image processing around an AMD 8-core CPU? Not suggesting, just wondering if anyone is using AMD for this type of workflow.


I built one a year ago. It works fine. The super-duper machine discussed above might be necessary for a video game expert, but is certainly far more than needed for photo editing. As is the deluxe video card (although I think the i7 processor does not support video without one - I usually use an i5 which is just fine for photo editing work). No need to "overclock" the processor unless you are video gaming. Such a system is far faster than most of us!!! Most people do not need a 1TB SSD. Data files like photos swap into the RAM pretty quickly - having a 250GB SSD for the OS and other programs dramatically speeds things up, and then have larger hard drives (perhaps in a RAID configuration for constant backup protection) makes sense also. I like the Blue-Ray drive - a BR disc holds 25GB of photo files! Not sure what the longevity of these discs will turn out to be. Also useful is a built-in card reader.

In the past I have used the Dell "build-you-own" method - it really is a great way to get the machine you want without building one from scratch.

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Aug 24, 2016 07:22:45   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Bumtree wrote:
Should I get a all in one.? Or work on building my own. New to computers. Any advice would be appreciated and helpful..thank you.


As you see, we love to recommend computers and components.

Whenever I'm thinking about getting a new computer, I always work on putting together a list of components to make my own. As the price rises, I go to the Dell site and order a tower model with a Core i7 processor, minimum ram, and standard hard drive. When I get it, I add RAM to the max and install a 4TB drive as D for data. I also replace the C drive with a Samsung 500GB drive for the OS and programs. The Dell would cost around $900 (XPS 8900)

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Aug 24, 2016 07:31:31   #
Baysitter11 Loc: Cincinnati
 
WarrenT wrote:
If you plan to use it as a desktop I think the regular desktop is a better value than an all-in-one. The last one I bought was a Dell and then got a good monitor to go along with it. I've been happy with the computer, the quality of the images on the monitor, and the customer service from Dell.



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Aug 24, 2016 07:48:43   #
Bumtree Loc: South Florida
 
Thanks everyone for the info.

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Aug 24, 2016 07:55:45   #
markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ
 
Hi,

I suggest you speak with friends who have computers, visit stores with many computers on display and take some time to think about what you want to achieve by owning a computer. If nearby, visit Best Buy and an Apple store. I suggest you don't buy one until you know more about computers. There is plenty of time to make your decision. For PC, Dell and ASUS are excellent manufacturers. Maybe there is a computer shop nearby who build custom ones. Your local library probably has some too.
Mark
Bumtree wrote:
Should I get a all in one.? Or work on building my own. New to computers. Any advice would be appreciated and helpful..thank you.

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Aug 24, 2016 08:41:55   #
elliott937 Loc: St. Louis
 
I agree with PixelStan, iMac 27. The screen is delightfully large. I have Outlook on the left side of the screen, and Chrome on the right. I was not able to really do that with a smaller screen. Then when I work on Photoshop, I click both in the the tray at the bottom of the screen so that I can make my Photoshop image bigger than life itself.

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Aug 24, 2016 08:56:34   #
barkeypf Loc: Clifton Park, NY
 
Why did you need customer service?

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Aug 24, 2016 08:57:32   #
Jim Bob
 
Bumtree wrote:
Should I get a all in one.? Or work on building my own. New to computers. Any advice would be appreciated and helpful..thank you.


Asus.

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Aug 24, 2016 08:59:00   #
revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson
 
OZMON wrote:
if you can afford one, get one with an i7 processor and 16gb ram, that will last you for several years, and it will be very fast. stick with win7 and keep away from win10, it is full of spyware.


Dell does it and can often get sales items. Use both 7 and 10. MUCH prefer 7!!!

:sm24

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Aug 24, 2016 09:01:04   #
WayneT Loc: Paris, TN
 
If you want to do the research and build your own I would recommend http://www.superbiiz.com/. Their prices are good and they will build your system to your spec for a small fee. I have been dealing with this company and it's parent warehouse company for years and they are very reliable. The only thing I would recommend if your get the systems put together by them is to have the hard drives shipped separately and put them in yourself, they have a tendency to fall out of the HD slots in shipment.

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Aug 24, 2016 09:04:46   #
Bumtree Loc: South Florida
 
Thank you,

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Aug 24, 2016 09:16:35   #
jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana
 
Get a Mac and don't look back. The 27'' mentioned is great, and the 21" is very nice, too. We have both; my wife has the bigger one, of course.

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Aug 24, 2016 09:22:37   #
gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast
 
Bumtree wrote:
Should I get a all in one.? Or work on building my own. New to computers. Any advice would be appreciated and helpful..thank you.


I just upgrade to a Dell XPS 8900, 16 gig RAM, 1T hi speed HD, i7 processor, $750 at Costco. Perfect for me. I do post processing with Photoshop Elements 14 and so far no problems.

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