stevesf

I'm also in the market for a new computer, and appreciate the suggestions. One item not mentioned is that the video and display connector trend is for Thunderbolt 3 now, which has high transfer rates, and you will be able to hook up one or two 4K monitors, if you like. The new Macs come wtith the X4 versions, along with a few Lenovos. Some of the Dells and HPs have them, but they may be the older type or less capable X2 version (Probably fine for what we do here.)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

27" iMac.
--Bob

andywilk38 Loc: Cambridge UK

I'm generally very pleased with my 27" iMac Retina 5K. Whilst it is 4TB Fusion, 4GHz, i& core 32GB DDR, which was the highest spec for this late 2014 model, I find it is 'slow' in some areas:
I am often processing large numbers of RAW files from my D800 and working with a number of third party software applications, such as cc 2017, DxO applications...sometimes a simple batch process in PS can take ages, as does an export/re-import from LR5 to DxO ViewPoint 2 and back. In the latter example, whether working with a RAW, jpeg, psd file, the process can take 90 seconds (excluding my mouse manipulations) which if you've got 100 interior shots to correct for convergence, is 2.5 hours of work, that you cannot leave on its own. Sometimes if I go into Finder, the little postage stamp-like icons just never reveal the photo thumbnails sitting behind them.

If I could work at what I call 'click speed i.e. a process will complete within, say 1 to even 10 secs after a mouse click, I'd be through the DxO procedure in very good time. Now, I understand that 'computer' people will no doubt tell me that the machine is processing [at times] some impressively large files; my point, or question, is how do pros with larger clientele requirements than I have cope, whilst maintaining their sanity and have a home life!? Many studios are using medium format. I'm thinking of upgrading to a D850 [may be]...but that fills me with dread, not least from the storage side, but the processing. Haha...now it's me indirectly looking for advice! Maybe I either have a duff machine, or the wrong [spec/make] machine.... It was Apple Business who spec'd out the machine to my detailed work requirements, and I have subsequently had Apple Support on the line more than once, who think all is just fine! Zzzz.

You might not be processing so many or as large files, but I'm looking at alternative manufacturers Dell, maybe, although I have never liked the Windows environment, nor their previous history of virus issues, etc, but I'm sure things have moved on.

BUT, that said, iMac, MacBook Pros are absolutely fabulous for most uses photographic, and provide a beautiful user environment within which to work. I would recommend Apple to you, unless...

All best

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

I’m also needing a new computer, been with Apple the last 7 years but was looking at Windows computers for the heck of it. Dell & HP has sooo many choices I’d not even know where to start. It used to be you looked at processor, memory and HD. Now each company has 100 selections, I didn’t look very long lol.

johnst1001a Loc: West Chester, Ohio

Imac for sure. One key reason, the resolution of the monitor cannot be beat. It is simply beautiful, and with higher resolution cameras, a great combination. Of course the rest of the computer is great.

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

Hate to say it but it sounds like you need to look at the Mac Pro line for what your doing. SSD drives, 64gb ram and Intel Zeon processors would make your work flow very fast.

TomV Loc: Annapolis, Maryland

Dell or HP will suit you fine.

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

I have a MacBook Pro 16gb ram, 1TB SSD Ausu monitor. Full Rez from monitor but... if I was starting over I'd buy a good iMac with at least 16gigs SSD drives. iMac monitor is awesome. My rig boots up in 23 seconds. Adding ram and SSD drive huge improvement. I upgraded my wife's Hewlett-Packard notebook with the same amount of ram and SSD drive and her laptop computer boots up just as fast.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Your son-in-law probably knows how you'll use the new computer. What are his suggestions?
Mark

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Since you are looking at a windows machine, and budget does not appear to be much of an issue, why not consider getting a custom built system from a system integrator like Puget Systems.

https://www.pugetsystems.com/

It will be custom tailored to you specific software needs and storage requirements - in ways that no Mac or off the shelf system from a Dell/HP/Lenovo etc can match.

They know photo and video editing system requirements and you won't have to "settle" for less than optimum configurations or conform to a manufacturer's "closed system" way of doing things. These guys have been around for a while and will do a good job, but that is not to say that you can't find something similar elsewhere.

I custom build machines for myself and others, and I would never consider buying anything already assembled unless it came from a company like Puget.

Once you experience the speed and image quality of a custom built system from a competent builder, you will never go back to non-custom solutions.

DAVE FISHING Loc: Phoenix,Arizona

send this to my son in law. thanks

aaciolkowski Loc: Sugar Grove Illinois

27 in I Mac with as much ram that that you can install. The Mac is very easy to learn and use.

Paul Buckhiester Loc: Columbus, GA USA

Don't agree. Good time to switch to Mac if you're not already there.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Hi,

From experience and in my opinion, Macs are no easier than Windows. I'm an experienced user. A Mac is as big a mystery as a Windows PC. Both have a learning curve. Computers are not intuitive. Since he already has used Windows, the assimilation of knowledge to learn Win 10 will be easier than switching to a Mac.

Mark

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I was a PC aficionado, but changed to Apple a few years ago. Although I use both every day, I use an Apple iMac and MacBookPro for all my (considerable amount) of photo work. Use whatever you're comfortable with. Best of luck.