Need new computer: Hello all. I am new to photography (digitsl) although I have done some with film years ago. Here is my question: I need a new computer. I am a pastor and do mostly...

preachrbill

Hello all. I am new to photography (digitsl) although I have done some with film years ago. Here is my question: I need a new computer. I am a pastor and do mostly word documents and research. My thought was if I have to get a new computer, why not get one that will allow me to get into photo editing (photoshop)? I have a budget of $1,200. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

iMac 21.5”

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I agree with LWW--you can’t beat a Mac 21”. I had one for several years before I moved up to the 28”--loved it.

James Slick Loc: Pittsburgh,PA

preachrbill wrote:

Hello all. I am new to photography (digitsl) although I have done some with film years ago. Here is my question: I need a new computer. I am a pastor and do mostly word documents and research. My thought was if I have to get a new computer, why not get one that will allow me to get into photo editing (photoshop)? I have a budget of $1,200. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Nearly any new computer at that price point will likely do it for you. Some will recommend a Mac, Some will recommend a Windows or Linux machine. I personally recommend whichever OS you are used to. Unless you are committed to a laptop, get the best monitor for whatever machine you choose also don't buy a cheap mouse, a good comfortable mouse is vital for photo editing! Happy Hunting.

preachrbill

Thanks for all the quick replies! I forgot to mention I want a desktop. I have read many favorable reviews on the iMac. The recommendation for a “comfortable” mouse is something I had not considered! Thanks.

James Slick Loc: Pittsburgh,PA

preachrbill wrote:

Thanks for all the quick replies! I forgot to mention I want a desktop. I have read many favorable reviews on the iMac. The recommendation for a “comfortable” mouse is something I had not considered! Thanks.

After all of the spectacular specifications are out of the way, A good keyboard and mouse are really important, but often overlooked. They truly make a difference!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

preachrbill wrote:

Thanks for all the quick replies! I forgot to mention I want a desktop. I have read many favorable reviews on the iMac. The recommendation for a “comfortable” mouse is something I had not considered! Thanks.

The dual-click wireless mouse that comes with the iMac is very comfortable; I’ve used one for several years and like it a lot. Also, there’s not the added expense of buying yet another piece of equipment.

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

preachrbill wrote:

Thanks for all the quick replies! I forgot to mention I want a desktop. I have read many favorable reviews on the iMac. The recommendation for a “comfortable” mouse is something I had not considered! Thanks.

For just a little more you can buy a refurbished iMac 27”.

https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/imac/27

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Newegg is selling one at a special $530 price... you should add another 8 gig to bring up to 16.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=83-230-324&utm_medium=Email&cm_mmc=EMC-SD042018-_-SD040218-_-Item-_-83-230-324&et_cid=42215&et_rid=119356&et_p1=&email64=UHVsbHVtZG9uYWxkQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ==

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

preachrbill wrote:

Hello all. I am new to photography (digitsl) although I have done some with film years ago. Here is my question: I need a new computer. I am a pastor and do mostly word documents and research. My thought was if I have to get a new computer, why not get one that will allow me to get into photo editing (photoshop)? I have a budget of $1,200. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Definately an iMac. I had an iMac 27-inch and it was far superior to this Dell running Windows P.O.S. Get an iMac.

spaceylb Loc: Long Beach, N.Y.

iMac

preachrbill

Unless i’m Missing something, looks like it’s going to be iMac, hands down. Thanks so much for all the valuable advice!

spaceylb Loc: Long Beach, N.Y.

Good choice...

ELNikkor

My friend is also a pastor and has always used the iMac

cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD

dpullum wrote:

Newegg is selling one at a special $530 price... you should add another 8 gig to bring up to 16.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=83-230-324&utm_medium=Email&cm_mmc=EMC-SD042018-_-SD040218-_-Item-_-83-230-324&et_cid=42215&et_rid=119356&et_p1=&email64=UHVsbHVtZG9uYWxkQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ==

I have an iMac and love it.

I want to emphasize something dpullum noted: you will probably need 16 GB memory. I was advised at the Apple store that 8 GB would be fine for Photoshop, and it is ... if you close all of your other applications. If you want to keep your email, word processor, and browser open while you use Photoshop, you will be much happier with 16 GB.