Need new computer (Page 2): iMac, poor choice. Go with Windows. More for the money. Only real difference today is the user interface. Once you learn whichever OS you select, it should...

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

iMac, poor choice. Go with Windows. More for the money. Only real difference today is the user interface. Once you learn whichever OS you select, it should be fairly straightforward. Neither OS is ideal and each has its own quirks. They both do the same ultimately though in different ways. From a hardware standpoint, no real difference. Just about any computer will need service. Windows is a lot easier to service and you do not have to put up with going to Apple for service. Not the best experience. Windows has a lot more choices for software and peripherals. If Apple were so good, then why does it have only a 13% market share compared with Windows' 82%? http://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide/

One thing I would agree with is to throw away the keyboard and mouse that come with any computer and buy comfortable ones. I prefer the Microsoft ergonomic kb and mouse with the back click button. Kb does not have to be wireless but the mouse should.

I suspect the op's next question will be what photo software to use and that will start another war.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I7 processor, a minimum of 16GB memory, seperate video card with a minimum of 2GB VRAM, 256-512GB SSD, 2-4GB Hard Drive and a 64-bit OS plus a decent monitor (24” minimum). With careful shopping, you can accomplish this within your budget (but probably not with a Mac).

BebuLamar

abc1234 wrote:

iMac, poor choice. Go with Windows. More for the... (show quote)

I still use my 29 year old IBM model M keyboard.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

BebuLamar wrote:

I still use my 29 year old IBM model M keyboard.

There you go...

...I have a few "AT;PS2" style keyboards around here somewhere.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

As a practicing pastor for around 60 years (!) at age 84 and an avid photographer for longer than that, I'd say get a computer like the one you already have. If you like the keyboard and mouse on your present computer, use them (if your present computer is not so old that it doesn't have USB -flat - connections). Then again, maybe your present computer could do the job. Depends on how old and how fast and how much hard drive storage you have. No matter what you get, there will be a learning curve. Don't make it steeper than it should be! As far as programs are concerned, I've been using Paint Shop Pro from before Corel's purchase of it. I have used photos to illustrate sermons to good effect. The most powerful was one I took at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico which we entitled "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5) Many have been deeply moved by it and I have distributed smaller prints (I print my own) to several congregations. Here's wishing you well in your new adventure.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I'm a retired pastor, so I understand your computer needs. When my old laptop died I went to a local computer store (not a chain) and explained that I wanted to buy a laptop that would allow me to do photo processing (I use Photoshop Elements); they asked a few pertinent questions (no, I am not a gamer) and pointed me to an array of refurbished laptops that would more than meet my needs. I bought a Lenovo T410 (which I'm still using) for a fraction of the cost a new computer.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

James Slick wrote:

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.

If you are using a Mac now stick with it. If you are using a PC based machine, I would suggest sticking with it. The whole "Mac is Intuitive" thing is a myth. Also you can get more bang for your buck with a PC based system.

For less than $800 you can get a refurbished Dell Inspiron 3668 Desktop with

Processor: Intel Core 7th Generation i7-7700 Processor (Quad Core, up to 4.20 GHz, 8MB Cache, 65W)
Windows 10 Home 64bit English
128GB 2.5-Inch SATA Class 20 Solid State Drive
1TB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
16GB DDR4 Non-ECC UDIMM 2400MHz (1X16GB)
Tray load DVD Drive (Reads and Writes to DVD/CD)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 2GB GDDR5

Throw in another $400 for a 27 inch 4K monitor and you have beat the iMac by a lot at that price point. And that is before using the Dell coupons they are always offering for an additional 15% or so off.

See:

http://www.dell.com/us/dfh/p/?cid=287780&st=dell+outlet&VEN1=sHMcTPOFE%2C249858410596%2C901kuu23312%2Cc%2C&VEN2=e%2Cdell+outlet&lid=5512599&dgc=st&dgseg=arb&acd=1230921317820560&VEN3=811204177243502592

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

Amen! To both of the above thoughts.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

dsmeltz wrote:

img src="https://static.uglyhedgehog.com/images/s... (show quote)

👍👍 or for $1299, you can get a 21.5” screen (instead of 27”), a slower I5 (instead of an I7) and 8GB of memory (instead of 16GB) - of course, it is a Mac though...

Smudgey Loc: Ohio, Calif, Now Arizona

This is a really easy answer with out question Apple iMac or Mac Pro.

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.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Smudgey wrote:

This is a really easy answer with out question Apple iMac or Mac Pro.

Did you forget the $1,300 budget and the photo editing? That $1,300 won't buy much of a machine in the Mac world.

If the OP is a Mac user, he might need to raise some more funds.

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Smudgey wrote:

This is a really easy answer with out question Apple iMac or Mac Pro.

Yep, easy answer. Too bad it is the wrong answer.

Smudgey Loc: Ohio, Calif, Now Arizona

Spend another 100 bucks $1399.00 for an iMac on B&H photo. Free Word processing, Free image software, Free spread sheet program, Free presentation program, the most stable operating system on the market today. OR you could stay with the instability or a DOSS connected system. Not just me saying it, but the truth is that most Pros use Macs.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

James Slick wrote:

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.

That is exactly why iMac computers are so popular for photography; the screen is super high quality, the color gamut almost exactly matches the sRGB standard, the price includes the built in monitor and a high quality keyboard and mouse is included. A high quality monitor alone for a PC will blow most of Bill's limited budget.

jayluber Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I'Mac - I have the 27" with 16GB. However, I created a new user account with only PS and LR so I can minimize my system usage when doing Photo editing. It really sped things up as long as I closed out any other user accounts.