How much of a computer? Just wondering if I need to get a new computer? Since I am now getting into astronomical imaging,will my Dell inspiron n4010 handle all the software needed for...

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How much of a computer?

Oct 17, 2012 13:55:16 #

tim57064

Just wondering if I need to get a new computer? Since I am now getting into astronomical imaging,will my Dell inspiron n4010 handle all the software needed for imaging? Intel Pentium P6100 @2.00 ghz processor ,8 gb ram,64 bit operating system, 500gb hard drive,hdmi input? I know that it would be nice if I could have atleast a 15.6" screen and that a 17" would be even better. Just a little hard to justify getting a new one to my wife especially with everything else I have gotten since marckh of this year. I haven't started imaging yet because of the confounded weather.

Celestron 8se
Celestron 90mm mak
Celestron 70mm short tube refractor
Meade 90mm f/8.8 refractor
Celestron CG5 german equatorial goto mount
Celestron Nexstar alt/az goto mount
Canon T4I
Orion maginificent mini auto guider
meade focal reducer /corrector

Oct 17, 2012 16:32:27 #

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

That's a really subjective question... is it doing what you need it to do in a reasonable amount of time? Does it take 20 minutes to stack 100 images? If yes, then perhaps you need to upgrade, if it's stacking them in 1 minute perhaps you're ok waiting...

It's easy for someone, like me, to say "sure, run out and get the hottest MacBook Pro or an Intel i7 based system" but do you have the disposable income to justify it right now? I would say slow down and see how things go once the confounded weather lets you get to work :)

Oct 17, 2012 16:41:26 #

tim57064

I thank you for the reply. Just was looking to see if someone out there new more than I about computers and was hoping for a response like yours tellling me to wait. I do have plenty of storage capacity and it is not too antiquated.Guess I am just getting antsy. Looking to make sure that when I am able to I will have what I need to properly image and download with reasonable speed. Thanks again , Tim

Oct 18, 2012 06:03:09 #

dlwhawaii Loc: Sunny Wailuku, Hawaii

Many of today's editing programs are still only 32bit. As long as you are getting what you want done in a reasonable time, you would probably be justified in waiting. One thing you might want to explore is additional storage external to the computer. 1 and 2 TB are dropping in price significantly. If you want a larger screen, buy a monitor to fit your needs and use that when you don't need to be mobile. :-)

Oct 18, 2012 11:27:40 #

utdoc43 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

In that regard, any suggestions as to good sources to turn to for good value monitors? Tx.

Oct 18, 2012 11:44:35 #

dundeelad Loc: Originally UK. Current West Dundee, Illinois

tim57064 wrote:

If what you have at present is doing what you want Tim, by all means wait.

I just went on a trip to South Dakota and wanted a laptop to take with me. Got a great deal at Best Buy.
HP laptop with 17" screen, AMD A6 processor (Quad core), 500gig hard drive, 1.05gig video memory. Win 7 64bit, fast as anything. All for $560. Prices are coming down. Equivalent HP with Intel I7 was over $800. You don't always need the top of the line. A step down can be a lot cheaper and will still do what you want. My cousin was with me. Ian Barber, (Fellow UHH'R) and he downloaded a 30 day trial of Photoshop CS6 to use for the week. It worked perfectly and with speed.

I have used AMD processor machines for years, even when I built my own machines, and they have never let me down.

Oct 18, 2012 11:47:16 #

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

I like Newegg.com

If you're investing in a new monitor don't just look at price.

Here's an article with some reviews of current monitors:

http://www.squidoo.com/best-monitor-for-photo-editing

I like it because it covers reasonably priced monitors as well as the expensive ones...

Imho, I would be sure to get one with at least one HDMI port as well as whatever connection you need right now. Some day when you upgrade your computer you'll want that HDMI port (or two) and you can plug your DVD/BluRay player into it for movies :)

Check out Smartphone Photography section of our forum.

Oct 18, 2012 11:56:47 #

utdoc43 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks for the suggestions. I will put that to work!

Oct 18, 2012 12:27:29 #

dpackard67 Loc: Wisconsin

Your Dell should work just fine for this. 8 gb ram is good, but if it seems to lag some when you work on it, try installing more ram (most computers can handle more) this will make it quicker.

Oct 18, 2012 12:43:02 #

dundeelad Loc: Originally UK. Current West Dundee, Illinois

dpackard67 wrote:

Your Dell should work just fine for this. 8 gb ram is good, but if it seems to lag some when you work on it, try installing more ram (most computers can handle more) this will make it quicker.

You could also plug in a USB stick and Win 7 will ask if you want to use it as "Ready Boost" ( I have a 16 gig stick plugged into my desktop.) Ready boost acts just like extra ram but is really a speedier cache for the hard drive. It does speed up the machine greatly though.

Oct 18, 2012 12:54:05 #

dpackard67 Loc: Wisconsin

dundeelad wrote:

quote=dpackard67 Your Dell should work just fine ... (show quote)

I didnt know you could do this.... great to know!

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