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Recommendations for Computers for Photography
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Feb 12, 2018 09:24:12   #
timkramer Loc: PA
 
I have an older HP Envy, which I purchased about 5 years back. Over time, it has served me well, but has been running like a pig and the fan seems to be doing some overtime especially when reviewing photos. I use Lightroom and feel like the action is always 1 or 2 clicks behind. I am looking at investing a new PC and wanted to get some recommendations out there from folks who absolutely love what they have.

The internal debate I have been having is pretty standard...laptop vs. desktop, PC vs. Mac, cost vs. not caring, etc. Anyway, I have been gravitating towards the all in ones I have seen out there based on price and for the ability to double as a TV in my office. However, I have a 24" monitor that I use for work that I also connect my personal lap to when I am viewing/editing pictures. Obviously the portability comes into play for the laptop, but I have my iPad if I really needed something portable with me.

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Feb 12, 2018 09:35:22   #
markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ
 
This topic has been covered many times over. Here are a "bunch" of posts:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/search-topic-list?q=recommendations+for+computer+for+photography&sectnum=0&username=
Mark
timkramer wrote:
I have an older HP Envy, which I purchased about 5 years back. Over time, it has served me well, but has been running like a pig and the fan seems to be doing some overtime especially when reviewing photos. I use Lightroom and feel like the action is always 1 or 2 clicks behind. I am looking at investing a new PC and wanted to get some recommendations out there from folks who absolutely love what they have.

The internal debate I have been having is pretty standard...laptop vs. desktop, PC vs. Mac, cost vs. not caring, etc. Anyway, I have been gravitating towards the all in ones I have seen out there based on price and for the ability to double as a TV in my office. However, I have a 24" monitor that I use for work that I also connect my personal lap to when I am viewing/editing pictures. Obviously the portability comes into play for the laptop, but I have my iPad if I really needed something portable with me.
I have an older HP Envy, which I purchased about 5... (show quote)

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Feb 12, 2018 09:36:00   #
brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky
 
timkramer wrote:
I have an older HP Envy, which I purchased about 5 years back. Over time, it has served me well, but has been running like a pig and the fan seems to be doing some overtime especially when reviewing photos. I use Lightroom and feel like the action is always 1 or 2 clicks behind. I am looking at investing a new PC and wanted to get some recommendations out there from folks who absolutely love what they have.

The internal debate I have been having is pretty standard...laptop vs. desktop, PC vs. Mac, cost vs. not caring, etc. Anyway, I have been gravitating towards the all in ones I have seen out there based on price and for the ability to double as a TV in my office. However, I have a 24" monitor that I use for work that I also connect my personal lap to when I am viewing/editing pictures. Obviously the portability comes into play for the laptop, but I have my iPad if I really needed something portable with me.
I have an older HP Envy, which I purchased about 5... (show quote)


Many exercise their workflow on portable systems. That doesn't work for me, so I will always have a viable desktop to work from. Dual 24" monitors are great. There are many options, as you are finding. I recently upgraded my desktop to a Dell XPS 8930 and love it. No latency in what I'm working on. But, for my travels, I carry a viable laptop.

I suggest the first thing you should do is determine if you want mobility, or not. Then, start looking at the available options. Take the time to ensure you get what you need. Good luck!!

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Feb 12, 2018 09:36:18   #
a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel
 
I will probably draw a lot of fire from Windows advocates but in my considerable experience, the file system on the Mac is a great deal better than the one on Windows. Consequently, if you are going to use the native file system for storing and finding stuff, my recommendation would be to get some kind of Mac. I have two Macs and two Win10 computers. The Win10 computers are both faster in theory than either Mac by a considerable margin. But in reality, sorting and selecting and finding files on the Mac is very fast and on both Win10 computers it's painfully slow. The desktop Win10 computer is all SSD and a recent, highly regarded motherboard, best RAM I could buy, etc.

The difference is so stark that I can get faster results by reading the Windows disks over the home network on my Mac.

I will not engage in a debate with anyone about this. I'm simply passing along some advice for you, the OP. Good luck and take it as you wish.

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Feb 12, 2018 09:47:12   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
27" iMac.
--Bob
timkramer wrote:
I have an older HP Envy, which I purchased about 5 years back. Over time, it has served me well, but has been running like a pig and the fan seems to be doing some overtime especially when reviewing photos. I use Lightroom and feel like the action is always 1 or 2 clicks behind. I am looking at investing a new PC and wanted to get some recommendations out there from folks who absolutely love what they have.

The internal debate I have been having is pretty standard...laptop vs. desktop, PC vs. Mac, cost vs. not caring, etc. Anyway, I have been gravitating towards the all in ones I have seen out there based on price and for the ability to double as a TV in my office. However, I have a 24" monitor that I use for work that I also connect my personal lap to when I am viewing/editing pictures. Obviously the portability comes into play for the laptop, but I have my iPad if I really needed something portable with me.
I have an older HP Envy, which I purchased about 5... (show quote)

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Feb 12, 2018 09:48:10   #
Cape Coral Joel
 
If you like the HP install a 500gb Samsung SSD. The difference will amaze you and you can do it for under $200.00.

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Feb 12, 2018 09:53:37   #
timkramer Loc: PA
 
Cape Coral Joel wrote:
If you like the HP install a 500gb Samsung SSD. The difference will amaze you and you can do it for under $200.00.


Didn't even know that would be such an inexpensive option. I do like my Envy from the portability perspective and it's light.

Thanks for all of the quick responses out there. This will probably be an internal debate in my mind for a few weeks more at least so I don't have that ugly buyer's remorse.

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Feb 12, 2018 09:53:56   #
Fred Harwood Loc: Sheffield, Mass.
 
I also have found the 27-inch iMac the best I've ever had, and I've been using desktops from 1985.

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Feb 12, 2018 09:56:27   #
SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont
 
timkramer wrote:
I have an older HP Envy, which I purchased about 5 years back. Over time, it has served me well, but has been running like a pig and the fan seems to be doing some overtime especially when reviewing photos. I use Lightroom and feel like the action is always 1 or 2 clicks behind. I am looking at investing a new PC and wanted to get some recommendations out there from folks who absolutely love what they have.

The internal debate I have been having is pretty standard...laptop vs. desktop, PC vs. Mac, cost vs. not caring, etc. Anyway, I have been gravitating towards the all in ones I have seen out there based on price and for the ability to double as a TV in my office. However, I have a 24" monitor that I use for work that I also connect my personal lap to when I am viewing/editing pictures. Obviously the portability comes into play for the laptop, but I have my iPad if I really needed something portable with me.
I have an older HP Envy, which I purchased about 5... (show quote)

To find the best computer for photo editing, you should first consider what features are needed for optimal performance. There have been a lot of discussions on this, and it would be a good idea to check these out. Of course you will have to sift through a lot of different concepts of what makes a good set-up...

Here is a link that was passed on to me by Gene51, one of the most knowledgeable members of this community. This will allow you to see how this group of professionals visualizes the requirements for using LR and PS. It is always good to reach for the "ideal" even if you have to settle for a less expensive solution. But referring to this website can help make more informed choices! https://www.pugetsystems.com/solutions/content_creation/index.php

I prefer a desktop PC for its capacity to include everything you choose, and to be upgraded as needed [within reason]. Of course a desktop takes up more space than those "all-in-one" computers, but with limited space inside for components, you may find the specifications are not what you need. Same thing goes for laptops. A lot of people love their Mac computers, but be aware of the limitations placed on the user for compatibility etc. by being tied into that system. With a PC you don't have to use any particular brand of components, as long as they are compatible - and they tend to be made for interchangeability and compatibility with most systems.

My PC was custom built, and is now becoming inadequate as well as outdated! So I am facing questions about how extensive a "remodel" to do, which is also limited by the motherboard [which I could replace, not too expensive...]. Definitely good that you have that 24" monitor, because anything smaller can cause eyestrain! I have a Dell Ultrasharp 27" which has been excellent.

I am not a computer expert, but have learned a lot over time! Hope this helps.

Susan

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Feb 12, 2018 09:57:12   #
timkramer Loc: PA
 
Fred Harwood wrote:
I also have found the 27-inch iMac the best I've ever had, and I've been using desktops from 1985.


I never had an iMac and have been a Windows guy pretty much my entire life. My brother just invested in a new iMac and the colors are so sharp and everything looks amazing. It could just be that I wanted to see it as so much better than what I have. I do know that the price tag is much, much higher on the Apple line than in the HP world

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Feb 12, 2018 10:09:21   #
jaduff Loc: Northern NJ
 
Agree with the iMac suggestions above. I’ve been an Apple fan since my first Mac Plus in 1986. Developed globally distributed software on a Mac ii CI in the early 90s for a major financial institution.

Have had the 27” iMac since 2010 and love the screen real estate even without Retina. My iPad Air meets my portability needs.

The kids (adults really!) all have MBPs and love them if you really need a laptop. Admittedly pricier than the Windows alternative but they last forever.

Best of luck!

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Feb 12, 2018 10:11:09   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
timkramer wrote:
I never had an iMac and have been a Windows guy pretty much my entire life. My brother just invested in a new iMac and the colors are so sharp and everything looks amazing. It could just be that I wanted to see it as so much better than what I have. I do know that the price tag is much, much higher on the Apple line than in the HP world


Tim, I was like you until I bought my first Mac Book Pro and then IMac and got hooked. With a Thunderbolt connector all programs on your MacBook Pro can be used on your IMac as if they were on the IMac.

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Feb 12, 2018 10:11:31   #
Robertven Loc: Fort Worth
 
SusanFromVermont wrote:
To find the best computer for photo editing, you should first consider what features are needed for optimal performance. There have been a lot of discussions on this, and it would be a good idea to check these out. Of course you will have to sift through a lot of different concepts of what makes a good set-up...

Here is a link that was passed on to me by Gene51, one of the most knowledgeable members of this community. This will allow you to see how this group of professionals visualizes the requirements for using LR and PS. It is always good to reach for the "ideal" even if you have to settle for a less expensive solution. But referring to this website can help make more informed choices! https://www.pugetsystems.com/solutions/content_creation/index.php

I prefer a desktop PC for its capacity to include everything you choose, and to be upgraded as needed [within reason]. Of course a desktop takes up more space than those "all-in-one" computers, but with limited space inside for components, you may find the specifications are not what you need. Same thing goes for laptops. A lot of people love their Mac computers, but be aware of the limitations placed on the user for compatibility etc. by being tied into that system. With a PC you don't have to use any particular brand of components, as long as they are compatible - and they tend to be made for interchangeability and compatibility with most systems.

My PC was custom built, and is now becoming inadequate as well as outdated! So I am facing questions about how extensive a "remodel" to do, which is also limited by the motherboard [which I could replace, not too expensive...]. Definitely good that you have that 24" monitor, because anything smaller can cause eyestrain! I have a Dell Ultrasharp 27" which has been excellent.

I am not a computer expert, but have learned a lot over time! Hope this helps.

Susan
To find the best computer for photo editing, you s... (show quote)


One year ago I bought a custom built PC from Puget Systems. It ran perfectly right out of the box & has not had problem one. Built to the specs that Puget recommended. Delivered on time. Customer service is excellent. I will never buy a computer from anyone else again.

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Feb 12, 2018 10:30:57   #
Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado
 
timkramer wrote:
I never had an iMac and have been a Windows guy pretty much my entire life. My brother just invested in a new iMac and the colors are so sharp and everything looks amazing. It could just be that I wanted to see it as so much better than what I have. I do know that the price tag is much, much higher on the Apple line than in the HP world


I was in the same position as you Tim a month ago, except my system, and HP totally fried. Thank goodness I had everything backed up on 2 Western Digital external hard drives. The last Apple I owned was in the 80's with an Apple II. My company went with MS Windows so I changed systems. I am happy with Windows 10 and after doing research until I was blue in the face I opted to stay with that system. I purchased a loaded Dell computer and the changes and speed are phenomenal. Mine has a 1TB SSD, 4TB HD & 48GB memory. Overkill maybe, but hopefully this will be the last one I buy.

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Feb 12, 2018 11:01:05   #
russelray Loc: La Mesa CA
 
timkramer wrote:
I have an older HP Envy, which I purchased about 5 years back. Over time, it has served me well, but has been running like a pig and the fan seems to be doing some overtime especially when reviewing photos. I use Lightroom and feel like the action is always 1 or 2 clicks behind. I am looking at investing a new PC and wanted to get some recommendations out there from folks who absolutely love what they have.

The internal debate I have been having is pretty standard...laptop vs. desktop, PC vs. Mac, cost vs. not caring, etc. Anyway, I have been gravitating towards the all in ones I have seen out there based on price and for the ability to double as a TV in my office. However, I have a 24" monitor that I use for work that I also connect my personal lap to when I am viewing/editing pictures. Obviously the portability comes into play for the laptop, but I have my iPad if I really needed something portable with me.
I have an older HP Envy, which I purchased about 5... (show quote)

I'm a pretty easy-going Southern boy so I give people and companies 3 strikes before calling them out.
Apple got 30 strikes in 31 days back in March 1983, so they lost me as a customer in this lifetime and the next, and they have done nothing to encourage me to return.
Thus, I've been in the PC world since mid-1983.
Last Summer I asked a freshman computer science major at Cal-Berkeley to design and build me the best PC he could for my digital photography and video editing needs.
Money was not a concern because of my photography sales.
Here is what he designed and built for me:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-461559-1.html

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