Need help making computer choice.
Jun 24, 2012 10:11:27 #
Ok I'm going to bite the bullet and go Mac/apple. I just can't decide if I should go with the new laptop with the retina display or get the desk top IMac with that nice big 27" screen. I want the computer for strictly my photo library and editing. I do have a iPad for a portable way to view pics. I have the money saved up for months now and I just can't decide. Hoping fellow UHHers could help me decide, what would you do. PS if your wondering I do have a pc now, but I took some photoshop classes at a local college and got to work in the Mac world. I really liked it. My pc is ready for the boneyard so I need to get a new one anyway. So fire away fellow laptop vs desktop?
Jun 25, 2012 06:26:35 #
CC-EBBETS
Loc: abit west of the Atlantic
A MAC MINI with a Dell Ultrasharp U2410 LCD display will provide you with the most bang for your buck, and the colors displayed on the Monitor will be most reliable.
Jun 25, 2012 06:28:16 #
TimothyBuss
Loc: Virginia/West Virginia
Get the biggest screen you can get and set it for maximum resolution. You will not be disappointed...
Jun 25, 2012 07:08:53 #
whatever you decide..put all your spare bucks into the best video card affordable. a good video card is like a good lens...
Jun 25, 2012 07:48:01 #
Go the iMac. Macs are more reliable, boot up quicker and usually have good graphics cards. I moved to Mac about a year ago and wouldn't go back
Jun 25, 2012 08:00:38 #
sueyeisert
Loc: New Jersey
CC_EBbets must read Shutterbug must read Shutterbug that's what their tech person advises people to buy. I switched to a Mabook Pro. I love it. Eventually I'll get a monitor for it.
Jun 25, 2012 08:06:10 #
Go with the biggest, baddest computer, you can afford, biggest, fastest processor, video card and monitor. I love my mac book pro and hardly use my pc!
Jun 25, 2012 08:08:02 #
I have an older MacBook Pro and love it. Today I would get the new MacBook with the retina display, make sure the RAM is boosted to 8 Gig. The ability to take everyting with you when you're on the road is great. For a minimal amount extra, buy an external monitor, keyboard and mouse to increase your flexibility, and performance at home.
Jun 25, 2012 08:09:56 #
I have been a graphic designer and photo enthusiast for 20+ years. I would recommend the desktop machine and large monitor for your photo work. An iMac will serve you well. I would also recommend at least 8GB of RAM.
Jun 25, 2012 09:08:06 #
Another thing, I'd also go the Raid route...whether it be for your system or as external storage...
Jun 25, 2012 10:40:28 #
Effjayess wrote:
Ok I'm going to bite the bullet and go Mac/apple. ... (show quote)
I vote for a top of the line MacBook Air with all the bells and whistles!
Jun 25, 2012 10:56:16 #
I love my MacBook Pro which is several years old. I wonder if one should wait for the Pro with the Retina display to see if there are any bugs that need to be worked out or was that all worked out in the IPad?
Jun 25, 2012 11:11:57 #
Effjayess wrote:
Ok I'm going to bite the bullet and go Mac/apple. ... (show quote)
The table top with the 27" monitor would be great! That said, I have a Mac with the 21" monitor and find it good for me. A little less money. I also have a MacBook laptop with the 11" approx screen that I use for travel. At home the MacBook is connected to a 23" Samsung monitor that works great for viewing and editing.
You might consider the Mac Laptop with the addition of a big monitor for home use and have the best of both worlds. Monitors are not to costly. Have Fun! :thumbup:
Jun 25, 2012 11:20:20 #
I started with the macbook pro then expanded to a cinema display with bluetooth keyboard and trackpad, now have the 27" iMac and with the cinema display have plenty of real-estate to work, the pro goes with me on shoots then goes to the iMac when I get home. Display doesn't have to be apple though, can't imagine going back to win tell
Jun 25, 2012 13:50:22 #
Effjayess wrote:
Ok I'm going to bite the bullet and go Mac/apple. ... (show quote)
Depends. If you feel your mobility requirements are satisfied by the iPad, then the iMac is the better choice. I use a 13.3" MacBook Pro, and have done photo editing on it. It's OK. A 17" MBP would be even better. But for detail work, that 27" iMac screen wins hands down.
You can hook up an external monitor to either system, as far as that goes, so your existing monitor (if you like it) may still be usable.
The Mac Mini that someone else suggested is viable, but given the limited disk storage, you'd be better off with the iMac, which will outperform the Mini.
(I say this on my new, refurbished 21" iMac, which replaced my PowerPC G5 workhorse that expired a few days ago. 7 years of hard work on that beast.)
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