rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

iOS and Windows are practically identical right now. The perceived performance difference is in the age of the system hardware, total RAM and how you use the computer today vs when you purchased.

timkramer Loc: PA

Nice set up!

Wish I could say the same about money not being an issue because I would probably look to do the same in having one built up. My budget stops just north of $1000 though, which is limiting what I am looking to buy. I know that removes the iMac route, but am hoping I will find that unicorn deal and spend a little more

timkramer Loc: PA

at $650, it's not a bad option:
http://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-pavilion-all-in-one-24-x015z?jumpid=ma_2018-presidents-day-sale~desktops~14~sto~X6B90AA%23ABA~HP_Pavilion_All-in-One_-_24-x015z

at double the price at $1299:
https://www.apple.com/imac/

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I would want to more about exactly which AMD CPU it is. Some of the new gen AMDs are quite fast and very cost effective, while other versions are not in the league with Intel I5/I7/I9 CPUs. I’d also want details on how far the memory can be expanded, if there are any open PCI expansion slots available, open drive bays for additional drives, details on the monitor, is the Radeon graphics integrated on the CPU or a seperate card and the power supply rating. I’d want to know those specifics on any system I purchased.

Are you comfortable assembling the system yourself? With reasonable skill, you can do this in an afternoon. Your budget might look something like this:

Motherboard $100-$125
CPU $250
Memory $135
Case plus PS plus CPU cooler $125
Graphics Card. $100-125
BluRay/ MDisc Drive $50
Win 10 64b OEM license. $100
Keyboard and mouse $40
Monitor $200

Not much over your 1K budget. Now before anyone takes me to task over the prices, they’re just estimates, and of course, you’ll need to shop for sales/deals. Just some thoughts...

timkramer Loc: PA

It's the AMD Dual-Core A9-9420 APU (3 GHz base frequency, up to 3.6 GHz burst frequency, 1 MB cache). It also looks like the memory is expandable up to 16GB. I'm not much of a "build your own PC" kind of a person. Give me a floor to install and I'm all over that

I like the plug and play route, and hoping there is something out there that would fit the bill. I did see a refurbished iMac for $929 from the Apple site, but it's only the 21.5" monitor.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

I'm not sure I would like a 21.5' monitor. I have a 32' and absolutely love it!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Whether or not the 21.5” IMac is usable for PP aps depends on its age and processor, as the upgrade possibilities are limited.

Regarding that particular AMD processor, I would not choose that CPU for image processing, and it appears that the graphics are on the CPU chip. All in all, a bargain machine suitable for Internet surfing, email and word processing, but not suitable for post processing.

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

Wow! And I thought my 65" monitor was big!.............just kidding with you.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Having a computer that has everything it needs for optimum performance is like a dream come true! Mine was custom built, and at the time it was what I thought would be good for quite a while. Now I am looking at getting new components or a new build. New components would be ideal, because if chosen carefully they don't have to be purchased all at the same time.

Glad to hear Puget is as good as it looks on the website, and as good as I was informed it is!

Susan

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

I've been thinking about upgrading my computer, and am considering the idea of buying one or two components at a time so the re-build would not be as confusing. The tower is large, has plenty of room for everything. I have changed components, but nothing more than that. However, I am suspicious that whatever I buy has to have compatibility with what is already in there. [It was custom built for me, and the guy sold his business to someone else.] I no longer can find the paperwork that tells me what is in it, but my thought was to replace the motherboard first and go from there. Is this practical/reasonable/feasible? The installed motherboard is by MSI, and a scan done on the Crucial website determined that it was MSI (Micro Star) B85M Night Elf and the memory was DDR3. Please don't make your answer too technical! Thank you.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Hi Susan. Yes, by all means consider upgrading your old machine as many of the parts will be reusable, and I would start with the motherboard and CPU. As long as you choose a board with the same footprint and power connector, you should be able to use your existing case and power supply as a start. Then you can probably reuse the monitor, keyboard and mouse, DVD/CD drive and likely the hard disk as well. The memory may be able to be used - will depend on the specs. And of course, there’s the operating system. What are you currently using? If in doubt, go to control panel and system and it will give you the basics: OS, CPU and memory. The next step would be to produce an inventory of the existing system. There are numerous aps to do this (as well as the system descriptions in Windows control panel) that will produce an inventory. I haven’t used one in awhile since I keep records, but let me refresh my memory (no pun intended), and I’ll edit this post shortly with further information on how to do that. Once you have the inventory, we can discuss MB and CPU/memory options - I’ll be glad to assist.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Does any other member use a free computer asset inventory tool that they can recommend to Susan? The tool that I use professionally is FAR too expensive. Lacking that, as I mentioned, go to “start”, then “control panel”, then “system” to get the basics. Hopefully, even though you don’t have the original configuration, perhaps you have the various documentation on the motherboard, graphic card, etc. which will give you manufacturer and model number. Feel free to PM me with details if you like.

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

I had an iMac 27-inch from 2010 to 2013 and now have a Dell XPS all-in-one. Having used both I would definitely go back to an iMac. If I was younger, I would dump this Dell and get another iMac especially for working with photos.

Edward Booth Loc: Riverview, Florida

27" iMac