New to Digital... Need Computer advice!

captures.in.time

captures.in.time

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Hi all

Im sorta new to digital... well 2 years... but just been using my trusty hp desktop which really is nothing special...

I'm thinking of buying a new PC in a few months time... I know how to use computers but I dont know very much about them! So im hoping someone can advise me...

I really want out of it something that is great for photo editing... and I can use it for the internet... I'm not copletely sure whether to go for a desk top or a lap top... but whatever i'd want it to work wirelessly off my bt home hub.

It must work with Canons DPP and I tunes...

Would a mac suit my needs... I've never used the mac operating system before is it easy to get to grips with... or am I best sticking to a PC?

What should I look for lots of in terms or memory... processors etc... that all baffles me???

Sorry to sound so useless...

HELP PLEASE!!!

Mark
 
I think if you intend to use your new computer for photo editing ie: Photoshop or similar, then IMHO you may be better going for a desktop and large flat screen rather than a laptop.
Again, if all your software is for Windows then you may be better sticking with it.
I'm also thinking of upgrading my computer and came across this site where you can built your own system and see what the total cost will be.
http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/
Try it out personally I would go for an Intel pentium processor; Memory RAM 8GB and Memory Hard Drive 1TB.
I have no connections with the above Company. You could always shop around locally, but make sure you place your order with a reputable firm with good testimonials.
Happy hunting
Dave
 
Either a Mac or a Windows PC would do what you want!

What I would suggest is simple, if you are used to using Windows already then make an appointment at an Apple store and go in with some of your pictures on a disc and see whether MacOS is for you. It works seamlessly with RAW images and the computer includes iPhoto which is a perfectly usable photo organiser.

Software is usually the same price for either so that is not an issue and the reality is that the Apple hardware IS more expensive BUT they hold their value very well so it will be worth more later on if you ever go to sell it. Also a Mac will run Windows too so you can use both.

There are, of course, advantages with Windows machines too. You will get more bang for your buck with a Windows Machine and you can keep upgrading it more easily. There is a larger choice of accessories which can be an advantage but this can also be a disadvantage with driver issues.

This thread WILL degenerate into a Mac v PC thread but I hope my advice is balanced - Try both and decided, both will do what you want.
 
If I was looking for a lap top... what should I look for in terms of spec so its a good photo PC or MAC... But im thinking i'll stick with PCs... So that will Kill the MAC vs PC bit!
 
For image editing I would strongly suggest either a desktop or if you need it to be portable at least get an external monitor for when you're back at base, the screens on even the best laptops aren't a patch on decent monitors.
 
If you look at a particular brand (say Dell), they will have a small range. If you avoid the very cheapest and the bleeding edge ones, you will be fine.

Don't forget, you pay a premium for portability. All the components are more expensive as they have different requirements (low power consumption, small form factor etc). Also, laptop batteries don't last too many hours.

I had a laptop with an external monitor, external keyboard, external mouse and external hard drive. So I sold it. My desktop machine is so much more expandable and cheaply.

Graham

nb if you are using itunes and iphoto, it may be worth at least looking at a mac. They are not 'better', but it would be a shame if you did not at least check them out once you have found your ideal pc spec.
 
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