Which computer?

Wildlight

Wildlight

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Name
Joe Kellard
Edit My Images
Yes
I know this may be a bit general, but basically I am looking to buy a new computer that would fit my needs.
I do a lot of photo editing in Photoshop CS3 so need something that is fast and won't hinder my workflow (I'm fed up of waiting for bars and loading etc.).
I will also need a decent monitor with good colours and resolution, and it can't be too small :-)

Can anyone recommend a computer and/or monitor which would be good enough?

My budget is £1500 absolute max.

Thanks!

Joe
 
For £1,500 you will get a super PC or MAC.

When buying from a retailer, I would not go for the latest technology (e.g. quad core etc..) but go for last generation technology (or even two year ago technology, like core 2 duo). Reason for this is that you will pay a premium for the latest technology and the last generation tech will be useful for the next 5 years anyway.

Also for photography including image editing (even when using top end software like photoshop) you do not really need a hugely powerful computer but you will need lots of disc space.

Spec I would suggest would be:
Intel Core 2 Duo (only because I know intel, but AMD also make great processors), around 2.5 to 3 GHz;

Minimum of 300 Gb HDD (+ a second USB HDD of same capacity)

At least 2Gb RAM

A 19"" wide screen monitor (most a very good these days)

You don't need a separate graphics card for doing image editing so do not let the salesman push you down that line.

You will get all that in a good box for well under £1000, which will leave you plenty cash for a good image editing software package.
 
you mention that speed is important, in which case your priorities lie in three areas, processor, memory and hard drive

I would almost be tempted with that budget to put together server class components, using Xeon processor(s), 10000rpm drives and about 8gig of fast memory, running 64bit operating system. you could probably still get a nice monitor with the change.
 
24" imac, go to the Apple web site and see what is listed as a refurb, buy the one with the lowest amount of RAM and then upgrade using a co like Crucial.

The 24" has got a SIPS panel which is vital.
 
Reallyyyyy dont want to start the mac v pc argument but I have found mac's to be more reliable for photo editing than my pc's. Loaded with decent ram they are quick and far more stable.

Happy shopping! :D
 
I would place as much emphasis (if not more) on the monitor as the computer, afterall you could have the fastest computer but if what you are seeing on screen is not accurate you can waste hours
 
Thanks everyone for all your advice.
I'll take in to account what you've recommended and go researching computers :-)

I reckon I'll probably go with mac (I'll have to replace all my Adobe PhotoShop software but I think it will be the best way to go in the long run).

Cheers everyone!

Joe
 
I am not sure but you may just have to pay for an upgrade rather than a complete new programme. I would contact Adobe and explain that you are considering switching platforms and see if there is a cheaper option.
 
For serious editing desktop all the way, or at the very least laptop with a good quality external monitor.
 
This depends on what you are going to do. If I had just one machine I would buy a macbook pro 15" and then buy the old style apple cinema display off ebay for approx £400. This will give you a SIPS screen and also the flexibility of a laptop with enough processing speed to run photoshop
 
my point was for the amount of money mentioned above spent on a good spec mac you could build/buy an equally or faster spec windows based box.

at the end of the day the only difference is the look of the O/S these days.
 
Well my experience agrees with andy_m, but I'm not getting into an argument over it.

BTW. Do you own both a mac and PC?
 
I see.
I have to be honest and say I'm a little surprised you find they are equally stable as it's not what I have found.
 
a good windows install on good hardware shouldnt cause any issues. ive got vista64 sp1 on my work laptop and its rock solid. currently its the only vista box in the company everything else is XP sp3 and likewise those have very few issues.

on the flip side we have some very stable OSX boxes, however we have had some extremely unstable ones too running huge illustrator files that required wiping and rebuilding the same as some people would with windows.

its all swings and roundabouts..
 
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