Choosing the right computer for the job.

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daz103

daz103

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Ok I am starting a photography business and have managed to get some funding for IT equipment, about £3000.

I have been thinking of an Imac 27" and a macbook pro for on the move. Is this the best options or what about a mac pro. I have never used mac before, but having recently had a demo at the apple store I am quite fond to give them a proper work out.

Is there decent windows equivalents?

Just looking for some advice on this. I know the 27" imac is a popular editing machine.
 
Mind to leave some cash for software if you don't already have it!
 
Is there decent windows equivalents?

No not really, Macs are just Macs :love:
 
Carlm90 said:
Is there decent windows equivalents?

No not really, Macs are just Macs :love:
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We could go into a huge Mac vs PC thing here, but we've all seen that before.

The software you'll most likely be using will work on either mac or PC. The choice is yours.

Personally, I like the idea that I can upgrade my hardware myself and generally have a lot more control over my system.

Mac people like the 'simplicity' of the Mac platform.

Whatever works for you, really.

However, you will get a -much- more powerful machine for your money if you go for a PC. You pay a premium to join Steve job's cashcow club the Apple community.
 
If your used to windows, be aware of the time it will take you to "learn" mac, which might be a couple of days (same for windows if vice versa).
 
I'm not in business but as mentioned factor in the software (lightroom 3 and CS5?). As the work is for clients you'll need 1 or 2 storage backups. Also maybe an A3 printer too?
 
Carlm90 said:
Is there decent windows equivalents?

No not really, Macs are just Macs :love:
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As a platform agnostic, I would say ignore silly comments like this. A windows based PC will do what you want as well as a mac. However, the 27" imac is actually a brilliant piece of kit. The quality and size of the screen are difficult to match for a PC (the dell equivalent screen is £1100 on its own) and when coupled with the computer innards it is a real winner. The i5 versions will be more than powerful enough for editing. As for a laptop, if you are buying into the mac os then I would think it would be sensible to stick with them. However, the 13" MBP is woefully underspecced with an old processor. IF you get one get a 15" with the new i core intels in. However, for rugged lappies you can't go wrong with the dell buisness ones. Some of the sports fraternity on here swear by them.

So, the answer is.....

Mac and windows will do the same thing, just as easily. The 27" i5 imac is a real stunner and a bit of a bargain to boot. Lappies are more tricky but get a 15" MBP or one of the stronger dell jobbies.

And all that coming from a W7 user with an iPhone!
 
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Dazzler said:
Don't forget to look here for Refurbished Macs - usually 15% off.

http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/specialdeals/mac (being updated at moment)
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Refurbished Macs are a good idea, as is Applecare for the iMac.
I build PC's but I wouldn't like to take an iMac apart.

The 27" iMac is a great machine. Are you going to use a dual monitor setup ?
You might want to think about getting an extra monitor for the iMac.

As much as I love Apple, I think the Macbook Pro's are a little expensive for what they are.
Depending on how much work you want to do on the move you could consider the basic white Macbook.

:thumbs:
 
You have £3k to spend on tech. As much as I'd love to go plundering the apple store, it's not aaaactually too much.

Photoshop CS5 is £600
Lightroom 3 is £215.

You NEED a lot of backed up storage. A good balance is an onsite NAS device with 2* 2Tb drives in it, mirrored. Netgear ReadyNAS is £130, plus £170 for 2* 2tb drives = £300. Add in 2* external drives to use as archive and offsite backup, (have one at primary location with sync software running validated copying from the NAS to it, and then swop them round once a week) and that's £500 for storage.
You could get away with 1TB drives - 2TB is the cheapest price per gigabyte at the moment though, and you'll end up buying it anyway.

Monitor calibrator, £100ish.

so that's £1400ish spent before you even look at what computers you're buying.

If it's not being your main editing computer, second hand macbook pros have the great screen and still very good performance, but are really very reasonably priced on ebay. One, plus a portable external drive will take you nicely up to £2k spent, so do what you want with the last 1K, imac may well be a good buy. Mac pros are overpowered and unneeded tbh - they're server spec computers, and very high priced, and the only mac really suitable for video and CAD stuff, but way overkill for editing photos.
 
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neil_g said:
for £3k even i would buy an apple.. duel xeon mac pro all the way.

or use apple screens.
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they're a beast, I do all my video work on high spec mac pros and would suffer with anything less really...but waaaay overkill for photo editing imo.

and yeah, cinema displays are dead expensive - go for something like the NEC 23" IPS screen, it is stunning, and about £300. Of course, not an issue if you're buying an imac, though as a second screen, they're a very good buy.
 
The iMac is a good machine, I've got one. Plus Apple have just announced a new range, basically upgraded processors etc. I made the switch from PC 18 months ago, and learning "mac" takes a few minutes. It's a question of personal choice. Ask yourself though do you need the 27" version or woukd the 21" be OK. Could save you a bob or two. Also do you need a Macbook Pro, or would a normal Macbook do you.

Best bet is to nip to the Apple Store at Eldon Sq and spend some time looking at what's available.

As said consider refurbs as they save some money and possibly superseded models such as the "old" iMac
 
iMacs have just been updated and Mac Pros are due to be very soon I think.

I'm gonna get a 27" i7 iMac I think, then stick an SSD in it :D
 
Thanks for all the advice guys. The terms of the funding clearly state for hardware only, and as I already have cs4 and lightroom 3, which are mac compatible apperently I should be alright with that.

I do see the point of getting some storage though and in regards to the calibration i already have that sorted too.
 
daz103 said:
Thanks for all the advice guys. The terms of the funding clearly state for hardware only, and as I already have cs4 and lightroom 3, which are mac compatible apperently I should be alright with that.

I do see the point of getting some storage though and in regards to the calibration i already have that sorted too.
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ah cool.... get a decent amount of storage, and then go to town on the apple store then!

What funding did you secure? A grant or something?
 
menthel said:
I would say ignore silly comments like this. A windows based PC will do what you want as well as a mac. However, the 27" imac is actually a brilliant piece of kit.
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I'd say ignore silly remarks like this. ;-)

Use what you like, what you get on with, what suits you and what helps you get the job done quickest.

There's no such thing as a platform agnostic.
 
kimaldis said:
I'd say ignore silly remarks like this. ;-)

Use what you like, what you get on with, what suits you and what helps you get the job done quickest.

There's no such thing as a platform agnostic.
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My god, you do talk out of your bottom. I am platform agnostic and do happily use whichever comes to hand. Think before you post or you could embarrass yourself again.
 
Woah guys chill out :).

I have never been one to stick to one platform, The short time I have used a Mac I got on fine with it the same as I do with windows. Exactly the same way I can use Nikon, Canon and pentax cameras with equal proficiency ;).

I am going to leicester at the weekend so I will go and have another play with the macs.
 
neil_g said:
for £3k even i would buy an apple.. duel xeon mac pro all the way.

but i wouldnt run it with OSX. or use apple screens.
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LOL - Running windows 7 on my Mac Pro at the moment. Runs like an absolute dream, and the build quality is fantastic.
 
neil_g said:
now now..
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It's the apple verses PC battle always ends up like this!

Back on topic, if I was setting up a new photography business I would go Apple especially if I was doing face to face stuff with clients. The apple kit just looks that bit classier and more impressive, saying that either will do the job fine and the PC route will definately allow you to get more for your money!
 
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