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ARTICLE
The Good, Bad, and Ugly about Today's Computers, and What You Need.--------------------- I have received so many
email and message board requests from people asking what type of computer is
best for digital camera uses, and what brands are best, I’ve decided to crank
out this article on it on the main site, so hopefully many more will see it. I’ve taken the bulk of
questions I get asked on what you should look for in a digital imaging computer,
and created this list of descriptions. Hope it helps. This
is a loooooong page filled with text, folks.
So, put on your reading glasses, and take a cookie break midway so you
don’t go nutty. "What specs should my computer have to be up to date for digital photography?" Operating System:
Windows XP is on pretty much all new home computers these days, and is
the most stable of all the Windows versions.
It does the best job handing cameras and card readers, but if you have
access to an older system that runs Windows 98 (second edition), then this is
fine too. I tend to avoid Windows
ME (Millennium Edition) systems as
I found ME to be very unstable and susceptible to crashes much more often than
any other version. If you have an
old system with Windows 3.1 or 95 on it, you really should consider upgrading. Memory:
“RAM” is the workhorse of a computer.
Not having enough can cause system crashes or freeze-ups.
The more RAM you have, the more you can do at once, and the quicker your
computer can do intensive tasks. If
you are running a Windows XP system, you should have a minimum of 256 megs of
RAM, but more is still recommended. This will cover running Windows and basic image editing
programs that come with cameras, or lower end programs for photo editing.
If you want to run higher-end programs such as Photoshop, Photoshop
Elements 2, or Paint Shop Pro 8, then I highly recommend you upgrade to 512 megs
of RAM. If you also want to work
with digital video or burning DVD video disks, having even more than 512 megs is
recommended. You’ll see a
difference. See your computer
maker’s manual or call them to find out the exact type of RAM your computer
uses before buying, or if you’re not comfortable opening the case to install
more, take it in to your local computer shop and have them do it for you.
Some very inexpensive
systems at local stores (those under $500.00) may only have 128 megs of RAM, so
read the box carefully. These
systems will run very sluggishly with photo editing programs, so try to bump up
the budget to get something with a little more memory to begin with. Processor Speed:
Older systems that run at least 700 mhz or higher (usually Pentium III)
for their processors can work “ok”, so long as you have enough RAM.
Of course, the faster the processor the better too.
Most newer computers come with at least 2.8 ghz (gigahertz) processors
now, so this should be fine. You
may wish to avoid lower-end systems that still use the “Celeron” processors,
as they are not really optimized for high-end computing.
Try to stick to Pentium-4 and AMD systems running at 2.8 ghz or higher.
For digital video, the higher the better.
Storage:
The hard drive stores your programs, files, and images.
Very low-end systems come with 20-40 gigabyte hard drives.
This sounds like a lot, but if you start taking lots of photos and saving
them, you’ll be shocked how quickly this fills up.
Try to opt for a computer with at least an 80 gig hard drive, or, if
you’re the adventurous type, install a second hard drive in your computer just
for photo and video storage. If
your existing computer is fine in every other respect, consider an
“external” hard drive for adding storage.
Most of these external drives sit on your desk and plug into your
computer via newer USB 2.0 or Firewire ports to run effectively, so make sure
your computer has these before buying one.
If you plan on doing digital video, it is not outrageous to consider a
160 gig drive as digital video takes up much more space than even higher
megapixel digital images do. CD/DVD Storage: Backing up your important images to CD-R disk or to DVD is a good safety measure to take on a regular basis. Though hard drive crashes are not an everyday occurrence, they sometimes DO happen, and if you have no backups, poof… your photos are gone. Many new computers today come with CD writers, and some are starting to come with DVD writers. Learn to use them, and back up your photos! Disks are not from Krypton – avoid leaving them in area where they will be exposed to direct sunlight, high humidity, or scratches!
For CD storage, avoid those
el-cheapo bulk disks the stores sell so cheap.
They are usually an inferior grade, and you run the risk of the data
becoming corrupt. Don’t be cheap
when saving photos – look for “pro grade” CD-R disks for storage, as they
have extra coating layers on the disks that help reduce errors and corruption.
Also, avoid using those stick-on CD labels.
Some studies are beginning to show that over time, the adhesive on those
stick-on labels may actually seep into CD disks and cause damage to data in only
a few years time. If you wish to
print on your CDs, buy a printer that does direct CD printing (Epson carries a
couple of models that do this), and buy special “printable CD-R” disks at
your local computer store. Works
great, and no glue! For DVD storage, make sure you buy the right disks.
There are two main formats of DVD writers out there right now – “DVD+R”
and “DVD -R”. Many new DVD
writers will read both formats, but some do not.
If your writer is a DVD “+”, then only buy + disks, etc.
If you’re doing digital video editing, you really must use DVD as CDs
can hold lots of photos, but very little video.
DVDs can hold on average, 1.5 to 3 hours of digital video (depending on
video quality, compression, etc.) There
are reports of compatibility issues with television DVD players not being able
to read or play some versions of DVD+/- R disks, so keep this in mind when
shopping around and asking salespeople questions. Monitors:
While 15 to 17 inch monitors work well for surfing the web and doing
emails, they’re not the best when working with photos or video.
I recommend buying at least a 19 inch monitor for photo/video work.
“CRT” monitors are what many have been using for years – they look
and work much like a TV set. Newer
“LCD” monitors are very thin, lighter, and don’t get hot as they work on a
different technology. They are more
expensive than older CRT models, but again, the amount of space you save using
one is great. Plus they use much
less electricity than CRT monitors, too. I’ve
actually had two friends have their older CRTs catch on fire due to overheating
when they leave them on unattended all the time!
This is much less of a concern using a LCD.
CRTs do have the advantage of showing more accurate colors than many LCDs
do however, and some may recommend them over LCDs for photo work.
I personally use a 19 inch NEC brand LCD monitor and have little problem
with color accuracy. Avoid cheap monitors if you
can. They usually have a lower
resolution which will effect the amount of detail you see (and increase eye
strain). I personally like the
Viewsonic brand of monitors (CRT or LCD), Sony (LCD) or NEC (LCD) monitors. Printers:
Your photos will only look as good as the printer that’s printing them,
and the paper they’re printed on. I
personally like Epson, and currently use their model R300 printer which I love
(free plug for Epson here). It uses
individual ink tanks for each color (saves money), and will do printing directly
onto printable CD and DVD disks, too. At only $179.00 average, it’s a bargain
for what you get. Shop around of
course, but I’ve tried all brands, and have been disappointed with Lexmark
(quality) and H.P. (poor build, and poor customer service).
Canon and Epson to me, are the two better ways to go at this time. So the “ideal” configuration for a mid-range computer for photo editing for me? Using Sunday paper sales jargon here… a “Pentium 4, 2.8 ghz processor system with 512 megs of RAM, an 80-120 gig hard drive, DVD +/- R writer drive, and plenty of USB 2.0 ports, as well as a 19 inch LCD monitor”. Again, it may vary depending on your needs, but that is what I’d go after today, if I needed a new system but didn’t have a zillion dollars to spend. ------------------------------------------------------------ "What
Brand Of Computer Is The Best?" Ohhhhh this is bad.
We’ve reached a dreary day in computer land my friends, because my
current answer would have to be, “None of them”. Compaq:
Always known for being “finicky” when you try to add things to them.
Now considered to be in the lower-end of systems since H.P. merged with
them. Customer service in my
experience, is your typical “Just out of a Burger King job” level.
The machines are somewhat ok, but I do get help requests more often from
this brand than others. E-Machines:
Currently the lowest-end off the shelf systems.
Cheapo quality materials in some parts of them, and only so-so customer
service at best. For the price
(usually under $500) I guess they’re not really THAT bad, as they’re so
cheap in price you could almost consider them to be “disposable” if they
break down. Good as a second computer for the kids, or for basic tasks
like web surfing. NOT a power
machine. H.P.:
Hewlett Packard. I’ve seen the sharpest drop in customer service and
quality control over the years from this company than any other.
Years ago, I bought their printers and computers which are still running.
We’ve bought newer systems in our office however, that constantly break
down or have problems. Even the
newer printer models are breaking down on us far more often than any other
brand. They have also started
outsourcing their calls to INDIA as well, so when you call in, chances are
you’ll be speaking to someone thousands of miles away with little in the way
of English speaking skills. DELL: Same as H.P. in many respects. Two of my personal computers are DELL, and I’ve purchased several other items from them as well. Over time however, I’ve seen a drastic increase in phone hold times when you call in for support. They are also now as H.P., outsourcing many of their calls to INDIA. On a recent problem call, I was transferred FIVE times by folks who could barely speak my language, who kept saying “the other department” would help me, only to have that other department transfer me to someone else, etc. The drop in service to such a low level makes DELL no longer worth the premium price you pay for their systems, and I doubt I’ll personally ever order from them again. I swear if I didn’t know any better, I’d think AOL was running DELL now (yes, that was an insult).
Gateway: “Decent” customer service, but they do have a reputation for having a fair number of “DOA” (Dead on arrival) systems. I’ve known two people who purchased Gateway systems that did have problems right out of the box. To credit them, their customer service did help fix the problems, but I’d suggest better quality control in their warehouses. Gateway recently closed all of their retail outlets due to competition and low sales, but you can still order them online and through various other retail stores. Sony:
Sony systems are usually geared for digital imaging and video, so
they’re many times loaded up with features for these activities.
Their monitors are usually pretty high quality too.
As far as “off the shelf” systems go, I’d be tempted at least at
this time, to go with a Sony. Note,
their customer service is a bit on the “young and stupid” side, though.
Another note – buy it from a store that offers good extended warranty
services. Not saying you need this
with a Sony any more than any other system (and it's a good idea to buy one with
ANY system), but since many Sony systems are high dollar items, it’s worth the
extra investment. Toshiba:
Mostly known for making high quality laptops.
They ARE very good, too. If
for whatever reason you decide you want to go the laptop route instead of
getting a desktop system, I would personally recommend Toshiba over any other
brand. Check out their newer
models that feature a 17 inch wide screen monitor (beautiful).
My only gripe is, guess what? They
transfer calls to … bingo.. INDIA!! ARGH!!
But at least hold times seem to be lower than others.
Keep in mind that laptops are fragile machines, so you definitely want to
get an extended warranty with one, or check into your home owners or renters
insurance company for a “floater” policy that covers it all on that one
item. Apple: Apple machines are “cool” in appearance and features, and usually come loaded with all kinds of programs for digital imaging, video, chat, and more. They have nice quality monitors, and customer service usually ranks among the best that’s out there today (if you purchase the 3 year “Applecare” warranty with your system). The big “but” here however, is that buying an Apple alienates you from 95% of the software out there. The Apple operating system (called OS X Panther) is not compatible in most ways with Windows XP. With few exceptions, programs sold in most stores are for PCs and not Apple computers, although a very few chains such as Microcenter and CompUSA do have small Apple sections in them, and a few Apple stores are found in the U.S. in select malls. If you can pay top dollar for a computer, don’t mind the limited choices you’ll have for software, and maybe know someone who uses Apples who can help you in a pinch, then this might be a choice for you. Their machines are well made, and service is overall very good. They are considered by many to be the "Rolls Royce" of the computer world. My one complaint is that Apple many times ships it's computers with sub-standard specs - such as only 256 megs of RAM, even on machines that cost nearly $2,000.00. Users who wish to use image editors or video editing, must either pay more than the base price to have Apple install more RAM during the ordering process, or, must install more themselves immediately, as well as a larger hard drive if they plan on saving video, etc etc. I think my grandfather would use the phrase, "These are for people who have more money than sense", but they ARE good computers. Just be prepared to pay for the privilege of owning one.
Last
question! “Should
I buy a computer from a small shop where they build them to order?” My answer… “I’d
probably not”. Small computer
shops are kind of like restaurants – very unstable businesses.
There’s a fair chance that if you buy a top-dollar fancy machine from
one, they may very well not be in business two years later if you wish to
upgrade it or need repairs. For
cheaper secondary computer systems you might get some good deals at these
places, but for a higher dollar primary system, I’d try to stick to
established stores. There are of course, other lesser named brands out there, but these cover the biggest you’ll see in stores or online. Hopefully this answers a bulk of repeating questions I continue to get asking how much of this or that folks need in their computers, and, what kind of service to expect from the makers these days. If you have a question that’s not answered here, click here to enter the forum where perhaps other viewers can answer and contribute their knowledge.
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