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Posted on 10/10/12 8:17:57 PM |
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Sophie
Political Parodist Posts: 595 Reply  |
Next PC/Mac purchase
Can I ask the wise heads in this place to help me with a fairly challenging decision. I am thinking of saving up for a MAC 21" or 27". I have had my current PC for only four years and it is already slow in spite of 4GB ram and a good graphics card and some tidying and cleaning. I have problems with CS6 and constant notices that Bridge is short of memory. When I open an image in the main PS window, it never displays the whole image but squares within the image show up with the chequerboard pattern and each time I have to create a duplicate bg layer then delete it. I don't game. But I do want a powerful graphics machine that will last a little more than 4 years. I still teach and design IT courses for the college and so have to use Windows. I also know windows upside down and inside out. I don't know MACs at all but I don't mind learning too much. I would probably put windows on it as well. Any thoughts? Sophie |
Posted on 10/10/12 9:36:04 PM |
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Jota120
Ingenious Inventor Posts: 2615 Reply  |
Re: Next PC/Mac purchase
I can only help you a to a smaller degree with this Sophie, but maybe some interesting points(?) My desktop PC with windows 7 works with 6GB works and graphic card well, but I only trialled CS6. Still work with CS5. My Dell/PC laptop died. Ouch! Very strong with my travel abuse for several years. All the information I had on disk gone, but I did have few backups. I do IT but had to consult to confirm my conclusion with guys in Salisbury. Could not recover. I got the disk replaced empty apart from XP OS, but this was never my main PS machine, just business and mail etc. So enough with MS, apart from my desktop Windows 7 seems ok, but I need robust laptop again with some power, so purchased MacBook Pro. Bit expensive. Very good quality, bit heavy, but I was looking for robust due to my travel. Compared to Windows, turn it on and so quick! I've installed Monzilla products and does not complain. Concerning working with Windows on Mac, I have partitioned using Boot Camp Assistant. First time I got the partition to small for Windows, so had to go back, bit scary, but made it. There are 3rd party product such as Parallels Desktop 7 that let you run both at same time, but potential performance problems on the Mac then and virus blocking sw. I just want to keep them apart. When partitioned, when start/boot can have default Mac or windows, and select the none default with key strokes during boot. The only reason I did this complicated step was because Adobe would not let me support a Mac and Windows PS licence, =2x which should have right to at same time..... long and expensive telephone conversation ..... ... I have to go now, anything I might be able help with, let me know, but I'm not Mac expert and use in Mac mode most times, PS in Windows due above. Trevor |
Posted on 11/10/12 07:57:15 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 6987 Reply  |
Re: Next PC/Mac purchase
I don't know anyone who has bought a Mac and regretted it. I have now ditched my old Mac Pro and replaced it with a 27 inch iMac, and I'm still amazed by how fast (and how beautiful) it is. Worth putting in some extra RAM - I upped mine to 20 Gb - but it's best to buy this separately and install it yourself. James switched from a PC to an iMac a year or so ago, maybe you should ask him about the experience? |
Posted on 11/10/12 09:40:53 AM |
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Sophie
Political Parodist Posts: 595 Reply |
Re: Next PC/Mac purchase
Thanks Trevor and Steve. Steve, you have provided me with just what I wanted to know... putting in more RAM. I wasn't sure if the iMac would be OK without the extra. |
Posted on 11/10/12 10:26:59 AM |
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tooquilos
Wizard of Oz Posts: 2884 Reply  |
Re: Next PC/Mac purchase
Go the Mac Sophie..you will never regret it. I love mine after being a PC person for many years..I changed over about 4 years ago and have never looked back. I have a 27" that I work on generally up here and a 21" that is downstairs. _________________ Wicked Witch of the West: I'm melting! I'm melting! |
Posted on 11/10/12 10:43:35 AM |
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Sophie
Political Parodist Posts: 595 Reply |
Re: Next PC/Mac purchase
Thanks so much Anna. Just one more question. I work with two screens, would I be able to attach a second monitor to an iMac? |
Posted on 11/10/12 3:01:10 PM |
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Jota120
Ingenious Inventor Posts: 2615 Reply |
Re: Next PC/Mac purchase
Sophie, I love the Mac, but again its my travel machine "15", quite small for PS, but I can't travel with anything larger. I don't think I can afford iMac desktop at the moment............or for a long time One other comment after my long conversations with Adobe. They will transfer your PS Windows PC licence to Mac. They will give you new DVDs for Mac and you just pay P&P. IMPORTANT: you will have to de-active all your PS PC versions before they will dispatch. One way trip. They give you reference number re call, but only active for two weeks. Trevor |
Posted on 03/11/12 4:15:58 PM |
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Artwel
Satire Supremo Posts: 607 Reply  |
Re: Next PC/Mac purchase
Sophie I am in the same position as you, being a windows user. i had a macbook pro in 2006 and hated it, but I think these days the apple ecosystem is a lot more user friendly, plus apple products look amazing! Sure theyre expensive but for something you use everyday it's best to go for the best you can and it may last atleast another 3pr 4 years before upgrading. The Macpro desktops are powerful machines. iMacs 2012 look wonderfull. I am holding out untill the new Macbook Retina display comes out next year. I will max it out to 16gb Ram but My concern is that 16gb may not last too long!. If you use a desktop then an iMac maxed out is a no brainer, good price, beautiful design. I would go for a 21 inch and add an extra large second monitor , although Apples cinema displays are pricey but very nice, maybe worth looking at other makes for your second screen? Good luck _________________ Quote of the day.. "Photoshop isn't really meant to be used for drawing".. |
Posted on 03/11/12 4:20:36 PM |
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Artwel
Satire Supremo Posts: 607 Reply |
Re: Next PC/Mac purchase
Also this article may be of use http://www.digitaltrends.com/how-to/how-to-run-dual-monitors-on-a-imac-all-in-one/ _________________ Quote of the day.. "Photoshop isn't really meant to be used for drawing".. |
Posted on 03/11/12 5:17:25 PM |
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GKB
Magical Montagist Posts: 3959 Reply  |
Re: Next PC/Mac purchase
Hi Sophie, I have yet to meet anyone who has transferred to MAC and regretted it. Go for it gal! Gordon _________________ You're never too old to learn something stupid. |