Comp idiot needs help

[hanphotog]

Hi all,

Dun even know whether this is the correct place to ask this qn but jus wanna find out abt computer related stuff.

My computer of 4 years recently died, and I would like to invest in a new comp. However, how many RAM and what kind of graphic card and how much storage space do u think is suitable for photo-intensive photography hobbyist?

And is the new WIndows Vista stable? My old photoshop CD cannot be installed on this new Vista?

Thanx for anybody's help,
From: Comp idiot

[piggyxiaozhu]

1. ur old photoshop cannt install in the vista PC cos different operating systems. wat version is urs? originals provide upgrade to photoshop of a new version if u register.

2. wat other functions u need? gaming? non gaming?

3. budget?

ps. the new vista interface bery bery nice... heard it laggy... nt sure abt usage cos i am still a XP user...

oh ya... do u consider imac? or jus windows?

[littlegenie]

do you do a lot of post processing?

[harrynkl]

maybe u can upgrade ur rams and graphic card while the rest still can use.

OT a Bit
I thinking of having a DIY com at home too with a $1200 wat will i get from tis.

anyone can get me a specs, role of com are for graphic intense and gaming

[miniUltraman]

1. ur old photoshop cannt install in the vista PC cos different operating systems. wat version is urs? originals provide upgrade to photoshop of a new version if u register.

2. wat other functions u need? gaming? non gaming?

3. budget?

ps. the new vista interface bery bery nice... heard it laggy... nt sure abt usage cos i am still a XP user...

oh ya... do u consider imac? or jus windows?

VISTA is stable la :happy1: Have been using it for 6 months leow.. with 1GB RAM running all sorts of applications :cheer:

I think CS3 is specifically for VISTA... CS2 oso not sure whether can run :grin:

[jer]

CS2 can run on Vista, No pro so far

[Thomas]

Hi all,

Dun even know whether this is the correct place to ask this qn but jus wanna find out abt computer related stuff.

My computer of 4 years recently died, and I would like to invest in a new comp. However, how many RAM and what kind of graphic card and how much storage space do u think is suitable for photo-intensive photography hobbyist?

And is the new WIndows Vista stable? My old photoshop CD cannot be installed on this new Vista?

Thanx for anybody's help,
From: Comp idiot

First of all, you have to determine how much is your budget. A minimum recommended specs from me:

Intel CoreDuo2 4.3GB
Asus P5B series motherboard
1 GB RAM, can consider 2 GB since quite cheap now
160GB/250GB Seagate hard disk, most value for $ now, got 5 yrs warranty
Assuming not gaming, any graphics with 128MB of video RAM will do (<$100)
A DVD writer maybe?
If using to edit photos, can consider buying Razer Pro 1.6 ($40~)

Total about $800-$900. If you need to get keyboard, monitor, and other external stuff then more lor... My advice is if using mainly for editing photos, use CRT monitor instead of LCD monitor, get much better colour accuracy.

Photoshop CS2 runs fine on Vista. However, since CS3 is out, might as well get CS3 since the price is very similar. I have not heard Vista lagging though. When buying Vista, DO NOT BUY the Home Basic one. It's useless. Get Home Premium. Forget about Business and Ultimate. The Home Premium got everything too. Yes I agree the interface looks great but IMO nothing beats Mac OS :coolnod:

[Thomas]

I would also like to add that for photo enthusiasts, 160GB to 250GB of hard disk space may not be enough... :grin:

I have around 600GB of hard disk space and it's not quite enough... lol :rofl:

[hanphotog]

Thanx alot for everybody's kind input. Think my budget ard $1200. Wont be getting anything DIY cos if something should happen to the comp then me being the comp idiot will not know which component is the spoilt one.

I only need the CPU actually. Checked out Funan, Acer CPU selling @ $1300 for the following:
1GB RAM, 320GB harddisk, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6320
Vista Home Premium, 512MB ATI graphic card, DVD writer

Am hoping that when Comex comes in 2 weeks time I can get a better bargain.

WHat's the current $ for CS2 & CS3?

[harrynkl]

Thanx alot for everybody's kind input. Think my budget ard $1200. Wont be getting anything DIY cos if something should happen to the comp then me being the comp idiot will not know which component is the spoilt one.

I only need the CPU actually. Checked out Funan, Acer CPU selling @ $1300 for the following:
1GB RAM, 320GB harddisk, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6320
Vista Home Premium, 512MB ATI graphic card, DVD writer

Am hoping that when Comex comes in 2 weeks time I can get a better bargain.

WHat's the current $ for CS2 & CS3?

u talkin about Acer L310 slim CPU rite

[hanphotog]

u talkin about Acer L310 slim CPU rite

No actually was refering to Aspire E560.
The Mini (or slim) for almost similar specs as the Aspire will cost abt 100-200 more.

[Static]

Thanx alot for everybody's kind input. Think my budget ard $1200. Wont be getting anything DIY cos if something should happen to the comp then me being the comp idiot will not know which component is the spoilt one.

I only need the CPU actually. Checked out Funan, Acer CPU selling @ $1300 for the following:
1GB RAM, 320GB harddisk, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6320
Vista Home Premium, 512MB ATI graphic card, DVD writer

Am hoping that when Comex comes in 2 weeks time I can get a better bargain.

WHat's the current $ for CS2 & CS3?


My advise dun get Vista first, if you r on a tight budget go for W2000 wallet friendly version, u will able to do liveupdate, no problem.

1.2K DIY should be able to get a pretty decent com. If you already have monitor.

Vista need 2Gb ram to run smoothly

[hanphotog]

My advise dun get Vista first, if you r on a tight budget go for W2000 wallet friendly version, u will able to do liveupdate, no problem.

1.2K DIY should be able to get a pretty decent com. If you already have monitor.

Vista need 2Gb ram to run smoothly

My intention is that since I have a tight budget, I'll go for the 1GB RAM first, then ask the salesman to install Windows XP version in the comp. But give me the Vista version in recovery disk. Should I encounter prob with Vista in future, can stil upgrade to 2GB RAM rite.

[Static]

My intention is that since I have a tight budget, I'll go for the 1GB RAM first, then ask the salesman to install Windows XP version in the comp. But give me the Vista version in recovery disk. Should I encounter prob with Vista in future, can stil upgrade to 2GB RAM rite.

I not sure if the license key for XP can be use for vista. Better check wif ur

salesman.

Dell oso offering quite decent offers.

[miniUltraman]

How much VISTA Ultimate selling on the shelves?

[leekch]

Vista is a very hardware intensive operating system. From what I see, you will need at least 1GB of RAM in order for a desktop PC to run. For notebook, at least 2GB and a SATA HDD. Vista also has another 'problem', old software maybe cannot run, or run 'half-half'. Read the recommendations from the software publishers before making the shift to Vista. Personally, I don't see any advantage running vista vs WinXP.

[hanphotog]

But i think even if now we resist using Vista based on all the negative points, sooner or later, the shift is still for pple to use Vista. All new computers will only be installed with Vista. Its jus like how many of us are still using Windows 98?? Not many one leh....

[Thomas]

One point to note when getting branded PC is that when you want to upgrade any component or troubleshoot problems in future, you have to go back to them else the warranty will be void. The parts they sell you for upgrades will be much higher than Sim Lim Square too.

Another thing is that in terms of warranty period, getting branded PCs have only 1 year of warranty (unless you extend it). This in fact causes you to lose out in terms of warranty because if you buy separately from SLS, you have longer warranty for individual parts (eg. Seagate hard disk 5 yrs, some brands of mainboard 3 yrs, etc.).

So consider carefully before you buy. Any SLS shop can also help u troubleshoot and upgrade if you get DIY.

[Static]

One point to note when getting branded PC is that when you want to upgrade any component or troubleshoot problems in future, you have to go back to them else the warranty will be void. The parts they sell you for upgrades will be much higher than Sim Lim Square too.

Another thing is that in terms of warranty period, getting branded PCs have only 1 year of warranty (unless you extend it). This in fact causes you to lose out in terms of warranty because if you buy separately from SLS, you have longer warranty for individual parts (eg. Seagate hard disk 5 yrs, some brands of mainboard 3 yrs, etc.).

So consider carefully before you buy. Any SLS shop can also help u troubleshoot and upgrade if you get DIY.

Agreed. I would prefer to go DIY. But TS mentioned he not so technically

inclined so won't forsee himself doing any DIY upgrade in the near future.

Well a package set would be much better.

Friend running Vista on 2Gb ram.... still complain slow even set everything to

low... Nah would stick with XP and W2K at the moment.

[Thomas]

Agreed. I would prefer to go DIY. But TS mentioned he not so technically

inclined so won't forsee himself doing any DIY upgrade in the near future.

Well a package set would be much better.

Friend running Vista on 2Gb ram.... still complain slow even set everything to

low... Nah would stick with XP and W2K at the moment.

Wow 2GB of RAM and Vista still slow? That's crazy...

I shall stick by my Macs :coolnod:

[Splendid Warrior]

Wow 2GB of RAM and Vista still slow? That's crazy...

I shall stick by my Macs :coolnod:

Hey Thomas, a Mac user will never ever switched over to Windows no matter how fast Vista is.... just like me.... :grin:

[Thomas]

Hey Thomas, a Mac user will never ever switched over to Windows no matter how fast Vista is.... just like me.... :grin:

Agree :thumbsup: :cheers:

[soey]

DIY .. is cheaper and very easy to fix compare to yrs ago
or u can buy everything from fullwell and asked them to fix for u FOC

then go home install your software

[EFG]

Save the headache. Buy a mac mini and an apple cinema screen. Period. :coolnod:

[miniUltraman]

Agree :thumbsup: :cheers:

Nothing is impossible :grin: the dark side is always full of temptations... pple switch from nikon to canon, canon to nikon... so mac to vista, vista to mac... even now mac can have dual boot :grin:

[Splendid Warrior]

Nothing is impossible :grin: the dark side is always full of temptations... pple switch from nikon to canon, canon to nikon... so mac to vista, vista to mac... even now mac can have dual boot :grin:

Nothing is impossible.... true but for a photographer who is a Mac user to switch to Windows is nigh on impossible. :grin:

[miniUltraman]

Nothing is impossible.... true but for a photographer who is a Mac user to switch to Windows is nigh on impossible. :grin:

hmm.. then maybe I should switch to macbook... hmm...

[Thomas]

hmm.. then maybe I should switch to macbook... hmm...

Go go go! :dog: I will personally support all people who wanna switch to mac :coolnod:

[harrynkl]

now need to fuss about lah PC show coming on the 3105 till 0306 got time to put ur money back the the ecomony

[Splendid Warrior]

hmm.. then maybe I should switch to macbook... hmm...

What are you waiting for?? I guarantee you will not regret the move. :grin:

[miniUltraman]

What are you waiting for?? I guarantee you will not regret the move. :grin:

But have to save $$ for my dream 1DMIII :( All your fault... actually I am thinking of 5D.. but you say better do a double jump.. now I always thinking :rofl:

[harrynkl]

But have to save $$ for my dream 1DMIII :( All your fault... actually I am thinking of 5D.. but you say better do a double jump.. now I always thinking :rofl:

buy 4D 1st lah:grin:

[miniUltraman]

buy 4D 1st lah:grin:

I rather buy 5D then :victory:

[leekch]

It boils down to available budget - a reality in today's world. Nevertheless, PC for image post-processing is not bad for a start and for a low budget setup. However if you intend to do photography professionally in years to come, my recommendation is to go directly to Mac platform. Mac might appear to be a bit more expensive than PC, but you will reap the benefit in the long run. Mac is more powerful than PC (given the same CPU clock speed) in terms of handling multimedia contents.

[espn]

It boils down to available budget - a reality in today's world. Nevertheless, PC for image post-processing is not bad for a start and for a low budget setup. However if you intend to do photography professionally in years to come, my recommendation is to go directly to Mac platform. Mac might appear to be a bit more expensive than PC, but you will reap the benefit in the long run. Mac is more powerful than PC (given the same CPU clock speed) in terms of handling multimedia contents.
That would not necessarily be the case, the constrain on image post-processing to me is the display's ability to accurately reproduce the colours. Mac or PC alike, using the right display is more important.

Speedwise depends on the applications' ability to optimise the resources for use. Previously yes, a Mac's G4/5 would outdo a PC, but since now they've moven on to Intel chips, I'm not so sure anymore. I do DVD rendering and photo editing on my Mac/PC, photo editing not much difference, however DVD rendering due to the different applications used, I find my Mac much faster.

Both my machines are 2GB RAM. Go for Mac only if you know you want it. I would love a MacPro at home, but the inability to plug/play parts is a bit of turn off for somebody who likes to DIY.