iMAC for Photographic Uses

[Ed Vatza]

I am currently a PC user and have been using the Windows-based platform for years. I have both a desktop and laptop and have been using the laptop for photo processing, etc because the desktop is so old (8 years), slow, etc. etc.

I'd like to buy a new desktop probably as a Christmas present from us to us. I am looking at the iMACs primarily because I have always been told that MACs are the way to go for photography, art, design, graphics, etc. Anyone care to share their thoughts on the iMAC? And while at it, any opinions on the 2.4 vs. 2.8Ghz processors? I am thinking of 4GB RAM but is 2GB enough? And while I am at it, I may go with with a 1TB hard drive although I don't know that it is necessary given I have a 1TB external Hard Drive for my PC. That would work with a MAC, right? Finally I definitely need a bigger screen than either my current desktop or laptop have. I am thinking 24".

I feel I am pretty well set with lenses. I will probably want to pick up a full frame body down the road. But other than that, I think a new work station and printer (see my Epson post) are the two things I most need moving forward.

Any and all comments, suggestions, input would really be appreciated.

[Doug Brown]

iMacs are very good for photo editing Ed. I made the jump from PC to Mac about a year ago, and I wonder now what took me so long. The 24" screen is a good choice for photo editing. I'm a big fan of extra RAM (my Mac Pro desktop has 9 GB, and it's FAST!). LIkewise, a big hard drive is a good thing to have. Can't tell you about processor speed, but I'm sure other BPN members can.

Your current external drive will have to be formatted for the Mac, but that's easy enough to do. Good luck!

[Alan Melle]

If you are going with a MAC and want a large screen why not go with the superb 23" Apple Cinema Display? I use it on a PC and it's outstanding.

[James McComas]

I was a PC user like you and recently migrated to IMAC. The first time I looked at one of my pictures in the IMAC I almost fell of the chair. The IMAC is head and shoulders over any PC as far as graphics. If you have the cash, buy the best you can get, you won’t be disappointed.

[Amy DeStefanis]

Hi Ed.

I switched to a MacBook Pro in February after years of using PC's - in fact, I'm a software developer using PC's everyday. I LOVE my MacBook Pro. My husband has my old (Vista) laptop, and I also have a desktop Dell that I never use because it's so outdated. But I can still use its monitor with my Mac.

I can even use MS Office applications on the Mac (the suite cost much less for the Mac than it did for Windows!)

I really don't think you'll be disappointed, though you might have to re-purchase some software applications....

Good luck!
Amy D.

[Amy DeStefanis]

(my Mac Pro desktop has 9 GB, and it's FAST!).

OMG! 9 G of RAM???? That's the first I've ever heard of that. I remember my first hard-drive ever was a whopping 20M. Wow. RAM envy.

:)

Amy D.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

The monitor quality might not be quite as good as an Apple Cinema Display but it is very good if you get the 24 inch version with 1920x1200 screen resolution (the 20 inch monitor is supposedly not nearly as good). The new ones come with 2.8 or 3 GHz processors which is quite fast. I would get the 512MB video card and 4GB of memory. Calibration works really well, too. I have the 1TB hard drive and got an external 1TB that works as Time Machine.

[Amy DeStefanis]

I have the 1TB hard drive and got an external 1TB that works as Time Machine.

Hi Axel, You have the 1T Time Machine? I have the 500G (with the Time Capsule Router). Been having problems with it since they did an upgrade to the software. Have you had any problems? Feel free to PM...

Thanks,
Amy

Ed, So no, Apple isn't infallible - but this is the only issue I've had - and I have two Apple care centers nearby where I can go for help - covered under warranty and/or the AppleCare program. I used this once because I "thought" I was having a problem, but it was just something I didn't understand about using a Mac. The guy kept me there and showed me a bunch of things that were really useful.

Amy

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

If you are going with a MAC and want a large screen why not go with the superb 23" Apple Cinema Display? I use it on a PC and it's outstanding.

I have used the mentioned display which I loved until it started to die. The 23" HD displays has some problems. Not recommended by my reseller. I go for 30". :)

By the way I have got only positive feedbacks of the new iMac. Just need to pick up share parts from other suppliers than Apple :)

Szimi

[Ed Vatza]

Thanks everybody. It looks like I will end up going with the iMAC. I was just looking at B&H and the 24" with 3.06 Ghz processor, 4GB RAM; 1 TB hard drive is looking mighty good. Like I said, probably for Christmas.

[David Billingsley]

I too am considering the new iMAC 24" - BUT - the glossy screen (no other option on the new 24") is really holding me back.

Any of you with the iMACs have the glossy display???

Your comments would be appreciated.

Have a blessed day - dave b.

[Doug Brown]

My first computer had 256 KB of memory (an Apple II Plus)!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I too am considering the new iMAC 24" - BUT - the glossy screen (no other option on the new 24") is really holding me back.

Any of you with the iMACs have the glossy display???

Your comments would be appreciated.

Have a blessed day - dave b.

I like the glossy screen, the colors look very realistic and vivid. Newer iMacs all have glossy screens as far as I know. You just have to make sure no direct light falls onto the monitor.

[Maurice Allen]

I just ordered a 24" iMac referb on Monday! :)