Luminous Landscape Forum

Raw & Post Processing, Printing => Digital Image Processing => Topic started by: BryanHansel on March 14, 2007, 01:30:42 pm

Title: Sub $1000 Computer
Post by: BryanHansel on March 14, 2007, 01:30:42 pm

I'm looking for a desktop computer (PC) with a new monitor in the sub $1000 range. It has to be able to run Photoshop CS2, although I'm not a power user.

Any recommendations? Or what should I be looking for?

Title: Sub $1000 Computer
Post by: boku on March 14, 2007, 02:37:27 pm

IMHO, the 3 most critical factors for reasonable Photoshop host environment are:

1) Suitable memory - I say 2 GB.
2) A quality monitor, at least 19 or 20 inch.
3) Color calibration device.

Those options alone will probably add almost $1000 to the basic $500 bargain basement PC (which also may not have enough HD to hold your files, but that is not expensive to rectify).

Processor power is not that big a deal for casual users. Just get a mid-range chip.

Title: Sub $1000 Computer
Post by: BryanHansel on March 14, 2007, 03:26:45 pm

I have a couple of years old eye-one, is that still going to cut it for color calibration?

As far as HD, no prob. I have an empty 320 GB on the desk right now.

My current Dell has suffered a "motherboard" replacement problem, which is why I need something.

Any brands to be looking at?

Title: Sub $1000 Computer
Post by: boku on March 14, 2007, 03:43:33 pm

Quote

I have a couple of years old eye-one, is that still going to cut it for color calibration?

As far as HD, no prob. I have an empty 320 GB on the desk right now.

My current Dell has suffered a "motherboard" replacement problem, which is why I need something.

Any brands to be looking at?
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The i1 should work. The drive should work.

I currently use Dells, but I no longer have any brand allegiance. Dell has always been a default choice for me, but I am not able to identify any reason to blindly continue with Dell without considering alternatives.

In years to come, I will probably be migrating to Apple.

I would not use a Dell monitor due to reputation for a consumer/gaming orientation and an overly-bright backlight.

Title: Sub $1000 Computer
Post by: jorgedelfino on March 14, 2007, 06:38:37 pm

http://www.macworld.com/products/apple/com...096_detail1.php (http://www.macworld.com/products/apple/complete/product00096_detail1.php)

maybe you found it!

Title: Sub $1000 Computer
Post by: BryanHansel on March 15, 2007, 02:54:01 pm

And then I'd have to rebuy a bunch of software and my boat design software doesn't run on Mac. So it goes.

I'm looking at some laptops now. Toshiba has a nice one with a 17" screen for $1200. That might be nice to have.