Computer advice

[Gethin]

Hi folks,
My photoshop course is nearly done and I am thinking of getting a new computer. I tried loading the Photoshop suite on to my current one and there wasn't enough memory or something to load all the programmes.
I don't know much about computers so need to know what are the key things I need, to be able to handle all the Photoshop suite easily. I need processing power and memory but don't know how much of either. I also want it to be future proof for at least 5 years if possible.
I have all my photos backed up on a hard drive already.
I can go along to buy one but don't know what features I ideally need or what to ask for. What are your ideas on this please? Both what I need and where to buy it?
I hope to be at the meetings again in 2-3 weeks.
Thanks,
Gethin

[ahitchcock3]

Hi Gethin,

at the end of this year I shall be looking to upgrade myself (if only) - so I shall be looking to upgrade to something which will last - probably something like the one this link will take you to:-

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/ ... egory_oid=

This will cope with all the still photographs you want to throw at it and also Audiovisuals ( I think)

You will also be possibly looking at Windows 7, an A3 printer, a wide screen, good quality scanner.......

Time to read a few Computer nags, typo, I mean mags. I shall be interested to see what you conclude, and what others have to say.

It might also be worth talking to the computer shop at Headless Cross (Acorn Computers) to see what they could build for you.

Regards

Alan H

[ahitchcock3]

.......on the oher hand, I have heard that you can back up 50GB of photos on to a Blueray disc and it sounds like the computer in the link below might allow you to do that. It is at least a facility worth thinking about.

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/ ... sku=888767

We need some advice from the techies in the club.

[Mike Hexley]

I am afraid that nothing is going to be future proof in 5 years time. The computer industry is so fluid at the moment that things are out of date 1 year from the dat of purchase.

Having said that, computers can last a lot longer as long as you are not upgrading to the very latest pieces of software.

Vista requires 4mb of memory but I hear that Windows 7 is not so hungry on this. Photoshop on the otherhand needs as much memory as you can throw at it to operate efficiently. CS4 again is very good with its memory handling but CS2 was always a pain and some say on technical sites that it had Memory leaks which didnt release once the photo you were working on had been closed.

I think pretty much any machine with a fast (ish) processor from the current stock and a high amount of RAM will suffice. Its then down to you to identify what other features you want on a machine and the budget that fits.

[curryeater]

Hi Gethin
I have always used Cardinal Computer Care which is run by Duncan Lee. He is very helpful and will provide you with a computer that meets your needs. His telephone number is 01527 850 550.
You can also Email him at DuncanLEE@cardinalcomputercare.co.uk
I hope this is useful.

[cleanexit]

I'm very surprised no one has advised you to consider upgrading to an Apple Mac, such as the iMac:

http://www.apple.com/uk/

Unlike PC's where a thousand different companies make a thousand different elements to each PC, Apple make the hardware, the O/S and the software and the result is: everything works - and it's as simple as that.

All PC's look like thay were made 20 years ago. All Mac's look like they were made in 20 years time.

99% of the time, there are no headaches about viruses, no heightened stress levels about the need to regularly download patches or software updates to resolve conflicts, no arguments when hardware manufacturers blame software developers for something not working properly (and vice versa).

Working with designers and architects, many use Mac's over PC's for usability (so easy to use) and performance benefits.

Aesthetically, Mac's are simply beautiful to look at -an important consideration given how much time we spend with them.

Ethically, Macs are made from recyclable materials.

Mac's are slightly more expensive than PC's, but you get what you pay for. But buying a new computer can be a big investment - so just consider what's available.

Nearest Apple Store is in Solihull - staff are excellent and you can try out the various machines until your heart's content.

[Mike Hexley]

I'm very surprised no one has advised you to consider upgrading to an Apple Mac, such as the iMac:

http://www.apple.com/uk/

Unlike PC's where a thousand different companies make a thousand different elements to each PC, Apple make the hardware, the O/S and the software and the result is: everything works - and it's as simple as that.

All PC's look like thay were made 20 years ago. All Mac's look like they were made in 20 years time.

99% of the time, there are no headaches about viruses, no heightened stress levels about the need to regularly download patches or software updates to resolve conflicts, no arguments when hardware manufacturers blame software developers for something not working properly (and vice versa).

Working with designers and architects, many use Mac's over PC's for usability (so easy to use) and performance benefits.

Aesthetically, Mac's are simply beautiful to look at -an important consideration given how much time we spend with them.

Ethically, Macs are made from recyclable materials.

Mac's are slightly more expensive than PC's, but you get what you pay for. But buying a new computer can be a big investment - so just consider what's available.

Nearest Apple Store is in Solihull - staff are excellent and you can try out the various machines until your heart's content.

The unfortunate thing is that most people have already invested in software for the PC and simply could not afford to repurchase for a MAC hence why the mainstream stick with PC's.

This is exactly the same with the brand of camera that people buy. The investment is not in the camera, but in the lenses and this is exactly the same with PC's in my opinion.

[Gethin]

Thanks for all the links and advice. I may go along to Acorn and have a word.

I have just about got to grips with hard drive I have 1 tb back up. But processor speed and RAM are a mystery. What sort of figures should I be looking at?

Gethin

[pete]

The main core components of a pc are Motherboard, Processor, Ram and Graphics Cards I paid about £200 for these components 18 months ago and replaced them in my pc.

You could buy all the components separately to build a new pc for about £300 to £350 which would run photoshop no problem.

You would pay £600 plus to buy this as a new build over the counter but it all depends on what you want your pc to run.

You don’t need to spent lots to get what you want.

I am here if you need any help.

[Mike Hexley]

Agree with Pete but if you want it to last a very long time and not shows its age which was one of your original criteria, then you need to buy the best out there now which is going to be costly.

The computer fair at the Motorcycle Museum is a great place to go as you tend to get both components and full systems a lot cheaper than even Acorns produce them for. They also provide standard 12 month warranties and most of them are local to the Midlands so no hassles with returns.

I think it costs £3 to get in and is on every Saturday.