What computer

[Ivanp]

Re: What computer

Thanks Steve
will look in to that if i have any cash left after xmas

Ivan

[S_J_P]

Re: What computer

I've been reading up on the OpenGL/OpenCL compatibility with the Mac Mini (and other non-OpenCL graphics processors) and it seems that the "compatibility" shortcoming only affects the Blur tools, where an OpenCL card is present the graphics processor takes over some of the non-image processing tasks.

An i7 PC with lots of RAM and a decent videocard should see you flying through your photo-processing though, probably faster than the Mac would have too

If you have £100 left to invest I suggest getting a SSD. I fitted one in my Mini at the weekend and the difference is staggering, with start-up times for Lightroom and CC around five times faster than they used to be and fast access to the catalogue, previews, and scratchpad making the programs use far more seamless with less waiting around for disk access

[Ivanp]

Re: What computer

Thanks for all your replies

I went for a I7 Pc with 16G Ram and 1.5 Vram in the graphics card running windows 8
Photoshop and lightroom open and run very fast .

I would have normally bought another mac but reading problems with the new photoshop CC and a Mac mini graphics card not been fully compatable lead me towards a PC where i could easily change the graphics card if required at a later date

Time will tell if i have dropped a clanger

Ivan

[Les McLean]

Re: What computer

I use mac's exclusively now, but it took me a while to become a convert, the problem was I had my main machine dual boot (win7/OSx), and kept booting into windows, because it was where I was comfortable, it was only after removing the win7 partition, forcing me to boot into Mac OS, that I began to enjoy the experience, and I don't think I could go back to windows now, the UI is a lot more satisfying, backups (via time machine) a lot simpler , my diary , to do list and reminders synch seamlessly and easily with iPad/iPhone & Macbook, all achieved without the kerfuffle you have with syncing in windows.

I've kept an ancient desktop with Win7 on, just in case, but have found I never need it, but then I'm not into the esoteric endeavours mentioned previously.

When I had my desktop dual booting, I found the performance about on par between win7/OSx, somethings ran faster others slower, but evened out.
Couple of minor niggles, not being able to right click cut & paste & the delete key not being able to delete somethings.

But only minor niggles, yes, I do like the Mac OS.

[S_J_P]

Re: What computer

You're right there Dave, I've tried using RegiStax and DeepSkyStacker on the Mac using Wineskin, but what was a slow task on my PC Laptop is painfully lethargic on the Mac, making both impossible to use

[Dave_S]

Re: What computer

Unfortunately, while the Mac is undoubtedly the choice for graphics and photographic work, an industry in which has been dominant for many years, for astro-photography applications (telescope and camera control etc), it just isn't as well supported as the PC.

So, as I want the best of both worlds, I have to stick with the PC.

That said, my i7 based PC is no slouch, when it comes to handling AVCHD video.

Dave

[S_J_P]

Re: What computer

I think that Cyberman has summed it up concisely, Mac's just work! I'm forever amazed at how easy it is to do whatever you want to with a Mac, whether it's configuring a wireless printer, streaming music, backing-up, or whatever else takes your fancy. The standardised hardware and software means that things are pre-proven to work, on PC's the almost infinite permutations of hardware and software are a potential compatibility nightmare.

Like Cyberman I've built many PC's, and even went through a phase of modding and fettling them to yield every last ounce of performance from them. Nowadays my needs are necessarily simpler, I just want the blooming' thing to do what I want and when I want it to, and that's the Mac ethos.

I still like to dabble now and then, and have upgraded my Mini to 16Gb RAM and this weekend installed a SSD drive to hustle the already nippy booting process along, but even that process was simplified by Apple's ability to connect to the 'net and download the latest install of OS-X without any complex install-disks or driver downloads, another demonstration of the joined-up thinking which makes the Apple experience a joy.

[Cyberman]

Re: What computer

As a long time PC user, what is it that makes Mac's so good?

A lot of its probably personal preference and the arguments can be adjusted to suit either side.
I went from building my own PC's to a Mac when I got fed up building my own, I had built the last 4 PC's I'd owned.
The difference for me was that the Mac just works, upgrades to the operating system have been easy and inexpensive. Having not had a blue screen of death on my Mac has been enjoyable.
I also found that tasks that my PC at the time were struggling with were easy on the Mac, a key one being video editing.
Yes, the Mac was a expensive outlay, but a lot of useful software was included reducing extra outlay.
I also enjoy just how easy it is to keep data synced between iMac, iPad and iPhone. Getting content form device to device is nice and easy.

But as I say its personal, and I am sure plenty of people here could give counter arguments that would be equally valid.
Also my enjoyment of the Mac could partly be due to using PC's at work a lot and feeling jaded from my experiences getting stuff working.

[Cyberman]

Re: What computer

I use a 27" iMac and am very pleased with it, it's just approaching 4 years old but still works as well as the day I got it.
If you can stretch to the 27" screen I'd recommend it as it makes viewing images a dream.

[DrJon]

Re: What computer

From my point of view it's that I don't know anything about them, so anyone buying one won't be hassling me for advice on solving problems!

[AndyA]

Re: What computer

As a long time PC user, what is it that makes Mac's so good?

[Redgrape]

Re: What computer

I have just bought a 27" iMac! It is my second iMac, my old one is 6 years old and still works! I would not go back to a PC ever.

[AndyA]

Re: What computer

Just in case it's of interest, apparently Apple are currently offering a 0% finance deal over 10 months.

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/0-financing-apple-store-uk-1731157

[S_J_P]

Re: What computer

Having looked into the Mac Mini , it appears the graphics card is not supported by CS6 CC I would need to get a 21" Imac with a Nvidia Card

Looks like a PC Might be the cost effective option as i allready have a good Eizo monitor

I'm not sure what incompatibility there is with a Mac Mini, I find that CC recognises the Mini's OpenGL capability and uses the graphics engine appropriately (enabling the extra features).

[Paulstw]

Re: What computer

PC or MAC that's powerful enough is the done deal, however, what would advise is the best screen you can buy, and a calibration system for it. RAW power in a PC is one thing but if your colours are not well represented then it's all for nothing.

:)