What computer/printer would you recommend?

butterflygirl · Aug 7, 2007

Hi all! I am currently looking to upgrade my computer system but I'm not quite sure what to get.

I really want to get a Mac :sexywink:

I know some will dog me for this!

But any hoo, what computer do you recommend? What should it have in terms for the photography business - as well as what printer?

Thanks!

lifeafter2am · Aug 7, 2007

Mac hands down. The specs and all are comparable to PC's, but you pay for the operating system. And being that OSX is based off of Unix, that is why it is my pick! I come from a Linux background, so it was an easy choice for me.

As far as a printer, I have no clue... sorry.

usayit · Aug 7, 2007

Mac here too... Long time (and unhappy) windows user with a career heavy in Unix and Linux. Except for my wife's computer, I have given Windows the boot out the window at my home. If photoshop will be a primary use, Load Up With Memory!!! Photoshop is more memory bound than cpu bound. Don't forget to think about archival and backup strategies.

As for printers.. I'm a long fan of Epson and they have had the top for a long time. There are other players now in the market which include HP and Canon. For specifics, you really have to specify your budget. For an EPson inkjet for commercial, you are look at least an R2400 or higher model; wide print format with archival quality (usually pigmented) ink sets.

jstuedle · Aug 7, 2007

I have been building PC's since 1980-81. So I am stuck in the PC world, and I don't think that's a bad thing. As for printers, we have had several brands, but I keep coming back to Epson. We have 2 Epson 2200's for print production and an Epson all-in-one scanner/printer for office work. I just like the color/print quality of the Epson and archival life is great.

lifeafter2am · Aug 7, 2007

jstuedle said:
I have been building PC's since 1980-81. So I am stuck in the PC world, and I don't think that's a bad thing. As for printers, we have had several brands, but I keep coming back to Epson. We have 2 Epson 2200's for print production and an Epson all-in-one scanner/printer for office work. I just like the color/print quality of the Epson and archival life is great.

No its not, if they are running a *NIX variant!

butterflygirl · Aug 7, 2007

Thanks all for the advice! Much appreciated

droyz2000 · Aug 7, 2007

I have two Macs and have nothing but good to say about them. I do know that they just came out with a new Imac, might be worth checking into. As for printers I would suggest Epson, I have used the 2200, 2400, and the 4800 and have been happy with the results of all. I must say that the new 2400 and 4800 that use the new Epson K whatever whatever inks are amazing. The blacks are far more rich than that of normal inks, IMO.

butterflygirl · Aug 9, 2007

I did just check them out online and the new imacs only come with a 20 or 24 inch screen as well as different with either 1 or 2 GB memory and 250-500 GB hard drive.

Should I get the highest they allow - what do you all have in terms of memory and hard drive?

Thanks!

Peanuts · Aug 9, 2007

Memory/RAM for photo editing I would invest in the 2GB. The hard drive is all personal taste. I would probably go for the 250GB and invest in a 500GB external HD in addition.

butterflygirl · Aug 9, 2007

Peanuts said:
Memory/RAM for photo editing I would invest in the 2GB. The hard drive is all personal taste. I would probably go for the 250GB and invest in a 500GB external HD in addition.

Thanks! That's actually what I was thinking in terms of hard drive, internal and external. It helps to know I was thinking along the right track

usayit · Aug 9, 2007

whatever you do.. don't go to apple for memory upgarde. WAY over priced.

www.macsales.com has my thumbs up.

photognewbie · Aug 9, 2007

Another Epson printer fan here. Great quality prints

Peanuts · Aug 9, 2007

With Epson just check the availability of the ink in your area. They prints are fantastic and their range of paper is 'wow', but they have a different ink line for practically every single printer which can be a huge pain if a store stops carrying it.

butterflygirl · Aug 17, 2007

Peanuts said:
With Epson just check the availability of the ink in your area. They prints are fantastic and their range of paper is 'wow', but they have a different ink line for practically every single printer which can be a huge pain if a store stops carrying it.

Thanks! I never even thought of that - what kind of printer is good - I know, Epson, what what line - that's not too expensive.

soylentgreen · Aug 17, 2007

Depends on what you consider expensive. I use the Epson 4000 Pro at work for proofing graphics for prints and on occassion printing photos. The Epson 4000 Pro has really good resolution and can print up to 17" wide, but runs through ink like a bad weekend in Mexico. It has 8 cartridges at roughly $70-$120 a pop. Something to consider for the long run. Also have a 1280 for mundane work.