Back to Apple Mac???

Many years ago my computer system Mac and later on I moved to Windows based PCs - now it is the time to move on the a new computer and system and I am completely confused with Windows as, for example, there are 6 versions of Windows 7 and many compatibily problems with programs.

My main use is working with images bot RAW and Jpeg with
Photoshop Elements 8 and 9
ACR
Lightroom 3.3

Is the Mac Mini with 2GB or 4GB RAM good enough?
Do I need more RAM?
Can it work with a screen like Eizo S2001W which I am using now?

http://www.superwarehouse.com/EIZO_F...W-BK/p/1547198

Many thanks for any assistance!

Photoshop and Lightroom both benefit from more RAM regardless of which OS you use. I ran an older version of LR and PS CS3 on a Mac Mini a few years ago with 2GB RAM. It needed more. I'd suggest at least 4GB. I have 8GB in my iMac and LR3 and PS CS5 run well. 16GB and a SSD disk would be better I buy RAM from Crucial through B&H for MUCH less than apple and install it my self. It's easy and there are several vids on you tube with step-by-step instructions. Otherwise, B&H will install it for you for about $40.

The Mac Mini will work with virtually any monitor.

Ron Zamir said:

Many years ago my computer system Mac and later on I moved to Windows based PCs - now it is the time to move on the a new computer and system and I am completely confused with Windows as, for example, there are 6 versions of Windows 7 and many compatibily problems with programs.

My main use is working with images bot RAW and Jpeg with
Photoshop Elements 8 and 9
ACR
Lightroom 3.3

Is the Mac Mini with 2GB or 4GB RAM good enough?
Do I need more RAM?
Can it work with a screen like Eizo S2001W which I am using now?

http://www.superwarehouse.com/EIZO_F...W-BK/p/1547198

Many thanks for any assistance!

Click to expand...

--
-Dan Rode
http://rodephoto.com

I run 4gb on my Imac and cs5 just flies, never been a problem for me.

I have had my Imac for about a year after so many years of windows and I just love it.
Geoff

A Mac Mini should have at least 4 gigs of RAM to run the most modern 64 bit software. The video card in a MacMini is a shared RAM card much like low end PCs and low end laptops. It can indeed run your monitor, but many programs are now using the GPU to help out with graphics processing. So there goes some of your available RAM. I would think about stepping up, even to the low end 21" iMac which has a dedicated graphcs card, and can be easily upgraded as to RAM. I recently helped a friend change from his 4 year old Compaq laptop to a 21" iMac. He bought it through the "refurb" store on the Apple Store online and saved about $180 over the in store price. Full one year warranty as new. It runs Aperture 3, Lightroom 3 and Photoshop CS5 with absolutely no glitches. It comes with 4gigs of RAM which can be upgraded to at least 8 gigs in the future for very little money if you do it yourself. (It's simple). It comes with a 500gb internal disk, and you can add multiple external disks as well. You could even run your high end monitor as a "second" monitor in a two screen display mode.

But for minimal money, a Mac Mini will work just fine. You might also consider getting a MacBook Pro 15" with the high rez Matte display, and running your Eizo off of that for at home use.
--
Only my opinion. It's worth what you paid for it. Your mileage may vary! ;-}

http://www.dougwigton.com/

Just for the record, Ron, I recently bought a new Windows 7 Home Premium system (HP), with a quad-core 3.23 gigahertz i7 processor, 12 gigs of RAM, and a fast graphics card. I just couldn't be happier. It FLIES! I can't imagine that being hooked up to a mainframe would be any faster. And I've had zero problems, and no compatibility issues. It's the best OS that Microsoft has ever made (yeah, I know, that may not be much to brag about...). I've had both Windows and Mac systems in the past, but prefer Windows for the flexibility and cost (I don't like paying a premium for "pretty" computers).

Yeah, 12 gigs of RAM may be overkill, but you'd never convince me of that. I'd go with however many gigs of RAM you can afford. Apple makes great computers, yes, but there are some really, really good Windows systems out there too, and that will leave you with enough money leftover to buy food.

But good luck with your new purchase, whichever way you go!

Ron Zamir said:

Many years ago my computer system Mac and later on I moved to Windows based PCs - now it is the time to move on the a new computer and system and I am completely confused with Windows as, for example, there are 6 versions of Windows 7 and many compatibily problems with programs.

My main use is working with images bot RAW and Jpeg with
Photoshop Elements 8 and 9
ACR
Lightroom 3.3

Is the Mac Mini with 2GB or 4GB RAM good enough?
Do I need more RAM?
Can it work with a screen like Eizo S2001W which I am using now?

http://www.superwarehouse.com/EIZO_F...W-BK/p/1547198

Many thanks for any assistance!

Click to expand...

--
Joe Mike

If you want to buy a Mac, buy it. Don't use Win7 as a scapegoat. Win7 runs any program I throw at it. It immediately installed all drivers for all my hardware when I installed the OS. Some of it being 7 or 8 years old. Try that with a Mac. I have nothing against Apple's PC (Personal Computer), but, it is just that, a personal computer.

Also consider the cost of new software where most if not all will not play in apple world. The cost of all new software will provide me of going to Mac.

Ah, the "don't buy a Mac" crowd is out and energized! The other side of that coin is, if you are intrigued by the Mac OS, and you can find hardware for the right price that runs what you want, then buy it. And, as for all the software you'd have to buy, consider that most low price PCs come with no disc for reloading the operating system should something happen (doesn't it always), so you have to pony up for the real system disk. Also, they come loaded up with various "crap ware" that you have to get rid of. Also, as you are using LR 3.3, there are both Mac and Windows installers on the same disk, so no problem there. You get iPhoto, iMovie, iWeb, iDVD, and Garage Band all for free with the Mac. If you don't mind using Apple's word processor, you can download "Pages" from the Mac App Store for about $20. Same for "Numbers", a simple spreadsheet program, and "Keynote", a proper PowerPoint presentation style program that is much easier to use and better looking. Buy the whole kit for $60. What about Aperture 3 for $79 (although you already have LR3, so probably not neccessary). If you absolutely had to have Office for the Mac, it costs $149, but remember, the Apple software saves Office compatible files. I also believe that Elements 9 comes with both Mac and Windows installers in the box, so you're good to go on that.

If you want a good reference on the Mac Mini, just pick up any copy of Shutterbug Magazine, or read back issues online. David Brooks who does reviews and who also runs the digital photo questions columns runs most of his business on 3 Mac Minis and recommends them highly, especially for use with high end monitors.

--
Only my opinion. It's worth what you paid for it. Your mileage may vary! ;-}

http://www.dougwigton.com/

Remember, when you buy a Mac, you are getting Windows/Linux-compatible hardware too (and you can choose to run Windows in its own window/full screen [Parallels Desktop] while OS-X is running or via reboot [Boot Camp]).

The Parallels method is my preference, and the Windows environment is easily backed up and restored/copied elsewhere (it is just a file in a folder).
--
http://www.plugsandpixels.com

CS5 alone works pretty well in 4GB. However, I'm typically running CS5, LR3, Firefox, Itunes and maybe a couple of other apps all at once. Extra RAM really helps, especially for LR3 performance.

limeyg said:

I run 4gb on my Imac and cs5 just flies, never been a problem for me.

I have had my Imac for about a year after so many years of windows and I just love it.
Geoff
--

Click to expand...

--
-Dan Rode
http://rodephoto.com

Sorry, but you seem just a bit touchy if you think the 'Don't buy a Mac' crowd is out based on this thread. The only comments I saw here were fair, and I think, very valid points, that 1) be aware of the cost of new software if switching, and 2) windows is quite capable of doing what is being discussed. I didn't see a single comment bashing Mac or inflating Windows.

Personally, I think when offering advice to someone seeking it, that all sides should be evaluated fairly. To simply parrot back what the original poster is stating, if there may be other options or considerations, simply isn't useful.

Not a Mac hater here, I have iPad and Macbook Pro. Love them both but would not use them as my main computer for photo editing since I have so much invested in software both $$$ & time. Just want to make the OP aware of the cost assoicated with going from PC to Mac.

The posters who pointed out the fact that Windows 7 is more stable and easier to use than previous versions are correct, but for some reason Windows enthusiasts always throw in a little red meat for the Mac crowd, such as this comment. (I don't like paying a premium for "pretty" computers) (earlier post)

It's probably the same as Mac users always pointing out that Windows machines more prone to Virus attacks.

Working in OS X is different than working in Windows. It is mostly a question of personal preference. Hardware is pretty much hardware these days, although there is no doubt that the lower priced Windows machines use lower specifications and lower priced components to get the price down. Apple simply doesn't have any low priced computers to sell. So if price is your only object, don't buy a Mac. If you like how OS X works better than how Windows works, buy a Mac. Simple.
--
Only my opinion. It's worth what you paid for it. Your mileage may vary! ;-}

http://www.dougwigton.com/

Since I'm the guy with the "red meat", please allow me to explain. Mac users pay a premium for aesthetics. That's indisputable. However, aesthetics mean nothing to me. The ubiquitous "black box" is just fine with me. I prefer investing that premium in more horsepower and RAM. If aesthetics are important to you, by all means buy a Mac. No, I don't subscribe to the notion that Macs use higher quality parts. Pretty much all computers (and their parts) are made in the Far East these days, and by the lowest bidder.

The factoid that Windows computers are more prone to viruses is like saying people who live in Seattle are more likely to be rained on, and they are, but it's such a beautiful place in which to live that people just don't care about a little rain. They take precautions, like carry umbrellas and wear rain gear (i.e., use anti-virus software) - and stay dry.

I've never been the victim of a virus on a Windows machine, going back 20 years. Ditto with the Macs I've owned. Taking precautions against viruses is pretty easy to do. Keep your OS updated, use a decent anti-virus suite (many of the best ones are free) and keep it updated, keep all of your applications updated, and try not to do stupid things, like open e-mail attachments from strangers.

Works for me.

Alpha Doug said:

The posters who pointed out the fact that Windows 7 is more stable and easier to use than previous versions are correct, but for some reason Windows enthusiasts always throw in a little red meat for the Mac crowd, such as this comment. (I don't like paying a premium for "pretty" computers) (earlier post)

It's probably the same as Mac users always pointing out that Windows machines more prone to Virus attacks.

Working in OS X is different than working in Windows. It is mostly a question of personal preference. Hardware is pretty much hardware these days, although there is no doubt that the lower priced Windows machines use lower specifications and lower priced components to get the price down. Apple simply doesn't have any low priced computers to sell. So if price is your only object, don't buy a Mac. If you like how OS X works better than how Windows works, buy a Mac. Simple.
--
Only my opinion. It's worth what you paid for it. Your mileage may vary! ;-}

http://www.dougwigton.com/

Click to expand...

--
Joe Mike

Joe Mike said:

No, I don't subscribe to the notion that Macs use higher quality parts. Pretty much all computers (and their parts) are made in the Far East these days, and by the lowest bidder.

Click to expand...

Your notion that everything made in China is created equal is flawed. The manufacturing location is irrevant as all suppliers must meet the specifications of Apple. If you don't believe that the parts differ in quality, check out the consumer surveys regarding hardware reliability from PC World and Consumer Reports magazine and compare apple with other pcs. If you don't know what I'm referring to or what I'm describing, you may continue to bask in ignorance by making insubstantiated claims to your heart's desires.

Straw man. I didn't say that everything made in China is created equal. I said that I don't agree with the idea that Macs are necessarily made from higher quality parts. I.e., the higher-end PC parts are probably made to the same specs as parts made for Macs (and possibly in the very same factories). Since Mac really doesn't make an inexpensive computer, and PCs run the whole gamut, it would be unfair to include the cheaper PCs in an evaluation against Macs.

You sound like you've partaken not of the grape, but of the Kool-Aid. But you have a right to your opinion, of course. So I'll leave mine to Walter Mossberg:

http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/06/04/walter-s-mossberg-tells-us-whether-or-not-macs-last-longer-than-windows-pcs/

"A. In my years of using both types of computers daily, I have never noticed a significant difference in when Macs and Windows PCs become unfit to use, and I have never seen claims from Apple that its computers last longer than competing models. Obviously, on the Windows side, there’s a much greater variety of manufacturers and of quality levels, while Apple makes all Macs, and receives generally high marks in well-known surveys of reliability. But so do some Windows PC makers. All computer makers turn out the occasional lemon, and how long a computer 'lasts' depends tremendously on how you use it and how you judge its usefulness over time."

Ditto for me. Which is why I see no good reason to pay so much more for a Mac.

Bokeh_freak said:

Joe Mike said:

No, I don't subscribe to the notion that Macs use higher quality parts. Pretty much all computers (and their parts) are made in the Far East these days, and by the lowest bidder.

Click to expand...

Your notion that everything made in China is created equal is flawed. The manufacturing location is irrevant as all suppliers must meet the specifications of Apple. If you don't believe that the parts differ in quality, check out the consumer surveys regarding hardware reliability from PC World and Consumer Reports magazine and compare apple with other pcs. If you don't know what I'm referring to or what I'm describing, you may continue to bask in ignorance by making insubstantiated claims to your heart's desires.

Click to expand...

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Joe Mike

I think the old maxim stands here, You getvwhat you pay for . I used both daily. I retouch on my MBP and print from my PC. I must say that generally though I prefer the Mac. It's just less struggle than the PC. I prefer the waybthe windows work together withe different programmer are open at the same time. On the PC everything is so rigid.
Sorry, waffling here, but just thought I'd add my two pence worth.
Jules

Alpha Doug said:

The posters who pointed out the fact that Windows 7 is more stable and easier to use than previous versions are correct, but for some reason Windows enthusiasts always throw in a little red meat for the Mac crowd, such as this comment. (I don't like paying a premium for "pretty" computers) (earlier post)

It's probably the same as Mac users always pointing out that Windows machines more prone to Virus attacks.

Working in OS X is different than working in Windows. It is mostly a question of personal preference. Hardware is pretty much hardware these days, although there is no doubt that the lower priced Windows machines use lower specifications and lower priced components to get the price down. Apple simply doesn't have any low priced computers to sell. So if price is your only object, don't buy a Mac. If you like how OS X works better than how Windows works, buy a Mac. Simple.
--
Only my opinion. It's worth what you paid for it. Your mileage may vary! ;-}

http://www.dougwigton.com/

Click to expand...

--
Julesarnia on twitter

JulesJ said:

I think the old maxim stands here, You getvwhat you pay for . I used both daily. I retouch on my MBP and print from my PC. I must say that generally though I prefer the Mac. It's just less struggle than the PC. I prefer the waybthe windows work together withe different programmer are open at the same time. On the PC everything is so rigid.
Sorry, waffling here, but just thought I'd add my two pence worth.

Click to expand...

No, that's actually a great post. It shows that neither platform sucks...which is true. Windows 7 is great. Mac OS X is great. You can get it done either way. You should have more than 4GB RAM either way.

Although the fact that you prefer the Mac is also useful to know because it means that even though the two systems seem like they use the same parts on the surface, there is added integration value there that the "specifications peepers" often do not account for. And that is supported by all of the switchers to Mac, since most of them are Windows veterans and already know they can pay less...yet they freely choose to go Mac anyway.

yes if u want to buy the cheapest mac buy a mac mini here r the specs

2.4GHz : 320GB

• 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
• 2GB memory
• 320GB hard drive1
• 8x double-layer SuperDrive
• NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics
• Mac OS X Snow Leopard

• Ships: Within 24hrs
• Free Shipping
• $699.00

Nota bene: I may be completely off-base in this post, as it is derived mainly from VERY limited personal experience of Mac computers operated by someone - me - not educated in how to use them.

While I had a Mac laptop many years ago for work and liked it, my only recent experiences with Macs have been in computer labs and borrowing a laptop to show a PowerPoint presentation. My experience has been very limited and I admit I am ignorant of many things Maccish. But...

The Macs drove me crazy. First of all, none of them were equipped with a decent mouse. No right-hand clicks? No scroll wheel? No additional buttons? Is this normal for Mac computers? - a cursory exploration does not pull up listings of lots of decent mice for Macs. Now there is a "Magic Mouse" which uses finger movements like an i-phone. Is this all there is?

Secondly, the OS was very unintuitive for me compared to Windows 7. Simple tasks like moving between open windows, finding the desktop were a real PITA. . Lots of cutesy graphical things going on, but efficiency seemed a problem - windows did not disappear when I expected them to, for example, and remained stolidly blocking monitor real estate. Does one really have to find the minuscule minimize buttons to switch a window? Ignorance on my part, no doubt, but the transition was not intuitive at all for me.

Third - most importantly - PhotoShop simply did not work as well on Apple as in Windows. Certain subtle operations involving brushes, clone stamp, etc were simply very unsatisfying compared to PC. Do yourself a favor if you want to switch, and process an actual photo on a friends Mac - see if the clone stamp, for instance works exactly the same as you are used to. Photoshop was written for PC not Mac, and there are subtle but frustrating performance differences, in my very humble and likely biased opinion.

Fourth - People in the know about printing (which does not include me) have been having frustrating problems with color management with their printers each time Apple changes their OS. This last time around, experts are still using kludges to get decent results, and it still is not perfect. If you are picky about printing - read up on this.

My opinion - Macs are very big on cutesy stuff which make the computer experience quite enjoyable for many computer-phobic people, but compared to Windows 7 used with a decent mouse, no joy.

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Gingerbaker

http://www.pbase.com/gingerbaker/galleries