6 Replies Latest reply: Jun 24, 2009 7:54 PM by D. Fraser-1eqWmH RSS

    Computer HELP--appreciate any feedback on what type to buy

    Susan722 Community Member

      Hi (desperately seeking advice on what computer to buy) ,

       

      I'm using a HP Pavilion a6300f PC, (I'll post the necessary specs below in case the link doesn't work) and have just started using my Adobe CS4 programs. Illustrator is really starting to slow me down. I read somewhere that I have 2GHz, but I can't find it in the spec sheet. I checked my CPU usage. My RAM usage goes from 75% to 94% depending on what I'm doing, and my CPU usage goes up to 100% when I'm opening an illustration. I closed all other programs to see if that helps, and apparently it doesn't make much difference when in Illustrator. SO, I am now going to shop for a computer.

       

      I'm curious as to what you have. I need one that allows me to have Outlook, internet, and Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and Bridge open, and possibly maybe one other small program.I know that a lot of people use MACs with the Adobe Suite because the videos I view are mostly in MACs. I asked my son, who has had two specially built for him because he plays online games, and he said for the price of a MAC I could get a loaded PC. But I'm interested in the MAC (I've never used one by the way) because I'm tired of Microsoft, I've heard they are less likely to get attacked by a virus, etc. Anyway, I'd appreciate any feedback on what you have.

       

      To give you an idea of what I do, I design and edit book manuscripts, book covers and publications, web banners, and also maintain my own business website (which I'm going to be redesigning and I know I'll need a lot of programs open at the same time).

       

      Thank you,

       

      Susan Houck, Owner/Designer & Editor

      Crescent Moon Designs

       

      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------

       

      Motherboard     
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------    
      System Board     
      Chipset      nVidia MCP73     
      Base Board     
      Manufacturer      FOXCONN     
      Product             Napa         
      BIOS             
      Vendor              Phoenix Technologies, LTD     
      Release Date         12/14/2007     
      BIOS Version String 5.07     
      ROM Size 1.00 MB     
      Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU E2180 @ 2.00GHz CPU:0     
      Specification Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU E2180 @ 2.00GH     
      Size     64.00 kB     
      Size     1.00 MB     
      Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU E2180 @ 2.00GHz CPU:1     
      Specification Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU E2180 @ 2.00GH     
      Size     64.00 kB     
      Size     1.00 MB     

       

      Memory
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
      System Memory
      Total Physical Memory 1.88 GB
      Free Physical Memory 936.04 MB
      1024 MB DDR2-SDRAM (PC2-5300 / 667 MHz)
      Memory Size 1.00 GB
      Memory Type DDR2-SDRAM (PC2-5300 / 667 MHz)
      Memory Manufacture Date Week 3, Year 2008
      Memory Part Number 64T128020EU3SB2
      Memory Serial Number 0208FE17
      Memory Revision Code 0E21
      1024 MB DDR2-SDRAM (PC2-5300 / 667 MHz)
      Memory Size 1.00 GB
      2 of 6
      Memory Type DDR2-SDRAM (PC2-5300 / 667 MHz)
      Memory Manufacture Date Week 3, Year 2008
      Memory Part Number 64T128020EU3SB2
      Memory Serial Number 0209011D
      Memory Revision Code 0E21
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

      ST3500630AS ATA Device     
      Firmware Revision 3.CHN     
      Total Capacity 465.76 GB Buffer Size 16.00 MB     
      Temperature 35 C Driver c:\windows\system32\drivers\disk.sys Driver Version 6.0.6000.16386, 6-21-2006     
      HP - C:     
      Drive Letter C     
      Volume Name HP     
      Volume Serial Number 3C72-D712     
      File System NTFS Volume Capacity 456.21 GB Volume Free Space 404.12 GB Volume Used Space 52.08 GB     
      FACTORY_IMAGE - D: Drive Letter D     
      Volume Name     FACTORY_IMAGE     
      Volume Serial Number 8874-071C     
      File System Volume Capacity Volume Free Space Volume Used Space     NTFS 9.55 GB 957.36 MB 8.62 GB     
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------    

         
      USB Controller     
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------    
      Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller     
      Manufacturer (Standard USB Host Controller)     
      Driver c:\windows\system32\drivers\usbohci.sys     
      Driver Version 6.0.6000.20672, 6-21-2006     
      Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller     
      Manufacturer (Standard USB Host Controller)     
      Driver c:\windows\system32\drivers\usbehci.sys     
      Driver Version 6.0.6000.20672, 6-21-2006     
      Product Version: 5.00.4589.14     

        • 1. Re: Computer HELP--appreciate any feedback on what type to buy
          D. Fraser-1eqWmH Community Member

          I do very similar things that you do. Most days I run all of the mentioned software (except Outlook) that you have mentioned as well as Dreamweaver and some other, smaller apps at the same time.

           

          Processor speed is less of an issue than that of RAM. The more RAM you have, the less your operating system or application needs to write information to your hard drive. This is probably the number one reason a system feels slow. If time is of the essence, then you need to look at the fastest processors as well, but put as much money into RAM as you can. Also, the more cores your processor(s) have, the more multi-tasking you can do. In my experience, the Mac OS seems to be able to utilize multi-core/multi-processor machines better than Windows.

           

          My systems are all Mac based. Since I do web design as well, I have XP running in a virtual machine to help debug IE. My production machine is an 8-core, 16Gb RAM Mac Pro built in 2006. My home machine is a 2006 4-core Mac Pro that is still running as fast as I need it to. These machines are more than adequate for the work that I do. By the end of the day, I can have up to 30 different applications running. The newer Mac Pros are even better than what I have. I just don't need to upgrade.

           

          Your son mentioned that for the price of a Mac, you could get a loaded PC. Yes, that is sometimes true (Sub-$1,000, lower quality machines) but when you are talking about a machine that can handle what you are planning to throw at it, the price difference is very slight or not there at all. Sometimes you can get a comparable Mac for cheaper than a PC.

           

          The Mac Operating System, OS X (X is the roman numeral 10) is a very robust OS. It is fully UNIX 3.0 compliant and has a background history that reaches back to the mid-80s. This does not mean that it is a long-in-the-tooth OS though. It is one of the most advanced OSs in existence. This is one of the reasons that it is true that there is no known, self-replicating viruses for the Mac. There is some malware disguised as being an installer for another application (trojan) out there but you really don't need to worry about it. (They are very hard to find in the first place. They haven't been widely circulated.) For the malware to work, you have to download it yourself, double-click on an installer, give the installer (and the application) administration rights and confirm that you want to install the 'software'. This is a type of social engineering attack that Anti-virus software typically does not catch, Mac or Windows.

           

          There is a learning curve to switching to a Mac, but there are a lot of excellent blog posts that can help you if you plan to go that route. The online, Apple.com tutorials for switching are also excellent. If you have an Apple Store near you, my advice would be to visit the store and 'play around' with their display models. The display models are fully-functional and are not 'dumbed down.' Most of the time, CS4 is installed on the display Mac Pros. You can get a feel for how CS4 runs on a Mac before you are ready to buy. (I've had luck asking an Apple Associate to install software to try out if it is not already installed.)

           

          Once you get used to the differences between OS X and Windows, you will more than likely find out that it is a much easier operating system to use than anything by Microsoft. In my experience, I have also found that OS X handles multi-tasking much better than Windows. The next Mac OS, Snow Leopard, will be even better at multi-tasking.

           

          My advice, if you were to purchase a Mac, would be to add AppleCare to your purchase. AppleCare is worth the money, especially for a switcher. The second piece of advice would be to buy RAM from a 3rd party source. Apple charges an exorbitant amount for RAM. You can search the discussions at Apple's site for recommendations for vendors. There is another low cost method to purchasing a Mac. If you are comfortable with refurbished equipment, the Refurb Store on Apple's site is a good resource. You get the same warranty with a refurb as you would a brand new machine. You can also add AppleCare to a refurb as well. I have bought no less than five refurbs from the Apple store in the past three years. I have never had a problem with them and the only difference that I can see is the manufacturer's label says refurbished. There hasn't been a scratch on them either. In other words, they have looked and performed like they were 'brand new.'

           

          Any of the Macs in Apple's lineup will suit your needs. Even the mini. Be warned that the mini and the standard MacBooks and MacBook Pros use 5,400 RPM drives. They are slower than a desktop hard drive. iMacs and Mac Pros use 7,200 RPM drives. I would install the max amount of RAM on any of the Macs except for the Mac Pro. The Mac Pro uses more expensive RAM and I would only buy the amount that you can afford now and add more later if you need it.

           

          For your needs, I would recommend either the iMac or Mac Pro. If you need portability, the 15 or 17 inch MacBook Pro.

           

          The other thing that I will mention about a Mac is that your overall Return on Investment (ROI) can be much higher than that of Windows machines. Your machine is less than 2 years old and you are thinking about getting a new computer. I bought my Mac Pros almost 3 years ago and I have no need to get a newer machine. I would love to be able to buy the newest and greatest but I don't need to. I will probably replace my work machines at the five year mark but my home machine could last me eight years. My previous home desktop I bought in 1999. I have since delegated it to an email server.

           

          I cannot give any advice on buying a Windows machine since I am never in the market for buying one. I have been using Macs for 20+ years, but I'm sure someone here will give advice on the Windows side. I have had to use Windows in the past (and still do occasionally) but unless I absolutely need Windows, debugging IE for example, I just don't use Windows.

           

          Hope this helps in your decision.

           

          D.

          • 2. Re: Computer HELP--appreciate any feedback on what type to buy
            JETalmage Community Member

            Having spent plenty of time on both platforms, the Mac vs. Windows debate is one big non-issue to me, so I'll not try to pursuade you one way or the other in that. It sounds like you're enamoured with the idea of buying a Mac. If that's the case, your "other platform" curiosity (it works both ways) will not likely be satisfied until you try it, and you will therefore rationalize it one way or the other.

             

            Just be aware that being "tired of Microsoft" is one such rationalization. If you're typesetting book manuscripts and/or working with a variety of clients, you are not going to "escape" Microsoft either way. You can't compute in a vaccuum. You'll have to accommodate Office files regardless. You'll need to preview your web pages in Internet Explorer and be aware of the display differences. As for Windows, realize you really don't live in the OS; you live in the applications you are running. The long outdated claim that "graphics is dominated by Mac OS" is now moot.

             

            But if you want a Mac, buy a Mac. Apple needs your business, and Microsoft will always need Apple to copy.

             

            If you do get over the "greener grass" syndrome and decide to stay on Windows, I'd recommend your taking a look at XI Computer. Try their online configurator (similar to Dell's); then give them a call, tell them you need an upper-midrange desktop for running Adobe and other mainstream graphics programs, give them a ballpark budget target, and go with their recommendations.

             

            I'm convinced the box I had XI build is hands-down the best value I've ever purchased in a computer. One of the things I like best about it (and one of my primary reasons for going that route) is that it is built entirely of off-the-shelf components. No more unnecessary down-time waiting for outrageously priced proprietary power supplies, fans, or other such nonsense. I can replace any component with readily-available, competitively-priced hardware. The price was better than a similarly-speced Dell. The warranty is comparable. It's very expandable and easily-accessible in an oversized, well-built CoolerMaster case. No problem whatsoever since buying it in January.

             

            JET

            • 3. Re: Computer HELP--appreciate any feedback on what type to buy
              Susan722 Community Member

              D. Frazer,

               

              ow is about all I can say. I never expected such detail of a reply. Thank you SO much for going to the time to help me out. You've given me a lot to think about, and I'm definitely going to go and try out a MAC and also check the Apple site out, tour it a bit, and look for refurbished ones. You've been extremely helpful. Thank you again.

               

              Susan

              • 4. Re: Computer HELP--appreciate any feedback on what type to buy
                Susan722 Community Member

                Jet,

                 

                Thank you so much. Both replies so far have helped me in knowing what I need. And to think, I thought a 2GB RAM was a lot. Who knew they had them so much bigger. I realize I'll still need Office as most of my books are done in Microsoft Word. It's just the Windows platform, but then now I realize it's my RAM. Even before I loaded Adobe, things were getting slow. And I ended up switching to Firefox because IE took so long to load.

                 

                I will definitely take a look at the XI Computer. I'd never heard of it. About all I know of is Dell, HP and MAC. That seems to be what is promoted so much these days.

                 

                I'll be getting something soon I know, and with the information I've received so far, I have a much better idea of what to look for, and what type of information to provide in order to get the computer that I need.

                 

                Thanks!

                 

                Susan

                • 5. Re: Computer HELP--appreciate any feedback on what type to buy
                  JETalmage Community Member

                  [ Was editing my prevous post when my laptop battery went dead.]

                   

                  Just another point re "living in the apps, not the OS": AI is about the only mainstream vector drawing program still available in native versions for both platforms; and Illustrator is quite long-in-the-tooth. Even on a fast and recent machine, Illustrator is a resource hog and a performance slug compared to other programs. I routinely lateral between AI, Corel Draw, Corel Designer, Deneba Canvas, Xara Xtreme. I wouldn't give that versatility and convenience up for any OS. (That may, or may not, matter to you.)

                   

                  JET

                  • 6. Re: Computer HELP--appreciate any feedback on what type to buy
                    D. Fraser-1eqWmH Community Member

                    I agree with everything that Jet has mentioned and I too don't want to sway you one way or the other (PC or Mac.) I was merely providing information about the Mac platform. Adobe's software works the same either way you choose. Windows or OS X will serve you well as long as the hardware can handle what you want to do.

                     

                    You will definitely need to consider the MS Office situation. If you do decide that you want a Mac, you will either need to purchase Office for the Mac or utilize some other Office substitute. Namely NeoOffice (free) or OpenOffice (free.) Both have served me well with my need for Word documents that are supplied to me. NeoOffice and OpenOffice also handle the occasional WordPerfect files that I receive. I have to re-format them anyway in InDesign so it doesn't really matter if the formatting changes. There are also some great Text Editors for the Mac as well (BBEdit and its' little brother TextWrangler as an example.)

                     

                    One other thing, if you do end up purchasing a Mac and are not satisfied with it, there is no need to buy another computer and sell the Mac. You can just install XP, Vista, Windows 7, Linux or whatever like you would any other machine. All of the necessary device drivers for the computer are on the OS X Install DVD. Or if you like OS X, you can always run Windows via Boot Camp or by virtualization via Parallels Desktop or VMWare Fusion. Of course, you will have to purchase Windows seperately.

                     

                    Good luck in your search and only you know what will work best for you.

                     

                    D.