IanBarber
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Registered: 01-2011
Location: Doncaster South Yorkshire
Posts: 728
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Re: New computer and monitor
In my opinion, the Mac Operating system is far superior to Windows and that includes Windows 10.
The only downside to Mac is the limitations to upgrade internal components further down the road.
I would look for the following specs:
1GB Graphics Card
1TB Internal Hard Drive
16GB Memory (although you can install memory easily)
21 or 27 inch display
Intel based Processor
Regarding the programs. Most programs which you use on Windows are available in some form or another for the Mac, most of the utilities which people purchase for Windows like Winzip, WinRAR are already inbult into the Mac.
--- Photoshop Panels - Actions - eBooks and more..
http://www.digitalblackandwhite.co.uk
Personal Website
http://www.ianbarberphotography.co.uk
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31/Aug/15, 10:32 am
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Digital Finger
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Registered: 08-2014
Location: Up Naarfolk
Posts: 1817
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Re: New computer and monitor
TOTALLY agree that the operating system is MUCH better - just my opinion but I put my money where my mouth is, i.e. I pays LOT more for my Mac because I prefer them that much
Buy the most up to date high specced you can then you'll be well future proofed
--- I am a part of what I am, not apart from what I dream,
That's a part of what I seem, but not apart from what I am
~ Simon
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31/Aug/15, 10:42 am
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Norman2
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Registered: 01-2015
Posts: 884
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Re: New computer and monitor
I suppose buying direct has its points in that the supplier has good reason to protect their name and not supply doubtful goods. Having a specification to work to is most helpful and I presume that my Wacom and scanner will work OK.
Next step is to see what Apple have on offer.
Norman
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31/Aug/15, 11:04 am
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Clactonian
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Registered: 04-2006
Location: The Essex Sunshine Coast
Posts: 675
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Re: New computer and monitor
I've got to join the iMac fanboys. Had my 27" since 2011 and stretched for the top spec processor. I bought after market ram which was so much cheaper and a doddle to fit.
I also bought the full support package which I had to call on when my screen went blue. Support was superb. Machine picked up and returned about a week later. They had changed the screen, hard disk and video card just to make sure that all was well, but made sure that I had a back up of my hard disk before changing it.
I keep eyeing the Retina 5k display model but frankly can't justify it as my current screen is perfectly adequate.
If you have an old scanner you may have trouble with a driver but I bought a copy of Vuescan which to my delight supported not only my current Canon but all my older scanners too. My Wacom Bamboo works just fine.
--- Thanks for viewing, Mike
I always welcome critique of my images but prefer to try recommended edits myself.
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31/Aug/15, 4:14 pm
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Norman2
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Re: New computer and monitor
Thanks Mike for joining the clan. It's good to know that the Wacom works and I rather expected that VueScan would do the same. It looks ever more likely that another PC will be sent to recycle.
Norman
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31/Aug/15, 4:34 pm
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Norman2
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Re: New computer and monitor
Nearly there, model chosen however, before signing on the bottom line I would like to know if there are any hidden costs involved in the change from OS to OS, please. I accept that certain items of software, such as Photoshop, will need to be changed but what about plugins like NIK? Then there is hardware, for example, nowhere is there mention of an optical drive and one would be needed to handle DVDs
We have read all the good things in favour of the iMac what are the not so good things, please?
Norman
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1/Sep/15, 9:02 am
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Digital Finger
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Registered: 08-2014
Location: Up Naarfolk
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Re: New computer and monitor
quote: Norman2 wrote:
Nearly there, model chosen however, before signing on the bottom line I would like to know if there are any hidden costs involved in the change from OS to OS, please. I accept that certain items of software, such as Photoshop, will need to be changed but what about plugins like NIK? Then there is hardware, for example, nowhere is there mention of an optical drive and one would be needed to handle DVDs
We have read all the good things in favour of the iMac what are the not so good things, please?
Norman
plug-in are, as far as I know- platform independent. if not they usually offer both versions anyway
The main downside is , you will have to reregister on all your websites and forums, etc but any new computer requires that - and playing with and setting up the computer is something fun I look forward to each time.
No optical drive, correct. You need to buy one if you'll still be using one, I got one from Amazon (amazon basics) for about 20 quid or less. a bit clunky but Works fine. Most things are downloadable nowadays .
also a CF card reader, (if you haven't got one) but there is a SD card reader in the back of the iMac
when you buy NEW hard drives etc check if they have a lightning connector option, if so that can be handy, otherwise get USB3 and/or use whatever you have got. It should all work. new hard drives also check they are the mac compatible version
--- I am a part of what I am, not apart from what I dream,
That's a part of what I seem, but not apart from what I am
~ Simon
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1/Sep/15, 9:36 am
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Norman2
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Re: New computer and monitor
Thanks Simon, the picture is almost complete. You are quite correct about setting up a new machine being fun and, sometimes, quite frustrating, I must make a list of what needs to be done before pulling the plug on the PC.
What do you think would be the best way to transfer data from the PC to the iMac?
Norman
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1/Sep/15, 10:38 am
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Digital Finger
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Location: Up Naarfolk
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Re: New computer and monitor
this way <---click me
this way
Apple support how to....migrate
--- I am a part of what I am, not apart from what I dream,
That's a part of what I seem, but not apart from what I am
~ Simon
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1/Sep/15, 10:55 am
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Clactonian
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Registered: 04-2006
Location: The Essex Sunshine Coast
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Re: New computer and monitor
The process for transfer of your Adobe products can be seen HERE.
Nik plugins transfer would appear to be covered HERE but it might be worth contacting Google to make sure this works with a change of operating system.
Office may not be transferable unless you are on the subscription model but you can always download OpenOffice (free) which is virtually identical.
Macs are minimalist and the new versions have few ports and rely on external devices. I can only say that I've never found this an issue as most peripherals are fairly cheap.
File transfer is a doddle as the Mac has built in 'migrate' software. You will need to download the free Windows version to your old machine and then simple connect both together, run the software and watch your files appear on the Mac.
You will find new software installations so easy and most peripherals install automatically.
Downsides? They keep bringing out enticing model upgrades, other than that I would recommend turning off some of the automatic features particularly with some Apple software so that your files go where you want them and not where the software chooses.
Plenty of advice to be had on this forum by the sound of it so you are not taking a great leap for mankind!
--- Thanks for viewing, Mike
I always welcome critique of my images but prefer to try recommended edits myself.
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1/Sep/15, 10:59 am
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