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pilauh · Mar 5, 2003, 05:17 AM

Hi,

I own an iBook, and consider to buy G4 (probably second hand...) to run Photoshop 7.

I'm a photographer working in the silver domain for a long time now, and when I had to use Photoshop to do some tricks, or corrections I didn't have time (or money) to do in the lab, I used to borrow some friends G4 to do so.

Now, I have to use it more and more, and I consider buying a G4. My friends run Dual machines (they mostly work in web design and 3D design) and tell me that's the way to go.

As a photographer, do I need a Dual machine ?
I will only do Photoshop, and maybe some Illustrator.
If so, what will be the pros ? and if I use a Mono G4 what will be the cons ?

I can't afford a blind purchase (who can... ?

) and what could be possible with around 1000 USD ?

all your help and expriences are welcome...

thanks for taking time.

AssassyN · Mar 5, 2003, 06:11 AM

Unfortunately, you're cheapest option would be getting one of the remaining Dual 867Mhz machines from a Mac reseller like www.MacMall.com, but they're ~$1,500 for the tower. That's also the price of the Apple Store's low-end PowerMac, a single-1Ghz G4 Tower. For $1,000 (assuming you've already got a monitor) you wouldn't be able to purchase a new computer, although you may slip upon a bargain at www.smalldog.com, the Apple Store's Refurb. section, www.eBay.com, or www.powermax.com (all in the refurb./previsouly used section). I'd try to get at *least* a Dual 867Mhz machine, and if you can't afford that at the moment, a Dual 733Mhz wouldn't be horrible, but you'd be better off saving up a bit more and getting a better machine. Good luck!

Cipher13 · Mar 5, 2003, 06:12 AM

Using PS7 is like wading through pitch no matter what system you're on.

The OSX version, anyway. OS9? Anything will be responsive... but naturally, the faster the better...

BrunoBruin · Mar 5, 2003, 08:11 AM

The online Apple Store has refurbished dual-867s for US$1,299 right now. But another option would be a refurbished LCD iMac; those can be had for about $1,100 and of course include a display. If you're not doing a lot of heavy-duty work, you might find that acceptably fast.

For that matter, you could also consider the eMac. You definitely want a G4 for Photoshop, and some photographers prefer a CRT display rather than LCD because they feel the color is more accurate.

DeathMan · Mar 5, 2003, 12:15 PM

The emac can handle photoshop work. 700 mhz g4 with a 16 mb video card? You'd bet millions of colors at 1024X768 at least. If all you're doing is touching up photos, I don't think it will be a problem. Plus you get a monitor, whoo hooo.

You're not going to get a great Mac for < $1000 bucks though. You could build a pretty fast PC for that much if your into that thing, but you'll spend half your time getting your scanner/camera/etc to work, rather than fixing your photos.

Peter · Mar 5, 2003, 12:37 PM

700Mhz G4 eMac with an extra 512Mb ram = $1,149. Sure its a tad over budget, but it will be a fast little system. With a CRT, Combo drive and 40Gb Hard Disk. Not bad ...

pilauh · Mar 5, 2003, 03:25 PM

thanks for your help,

I will surely do with CRT, in fact, I consider buying a 21" screen.

You know I'm used to work with full scale pictures (in the lab), and that's an important part of my investment.

I had an offer with buying a G4 400Mhz 512MB 30G for about 900 USD (950 euros)...

what do you think ?
does the dual situation changes things a lot ?

thank you all !

hadocon · Mar 5, 2003, 03:32 PM

Originally posted by pilauh:
thanks for your help,

I will surely do with CRT, in fact, I consider buying a 21" screen.

You know I'm used to work with full scale pictures (in the lab), and that's an important part of my investment.

I had an offer with buying a G4 400Mhz 512MB 30G for about 900 USD (950 euros)...

what do you think ?
does the dual situation changes things a lot ?

thank you all !

No way! I'd go for the eMac over G4 400. Unless you absolutely need the 21" display. The difference in price is little, and you would be getting a new machine with a warranty - not to mention a faster machine. may I suggest that you find a local apple reseller and take a look @ the eMac they have on display. I think you may

sek929 · Mar 5, 2003, 05:33 PM

Even Duals are sluggish in PS7, its just the apps fault. I run PS fine on a single 733, and I've seen it run on 350s as well.

Just depends on what your patience level is

Socially Awkward Solo · Mar 5, 2003, 08:57 PM

I do web and photowork 8 hours a day and it is more then ok on my 450 MHz G4 cube.

Peter · Mar 6, 2003, 06:58 AM

the eMac has a flat screen 17" CRT, which is very nice

Can you rig up an external monitor for the eMac? 17" should do though ...

SalBaker · Mar 6, 2003, 12:28 PM

I run PS7 on my SP 733 w/1gig of RAM (important) and it performs very well. I use PS7 for digital darkroom purposes. Most of my images are in the 15 to 20mb file size range, but I also prepare and edit final print sizes up to 30 x 60 inches at 240 dpi. There are no speed problems that get in the way of my creative work. I wouldn't even considering upgrading my current Mac just for PS and photographic projects.

I will be upgrading my Mac though due to my software music sampling/audio workstation needs!

pilauh · Mar 7, 2003, 03:08 AM

Hi,

due to my low budget, I will surely start with SP and feed the machine with all the RAM possible.

I thank you all for your time, I understand easily that using a DP is the way to go, but it seems also clear that a SP won't stop me.
If my work done in the year to come with that machine bring me enough money to reconsider and buy a Dual machine, that will be great.

But as of today, I must go the cheaper way, don't worry, I'm used to it...

Thank you, and if someone consider donate a DP 867, I'm ready to pay the transportation costs to europe...