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My Computer is Dieing.


C

Cloak amp; Dagger

Well-Known Member
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Yes, my computer is dieing. :{

However, this does not matter because I am need of a new computer anyway. :\

This was a good computer if you didn't get involved in photo editing, manipulating, restoration, and graphic art. If you do it is just not fast enough or powerful enough and it has taken its toll on my computer.

What I need is advice from forum members on getting a new computer. I don't want to just guess at what to get and assume it is a good computer. I would like to have some idea what to get and what to avoid.

Keep in mind that I will be working in Photoshop CS, Illustrator CS, Poser, and possibly Lightwave. I want a computer that can accommodate these programs and anything I make in them. :)
 
What platform are you looking to work in? I'm assuming you're looking for either a Windows machine or a Mac, so some preference and also, a budget would be helpful information.
 
I agree with Mindbender. When I see Poser, and Lightwave, you will need a fast processor.

Poser 5 cannot make use of dual setups or OpenGL on the video card, so there is no use to go for that, unless you plan to dive deep in 3D...or simply want top speed (3 instead of 4 seconds for example) , also in Photoshop.
Poser 5 is always slow, even on the fastest puters.
 
MindBender,

It will have to be Windows, because, all of my programs from this computer will be uninstalled and then installed on my new computer. These programs are all Windows formats.

As far as budget goes, nothing over $4,000.00

Erik,

When you say that Poser 5 cannot make use of dual setups or OpenGL on the video card. Do you mean Poser 5 does not use that feature; or do you mean that if I have Poser 5 it will not work on a computer with those features? [confused]
 
As far as budget goes, nothing over $4,000.00
Click to expand...
Well,... hmm. That's a fantastic budget. There's not a lot you can't do with that kind of cash.

Will you be building it yourself or buying it? Sounds like (based on the budget) that you're looking for a screamin' machine. There are some high-end PC customizers out there that I'm sure other folks here can help you out with if you're going to buy one. But if you're going to build one... hmmm. I think you'll have a bit of change left over. ;)
 
You can use Poser5 on a dual Xeon with a Wildcat or Quadro 3000 vidcard if you want to, but it cannot take advantage of the OpenGL or of the dual processors. Not even of hyperthreading. It'll be faster on a fast puter, but it is not meant for high end puters, that's all.

For that budget, you get a fast puter, dual monitor setup, an A3 printer, and photoquality scanner and a Wacom tablet.

Or one state of the art puter that is extremely fast today, but that will be replaced by even faster ones in the very near future. The only reason for high end machines is professional 3D work, and more specific movies. Depends on your character and ambition what you want.
 
Hi C & D, don't let the software restrict your choice.
Most of the software manufactures have a platform swap over arrangement.

Adobe certainly does and you could check out the others.
The process is painless and is really just a case of a written statement that the software has been removed and the media destroyed.

Cheers, Al.
 
Rantin Al,

I didn't know that! [stuned]

Well, then that changes a lot of things were my choices are concerned. How can I find out this information? Also, how reliable is the swap over arrangement, is it know for a lot of bugs or is it very reliable?

If it is very reliable then I might get a Mac. I have heard a lot of good things about that computer. However, nothing is set in stone at this time. [honesty]
 
Yup! It's true. All you have to do is contact the appropriate software sales department. Adobe was straight forward. (From experience)

If you are considering swapping, confirm with each manufacturer first before jumping in.

I don't understand what you mean by reliable and bugs?

Most major software is dual platform and each platform version is more or less identical in functionality and operation.
Usually the PC Control key is swapped for the Mac Command key.

Al.
 
Rantin Al,

By reliable and bugs I mean, will it work effectively or will I constantly be contacting tech support and asking, "What has happened to my program and why can't it work now?" Inotherwords, will I run into a lot of problems with this solution?
 
If you're thinking about a G5, you certainly get a very good puter. Yet, as the OpenGL support is not really what it should be, it might be a good idea to wait for the second generation which will come in a few months. At least: Jobs said OpenGL would be improved.

This is only an issue if you want to go 3D. Word goes that there will be drivers for Quadro, Fire and perhaps even Wildcat vid cards for Mac in the future.
 
Well I have made a decision. I have decided to go with a Mac. I think it was the PowerMac G5.

Erik,

Unfortunately, by the time I have enough money to buy one, the next generation technology will be available. Which, is a good thing I guess. :{

Anyway, I want to apologize to everyone for not being more direct and reliable with my responses. I read everyone's post, however, I was really a bit overwhelmed with all the information. Also, some of what was said was over my head. However, I have worked through enough of that to make my decision. [confused]

I want to thank all of you for participating in this topic and helping me come to a final decision in selecting a new computer. :)
 
No problem C & D, that's what we're here for - overwhelming folk.:bustagut:

Good choice by the way. ;)

Al.
 
Cloak & Dagger said:
MindBender,

It will have to be Windows, because, all of my programs from this computer will be uninstalled and then installed on my new computer. These programs are all Windows formats.

As far as budget goes, nothing over $4,000.00

Erik,

When you say that Poser 5 cannot make use of dual setups or OpenGL on the video card. Do you mean Poser 5 does not use that feature; or do you mean that if I have Poser 5 it will not work on a computer with those features? [confused]
Click to expand...

*coughs* hahahaha $4,000!!!??? You can get a correct one for you at $600-$700! If your price range is THAT high I would recommend buying the baseprice mac G5 ($2,000), and then with the other $2,000 buying all the programs in mac version! :D :bustagut: :P


Hey thats actually preaty reasonable
[honesty] ... I'd do it!!! :D
 
Cloak & Dagger said:
Well I have made a decision. I have decided to go with a Mac. I think it was the PowerMac G5.

Erik,

Unfortunately, by the time I have enough money to buy one, the next generation technology will be available. Which, is a good thing I guess. :{

Anyway, I want to apologize to everyone for not being more direct and reliable with my responses. I read everyone's post, however, I was really a bit overwhelmed with all the information. Also, some of what was said was over my head. However, I have worked through enough of that to make my decision. [confused]

I want to thank all of you for participating in this topic and helping me come to a final decision in selecting a new computer. :)
Click to expand...


[stuned] whoops! I really wish I cold get out of the habit of not reading the next page before replying/quoting :D Good choice. :righton:
 
Alistair,

A base price Mac G5?

Well, I did decide to go with the Mac G5. However, it doesn't come with the monitor, keyboard, mouse and a few other necessities needed to use my Mac. Adding these items to the list jacked the price up way beyond $2000.00.

However, the good news is that most of the programs that I would lose by swithing, I would not need if I have a Mac. However, my main concern with that problem would be salvaging my PC version of Photoshop, Illustrator, KnockOut 2, and the dozens of plug-in filters that I bought for Photoshop.
 
C & D, be thankful you don't stay in rip-off Britain.

A base 1.6 G5 goes for ?1500, that converts to about $2,200.
Add to that a monitor or 17" Studio display ?500 > $725.

That's heading for $3,000.

The Dual 2Ghz plus 20" Cinema display comes in at ?4,700 > $6,800

The keyboard and mouse are usually supplied as standard kit.

Al.
 
Rantin AL,

Well, the Mac that I have lined up is $2,999.00, and no that doesn't include the mouse, the keyboard, the monitor along with a few other accessories that jack the price wwwaaayyy up. [stuned]

However, I am not complaining. I needed the extra power and the additional upgrades with that Power Mac G5. I don't want 2 years to go by only to have programs that need more power than my computer has to offer. I figure this way I would at least avoid that problem. :)

Why is a Mac so high in Britain? Is it a scam, or is it just a cost of living issue?
 
It's just the way it is in Britain, almost nobody complains (except about the weather ;) ).

We are just getting round to getting in line with European prices for cars. There was a differential of anything from a couple of thousand pounds for a family saloon, up to ten or more once you hit the luxury market. Folk started going over to mainland Europe and bought direct from the dealers. Then businesses started importing and selling, still managing to show a profit. Now the prices have started to equalize.

A rough guide for just about any consumer goods, computers, software etc. is a straight conversion of $=?.

Al.
 
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