[Leica] RE: questions on computer for photo work

["David Simons (Exchange)" <dsimons@Exchange.Microsoft.com>]

Ok I will note that I have a curtain about of bias here so nobody else needs
to point it out. 

I would keep using PCs.  The cost should be less.  You can get, a in the US,
a DELL Dimension XPS T with 600MHz Pentium III, 17" monitor, 256MB RAM, and
13.6GB hard drive for under you $2500, (www.dell.com).  The afore mentions
machine is well in excess of Photoshop's requirements so, you could get less
of a computer and save money.  I would think that NT would be a better OS
for this type of work, other my have better input.  If you go with MAC you
will be spending about $2999 for a 450Mhz G3(www.apple.com).  Now I hear
that the G3 is a great box but it does cost more. You can get the Adobe
office system requirements for Photoshop on www.adobe.com.

David J. Simons

NOTE:  The Opinions expressed in this posting are my own not my employer's.


- -----Original Message-----
From: Doug McLernon [mailto:Douglas.McLernon@tcd.ie]
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 1999 3:39 AM
To: LEICA; Contax
Subject: questions on computer for photo work


I'm sorry to ask such an extended question but I am just starting out in
digital printing, I've used Leicas for thirty years (currently an M6, M4P
and a IIIF) and also  enjoy a Contax G2 and a G1. The digital darkroom seems
the way to go and I am into computer technology.

I am retiring at the age of sixty from Trinity College Dublin to spend more
time with things I enjoy. As an Economist with an specialisation in
investment analysis and securities markets, I am on my fifth PC. The
econometrics and forecasting packages are more readily available through
academic licensing agreements and I do a bit of number crunching.

The general feeling amongst the Arts faculty people seems to favour Mac over
PC for Image manipulation. I intend to purchase a Nikon LS2000 and the Epson
photo printer. Should I change the habits of the past fifteen years and go
Mac. I shall retain a 166 Pentium for any economic work I may undertake as a
consultant.

How much hard disc space do you recommend, how much RAM for Photoshop, and
what processor speed would you buy in a Mac? Of course budget constraints
enter into to the equation so I am budgeting about $2500 for the computer
alone.  I do know that the rule "a computer is obsolete as soon as one opens
the box" holds true-  so  advances will be made monthly. How easy is it to
update Macs rather than replacing the whole machine? Many thanks for your
time.
Regards,
Doug