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apher’s Guide to
omputer
Rule #1: Get Your Game On
A wonderfully reliable shortcut – especially when
choosing among PCs – is to get a “gaming”
computer. Computer technology changes
rapidly, so it’s hard to stay on top of the differences
between current
models or
components, like
the difference
between i3, i5, and
i7 Intel processors.
However, the same
components that
make a computer
great for gamers
also make it wellsuited
for graphic
designers and
photographers.
A gaming system
generally includes
components
designed for
graphics intensive computer use, resulting
in better performance when working with
resource-hogging programs such as Lightroom,
Photoshop, and others. Pick the best gaming
system rated by PC Magazine or PC World.
For example, the December 2010 issue of PC
Magazine recommends the Acer Aspire Predator
AG7750-U2222 ($1,999), Lenovo ThinkStation E20
($1,163), and the Cyberpower Gamer Dragon
($1,099).
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Rule #2: Get a Desktop
If you only want one computer system – and
unless you have to travel frequently – get a
desktop. Desktops tend to be more reliable, and
you’ll get more
power per dollar
spent. Furthermore,
laptops are subject
to viewing angle
inconsistency,
which can make
it difficult to
gauge brightness,
contrast, and color
reliably; they also
afford you the least
control over your
hardware controls
when calibrating
your monitor. Of
course, it is nice to
be able to do work
(other than photoediting!) from the comfort of
your couch or when you’re on the road, so if you
can afford it, adding a great laptop to your wish
list certainly isn’t a bad idea.
Rule #3: OS Matters
Mac OS X Snow Leopard, Windows 7, and
Windows XP (yes, you can still buy it) are operating
systems with good reputations and high marks for
user satisfaction. Stay away from Windows Vista,
which has notorious stability issues.