I've got an aluminum iMac 24" and a Mac Pro with 2-Apple Cinema Displays. The iMac glossy screen is not a problem if you can control the light in your room, which most people can, the problem is that color consistency is not good. The monitor is a PVA monitor that has good viewing angles and contrast, but there is a brightness gradient in ALL of these iMac monitors from left to right. Calibrating these monitors is somewhat difficult. In most cases for the photo hobbyist, the iMac will work, but for a professional it is a non-starter and you have to go with a Mac Pro using an Apple Cinema Display which is an S-IPS monitor.
I bought my Mac Pro from B&H Photo, guess what they're the largest Mac dealer on the eastern seaboard, back in 2006.
The standard Mac Pro with 2-Quad core processor base model will serve you well. Apple is soon to update their Apple Cinema Displays (ACD) LCDs using LED for backlighting. If you don't want to wait the current ACD will serve you fine. Also, Dell's 30" LCD displays are S-IPS monitors that calibrate well. They have 2 models the low price one at $1100 and a higher contrast one with LED backlighting for $2000. The 30" ACD sells for $1800 and is the same panel as the 30" Dell at $1100.
Your welcome. If you're apprehensive about making such a large purchase on-line, then visit an Apple store locally. They typically have discounts for educators and perhaps some corporate discounts (not entirely sure on that), and although they will charge more ($500 more on the Mac Pro), you will get good service most of the time. If you order from B&H and use free UPS ground shipping, order on Sunday and you'll get it by the following Friday. The less time UPS has the box, the less chance of damage.
The Dell 30" monitor is nice, I use one at work and I have 2-20" ACDs at home and I like both. Some people don't like the Dell's and aesthetic differences, but its a good deal. You can probably find Dell on-line coupons on Ebay for a couple of bucks and save another $100-$200.
If you are a NAPP member - the on-line Apple Store has discounts available. I did a quick check and a similar Mac Pro system is $2161 (Single 2.8 GHz Quad Core, 320 GB HD, 2 GB RAM, ATI Radeon 2600 XT) with free shipping.
I would strongly suggest that you buy any additional RAM somewhere other than the Apple Store - I have used OWC (macsales.com) & have been very satisfied.
Edited by wlescall on Mar 25, 2008 at 06:53 PM GMT
In my opinion, if you're spending on a Mac Pro, it is better to go ahead and get the Two-Quad Core 2.8 GHz base system (as opposed to the Single-Quad Core 2.8), as your overall system will have the speed and capability for a long time to come. For most people you can get 5-7 years out of it.
For RAM check Crucial.com for reliability or check: RAMSEEKER
rsg_1 wrote:
It looks like NAPP membership for 1-yr is $99.
I've more than paid for my NAPP membership by saving with free shipping from B&H.
Add in the extra learning on photoshop - great bargain.
In my opinion, if you're spending on a Mac Pro, it is better to go ahead and get the Two-Quad Core 2.8 GHz base system (as opposed to the Single-Quad Core 2.8), as your overall system will have the speed and capability for a long time to come. For most people you can get 5-7 years out of it.
Agreed - check the specs as linked to the system at B&H. B&H shows a single Quad-Core 2.8 GHz processor. I merely matched the specification as linked.
Edited on Mar 25, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Mar 25, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
If you get an iMac you can get a little adapter that lets you set up an additional monitor. You can then get a good monitor (up to 24 inch) for your color sensitive work and then use the glossy screen for tools, etc. I think the iMac system is pretty good so I wouldn't necessary shy away from it. I hope this helps.
wlescall wrote:
If you are a NAPP member - the on-line Apple Store has discounts available. I did a quick check and a similar Mac Pro system is $2161 (Single 2.8 GHz Quad Core, 320 GB HD, 2 GB RAM, ATI Radeon 2600 XT) with free shipping.
I would strongly suggest that you buy any additional RAM somewhere other than the Apple Store - I have used OWC (macsales.com) & have been very satisfied.
Edited by wlescall on Mar 25, 2008 at 06:53 PM GMT
Curious about how you apply the NAPP membership on the apple site. I am speccing out a Mac Pro and would like to do that.
Cliff
EDIT: nevermind, found the link through the NAPP site.....
One can hook up another monitor to the 24" iMac, but when using two monitors, in my opinion, if they are different, it becomes distracting. As far as I know, there are no 24" S-IPS LCD monitors (most are 20", 23" & 30") and all the 24" widescreen monitors are PVA. If one matches another 24" LCD to the iMac, then we get back to the issue of improper color calibration.
The Dell 2405FPW is generally good, but it too is a PVA panel, however better than the panel in the 24" iMac.
Beware of cheap monitors out there as they could be TN panels and won't have the adequate color depth and contrast for photo work.
rsg_1 wrote:
One can hook up another monitor to the 24" iMac, but when using two monitors, in my opinion, if they are different, it becomes distracting. As far as I know, there are no 24" S-IPS LCD monitors (most are 20", 23" & 30") and all the 24" widescreen monitors are PVA. If one matches another 24" LCD to the iMac, then we get back to the issue of improper color calibration.
The Dell 2405FPW is generally good, but it too is a PVA panel, however better than the panel in the 24" iMac.
Beware of cheap monitors out there as they could be TN panels and won't have the adequate color depth and contrast for photo work....Show more →
I think you make some good points here, but you could get the 20" or 24" iMac and then use a 23" Apple Cinema display which is an S-IPS monitor as the primary monitor and I think the system would work pretty well, at least IMO. You could use the Cinema display for most of your work and then use the 20" or 24" iMac screen for tools and other overflow work. I use a 15" Macbook Pro and a Cinema display that I use in this way in my everyday work and I am quite happy with the setup.
Steve Spencer wrote:
I think you make some good points here, but you could get the 20" or 24" iMac and then use a 23" Apple Cinema display which is an S-IPS monitor as the primary monitor and I think the system would work pretty well, at least IMO. You could use the Cinema display for most of your work and then use the 20" or 24" iMac screen for tools and other overflow work. I use a 15" Macbook Pro and a Cinema display that I use in this way in my everyday work and I am quite happy with the setup....Show more →
Yes, that would work fine for many people. I use Apple's Aperture 2.0 and found my work flow to move quickly. Having two monitors that are both the same size, contrast and color is easy on my eyes and not distracting. I can only speak for myself in saying that two dissimilar monitors would not hurt me, but slow down my work flow as my eyes would have to adjust between them.
