photographer/writer -- what to do?
I call on the collective greatness of AI :eek:
I am a fiction writer and amateur photographer trying to zero in on the best Apple system for my needs. As for writing, I would like to have portability and light weight. As for photography, I would like the ability to edit and print hi-res photos (up to 13x19 size), and perhaps create dvd slideshows of my work.
I have about $3,000 to spend (perhaps a little more if ABSOLUTELY necessary).
On the one hand, I'm thinking "Powerbook, baby!" because of the speed and portability, but then I wonder if I will feel that secure lugging such an expensive computer around town, and whether I can use it as my only system (I've always had a desktop). Also, it wouldn't come with a Superdrive.
That leads me to a combination iMac, ibook, where I can have portability but still have a desktop. The obvious problem here-- neither computer is really that powerful or expandable. I'm not sure how big a problem that would be. In the back of my mind, I'm thinking g5 in a year, so I don't know if I should buy two computers now-- I could stagger the purchases and get an ibook now, then wait for the g5, but I'm a little concerned with editing hi res photos on a little g3 ibook (I wouldn't want the larger sceen ibook because I like the portability of the small screen).
I suppose the third choice could be tower g4 and ibook, but the same issues arise.
ANY SUGGESTIONS? <img src="graemlins/surprised.gif" border="0" alt="[Surprised]" />
I am a fiction writer and amateur photographer trying to zero in on the best Apple system for my needs. As for writing, I would like to have portability and light weight. As for photography, I would like the ability to edit and print hi-res photos (up to 13x19 size), and perhaps create dvd slideshows of my work.
I have about $3,000 to spend (perhaps a little more if ABSOLUTELY necessary).
On the one hand, I'm thinking "Powerbook, baby!" because of the speed and portability, but then I wonder if I will feel that secure lugging such an expensive computer around town, and whether I can use it as my only system (I've always had a desktop). Also, it wouldn't come with a Superdrive.
That leads me to a combination iMac, ibook, where I can have portability but still have a desktop. The obvious problem here-- neither computer is really that powerful or expandable. I'm not sure how big a problem that would be. In the back of my mind, I'm thinking g5 in a year, so I don't know if I should buy two computers now-- I could stagger the purchases and get an ibook now, then wait for the g5, but I'm a little concerned with editing hi res photos on a little g3 ibook (I wouldn't want the larger sceen ibook because I like the portability of the small screen).
I suppose the third choice could be tower g4 and ibook, but the same issues arise.
ANY SUGGESTIONS? <img src="graemlins/surprised.gif" border="0" alt="[Surprised]" />
Comments
Moving there now...
[quote]I would like the ability to edit and print hi-res photos (up to 13x19 size)<hr></blockquote>
You can attach a Hi-Res monitor and use it at a higher resolution than the PowerBook LCD supports, unlike the iBook where you have to 'trick' it into doing so.
[quote]I have about $3,000 to spend (perhaps a little more if ABSOLUTELY necessary).<hr></blockquote>
$2500 for the PowerBook 667 DVI
[quote]I wonder if I will feel that secure lugging such an expensive computer around town<hr></blockquote>
Spend the extra for an Apple Care Plan.
[quote]whether I can use it as my only system (I've always had a desktop). <hr></blockquote>
That's extactly what I'm doing. My desktop is becoming a 1.4GHz file server and my 667 DVI will become my desktop in a few weeks.
[quote]Also, it wouldn't come with a Superdrive.<hr></blockquote>
I believe that there are external firewire SuperDrives.
[quote]the back of my mind, I'm thinking g5 in a year, so I don't know if I should buy two computers now-- I could stagger the purchases and get an ibook now, then wait for the g5, <hr></blockquote>
Yes a G5 would be nice, but if you grab an Apple Care Plan you should be set to use your PowerBook for the next 3 years. And it can run photoshop fine now. Always holding off and waiting for the next upgrade will get you no where since after the G5 you could argue that you should wait for the G6. And getting an iBook to use for just a year seems like a waste to me.
On the one hand, compatibility is great; OTOH, I NEED, rock solid stability. I just can't afford to lose info/documents. Part of me prefers an alien format to keep many prying idiots out of my work. It sounds like nothing, but a 'different' computer keeps many people at bay, not to mention I can back-up to discs in such a way that none of the windows clients will be able to read them. This, and a few other quirks might actually be a benefit of not being on anything even remotely compatible ith Office windows.
I'm thinking an iBook would be great, but I want to be sure it runs perfectly in Jag. For now, the home/work PC's and lab macs will do.
You will probably want to scan from the negative for the best results, and if it is 35mm, I'd recommend going with a Nikon negative/transparency unit. They can be had for under a grand. You can also find flatbed scanners with transparency/negative adapters, but they can start to get costly.
If you don't process your film yourself, you could get it transferred to a Photo CD... but the costs add up... quickly. Don't forget to figure this into your budgets...
I am planning to get the Nikon slide scanner and the new Epson printer (model 2000 or 2200?). That's why I have to keep the cost of the computer down if possible. Any suggestions on whether the powerbook would be the way to go?
They're crazy messed up creatures...
<strong>
I am planning to get the Nikon slide scanner and the new Epson printer (model 2000 or 2200?). </strong><hr></blockquote>
I have a Canon FS4000US and it is an absolutely fantastic negative/transparency scanner. I would highly recommend it. If you are going to do any serious work with scanning negatives or transparencies don't use a negative adapter for a flatbed scanner. Quality just isn't there.
The Canon scanner was about $800 over a year ago (I found a fantastic price online from a photo shop in Canada - they were selling for over a thousand in the states). But I can't imagine a better scanner.
<strong> and I'll probably need 100% file compatibility.
</strong><hr></blockquote>
Office for Mac (2001 for OS 9 or v.X for OS X) will give you 100% file compatibility.