posted
I'm starting to put together some pennies towards my next computer purchase. Hopefully, by the time I can afford it ... the info I'm seeking today won't be outdated. lol
My biggest goals are that Corel and Photoshop work at it's best. With the setup I have now, I'm having some stability problems with both programs. Mainly Corel tho ... as some of you may remember, I had thought about bailing from Corel all together.
I'm using Photoshop CS right now, and really can't justify the cost of upgrading that. Going to upgrade my Corel, as I have not been happy with x3. Would love some feedback on the latest versions of Corel, and how they perform. What configuration you have with it ... operating system, amount of memory etc. I just really want it to be able to carry the load of more complicated graphics so I can start having an easier time designing with it.
I'm willing to shell out some bucks here on a decent new system, but want to make sure I get it right this time. haha
I'm looking at Dells, and also trying to decide if I want to do a laptop this time around. Will use my existing computer as a backup.
So ... what would be on your computer wish list right now?
Any advice for me is so much appreciated. I get so darn confused whenever I go shopping for electronics.
~ janette
-------------------- "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
posted
OK...let the show begin. This will be fun to watch.
I just bought a new laptop. Considered Mac but all my software is PC. Ended up with a Dell (they make them just 35 miles south of me). Windows 7 Pro Edition.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Nettie, no matter which route you go, I highly recommend you buy from someone that can build a system especially for your specific needs. I did this for many years. It's when I stopped doing that and started buying over the counter I ran into glitches.
Pro maintenance is important too. I use to send in my harddrives every Christmas break to my guru for a tune up.
I'm not a fan of ordering online. I want tech help from start to finish that's local because I myself am not a tech! If something goes down, I want to run it in the same day and bring it home shortly after, not have to send things out.
I'll be watching this thread closely as I have to replace my PC based work computer PRONTO. I've stalled because I'm stuck in the middle of pc/mac indecision.
[ July 06, 2011, 12:14 PM: Message edited by: Donna in BC ]
posted
I used CS for quite awhile, then upgraded to CS2, then to CS3.3 (which is what I'm still using right now) I found a place that sold me the 3.3 Master Collection new for a large discounted price since they had just released CS5-- In my opinion, that upgrade from CS to CS3.3 was very good and everything works smoothly now.
I still use Corel X3 on my old Dell (XP Pro) and haven't had any software issues with X3- I did have some memory and virus issues with the Dell, but I think they are fixed for now. Can't comment on any of the newer releases.
I know some people don't care for Dell, but I have had nothing but great results as far as PCs go.
Doesn't sound like a fruit based substitute is a realistic option for your needs or situation, so I won't even suggest that
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1736 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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Donna, the best computers I've had were Dells. I never had problems with them so I didn't have to use the support. However, the only system I had built (by my geek ex-boyfriend) is the only system that ever fried on me. I mean, totally fried. Lasted only 4 years too. So I'm abit leary of self built systems now. haha
-------------------- "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
posted
I've used Dells for years with little problems. One laptop is over ten years old and I'm still using it for my workshop presentations.
Three years ago I had a system built and it has worked well with the exception of having two hard drives expire. A virus has destroyed my internet capabilities, even though I was running a good protection software.
Also, a few years ago I bought a used IBM laptop and now it has developed problems with the USB ports and has been replaced with a Dell.
Some folks have experienced problems with Dell, but my history has been good. Years ago they sent out a tech guy to replace the motherboard in one of my earlier computers - done quickly and at no charge.
The Dell laptop that I purchased yesterday was done locally and with local tech support. I think Dell tech support is in India. It cost me $150 for two years, but I think it will be worth it since the store is just a few blocks from my studio (half a block in metric Sowhatshisname standards).
Keep us posted on your findings and final decision. No matter what you do, it will be wrong to some people and exactly right to others.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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nettie, donna is right. find someone locally, specially if they understand sign/art type programs. if you want i can give the one i would buy today. i bought new last year. i ordered a "barebones" built buy a company in indiana. they do mostly online like NEWEGG, MWAVE. knowing WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR APPLICATIONS........ is most important. speed and pretty box, is not that important. big monitor is WONDERFULL!!! i got a 26" VIZIO TV!!! for the price you pay for a monitor ONLY, you are futher ahead to buy a TV. DO NOT BUY A 720p!!! resolution is not good as a 1080p. and the higher the res on your monitor, the more you will see. most new motherboards have stopped putting LPT-1 port and most are now USB. get a M/B with as many USB ports as you can. most off the shelf/dells/gateway/hp/compaq have 2-4. you can get M/B with up to 8 on it. i dont know what plotter you have, but mine is an older roland, with LPT connection. so i got a M/B with an LPT. i have 1 computer with INTEL processor. my laptop. the other 2(wifes & this one)are AMD. never had a problem, more processor for less money. does all i need. VIDEO CARD: if you choose to have an add on, as most m/b now have video/sound ON MOTHER BOARD. so you really dont need an add on unless you want to. 1 GIG cards today are pretty much the baseline. this means it has 1 GIG MEMORY on the video card. and it will use it 1st then access what you have on the motherboard. 2-4 gig m/b is normal with WINDOWS 7. you can add more, unless you are a hardcore gamer, not needed. next is BUS SPEED. used to be 400-800 was great, i see some now @ 1200-1600!!!!! so fast you cant see it!!!! hard drives now are all SATA. most new M/B only have SATA plugs so your old hard drive wont work in new one. they make a EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE, this is a good thing as you can take you old hard dive put it in that case, and tranfer info to new SATA hard drive. iam running an AMD 2.8 GIG QUAD CORE PROCESSOR, 2 gigs ram(xp wont see any more then that)8 usb ports, 6 SATA ports. i run corel X3 photopaint, autocad 2000i, open office, arts & letters express. i have no wait time on any of it. most things that drag your computer down is AOL, GOOGLE ADD ONS, FACEBOOK ADD ONS. keeping the recycle bin empty helps. how many font do you need??? if you got more the 200-300, its slowing your computer. your best shot at getting what you NEED, is to have someone WHO KNOWS the programs you will use. getting someone who knows M/S OFFICE and PAGEMAKER aint gona give you the same computer.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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I'm with Donna on this one. I'm running Windows 98 on one & XP on another that were built from scratch & no issues. They boot up in about8 seconds each, mostly because they're not loaded down with all that crap that comes with store-boughts. This laptop (Windows 7) came with so much stuff on it .... valuable to some but junk to me ... that it takes several minutes to boot up. There's probably 15 icons on there that I've never even opened. I do like my laptop, but I wish I could get one built without all the crap.
-------------------- Rodger MacMunn T.R. MacMunn & Sons C.P.207, Sharbot Lake, ON 613-279-1230 trmac@frontenac.net Posts: 475 | From: Sharbot Lake, Ontario | Registered: Nov 2003
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nettie Ive got 2 xps 410s older systems and they rock! they are running flexi, illy 5, photshop elements. Ill get XPS again if these die
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
posted
Hiya Nettie, I'm a Dell fan too but I would suggest finding someone local that is knowledgeable in graphic design computers because, if you're happy with XP, you can still choose to get windows 7 with an XP downgrade...
As far as I understand the program, as long as you possess a legitimate XP license you can downgrade from 7 without issues.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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Are you guys saying that windows XP is better than 7?
Anyway, ... here's the thing. I find that most geeks (people that build computers) are not graphic people. So, even tho I may be telling them what software I want to run, they often tell me what I need, and then afterwards I find out differently. Also, I'm not exactly sure what I need either. Factor in that I'm pretty out of the loop on all the new computer terms out there regarding memory, harddrive, blah blah blah. haha Hence the reason I come here to the graphics people (right brainers) to get a better scope on what'll make my graphics programs smoke, and work the most efficiently ... before I approach any of the left brainers.
Any help in that directly is very appreciated. It's like I want to know alittle something about the workings of my car before taking it to the mechanics. haha
~ janette
-------------------- "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
posted
Nettie, not all geeks are alike. ie: I found someone that works on other's sign equipment builds. He knows Signlab, Corel and knows Macs too so he can tweak and make it all work.
Now... I've never used him before. But my old systems were built twice from a guy that wore dress pants when he visited. Once before the big theft and once after. The place has closed and I can't locate him but you can bet I'd use him if I knew where he was. While he wasn't proficient with lab or corel himself, he knew programs like the back of his hand and what was needed to run them to the hilt plus.
He also did housecalls and would come and make sure everything ran together well under my roof.
I have win 7 running on my mac and have dedicated an older corel to run under xp mode. And it's VERY glitchy. Could be the older corel, who knows.
To know what you're running, don't know what it's called in xp but in win 98 - control panel/system/performance. Most software today appears to be built to run on both 32 and 64. That's what I found with corel and lab.
posted
Nettie, just a few things. I'll keep it short and sweet.
1) Most new PCs come with Windows7. From my own personal experience, I very much prefer Windows7 over all previous versions. If you have older software, Windows7 comes with "compatibility" function that will allow older software to run just fine.
2) Most PCs with Windows7 have the 64bit OS installed. Don't worry about it. All of your 32bit software will run fine. I'm running the 32bit version of Photoshop CS5 and CorelDraw isn't available in 64bit anyway.
3) In buying a PC, I recommend either the Intel i5 or i7 processor. Get the i7 if you can afford it. It does make a difference with your more processor-hungry programs like Photoshop.
4) Get nothing less than 8 gigs of ram.
5) Get a good quality video card. Most of the one's that come built into a PC aren't all that good.
6) Get at least a 1T hard-drive and make sure the computer has room for at least one more drive.
7) Dell makes a fine computer. I've had several over the years and never had any issues. That said, whatever brand you get make sure you've got someone who can service it for you should the need ever arise. I recommend that regardless of what brand you buy.
That said, my personal favorite is SystemMax by TigerDirect. All of the ones I've had in the past have never given me any trouble. The reason why I preferred SystemMax is because they were built with "off-the-shelf" components, not proprietary components like HP, Compaq, Asus and even Dell. If a part did need replacing or if I wanted to upgrade the system on my own, I was able to buy the parts locally and put them in myself. That's not everyone's cup of tea but it worked great for me.
8) If any of your vinyl cutting software uses a serial-based dongle, odds are you'll need to have a serial port put in. If not, don't worry about it. Serial ports are pretty much on their way out. Everything is heading toward USB in that regard.
9) Finally, make sure you have plenty of USB ports. I'd recommend nothing less than 8 personally.
10) Do what works best for you. Best wishes on whatever you decide.
posted
Glenn nailed it. The only thing I'd add to Glenn's advice is try to get 2 to 4 of those usb ports on the front of the machine. Much easier to plug in those jump drives, headphones, cameras, iPods, and other occasionally used peripherals.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5397 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
No Nettie, I'm not saying XP is better than Windows 7. However, if you are concerned about compatibility issues, you can still purchase a new system and downgrade back to XP. As far as I'm aware, the major manufacturers won't do this for you though.
IMHO, if it isn't broke don't fix it. Some of the software I use does not work on windows 7. So, rather than go through the hassle and/or expense of upgrading more software, I chose to downgrade the operating system back to XP.
From Microsoft's website... "The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system."
If you go all out and get Adobe's CS5 Master collection, a 64 bit system is required...
For the most part, I feel Glenn is spot on. Although this is only my opinion, where I would disagree with him is on the size and quantities of hard drives. I would prefer two or three smaller and faster drives - using the additional drives as scratch disks and back up - versus one large drive.
Also, if you you're not already running 2 monitors, and you have the real estate for it, I think a video card that supports dual monitors is a must these days.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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heres the best setup. 1. MOTHERBOARD:$104.00 GIGABYTE MFG Part Number: GA-870A-UD3. 4 x 1.5V DDR3 DIMM sockets supporting up to 16 GB of system memory. DDR3 2000, PCI Express 2.0 x16, USB 3.0, SATA 6. this means it will accept up to 2000 speed DDR3 RAM. you can buy slower and it will work, but this gives you upgrade room. 3 PCI SLOTS...if you want to add cards you have extra spaces on the m/b. 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors supporting up to 6 SATA 6Gb/s devices. can run up to 6 HARD DRIVE. 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports. 1 x floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector. this is for 3.5 floppy and IDE is for your older hsrd drive connection. 2. PROCESSOR:$150.00 AMD Phenom II 965 Black Edition 3.4GHZ 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 Quad Core Processor. this is FAST...for any programs. 3. RAM:$28.00 for every 2 GIG, SO YOU NEED 4. Crucial Technology 1333MHz (PC10600) 2GB DDR3 RAM. 4.VIDEO CARD. you can try the one on the M/B, and if you want to upgrade to this you can at any time. most on board video are good unless you are into gaming. my computer has only the ONBOARD video, works photopaint with no lag. but this is a good add on one.$60.00, you can spend a lot more here.......this will work. Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 6450 Video Card w/ 1GB GDDR3, PCI-E 2.0 x16, VGA, DVI, HDMI, DirectX 5. CASE: now this where you get USB PORTS on the fromt!!! $80.00 Galaxis ARES Gamer Mid Tower with 180mm Blue LED Side Fan, Window, 120mm LED Side Fan, 3x 120mm Blue LED Fans, 4x USB 2.0 and eSATA DVD-RW $50 WESTERN DIGITAL SATA DRIVE:$70.00 Western Digital Caviar Blue WD10EALX 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache with Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s WINDOWS 7 PRO: $199.00 now like i said before, buy a 1080p TV, and use it as monitor. i have 26" VISIO was $289.00 with this stuff your good for 3-5 years before you need to upgrade.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
you can also buy a $35.00 LPT PORT card, to add to any open PCI slot.
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
A couple things. Again speaking from experience....
I don't recommend relying on a Serial-to-USB adapters. They're not all that reliable if you're using it to drive your plotter. Earlier this year, I had to replace one of my computers. I figured it was no big deal. I just went to the local Best Buy and bought one off the shelf. What I didn't realize what that none of the new computers come with serial ports anymore.
Looking for a quick way to solve the problem, I bought a Serial-to-USB adapter. It didn't work as well as I had hoped. Both of my plotters had data stability issues causing the plotters to to stop in the middle of a job when I used one. I'm not saying that Donna's suggestion doesn't have merit. I'm just saying that not all plotters work well with them.
So, like Joe mentioned, I figured I'd just get a Serial PCI. But when I opened the case, there were no available PCI slots.
It turns out that I had to buy a serial port that plugs straight to the motherboard via what looked like a SATA cable of sorts.
My suggestion is that if your plotters (or anything else for that matter) runs on something other than USB, have the necessary ports put in for you before you take delivery of the computer. It will save a lot of headache later on.
posted
Nettie, I too must replace my computer soon. Windows 2000 Pro is giving me compatibility issues. I am looking at a Dell Studio XPS 9100 with a few upgrades:
The XPS 9100 has tooless entry that makes upgrades much easier. I use SignLab 5.0 that must be upgraded for Windows 7. My past computers were custom built, the last one locally. I have had good results with my last computer..just have trouble with the computer operator at times. Got this computer when Win 2000 came out so it has lasted quite a while. Glenn, thanks for reminding me that I need a port for my plotter. At present I am using a paralell port..bet I can't even get that,huh? My plotter does have a serial port connection too. I found a $100 Dell coupon at www.cheapstingybaragains.com ...lots of other coupons there too. Check it out!
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
A note about 32 bit and 64 bit compatibility:
No, not all software will function properly. If you're using anything that is purpose-built for signmaking/production, you could have issues.
My computer at work got upgraded to a 64 bit system and the TorchMate software (by CADlink, a pretty well known company to signmakers) will not work at all on that system. We called CADlink and they confirmed an upgrade to new software is required for a 64 bit computer.
Chances are, most of your "old" software will probably run fine, but there can still be some that won't even install on the new system, and some that will install but will not function.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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judy, again i say GET A COMPUTER BUILT LOCALLY...TO FIT YOUR NEEDS!!!! dells are off the shelf, just like HP, COMPAQ, GATEWAYS, ETC. i just bought a new computer and i got a M/B with a parallel port!!!! ONLY WAY YOU CAN GET THIS is custom building a box. i got a GIGBYTE GA-MA74GM-S2. one of the few m/b that still offer a LPT port on board. i also have an LPT card, goes into a PCI slot on the mother board. this way i have 2 LPT PORTS. this is a honkin m/b can do a lot of upgrades before changeing it. i got a 2.8 GIG quad core AMD processor in it 2 gigs ram. can be upgraded on both of these when i want to. has PCI slots for add ons. http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3490#ov or this one: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3921#sp can put a processor on it like this: 3.2 GIG!!!! in any language its frickin fast!!!! Phenom II X6 1090T 'Black Edition' (3.2GHz, 125W, 3MB total dedicated L2 cache, 6MB L3 cache, 4000MHz HyperTransport™ bus, socket AM3) BUT YOU WONT GET THIS IN A DELL(((((((
[ July 08, 2011, 09:53 AM: Message edited by: old paint ]
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I printed out comparisons on 2 of the 9100 configurations, and then two of the 8300 and they seem to be about the same, ... the 8300 being abit less in cost. I will take a better look when I have more time to focus.
The 8300 had a wireless N PCie card that I notice the 9100 doesn't. Not sure what that means. haha
-------------------- "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
posted
Signlab versions below 7.1 will not run on Windows 7. XP compatibility mode will not help either. Probably other software in the same boat.
I bought a Dell Studio Xps quad core last year. Honestly if you like to spend money than go for the 9100 but for the $670(monitor included) that I have spent, nothing slows this one down.
My daily software usage consists of Corel X5, Signlab 9, and Photoshop CS3. Dual monitors with the main one being a LG 24" rivaling any higher end displays out there. (I have looked at a lot of them).
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
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posted
You can get a Dell custom cofigured to your needs by going to their website. That's what I've done with four different Dells that I've owned.
I also have a computer that was custom built for me by an individual. It has had two hard drives fail and a virus destroyed my internet connection, even though I was running Kaspersky protection. It was not the fault of the person that built the system, just failure of parts.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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but you cant get a brand name MOTHERBOARD....all DELL m/b are PROPRIETARY!!!!! means most off the shelf add ons WILL NOT WORK ON DELLS. this is how they keep you coming back!!!! 2ndly....getting a computer with DELL ON ITS CASE, COST MORE. example: i got the M/B i stated to judy,2.8 GIG QUAD CORE AMD PROCESSOR, 2 GIGS DDR3 RAM, 500 WATT POWER SUPPLY, DVD+RW, CASE with 4 USB in front. delivered to my door......sit down, please. $364.00.......all i did was add my existing hard drive from other computer.......and i was up and running. its your money........
[ July 08, 2011, 11:19 AM: Message edited by: old paint ]
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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most DELLS wont have ADDITIONAL PCI SLOTS.....so you cant add any other cards. video card slot maybe. and they still COST MORE.....
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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