Computer Brand question

[Doug Bernhardt]

Hi all...........am about to jump into a new computer and have more or less settled on a Dell Studio XPS topped up in RAM and memory. 12 gigs of ram to be exact. My question is how is everyones experience in/with Dell? Seems like a good machine and the Macs can't come close to it in performance right now. Have read mixed reviews and am aware that ppl's opinions will vary. I'd love to hear anything you all have to say about this. A new computer for me is a pretty big deal (it'll be the 3rd in 20 years) and am really in the dark about reliability etc.

[Tony Segale]

Dell makes a mean machine, that's a fact.

I've had my new Dell for almost two years new, excellent tech support with the gold tech support plan.
I have the Precision 390 system. Always fast, simply the best decision I made in regards to technology.

When asked, I recommend no other...

Sally Jenko always tells the truth.

[Mark Summers]

Doug,
You say you have 12 gig of ram. Do you have a 32 or 64 bit system?

Mark

[Danny Baronian]

Hi Doug,

Dell makes a very good machine. I purchased a Precision 490 over a year ago. Looks like the model you're getting is a laptop, correct?

I'm impressed with mine, my first Dell purchase. The hardware is well built and allows easy access all around without tools.

The only thing I'd be leary of is the OS. What I know of you and computers, stick with XP, NOT Vista. If you plan on upgrading PS, for now stick with CS3, CS4 seems cumbersome, slow, and requires substantial system prep prior to installation. If you're still tempted to go with CS4, go to Adobes' PS site an look over their recommendations and set up procedure.

CS3 also includes a plug in for raw files from the D300.

[Mike Jackson]

Danny and Doug,
From what I know, you need Vista to run 64 bit, and to get 12 gigs of ram you need a 64 bit system. It sounds like your only option is a 64 bit Vista machine. You should be fine with a Dell. I never cared for typing on a laptop, but you can always add a desktop keyboard into one of the USB ports when at home. Laptops are usually a little slower than a similar desktop.

With 12 gigs of ram, you should be able to handle the new CS4 software, especially if it runs better now wiht the recent upgrade.

Good luck,
Mike Jackson

[Jerry Berg]

Just to say I have a 64 bit dual core running XP pro. Also, Dell seems to be a solid computer from what I've heard from owners.

[Mark Summers]

As was mentiononed earlier about how much ram you are running.
A quote from microsoft:
"If you're shopping for a new PC you're probably going to come across systems that are designated "64-bit." These are computers running 64-bit editions of Windows Vista, typically with 4GB of memory or more. Compared to 32-bit systems, which top out at around 3GB of memory, 64-bit PCs offer added responsiveness for people who are running a lot of applications at the same time and switching between them frequently.

Both types of PCs are good options; the best choice depends on your particular needs."

To answer your question about what PC you should run with. I am
a big fan of Dell also. I run a Dell Precision 690 workstation with 3
hard drives. I my OS is XP Pro 32 bit. There is something that doesn't
get mentioned until you need it and that is tech support. You can
get an automatic 3 years or sign up for more. These workstations are
big by the way. Twice as big as the Dell home computer I replaced it
with (I measured the cubic inches) When the box shows up you will
wonder just what you just ordered. My next upgrade will be to put in the
second CPU and max out the 3 gig of ram.

On another topic. What is your experience on running Vista? It
will soon be replaced with Windows 7. The beta version is out. My
thoughts would be to wait 6 mos. and make sure you get a computer
that is upgradable to Windows 7.

my $.02
Mark

[Doug Bernhardt]

Yes this would have to be a vista machine as my preliminary shopping for Adobe stuff is all pointing me towards CS4. That's why all the extra RAM and memory. Your advice to wait for the new OS is sound, but the truth is at some point I need to jump in. Now's the right time as my needs are more immediate. The great news is that everyone seems happy with their Dell experience. The model I'm looking at is the Studio XPS desktop. There's a good deal on them up here right now.

[Mark Summers]

bearing in mind a 32 bit system can only use up to 3 gig of Ram. Doesn't
matter what programs you are using.
64 bit systems can then go past the 3 gig.
If you have a 32 bit system and load up up past 3 gig. it is to no avail.
...if you want to go 64 bit you may want to upen that up to another
conversation. It may not be for everyone. It wasn't for me.

Mark

[Roderick Treece]

You guy's are gonna be in big trouble posting computer stuff on the hand lettering forum!

So I have a computer question, attually it's a sending computer files question. I have been having alot of trouble attaching and send files latly. I normally would send all types of file ai, jpg, pdf etc with no probelms but now it seams that they all are having trouble going through.
1)What is the best formatt to send files with? I know I get alot of file that are created with Stuffit expander. I am thinking of buying that but wanted to know whats best first.
2) For an email based document that would be a portfolio presentation what would be the best format?

Thanks Roderick

[Roderick Treece]

Get this one!
www.geocities.com/compcloset/commodore64.htm

[Kent Smith]

We have been running only Dell since about 1988 with consistantly good results. My current laptop has a key board that is as comfortable to use as the desktops. We probably need to upgrade again too. One advantage is that we have 4 desktops and 4 laptops which interchange parts. They also have great 24 hour support (even understandable Indian and Phillapine), on-site warranty, affordable extended warranty, and sturdy construction.

[erik winkler]

1)What is the best formatt to send files with? I know I get alot of file that are created with Stuffit expander. I am thinking of buying that but wanted to know whats best first.
2) For an email based document that would be a portfolio presentation what would be the best format?

Thanks Roderick

Roderick my friend,

1) In my opninion the best format to send all sorts of documents is pdf.
But just to compress all sorts of files stuffit works great.
You also could have a look at http://www.download.com type in zip and specify windows and free, than they will give you some free software to wrap and unwrap files with for free.

2) Again pdf files in my opnion are the best. We even send our invoice as a pdf file these days.
Type them in word have our logo/letterheads paste in them, export them as an pdf in windows word attach a password on them so people can not hack them. It works great and esspcially very very clean.

Exporting as a pdf files also contain the free zip-wrapping (downsizing of a file) and the free program adobe reader that you use to open the files, in their turn, contain the free zip-unwrapping. It is a real win-win file extension on many different fields.

[Mike Jackson]

Just a quick comment:
This thread was asking about a good brand of computer to purchase and it has have quite a bit of good responses. Thanks to all.

However, it really helps not to ask a question inside a thread like this one that has nothing to do with the original topic. I am not picking on Roderick here, but more trying to point out how much better it would be if a question about something different was posted in a thread of its own.

I tried moving a post inside the forum before and it didn't work correctly. It is designed to take a thread from one directory to another directory, but this forum only had one directory.

So, as an administrator here, I encourage people to keep topics separate by posting them in individual threads.

MJackson