Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

MikeyG1965 · **Macs -** 12-28-2010, 12:49 PM

After my exposure to an iPod, and iPhone and now an iPad, I am curious about Macs.

I don't want to spend a lot of money on something I might not like and I am okay with getting a used machine. I also wouldn't want to spend more than $350. Please don't laugh because I still need to research used prices. I will not be using it for anything hardcore. Basically, something to cut my teeth on. However, I do not want a piece of junk either.

My question to those that know:

1. What is the minimum specs that I should look for? What is the minimum version of OS I should get?

2. Can I realistically get something (including keyboard and mouse) for my price range?

Thanks!

Mike

studiocygnet · 12-28-2010, 02:38 PM

Well, you've experienced the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. For $350, you can probably get yourself an original version iMac.

The problem with older used machines is memory and ram. I think the original iMacs had a choice of 16 or 32 megabites of ram. If all your going to do is word processing and email, you could get by, but modern applications need gigabites of ram to work. I wouldn't use Photoshop with less than 4 gigs. And harddrive size, I would fill up an older computers harddrive with just one day of shooting these days.

ChristopherCoy · 12-28-2010, 03:14 PM

Spend the money and get a new one. Trust me! Best decision you'll ever make.

Rson · 12-28-2010, 03:20 PM

here you go....

S-Man · 12-28-2010, 03:25 PM

I'm going to put my $.02 in and add that you'll want to get one with an intel processor. There are a LOT of programs that will not work on pre-intel machines.

ChristopherCoy · 12-28-2010, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rson

here you go....

ROTFLMAO! I think I just snorted my milk shake!

SJHester · 12-28-2010, 05:08 PM

Rich,

Is that a plus or a plus SE? I have had both, looks more like a plus. Great little machine, but appletalk with the resistors to terminate the network was a PITA

plph56 · 12-28-2010, 07:12 PM

Macs are actually really good for processing and editing photos or video.
The software that is available is really good and the best part about them is that they hardly ever crash on you (unlike Windows).

Rson · 12-28-2010, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plph56

Macs are actually really good for processing and editing photos or video.
The software that is available is really good and the best part about them is that they hardly ever crash on you (unlike Windows).

You mean the software that isn't made by apple and is just as bloated on the Mac as the pc? I disagree

JohnT · 12-28-2010, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plph56

Macs are actually really good for processing and editing photos or video.
The software that is available is really good and the best part about them is that they hardly ever crash on you (unlike Windows).

Oh, they crash and lock up. It's just that a lot Mac users don't talk about it publicly.

Both Photoshop and Lightroom have had their Mac bugaboos.

Rson · 12-28-2010, 07:46 PM

Look I will be honest and say that you won't find a machine worth crap for 350. How about a refurb laptop? You might actually find one that is made this century and will run current applications.

Here is a start:
HP ProBook 4525s XT950UT Notebook PC - AMD Athlon II Dual-Core P340 2.2GHz, 2GB DDR3, 320GB HDD, DVDRW, 15.6 Display, Windows 7 Professional 32-bit at TigerDirect.com

Rson · 12-28-2010, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJHester

Rich,

Is that a plus or a plus SE? I have had both, looks more like a plus. Great little machine, but appletalk with the resistors to terminate the network was a PITA

It is a plus with the optional HD 1.44 floppy drive and 4-bit sound card.

texkam · 12-29-2010, 01:38 AM

Quote:

2. Can I realistically get something (including keyboard and mouse) for my price range?

No, not a Mac.

Pick up an older PC and try cutting your teeth on Linux. you might find that you like it too. Mac OS is Unix based anyway. I'll recommend two distributions (there are hundreds).
Main Page - Linux Mint Based on the popular Ubuntu distribution, it works out of the box, with full multimedia support and is extremely easy to use. You can even skin it to make it look like the Mac OS if you wish.
Peppermint | Linux OS will run on older PCs with just 192 MB of RAM.
Both of these come with all the software you'll probably need and if you need more you can download and install more with just a few clicks. All for free! (Feel free to donate) I have Peppermint running quite nicely on a $40 P4 machine. With auto updates as easy as a couple of clicks, my OS and software are always current.

texkam · 12-29-2010, 01:44 AM

I loved my SE30 and 9500/120. Both monsters in their day.

Charles Putnam · 12-29-2010, 04:49 AM

Mike

Finding a Mac for $350 isn't realistic. The reality is that you'll need to decide what type (laptop or desktop) and then which model (MacBook or MacBook Pro or Mac Mini, iMac or Mac Pro).

If you're looking at a desktop, I'd personally suggest the 21" iMac to start with. As to a laptop, my first Mac (purchased this past April) was the "low end" 15" MBP (2.4GHz i5, 320gig HD, 4gigs RAM). All come with Snow Leopard and iLife '11.

I'm running Photoshop CS5, Aperture 3, and Office for Mac 2011 on mine with no problems.

MacWorld just put out a switching guide that should be of help -
Switchers guide: moving from Windows to the Mac | Business Center | Macworld

Again, the $350 price point just isn't realistic. Since this is your first, definitely get a new one. If you're a member of NAPP, or if your employer has a B2B program with Apple, you'll get a nice discount (about 6%).