Do you secretly work for Microsoft? I think you should start these rants with “Hi I’m a PC”.

Yeah that’s the weakness of Mac– they don’t have midrange towers. I sourced the price of the processor used in the quad-core 2.66ghz Mac Pro a couple months ago and the processor alone was $1600! (we’re talking server class Xeon processors here.) This is why your PC is so much cheaper, and certainly that i7 is a lot better performance / value ratio by comparison, though technically the processors in the Mac Pro are more powerful.

(Does photoshop really max out all 8 cores?)

Alas. I used to be like you building my own screaming PC for half the cost of the closest comparable Mac. Built PCs for years. I have to admit that I miss the flexibility of building your own machine– there really is nothing in the middle range for Mac. iMacs and MacBook Pros are underpowered, as you mentioned, and frankly I don’t need a Xeon class processor. Something for about $1k-1.5k with an iCore7 would be perfect for my needs.

@ Scott Smith – Except I’d be a bad rep, because my last computer rant about laptops ended with me owning a Mac.

So I like mac laptops but I wouldn’t really consider editing prolonged time with a laptop.
And like mike said… mac has nothing midrange. (worthy discussing, unless you’re not doing tons of editing in which case those bigscreen all in one thingies could be nice)

I love the freedom and flexibility of building a PC.

Because this setup like mike mentioned isn’t even the most extreme… it’s just the newest tech at the best bang for buck.

And yes Lightroom uses all 8cores and it’s not just every blue moon… it uses it all the time and it comes in handy and it saves time.

What about a good monitor? I love the Dell ones, and the Apple ones are smashing too, but what would you say is the best monitor out there? Looking for opinions…

You have me convinced… When I change computers I will be having one built.

So Scott – when is the review of video cards coming out?

Hey Scott,

I built a PC desktop. I’ve always built my own desktop systems. I’m that techie friend that everybody hired to build their PC’s. However, Abode Lightroom’s import and export actions DID NOT take advantage of extra cores under Windows XP – and the overhead of the Windows XP OS bogged down the Lightroom UI, tremendously. And Vista is 20% slower than XP for photo processing! 3GB of RAM, 2.6 Ghz dual core CPU, and it absolutely crawled.

And then I edited on a 1.6 Ghz iBook with 2GB RAM, and Lightroom was snappy, responsive – dare I say it? FAST by comparison. On paper, those Windows boxes just toast the hell out of the Macs, but in real life, the Macs are clobbering the PCs in actual performance.

I was sold. Lightroom is even faster on my new Core2 Duo MacBook. Oh, and the beast of a computer cost twice as much as my Apple certified refurb MacBook. And I couldn’t take it ANYWHERE. It just had no sense of style whatsoever. How embarrassing!

I take my MacBook everywhere, and everybody is always telling me how pretty it looks.

PC’s suck.

- Eric

Hey Eric that’s cool. But maybe you just weren’t good at building comptuers haha

I’m kidding… Kinda…

I have both and the new macbook is slow in performance compared to my quadcore. I think there are several things that are important.
You need a good quadcore to really crunch those previews and exports… you have to have more than 4GB of ram to handle large catalogs of pictures and the speed really comes into play with a fast HD.
So perhaps that’s my downfall having a macbookpro with a slower HDD

On the other hand I have the fastest rated HDD in the world on my desktop PC.

Yes… guess which computer looks better. You’re right the macbook.
Guess which one I take on trips… yep the macbook.

Guess which one edits better and faster… and cost half the cost? Sorry… but it’s the truth.

I bet a macpro 4-8core machine could perform on the same level. (Granted it doesn’t have an option to use the fusio IO drive… but with a good SSD drive it could be right there and perhaps better… for 2-3 times the cost though… that’s what I’m saying)

And my hopes are to sell off this machine and get a new i7 machine.

Jarvie,

Next time you import or export, hit CTRL-ALT-DELETE and check out your CPU core usage. You’ll get a graphical percent usage chart for each core. On my Pentium D machine (admittedly, a couple years old, which is why it needed replacing), it only ever used one core for batch processing. Luckily, it was a fast core, even by today’s standards.

Also, I had less RAM, and frequently had Lightroom open for several hours. There was a known memory leak on the Windows build of Lightroom through version 2.something-or-other, which bogged things down on the PC considerably – not so on the Mac. I have frequently left it crunching and come back hours later to find it still snappy as ever.

In short, the Mac version still managed to do a lot more with a lot fewer resources – and my PC was running a hardware RAID 5 system that did 110MB/sec read / 100MB/sec writes (no single drive at the time could come anywhere close to that performance), compared to the Mac system with about half that HD throughput.

Maybe that was all due to a Lightroom bug that has since been squashed, but whether that’s true or not, I’m still very happy to be free of Windows. Long live OS X!

- Eric

Thanks for the info. and equipment once again. I doesn’t really help with my big dreaming! JaG

Having just purchased a new 17″ laptop I will tell you that you should also account for what & how many peripheral ports there are (USB/USB 2.0/FW400/FW800/eSATA/Express 34). Laptops by default will never have everything you want and for that reason you’ll want the right ports or jacks to hook up what is missing. In some instances it may be worthwhile to forego a more expensive system if you feel comfortable using peripherals to make up the difference. Personally I ended up getting a MacBook Pro 17″ with a discount, a perk of being a member of ASMP. Alternatively you can try to track down employees of the manufacturer in the hope they can extend one of their employee discounts. Don’t stop at being creative with your camera. Be creative in how you get the most computer you can at the best price.

I’m biased towards Macs because I’ve used them all my life. I think Mac laptops perform better for creative work (video editing, photo editing, etc) since that’s kind of how they market and develop their products.
Besides that, in my experience, Macs have better battery life when they are being used full out (like having the brightness all the way up like you will need). My husband has a nice PC that could perform as well as my MacBook Pro, but mine would win the battery life race.
AS far as graphics go, I have never had a problem with my computer when dealing with graphics. Granted, I don’t do a whole lot of that stuff. Just the really basic video and photo editing.
But that’s my 2 cents. Good luck!

All great computers but I’ll put one vote in for mac.

A Macbook Pro will change your life. And it does lightroom.

Another thought: with the Macbook Pro, you can install a copy of Windows that you already own at no extra cost (via Boot Camp or one of several comparable free/cheap options), so you don’t have to abandon Windows or your current license of LR!

Oh, and the claim for 8-hour battery life on the 17″ MBP is promising. That’s a long flight’s worth of editing/movies!

The 17″ has the best display we’ve ever put in a in a laptop. It’s absolutely stunning. I highly recommend it.

Macs take a little getting used to, but take it from a former Windows and Linux user, I much prefer the user experience of a Mac to Windows. That’s what converted me and the short story of why I’m working at Apple today.

I went with the Dell Studio XPS 16 with 6Gb Ram and the 2.53Mhz processor. So I skimped a little on the ram and the processor side to save some money, but it cost me less than $2100 shipped and 12-months same as cash financing.

It has 64-bit Vista on it, which runs 64-bit Lightroom perfectly. I continue to run Photoshop in 32-bit mode because most of my plugins are only 32-bit. But since the operating system itself has 6G to play in, I’ve not run out of memory yet and you know I’m playing with 21Mp Canon 5D Mark II files and videos!

The only downside I would say would be battery life. With wifi turned on and the screen all the way up, I probably only get about 1.5 hours of work time. But I’m nearly always plugged in, so for me battery life simply has not been an issue.

So anyone know what the deal is on the HP laptop and why it’s so stinkin cheap in comparison?

Because dang I wouldn’t mind buying that one and loading it with 8GB ram and a quad core… I know the battery life will stink. But I think I’ll be fine. I’ll just buy an external battery or at least a second battery.

I just checked again and the HP version i could get the following for $3429

Quad Core QX9300 2.5
1GB Nvidida GeForce GT 130m
8GB DD3 Ram 2Dimm 1066
18.4″ display
Dual 320GB 7200RPM HD
BluRay ROM
Fingerprint reader, webcam, Bluetooth, Tv Tuner,
Extra 8Cell battery

That’s the computer loaded to the brim and it’s still cheaper than most all the other options… what gives?

Well, it is getting near time for me to upgrade, but the desktop in my home office is still doing well. I run a PC, I have had a couple of Macs and I love them. I probably will switch to Mac when it is time to upgrade computers. Scott Bourne has a review of his current MacBookPro here : http://twipphoto.com/archives/3501

I don’t have 5k to put down, but boy oh boy!

I’ve been looking over the HP and I think what they are skimping out on price-wise is the screen and the memory. While they hit your numbers (17″+ and 8 gigs), those don’t define the quality, same as a 10 megapixel SLR is much better than a 10 megapixel point and shoot. If you go to HP’s site and configure the same laptop in their business line, the price starts to go up. Also it’s a pretty heavy laptop (8-9 pounds w/o the extended battery).

There’s a reason why you can go out and by a 24″ display for $200-900. Memory prices vary the same way. Weight also costs a lot to remove. Case in point: Macbook Air, Dell Adamo and Lenovo X301.

It’s hard to explain till you load up some of your favorite photos on one of those beautiful screens and it takes your breath away.

Definitely go with the Mac. The hardware and the battery will last so much longer and the whole experience will be more pleasant. Also make sure to get the Apple Care, awesome warranty.

I’ll have to add my vote for the MacBook Pro. I personally have the 15″ because I already had an older Mac Pro at home and I wanted it to be more portable. The 17″ would be a great do it all computer and the display on the re-designed 17″ MacBook Pro is gorgeous. I have been Windows free for 3+ years with no regrets. The few windows apps I do still run, run in VMWare Fusion just fine.

This is the Fully maxed out HP from COSTCO!
It makes me feel more comfortable just knowing it’s from Costco

Configuration Summary

Selected Features:
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad Processor QX9300 (2.53Hz)
$100 OFF!! 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) – For 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M
640GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (320GB x 2) with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M – For DDR3 Memory
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
18.4″ diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920×1080p)
Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
No Productivity Software
Extra 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Full Size Backlit Keyboard
Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer
Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)
50% OFF!! HP Integrated HDTV Hybrid Tuner
Included Features:
Type: Premium innovation at the edge of entertainment
Memory card reader: 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader
Accessible memory slots: 2
Maximum Memory Expansion: 8GB
Ports: 4 USB (4th shared with eSATA port),1 Expansion Port 3 connector
Additional Ports: IEEE 1394 Firewire, HDMI
Hard Drive Protection: HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Audio: Altec Lansing stereo speakers
ENERGY STAR Qualified: EPEAT Silver
Adapter: 120W AC Adapter
Dimensions: 17.17(W)x11.26″(D)x1.33 (min H)/1.72(max H) -

I am having the same conundrum, but between a HDX18t and Sony Vaio AW. 18”.

It’s interesting to note the clear Mac preference on this thread. The Mac aura is a fascinating dynamic in the computer world….akin to the Grateful Dead phenomenon for musicians. Mac’s account for somewhere in the vicinity of 3% of the worlds computers and yet Mac owners take personal offense at any comment or suggestion that Mac’s are not the end-all and be-all of computers. The same dynamic exists for Dead Heads. The similarity goes beyond this comparison and extends to the top professionals in both fields, the animation field (the most demanding process for computers) and the music industry. The Dead are seen as moderately talented musicians with an average song writing ability and a subpar stage performance rating. If you should decide to share similar opinons with a Mac owner or a Dead Head….expect heated protest.

In the end, I admire those who circle their wagons to protect their beliefs, even when I consider those beliefs to be in error.

So I am a PC guy…….and I am still undecided about the HDX18t or Sony Vaio AW. 18”.

As mentioned in later posts I ended up with the MacBook Pro 17″

My short review is… I like the computer.
It’s not way impressive and I wouldn’t have it as my primary computer. And as I explain a PC desktop well built is way better for some serious lightroom processing.

But that being said it looks great fits well in my photo backpacks
I think the battery life is pretty good. But i hear some PCs last even longer.
I think the advantage is the small size and weigth for a 17″

But again I only use it while traveling. Or to let my assistants use it when I’m on the other computer.

And steve… I agree

enjoyed the advice!

you cannot knock the mac for looks and battery life…and the screen is quite brilliant. but they are vastly more expensive for less spec, and more importantly, every pro or semi-pro photographer uses compact flash cards…the mac has no cf reader and as it only has an express34 slot any reader will stick out from the side of the laptop…plus it is more expense. the spec of the dell is exceptional, but the battery life is absolutely terrible and it has a terrible time overheating. i am afraid i would avoid that.

as a photographer, who has used pc’s and macs and is comfortable with both, i would have to say the best option at present is the sony (although it galls me to say it…as i am not sony’s biggest fan at the moment). the screen is probably the best you can get anywhere in the world on a laptop. it has excellent battery life, cf slot, etc its all there!

but my eye is always drawn back to the slick styling of the mac book pro. aaaagh!

I have the same question. But I think the real issue lies in which product now has the best screen/video card to get good calibration for serious editing. I think Macs have been the leaders but not sure if that is still the case. Viewing angle is a big issue if you will only get good results with your head in a vice. So does anybody know the answer to the viewing angle/accuracy/calibration questions as to who makes the best laptops for photo editing?

It seems the more I look at the laptops the more confusing it gets. I like the Sony’s and HP’s and after looking at the Mac…well… Like I said it is very difficult. I have an older Dell Desktop and was also thinking of replacing it with a new more powerful one (brand is still up in the air) to do most of my work and a lower end laptop to take with me when I travel…. tough decision….