Originally posted by Duh_Vinci Ok, I've come to realize that my laptop just can't handle image processing effectively. My old monitor is just that - old and lacks the detail.
For anyone familiar with technology, would you recommend something for me?
I'd prefer a packagedeal
20+" flat
Dual core is good to have I guess?
I'd prefer not to order through mail (CC, BB, Costco, etc is what I hoping for)
Stopped by Costco today, they have this package:
GM5407E/GM5407H(Canada) Media Center Desktop
Monitor details:
Gateway® FPD2275W 22" Widescreen High Definition LCD
Any good based on the specs? That is the top of my budget too ($1000+ tax)
Thanks for any advise!
Regards,
D
HI
I checked out the system you are talking about, and if I were you I would buy this
GT5412 Media Center Desktop
and the monitor that you have a link to.
It comes slightly over 1200 canadian dollars, but when you convert to american dollars it is around your 1000 dollar US budget.
reasons
processor is much faster (also dual core)
twice the amount of memory (RAM)
more expansion room
Your other alternative to the LCD monitor is this:
buy a monitor calibrator(79 dollars and up).... and try to see how the colors turn out on your old monitor.
If it looks good, then spend the money you saved on more memory. the system you are looking at has 2G of memory, but the more the better with photoshop (if that is what you are using).
IF you are not a photoshop user or don't think you need more memory, then a second internal hard drive. very easy to install on your own. I can tell you through experence that it is an invaluable thing to have. you can save your photos and work on the second hard drive....that way if the computer takes a crash, all of your important things are safe.
If the monitor still sucks, keep the calibrator and look for a CRT monitor.
even today the CRT monitor is the standard that all other monitor compare... even LCD.
yes they are bigger but to compare
LCD has aprox 16,700 colors
CRT between million and billions depending on your graphics card
CRT will show way more details in shadows
that big 22" LCD you are looking at has 1680 x 1050 maximum resolution
My 19" CRT can (and I have it set at) 1600x1200.
the higher the resolution you can put your monitor at, the more room you will have on your desktop for photoshop.
A good CRT will have the most accuarate colors.
what I do is buy good used CRT's and calibrate them. they last a couple of years or so and just get another one.
just some ideas
good luck with your choices
randy