Hi,
I need both a new desktop and a new laptop. I mainly do photoshop, text editor for css/html code and browse web. Do a lot of cross browser checking between chrome, FF, IE, Safari, etc.
What are you guys using? what works for you?
I come from a pc background. Is it worth to switch to apple? I am used to dells and am picturing a dual screen type set up and a laptop that matches the desktop.
best
Florian
YAY APPLE.
I use an old G5 dualie. If I ever get the money I would like to get an Intel. I suppose the difference between the two platforms gets smaller everyday, but it would be easier to run Windows on a mac, and mac OS on a PC. That might be handy for testing sites…
Anything that isn’t too old will work. You don’t need anything fancy. I’d say a solid PC with lots of RAM, a good graphics card and a quality monitor (IPS technology is better than TN) are a good starting point.
It is not worth to switch to Apple, unless you prefer working with that system.
Speaking of which, I do work on an Apple.
Here’s my main working machine & monitor:
3GHz Quad core Intel Xeon Mac Pro desktop with 16 GB RAM.
23" IPS Apple Cinema Display (Matte)
Logitech MX Revolution Mouse
Logitech DiNovo Keyboard
Wacom Intuous3 A4 Graphics tablet
It’s not the most modern system (comp is 3 years old) but I’ve no plans in changing anything as the performance still is better than many machines you can get today, the monitor is a solid IPS (you can get the same monitor technology from DELL) and the graphics tablet is a significant time-saver for anyone who works a lot with graphics.
Switch to Apple? Are you joking?!? 
If you feel like tying both hands behind your back and swiftly kicking yourself in the nerts while emptying your walllet for nothing, sure, go for it.
Honestly I’ve never understood where the people DUMB ENOUGH to buy an Apple even come from – but then I’m completely immune to Jobs reality distortion field and having worked as a licensed Apple repair tech have seen enough of the internals to realize that beauty may be skin deep, but ugly goes right to the bone. (So damned ugly, it’s even ugly on the phone)
If ALL you are doing is web development, you don’t need the uber-god modern computer. Even an old single core 1ghz Pentium 3 is overkill if it has enough RAM given that the most complex program you should need to run is a browser. (and since browsers worked just fine a decade ago…).
As to ANYTHING adobe, throw it in the trash. If you want a good pay paint program I suggest Paint Shop Pro, which at $100 blows adobe out of the water on price, and even works with most photoshop plugins while using a fraction the RAM and CPU. More importantly it has the best save-time image optimizer I’ve ever dealt with, making it MORE suited to internet development than Photoshop would ever be. (since photoshop wouldn’t know image optimization from a 5000 pound pink elephant.)
Some of the free alternatives aren’t too bad - Pixel comes to mind, but they too don’t do that great a job at image optimization.
IF you are looking to invest some $$$ for a better workstation envioronment, I suggest getting a middle of the road whitebox PC on the cheap, and then adding an extra video card or two so you can drive multiple monitors – which is where I’d put the $$$. You are going to spend all your time looking at the displays, so get the good displays that will last you through the next two or three computers… and stay the <snip /> away from the overglorified laptops the “all in one” systems are. (see iMac)
Now, my workstation is uber overkill – but since it’s also my LAN fileserver and my gaming rig…
i7 870
8 gigs RAM
2x GTX 260 in SLI
Ge9500GS to drive the two extra displays.
7.5 tb of storage in four drives.
24" Samsung 1920x1200 Center.
19" Dell 1600x1200 LCD Left
24" el-cheapo 1920x1200 Envision Right.
Why the multiple displays you ask? Productivity
Right display: Taskbar in portrait mode set to NOT group by program, Instant messaging for talking to clients.
Left display: Code letting me see my HTML and CSS side-by-side, with the editor (I use Crimson) set to allow multiple instances instead of that tabbed nonsense (which on multiple displays is a step BACKWARDS in functionality)
Center display: Browsers and VirtualBox to test browser versions I can’t run under win7. (IE 5, 5.5, 6 and 7)… Paint Shop Pro, etc.
This way I can see my code while using actual browsers to preview. Make a change, alt-tab F5, alt-tab F5, alt-tab F5, alt-tab F5, alt-tab F5, etc, etc, etc…
So basically, middle of the range system, extra video cards, three or more monitors (which immediately throws every apple except the ridiculously priced “Mac pro” in the trash since they stop at two), and a real Desktop OS (Windows) and not some goofy crippled tinkertoy (OS X) or lagging a decade and a half behind on functionality (Linsux and kin).
… and regardless of OS choice you’ll still be installing Windows in a VM so you can actually test – at which point cut out the middle-man and at least run windows native as the host.
I actually do most of my programming on a netbook - I have a desktop, but I prefer the convenience and portability of my Asus 1201PN netbook.
I don’t use Photoshop or anything like that though - I lean more towards full development so I have a web server, and PHP, etc. on here. I wiped the Windows 7 Premium that came on it, and installed Ubuntu Netbook Edition, which suits me just fine.
Nice! I have the 2007 Mac Pro desktop. It still outperforms most other systems, well, except the new Mac Pro line. However, I’d never ever spend 5k on a desktop, no matter how good. Back in 2007, the high-end setups were around 3K which I find acceptable, given that I use the machine for 5 years.
If I were to need a new computer, I’d now always get the current models’ predecessor.
Hey Florian,
Use anything good, probably PC if you do Cross-Browser tests too.
Use: Intel Core i5 processor
RAM: 4GB
HDD: 500Gb as you would work on Graphics.
Graphics card should be good.
Screen: Plasma
Have atleast 3 USB connections
Best.
using laptop, prefer to have all stuff with me ) but definitely not a MAC, too many DON’Ts. Working with MSI P600-019US
I appreciate the feedback. I think I might go with the Dell Studio XPS 16. The version that offers the edge to edge RGB LED. And for desktop it might also be a dell )some i7 processor, about 12GB Ram) with two IPS Screens.
Recent computers are just fine, it doesn’t really matter what the setup is. I’ve used both throughout the years, and have a strong preference for PC. I find macs to be dumbed-down in a way that is actually prohibitive and obstructive to the advanced computer user/developer. That’s just my opinion, I don’t have a problem with macs, it’s just not for me.
Have a look at this list: http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/s-ips-lcd-list.php It’s got a few monitor recommendations.
The new Mac Pro models use 3500 Bloomfeld as well as 5500 Gainestown processors.
I looked into the mac pro and one thing I can not figure out. What processor are they using? They do not give a processor number. I was trying to compare it to a dell and couldnt because I didnt undesrtand what type of processor exactly is in the apple. The dell website gives you the exact number of the processor.
apple just says XEON.
thank you for the recommendation on the monitor. tahts definitely very important. Might be worth not going all out on the pc but spend more on the minotor! Looking up the IPS now on dell 
I have recently gone for a high spec dell xps laptop and a 24" monitor for dual screen. So far I am very happy with my purchase. Runs Adobe CS5 with ease and looks great.
for my usual work I use a Toshiba Qosmio X500-Q895S and for graphic design and photo manipulation I have a stand alone desktop only running Illustrator and photoshop. next to that I have a otherToshiba laptop, which I more use for pleasure (Browsing Sitepoint etc)
holy cow, deathshadow60, what in incredible insightful post!
I extremely appreciate your time to write this detailed post. I have not yet made a decision about the system but I am really close.
I think I will go with a DELL. Probably the 8100 or maybe the 9100 which would allow me for more future expansion. I will probably go with one of the entry i7 and around 12 GB Ram.
I would also like to get a fast hard drive, so that windows will start up fast etc. However I am confused with SSD, RAID 0 and RAID 1. Is it a good diea to have a small SSD and just have windows and programs on there to get quick access to hdd?
is it ok to look at different size screens for you? Or should I go with 3 21 inch? or 22…
thanks
Florian
I’m shopping for one right now. I’m like kohoutek and spend a chunk of change and they last. I’ve bought two machines in the past 15 years - the past one’s been on nearly 24/7 for almost nine years. And I could squeeze a year or so more if I need be, but I’m shopping before it’s too late…
If you’re looking at Dells, then go with the 9100. From the reviews I’ve been reading, it’s a much more solid machine for the money. Get the best you can afford, and definitely don’t skip on the memory.
And search for dell coupons - you’ll be able to get a better machine for less money…
HD speed really doesn’t have THAT much effect on response/start up time - the memory will have a bigger effect.
Depends on how you work and your sense of aesthetics. It would probably drive me nuts to have two different size monitors.
The bigger difference will be in displaying colors - you’ll want to have a calibration tool to ensure they match up. I’ve got two monitors right now here at work and they’re at different color warmths and it drives me nuts - what’s beige on one is grey on another…grrrrr :x
I wonder if the third monitor is really needed. The ‘right’ one that deathshadow60 is using for IM. Could that be done in the ‘center’ monitor maybe?
Intel Xeon Quad-Core 3Ghz, 32GB RAM, nVidea FX3500, 24 inch monitors
15K speed HD, wired mouse and keyboard, XP 64 OS
I have the Dell Precision 690 and the 490 models (2 490s and 3 690s). I recommend 490 to anybody, 690 is massive in size and eats up a lot of power. Having said that their all responsibly quiet. One of my 690 is really load because it was dropped (and got dented).
I now bought an Alienware M11x with 8GB RAM and an i7 processor. I have not got it yet, but it should be coming in the next coming days.
I recommend you get a really good machine, and a good monitor size. Anything below 21.5 inch is not good for what need it for. I recommend high RAM, and a 64-bit OS more than anything else. I use XP64, and there is a clearly a difference in speed. Good hard drive space is a must, and have a good access to speed. I don’t recommend SSD at the moment because of the price difference, even on laptops.
You can basically get away with a single-core 3Ghz and still do you’re job, but would it be fun? No!
I suggest you get a really fast computer, and don’t skimp out, as you will clearly regret it otherwise. I did not skimp out and I can say working on my machines is a pleasure. Sometimes I have problems with the 2GB RAM models, but it’s nothing a De-fragment cannot solve.
I can confirm with DaveMaxwell, all DELL’s are solid machines and their workstations are really good. They are good value for money too.
I only have one monitor hooked up to my systems. I might put two in, but so far I am happy with one. I really have no experience in hooking up more than one monitor, so maybe this is the problem.
Is it worth to switch to apple?
I would not think so. Stick to PC. I am not a fan of Apple, so I would never go for an Apple, stick with your DELL mentality and you should be alright, plus you’ll save a bundle. Apple computer are more of a fashion accessory nowadays.
Ok, I should have been more specific. when I said a whitebox, I meant a REAL computer using REAL parts, not a Dell… or HP… or Gateway.
Forget the name brands on the outside even exists, what matters is the name brand on the inside, especially if building a workstation.
Take that crappy dell 8100 for example; micro-atx mainboard so you are shortchanged on expansion slots, only one x16 slot so kiss off driving more than two monitors in Win7/newer, god only knows how pathetically weak the power supply is…
Really find yourself a mom and pop system builder (or if without fear build yourself). You’ll end up with a better system that lasts longer and uses SHOCK standard componants instead of saddling yourself with some goofy BTX case, endless proprietary connectors or the dozens of other sleazeball “how cheap can we make this” crap that mega-builders like Dell are known for. Though I will admit it’s nowhere NEAR as bad as it was a decade ago where the various vendors were intentionally trying to outdo each-other on the sleazy corner cutting and piss poor case design… Say “Packard Bell” to a computer tech and watch them almost lose their lunch…
In that way Dell/HP/Gateway are no better than Apple. I’d sooner own a eMachines than a dell desktop. (which is like saying you’d rather own a Fiat Panda than a Renault Influenza or whatever they’re calling their economy ratbox now)
No point in trying to save a few bucks buying a prebuilt if it ends up screwing you when you have to replace the power supply in six months and has zero upgradability. Even more to the point you’ll NEVER be able to get a case with decent airflow out of any of them… Even if Dell’s most poorly ventilated case makes Apple look outright inept – Apple wouldn’t know cooling if it striped naked, painted itself purple and hopped up on a table to sing “Oh look at what a giant ventilation fan I am!”
Besides you’ll never find one with a mainboard in the same class as say…
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157172
Drop a i5 760 in that (more CPU than most people would ever need), 2x4gb in g’Skill ripjaws, a decent case like a Cooler Master Elite 334, decent power supply like a Antec Earthwatts 650W, simple single drive like a 2tb hibachi, a simple LG or Samsung DVD burner, a middle of the road video card like a GTS 450 as the primary with something simple like an old 8400GS as the secondary, and by the time you toss a copy of win7 on it you’re still under a grand in parts for twice the hard drive and twice the RAM of a comparably priced Dell XPS, with 90% the CPU… and still have two memory slots open to go to 16gb, which is more than you would ever need for web dev! You want to give the ‘more power’ $1400 dell a run for it’s money, for $100 more just swap from the 760 to a i7 870 which on most benchmarks it’s a toss-up vs. the 930. (the 870’s higher clock and better memory management vs. the 930’s more advanced memory tech…). It’s funny because the higher up the ladder you go, the more pathetically overpriced the dell’s get.
Oh, and that would be with a copy of Ultimate, not “home premium”
Mind you, that’s build yourself or find someone to build for you…
SSD’s despite all the wild claims of improved reliability to me just don’t have the trust factor. Wonder why all the new netbooks stopped coming with SSD’s? Enjoy the six month average replacement cycle, so count those out. Kinda sad when a mechanical drive is more reliable than something without moving parts.
As to RAID, for a normal use workstation it’s kind of a waste of money if you are constantly uploading your work to a server. Sure, it sucks to start clean on a new system, but it beats the tar out of the alternatives. RAID is expensive, power hungry, and does NOT deliver on the performance increases in sufficient a manner to justify the price… but, Where it DOES count is reliabilty if you go with a MIRRORED config. To explain:
RAID 0 is a ‘striped’ config – the worst in reliablity since the data is split between the drives for the sole purpose of trying to go faster. Lose one drive, data on both is lost…
RAID 1 is a mirrored setup – each disk holds an exact same copy of the other drive. Lose one drive, you’re ok becuase the data is still intact on the other one… even a single sector failure isn’t the end of the world thanks to that backup.
RAID 2 is too complex for it’s own good, with all the flaws of RAID 0, though it is faster.
RAID 3 See RAID 2, just using more drives.
RAID 4 See RAID 2. Basically they just start screwing with how they stripe the drives and where they stuff the error correcting parity.
RAID 5 through the use of parity you can get it to the point where losing just one drive doesn’t necessarily screw you while having many of the speed improvements – unfortunately by using more disks the likelyhood of failure is higher, and be prepared for one stone cold mamzer of a power bill.
RAID 6 Yeah, let’s use five drives making this even MORE complex with MORE possible points of failure, in the name of making it reliable… uhm.
IF you’re going to go RAID, go with RAID 1, it’s simple, effective… and don’t do RAID just for performance. Waste of time, money, and effort… on a workstation. (Servers, well… that’s a different story entirely)
The same can be said of 10K-15K RPM drives in this day and age. Sure those WD Raptors look impressive, but the nonexistent capacities mixed with faster rate of mechanical failure (gee, you’d think it was spinning twice as fast) just don’t make them worth it unless you’re building a high end server with more money than god.
Basically, go for capacity, go for reliability, and have a worst case scenario plan.
Rather than RAID, I personally would add a removable drive bay and get two spare drives with carts. Sync your work to the removable drive, and store it ‘off site’ once a week swapping with the spare. (safe deposit boxes are nice for this, or a fire safe which is what I use). If your work is important enough to be thinking RAID for redundancy, you’d be better served by making a removable mirror and storing it someplace else so that (god forbid) something goes horribly wrong, you don’t lose everything.
Bottom line, I tend to think price-performance – and there’s a lot of stuff out there that triples the price for 5% faster or quintuples the price for 10% faster… throwing reliability out the window. See the i7 960 which is barely 10% faster than the i7 870, but costs two and a half times as much… or the 600 gig 10K RPM WD VelociRaptor which sure, is a very fast drive, but is only 30% faster than a 2tb 7.2K RPM Hitachi at twi and a half times the cost and a third the capacity, while guaranteed to last half as long due to mechanical wear.
Priorities.