iMac monitor

[Gregg]

I'm most likely getting an additional workstation, and it will be the latest generation iMac. This would be my first time using a LCD flat display in a professional environment, and I'm curious about the results I can expect.

I've had a trusty Sony CRT w/hood for years, which I calibrate every 4 weeks (using Eye-One). I've always been happy with it, I can clearly see a 1% or 2% dot, whereas, on my designers flat displays, that same area looks pure white. Granted those are more lower-end monitors.

Is there a preferred Gamma for the newest iMac monitors, or anything else I should take into consideration?

 

[kaiserwilhelm]

I know you did not ask this, but I thought you might want my two cents on part of your issue.
I was told to try out a 24 inch Imac decked to the gills with ram, etc. If it worked we would all get one. I went into it VERY much wanting to like it.
I did not. You can have a 2nd monitor, but be aware that upgrading ram hits a very low plateau.
We run Parallels and have 5-9 applications open at all times. Once I gave the Imac to our art department and got us all Mac Pro's with 10 gig of ram, my life has been much better.
As to the monitor - go to an Apple store or Best Buy and make sure you like this new glossy monitor they have. I for one do not.

 

[Tech]

I'm with Kaiser on this one, stay away from iMacs if you can. Not having enough RAM is one thing, the reflection from the screen completely kills the accuracy of color.

 

[Gregg]

Thanks, guys.

Yah, the glossy screen does not seem prepress friendly.

 

[Lukas Engqvist]

We use them for layout. Not experiencing the glossy screen a problem. Not finding RAM or processor to be a problem, (They are faster in most apps than a quadcore G5 with 8GB RAM). So it depends on your work and your budget. Going from CRT to flatscreen is not a problem and they calibrate OK for layout, and have plenty clients who are pleased with them even for their photo work. It is not the same colour acuracy or quality as the highest end monitors but find them a good value for money. We had a special project that several designers were involved making a bi-weekly catalogue, and found that it was convinient to buy an iMac 24" just for that project. Also know they are popular at the design courses at university.
Go to an Apple store and try it, you judge.

 

[Gregg]

Well, we got one in yesterday. It's a dam sexy looking machine! Not sure about that keyboard yet, though.

As Lukas states, I wouldn't think RAM would be an issue, since you can go to 8gig, even 4 gigs is an improvement from what I currently have. Kaiser and Tech, you guys must have some mega-machines, compared to what I'm running.

That monitor is super glossy - WOW! I'll have to test-drive it and see.

Lukas, off topic, I'm of Swedish decent (my last name is Hammerquist), originally Hammerqvist (with a "v" instead of a "u"), but many generations ago the name was Americanized a bit. Is Hammerqvist (with a "v") a common surname is Sweden?

 

[kaiserwilhelm]

Yes, I should have written that they ARE sexy machines. I want one for my house....just not production.
I was not aware that the new ones could go to 8 gigs of ram. DO IT. Ram is your cheapest friend.
When I got permission to buy new machines I went to the max - except for the 8 core vs 4 core. I could not send in the PO for another $800 per machine just to get 8 cores instead of 4.
The ram is where it makes all the difference. We jump around from windows to INDD CS3 to CS4 to evil Quark to PowerSwitch, etc. They all run on these machines. And boy do they run.
You WILL get used to the keyboard. Also, the mighty mouse is a beaut as well. I had a $100 roller ball thing from Kensington. Part of my agreement to switch companies was that I got a new Kensington. I got it, and a month later got the mighty mouse and the clicky keyboard.
You would NOT pry either from my cold dead hands now. I gave the rollerball away....

 

[Tech]

At work, I'm running on a 2-yrs old Mac Pro with only 8gb RAM. Hardly a pimped workstation but if you compare it to everything else here in the office (iMac, older Mac Pro), it's easily the best and most stable.

Glossy screen is the only reason this Mac fanboi haven't bought another Mac the last three years for home. I don't mind paying a little more for good functional design machines...just not an overprice mirror! As long as Apple continue to stick with glossy screen, they won't have my business. Besides, I'm getting more and more comfortable working with PC and Adobe products...works just as well if not better for less.

 

[kaiserwilhelm]

Tech - I agree fully. So, what did I do at home? I bought a used Mac Mini (2.1 ghz duo core) with 1 gig of ram. I got it from Geeks.com (off of ebay) for $399 WITH the keyboard and mouse.
Then, when it showed up it had 2 gig of ram, not 1.
Now, I have a decent machine for under $400 bucks. I hooked it up to a flat screen and wife is happy. (One thing to know is that your resolution options are limited on a mac mini. I think I am getting 1368 or so. If I go to a 24 inch monitor it will look dorky).

 

[Gregg]

Ah, the rollerball. A couple of our designers use a rollerball, I cringe every time I have to work on their computer.

I'm a Wacom tablet guy - love them! Although, my tablet is a bit customized. It's one of the newer, thicker pens, plus I also have a thick foam-rubber grip added to it (got it from an occupation therapist). In total, the grip is thicker than a BBQ sausage. People are like "What the hell is that thing?" It's huge!

 

[kaiserwilhelm]

[/QUOTE] People are like "What the hell is that thing?" It's huge![/QUOTE]


TWSS

 

[Gregg]

Aw yeah!!!!