LCD is going out

[Curt]

My notebook screen has finally hit the dust tonight, I can hardly see what I'm typing.

Can anyone recommend a new LCD monitor, one that will allow me to continue to work with Photoshop of course. 19 inch or larger but not huge, what ever range you find most workable. I know I'll have to start getting a new computer, as always it just happened when I was thinking of something else. I think I need to get out of the notebook and into a desktop computer too.

Thanks as usual,
Curt

 

[Curt]

My notebook screen has finally hit the dust tonight, I can hardly see what I'm typing.

Can anyone recommend a new LCD monitor, one that will allow me to continue to work with Photoshop of course. 19 inch or larger but not huge, what ever range you find most workable. I know I'll have to start getting a new computer, as always it just happened when I was thinking of something else. I think I need to get out of the notebook and into a desktop computer too.

Thanks as usual,
Curt

Does anyone out there have an iMac computer? By the time I put together a system with a monitor, cpu, added items I might as well get an iMac that has it all in one package.

What do you think about this, I have never had a Mac computer, the ad says it will run my Windows XP Pro programs. If so what does it take to migrate the programs from a PC to a Mac? I have a program that transfers an entire drive to a new computer, including the boot, operating system and all of the files exact copy. Otherwise I would have to reinstall a lot of programs. Maybe that's the only way. I have a lot of Adobe filters and add-ons, oh my.

Right now I'm running an old HP monitor off my Sony notebook, outch, the screen on the notebook is totally dead, time to upgrade.

 

[pschwart]

Does anyone out there have an iMac computer? By the time I put together a system with a monitor, cpu, added items I might as well get an iMac that has it all in one package.

What do you think about this, I have never had a Mac computer, the ad says it will run my Windows XP Pro programs. If so what does it take to migrate the programs from a PC to a Mac? I have a program that transfers an entire drive to a new computer, including the boot, operating system and all of the files exact copy. Otherwise I would have to reinstall a lot of programs. Maybe that's the only way. I have a lot of Adobe filters and add-ons, oh my.

Right now I'm running an old HP monitor off my Sony notebook, outch, the screen on the notebook is totally dead, time to upgrade.

Please let's NOT start a Mac vs PC flamefest, but why not stick with what you already know? You already own Photoshop for Windows, and an equivalent PC is always going to be cheaper than a Mac. If you have to ask how to migrate a Windows environment to a Mac, then I'd say you don't want to engage in this exercise

 

[Curt]

I know that there are die hards out, no war intended, both systems have some great features which can be debated at leisure. Philip can you give me any ideas for a new PC, I don't work in the industry and wading though the data is going to be difficult. I don't game, I do Internet and use the Adobe suite but I intend to upgrade to a the CS version, 4 or 5 as I have an older one which is past date. That's about it, Internet and Design. The Mac looked interesting but all of my software is Window oriented. Would you recommend a simple PC and transfer my info over to it and be on my way? A CPU and a monitor I guess would do it, right?

Thanks for helping me with this Philip.

 

[ianh]

I picked up a NEC EA221 a few weeks ago - love it!
Not too pricey, razor sharp, good contrast, and a wide angle of view. I had an Acer, which fried.. good riddance.

 

[Curt]

I went and checked some monitors out this afternoon. I came across two models, an LG and a Samsung, both are back lit LED monitors. This is the latest technology and I have been reading about it. Like it or not I have to get into this and get it right. I'll need to calibrate the monitor also, that's another issue.

Anyone have any additional experience or comments about LED monitors? Not LCD but LED.

 

[ianh]

I went and checked some monitors out this afternoon. I came across two models, an LG and a Samsung, both are back lit LED monitors. This is the latest technology and I have been reading about it. Like it or not I have to get into this and get it right. I'll need to calibrate the monitor also, that's another issue.

Anyone have any additional experience or comments about LED monitors? Not LCD but LED.

There is a lot of market hype about "LED" monitors - read the specs carefully, LCD monitors with a LED backlight instead of CCFL.

 

[Curt]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/588429-REG/NEC_EA221WM_BK_MultiSync_EA221WM_22_Widescreen.html

Is this the model you have Ian? When I looked it up the first place that came up was B&H Photo interestingly enough. At Best Buy the LG and Samsung were about $289 and $309 USD. They really did look sharper than the others and had a non-glare surface compared to the somewhat glossy surface of the rest. Neither had VESA mounting though and I was going to use a mount on my new desk in the new room I have been preparing.

Curt

 

[ianh]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/588429-REG/NEC_EA221WM_BK_MultiSync_EA221WM_22_Widescreen.html

Is this the model you have Ian? When I looked it up the first place that came up was B&H Photo interestingly enough.

Curt

Curt, that is the one indeed. So far I'm very happy with it - blows away that POS Acer I had. Having used many different monitors (CRT and LCD) when I worked pre-press (wish I had money for those Eizo's!), I wish there was some measurement for "easy on the eyes" - glare, viewing angle etc., make a big difference at the end of a 12 hour day.

Too funny! Looking at the link you posted, I just saw that there are speakers!

 

[pschwart]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/588429-REG/NEC_EA221WM_BK_MultiSync_EA221WM_22_Widescreen.html

Is this the model you have Ian? When I looked it up the first place that came up was B&H Photo interestingly enough. At Best Buy the LG and Samsung were about $289 and $309 USD. They really did look sharper than the others and had a non-glare surface compared to the somewhat glossy surface of the rest. Neither had VESA mounting though and I was going to use a mount on my new desk in the new room I have been preparing.

Curt

Inexpensive LCD monitors are fine for general desktop use, but these are typically TN panels and are not ideal for critical photo editing. Last time I looked, a good wide gamut IPS panel LCD started around $600 and went up to over $2,000. Do an internet search for something like "LCD for photo editing." I can also say from experience that if a monitor can't be critically calibrated (both colors and luminance) then using it for editing will be extremely frustrating. I tested a 24" Dell but couldn't use it because the colors and luminance shifted depending on the viewing angle -- bobbing your head even a few degrees would result in Photoshop corrections. I am still using a CRT, and when I replace it, I expect the new monitor will cost a lot more than the computer even if I don't buy an Eizo. There may some relatively inexpensive monitors that will suffice -- check the internet and if you buy, make sure you have return privileges!

 

[Curt]

The Eizo monitors don't seem too prohibitive...

http://www.superwarehouse.com/EIZO_FlexScan_S1701ST_17_Black_LCD_Monitor/S1701ST-BK/pi/1489332

What's going on here, look at the price and the discount, I'm confused here.

 

[pschwart]

The Eizo monitors don't seem too prohibitive...

http://www.superwarehouse.com/EIZO_FlexScan_S1701ST_17_Black_LCD_Monitor/S1701ST-BK/pi/1489332

What's going on here, look at the price and the discount, I'm confused here.

- That's a 17" monitor. That's OK for a laptop but not real desktop editing!

- The model you referenced is described as "for text based and office work"
i.e. not photo editing. Actually overpriced for what it is.

Look at the Eizo ColorEdge line. A CG222W will cost you about $1500. You don't need an Eizo, but you get the idea: a good monitor for digital editing is not the same beast as what you could get by with for surfing the net.

 

[ianh]

The Eizo monitors don't seem too prohibitive...

http://www.superwarehouse.com/EIZO_FlexScan_S1701ST_17_Black_LCD_Monitor/S1701ST-BK/pi/1489332

What's going on here, look at the price and the discount, I'm confused here.

That's a low-end model - perhaps I shouldn't have used the brand name as a generic term -- In pre-press-speak, Eizo means 'the fancy k$$$ model'. Unless you're doing large amounts of colour critical work, those a way overkill (but I still want one on every desk at home )
If you are concerned about 'perfect' colour, viewing conditions (6800 K lighting, neutral gray surroundings) can make a huge difference - doing colour-corrections in a green room with dim incandescent lights doesn't cut it

 

[Curt]

The Nec EA221 looks very good and this one from Viewsonic, I had a Viewsonic years ago and that CRT was brilliant and lasted for a long time.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...X2450wm_LED_23_6_Widescreen_LED.html#features

It would be great if some of you could tell me what you have. I don't want to start any conflicts and don't require any justification, I would like to know what type, size and features people are using, I don't even care if no product name is used, just some specs and or features.

 

[Worker 11811]

Does anyone out there have an iMac computer? By the time I put together a system with a monitor, cpu, added items I might as well get an iMac that has it all in one package.

What do you think about this, I have never had a Mac computer, the ad says it will run my Windows XP Pro programs.

Get the computer you want to get regardless of what others claim.

Personally, I would recommend the iMac. It is a good computer. It will do what you want it to do.

As to migration, there is something called "Migration Assistant" on all new Macs. It is a program that will help you transfer all your stuff onto your new computer. It's not too difficult. Mostly answer the questions then "Point and Click".

Yes, there is a part of the system called "Boot Camp" and there is an emulator called "Parallels" which will allow you to run Windows applications on the Mac. But, to be honest, why would you want to run old, crappy software on a new computer? Why not just get new software that does things the way YOU want to do them instead of trying to figure out how to bend yourself to the old software's will?

If you have important applications that only come in Windows versions or if you have a lot of money invested in software for the PC, using Parallels is fine. But, if you can get Mac versions of the stuff you want to use, that is the best option.

The hardest part of this problem is going to be cost. Expect to spend $1,500 before you're done. The computer is how much? $1,100? You're going to spend money on sales tax, shipping and new software. Don't forget any "goodies" you want to buy with your new computer. It all adds up, regardless of the platform you choose.

If you have ANY affiliation with a school or an educational institution you will be able to get educational discounts on almost everything. You might be able to geet $100 off the computer. You'll get discounts on software and other things too.

I work at an educational institution. I got a discount on the hardware and I was able to buy the whole Adobe CS4 suite for only $250. (Regular price is about $1,400!)

Look into educational discounts if you can get them. It will save you money.

Personally, I can recommend getting a Mac if you are interested but if this is a computer that you depend on for business you might want to consider carefully. It's not about whether one computer is a better choice but it's often best not to rock the boat when money is riding on it.

 

[Curt]

Get the computer you want to get regardless of what others claim.

Personally, I would recommend the iMac. It is a good computer. It will do what you want it to do.

As to migration, there is something called "Migration Assistant" on all new Macs. It is a program that will help you transfer all your stuff onto your new computer. It's not too difficult. Mostly answer the questions then "Point and Click".

Yes, there is a part of the system called "Boot Camp" and there is an emulator called "Parallels" which will allow you to run Windows applications on the Mac. But, to be honest, why would you want to run old, crappy software on a new computer? Why not just get new software that does things the way YOU want to do them instead of trying to figure out how to bend yourself to the old software's will?

If you have important applications that only come in Windows versions or if you have a lot of money invested in software for the PC, using Parallels is fine. But, if you can get Mac versions of the stuff you want to use, that is the best option.

The hardest part of this problem is going to be cost. Expect to spend $1,500 before you're done. The computer is how much? $1,100? You're going to spend money on sales tax, shipping and new software. Don't forget any "goodies" you want to buy with your new computer. It all adds up, regardless of the platform you choose.

If you have ANY affiliation with a school or an educational institution you will be able to get educational discounts on almost everything. You might be able to geet $100 off the computer. You'll get discounts on software and other things too.

I work at an educational institution. I got a discount on the hardware and I was able to buy the whole Adobe CS4 suite for only $250. (Regular price is about $1,400!)

Look into educational discounts if you can get them. It will save you money.

Personally, I can recommend getting a Mac if you are interested but if this is a computer that you depend on for business you might want to consider carefully. It's not about whether one computer is a better choice but it's often best not to rock the boat when money is riding on it.

Thanks for the feedback I appreciate it. I've narrowed it down to a few choices.

 

[Worker 11811]

You're welcome.

BTW: As far as I know, the display in an iMac is the same that is used in Apple's Cinema Display.

By most accounts, Apple's displays get good reviews for image quality all around. However, regardless of the display you choose or the platform you use it on you should think about color profiling your display.

This can range from simply using the built in utilities from the operating system of your choice to buying a special color sensing device and using it in conjunction with special software to precisely align the colors of the display to spec.

If you are going to do any kind of critical work on a computer it will be necessary to properly align your display so that, from capture to display to output you will see correct colors or else you might end up pulling out your hair trying to get your printouts to look the same as they are on the screen.

 

[Curt]

You're welcome.

BTW: As far as I know, the display in an iMac is the same that is used in Apple's Cinema Display.

By most accounts, Apple's displays get good reviews for image quality all around. However, regardless of the display you choose or the platform you use it on you should think about color profiling your display.

This can range from simply using the built in utilities from the operating system of your choice to buying a special color sensing device and using it in conjunction with special software to precisely align the colors of the display to spec.

If you are going to do any kind of critical work on a computer it will be necessary to properly align your display so that, from capture to display to output you will see correct colors or else you might end up pulling out your hair trying to get your printouts to look the same as they are on the screen.

Monitor profiling didn't come to my attention until I had the desire to make digital negatives even though I've had the Adobe Suite for many years. When I had the Epson printer the output was very close to what I was seeing on my screen, no big surprises, except some printer defects. Now that I'm getting a new monitor I will make sure that I have a tool to correct and profile it. What started as a search for a printer has now turned to new computer, monitor, color management hardware and printer. I might as well get a new mouse and keyboard. This is the way to print, backward.

It's all going to a newly remodeled room that I want to be clean, clean, clean. No clutter, that's one reason I wanted the VESA wall attachment for the monitor, putting it up off the desktop. I'd like a light table built into the desktop if I have the time and energy. It depends on whether I buy one or make one. I need book shelves also for the library. I was right in the middle of the end of the remodeling project when the computer died out. Now I have the chance to meld a system into the project so maybe it's all just as well.

 

[Worker 11811]

A light box in the table top is a neat idea but they can get messed up easily. I have a lighted workbench in my projection booth at work. It's got about a 12" square cutout with a fluorescent light behind frosted Plexiglass.

It's great for splicing and inspecting movie film but, unless you are scrupulous about cleaning and make sure never to put anything on the bench that isn't directly related to your work needs, you'll end up replacing that Plexiglass when it gets scratched and dirty.

Sometimes I think I'd rather have a portable light box I can put on the bench top, use it when I need it, put it away when I'm done and not have to worry about keeping it clean and scratch free.

If you're going to use that desktop for nothing but film then I suppose you'll be all right.

For me, color is important but it's not paramount. As long as it looks okay to my eye and I can get a reasonable printout I'm happy. If I need accurate color I can cross that bridge when I come to it. (Probably send the file out.) The thing that really is important to me is contrast and dynamic range. Color can be subjective but light, dark and all the grays in between are what's really important.

For that, the Apple display is about all I'll ever need. Again, if I need more than that I can send the work out.

Nice to hear you're building yourself a new studio! Will you show us some pictures when you get it done?