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If we didn't have computers, we'd still be shooting film. They help us store, organize, edit, share, and print the photos we take or scan -- and they're also handy for e-mail, wordprocessing, and keeping track of finances. But if your computer grinds to a halt when you try to process a RAW file or open an HD-resolution QuickTime movie, then it's probably time for an upgrade.
Fortunately, a dollar goes much further on a computer these days, and bargain hunters can buy a decent PC with a 17-inch LCD monitor for less than $600. Serious photographers and videographers, on the other hand, should take a look at the five systems here -- all of which have blazingly fast processors and graphic cards, sharper and more colorful monitors, mega-storage capacity, powerful and advanced operating systems, and optimized photo- and video-editing features.
Options and add-ons abound. The most obvious one is the monitor, and for the systems shown here, we've paired each with a single screen. Other options we've added are included in the prices quoted. Prices, unless stated otherwise, are direct from the manufacturer.
Apple Mac Pro Quad-core ($2,877) and 30-inch Cinema Display ($1,799)
Can't decide on whether to run Apple's nearly "virus-free" OS X 10.4 or Microsoft's new Windows Vista OS? This system can do both! All it needs is a copy of Vista and a free download of Apple's Boot Camp 1.2.
The stainless-steel Mac Pro has two 2.66GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors and 2GB of 667MHz DDR2 memory, an NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT graphics card with 256MB memory, a 250GB Serial ATA 3GB/s 7200-rpm hard drive, and a 16X dual-layer SuperDrive for CDs and DVDs.
It supports a dual-monitor setup, with at least one 30-inch Cinema Display at its full 2560x1600-pixel resolution. As configured, the system also packs both Bluetooth 2.0 EDR and AirPort Extreme (Wi-Fi) cards, plus dual gigabit Ethernet, two FireWire 800, two FireWire 400, five USB 2.0, and two USB 1.1 ports.
The 30-inch Cinema display sports plenty of ports, and Apple includes its iLife '06 suite for editing photos, making movies, playing tunes, and creating your own website. (www.apple.com)
Alienware Area 51 7500 ($2,624) and 24-inch BEN Q LCD monitor ($1,299 street)
This radical machine might be the perfect compromise between a powerful image/video-editing workstation and a super-gaming computer. It's available in four case colors and seven coloredlight accents. Inside you'll find the Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 2.66GHz processors plus 2GB of 800MHz DDR2 memory. There's also a 250GB Serial ATA 3GB/s 7200- rpm hard drive, a 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS graphics card with dual-display support, and 18X dual-layer DVD+/-RW/CD-RW Writer.
To keep the system cool and quiet, we added the optional Alienware P2 chassis with AlienIce 3.0 Video Cooling and the 1000-watt SLI power supply. Other extra touches include Windows Vista Home Premium with a Media Center remote control and a digital/analog TV tuner, high-definition 7.1 audio system, contoured keyboard, and an optical three-button mouse.
The 24-inch BENQ FP241WZ monitor supports full HDTV 1080p video and includes HDMI, component, composite, and DVI inputs, plus three USB 2.0 ports. The tower has dual-gigabit Ethernet, two FireWire 400, and eight USB 2.0 ports. (www.alienware.com)
Dell XPS 710 ($2,599) and 30-inch Dell monitor ($1,499)
The red afterburner lights on this PC give you a clue to the hot features it contains. Powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo 2.66GHz E6700 processors and 2GB of Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM memory, this configuration also includes a 1-kilowatt power supply option, Windows Vista Home Premium OS, a 320GB Serial ATA 3GB/s Hard Drive (7200-rpm) with DataBurst Cache, 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GTS graphics card with dualmonitor support, a 16X dual-layer CD/DVD burner, and a 13-in-1 memory card reader.
While editing, crank up the Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic sound card and 10-watt flat panel speakers (attached under the 30-inch UltraSharp 3007FPW Widescreen Flat-Panel monitor). Dell also includes Microsoft Works 8 software and McAfee's Security Center software. Connections include a Netgear WG111 54-mbps wireless USB 2.0 adapter, gigabit Ethernet port, 10 USB 2.0 ports (two of them internal), and two FireWire 400 ports. Talk about plug and play!
(www.dell.com)
Hewlett-Packard Pavilion media Center m8010y ($2,469) and 22-inch LCD monitor ($310)
HP packed this model with performance extras instead of flashing lights. Inside, there's Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.4GHz) processors and 2GB DDR2- 667MHz dual-channel SDRAM memory. Movie and photo editors not content with the 250GB 7200-rpm SATA 3GB/s hard drive can use the removable 160GB 7200-rpm HP Personal Media Drive, swap data via the 5-in-1 card reader, or store up to 25GB per disk on the system's Bluray disc reader/writer.
The 22-inch, 1680x1050-pixel HP monitor can play HD video via the 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 7500LE graphics card with TV-out, DVI, and VGA connectors.
Other nice touches are: stereo speakers with a subwoofer and remote control; an ATSC NTSC TV tuner with PVR, FM tuner, and remote; Microsoft Works 8, Norton Internet Security, and Roxio PhotoSuite 9 Deluxe image-editing software. Connections include six USB 2.0, one FireWire 400, and a gigabit Ethernet port. (www.hp.com)
Sony Vaio vGC-LS 37E ($2,050) with 19-inch Widescreen LCD monitor
Reasonably priced and ideal for a tight apartment, this Vaio boasts image-editing power with its 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor T7200 and 2GB of RAM memory. The monitor is one of the sharpest 19-inch LCDs around, with 1680x1050-pixel resolution and XBRITE-HiColor Technology. Additionally, it serves a dual purpose as a TV and DVR powered by an NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 graphics card with 399MB of memory and a built-in TV tuner.
Sony includes Windows Vista Home Premium OS with its Media Center remote control, a dual-layer DVD+/-RW/DVD-RAM drive, a Memory Stick card reader, a builtin camera and microphone, and its own Click to DVD and LocationFree Player software. Connections: composite and sVHS video input jacks, a four-pin FireWire port, two USB 2.0 and two USB 1.1 ports, and a 10Base-T/100Base-TX Ethernet port. (www.sonystyle.com)
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