Brian

Have you tried calibrating with Damien's instructions? This should work for you: https://www.damiensymonds.net/calibration-instructions/calibrite-colorchecker-display-pro-desktop.html

If I were to buy a new Calibrator today, I'd opt for the most up-to-date model. The Spyder X Elite has been replaced by the Spyder X2 Elite. I'm sure the cost savings going with the X Elite caught your eye and it's still a fine calibrator. The Elite has ALL of the software features turned on, and should be able to calibrate your screen nicely. Why bother with the X2 Elite then? It's for the monitor you have yet to purchase. While the Spyder X Elite will work fine for your current display, I'm worried about the one you will end up buying 2 years from now. As I've stated multiple times in various threads; I hate-hate-hate wasting money on this shit. Nothing would burn me up more than forking out a couple of hundred bucks for a Calibrator, only have to fork out another few hundred for a new one because my cheap-ass didn't fork out the money when I should have. In the end, I pay MORE than I'd expected to. Make sense? Damien wrote this article, I'd give it a read: Which Monitor Calibrator to Buy

As for the monitor, the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27" Display looks decent. It has the main things that I look for: IPS Display Panel 100% sRGB Anti-Glare / Matte Coating Non Touch-Screen There are other displays out there, but if you are editing photos, YOU NEED A IPS Based Display. I will cover the reasons & whys in another article and will keep things simple here. For now, the Dell UltraSharps are our usual Go-to when it comes to displays.

I wish I could give you an easy answer, and I do have one. Typically, you are looking for either a high-performance business computer OR a low-end Gaming Computer (Minus the Fancy LED Lighting and Liquid Cooling.) Either of these types of computers should have most, if not all, my requirements. The problem is with Windows Computers is, they are hard to nail down because models change so frequently. Especially when it comes to something like a laptop, those suckers are only around for 45-60 Days, before that model is replaced by another newer model. It's insane. Usually, I tend to recommend the Dell XPS Line of Computers as a starting point, since Dell is a World-Wide Company and whose computers are usually available. So it's a great reference point for everyone. I do realize that not everyone likes Dell computers, and that's fine, just use my recommendation as a guide and purchase a similarly equipped computer. Easy-Peasy. So let's start by heading to Dell's Website and taking a look at their XPS Desktop Line. This link will take you to Dell's Website and give you lots of choices; one of the things you WANT TO AVOID IS BUYING A COMPUTER WITH A NVIDIA 4060 VIDEO CARD, DO NOT BUY A 4060...YOU WANT A 4070 OR BETTER YET, A 4080. Here are some starting specs, and your budget should be around $2700 or so for the computer, plus a few hundred for a IPS Screen. I'd recommend having $3200-ish at the ready for whatever you purchase, after possible shipping and applicable taxes. Now, I do encourage folks to seek out coupon codes or wait for sales...or just buy another brand that might be more affordable. This Dell XPS Desktop Configuration is just to provide an example and is easily accessible around the world. After clicking my above Dell XPS Link, we are going to choose the computer all the way on the right, which is going to be the most expensive option. Why? Because Dell, among other manufacturers, are taking their "cues" from Apple, and you have the most choices in terms of upgrades / customization. "Go Big or Go Home" just doesn't apply to Apple these days. If you do click on a "cheaper" option, you are just kidding yourself, as with every customization / upgrade, the price automatically goes up to the higher-priced model anyway. So let's just save some time and at the time of this writing, click "Customize & Buy" below $1949 model. From there, we are going to increase the Processor for $100 more. Remember, not only is the Video Card super-important, there is AI Modules in Photoshop now, so spend the extra $100. Leave the "Windows 11 Home" Operating System at the default. You can always upgrade Windows 11 Home to Windows 11 Pro if you need to. Graphics Card: Again, DO NOT PURCHASE THE NVIDIA 4060 IN ALL FORMS WHAT-SO-EVER. We are going to upgrade to a NVIDIA RTX 4070 with 12GB of RAM. You do not "need" the "Super Version" of the Video Card. Even though I really like the NVIDIA 4080, I just can't justify Dell's up-charge in obtaining one. The RTX 4070 with 12GB of Video RAM is perfectly "fine" for Photoshop CC. Now, if you want to upgrade to a 4080, I'm not going to stop you. I'd upgrade to 64GB of RAM and be done with it. Even though 32GB should be "fine," 64GB is better, especially if you have a High Megapixel Camera. Anything higher than 64GB really isn't needed for Photoshop work and is meant for those who have a requirement. If you have to ask me, you don't need to go above 64GB. Storage: Here is where you can pick your Main HD Capacity. I still recommend having a 1TB Main HD as the absolute minimum, if you want to go higher, feel free. You can NEVER have too much HD Capacity. As for the other configurations, it's up to you if you want a C Drive and a D Drive. For this example, we will leave it at the 1TB Default. Chassis Options: Dell could have labeled this section Power Supply. If you plan on keeping this Dell XPS Computer in its "Stock" configuration, than 750 Watts is all you "technically need." If you plan on using lots of external HDs, especially if you choose Liquid Cooling, then I'd get the 1000 Watt P/S for $50 more. In fact, let's just spend the extra $50...it's only money, right? Cooling: You don't "need" Liquid Cooling for Photoshop, but I won't fault you for getting it. Optical Drive: It's up to you if you want a DVD +/- Drive in 2025. I'm going to leave it off for this example. Keyboard and Mouse Options: You can go with the Dell-Cheapy Versions of upgrade to something better. I will leave this choice up to you. Services: This is the Extended Warranty. Like Apple, Dell repairs their stuff. Parts come from Dell, etc. At the time of this writing, I would upgrade the Warranty to the Premium Support with 3 Years Coverage, with a one-time payment, which seems to be on sale. 2 Years is also fine, if the sale ends and if the 3 year ends up significantly more. 3 years for a computer is pretty decent; if something is going to fail, it's gonna happen within 3 years or so. Office 365 & McAfee: This is up to you. If you have a Office 365 Subscription, you can use that. As far as McAfee, this would be the 1st piece of software that I would remove. Believe it or not, the built-in Windows Defender works pretty well for what it does. McAfee, Like Symantec...tends to drain system resources. As of right now, this configuration will set you back $2793.99. Can you find something cheaper? Absolutely!! To recap, this is what you are looking for in 2025 Intel i9 CPU NVIDIA RTX 4070 or RTX 4080 with 8GB - 12GB of Dedicated Video Memory 64GB RAM 1TB Main HD P/S: 750 Watts or better. 850 Watts or 1000 Watts is preferred

Windows Based Computers for Photo Editing: What to look for in 2025. Still to this day, one of the MOST asked questions that I receive, both here and FB Ask Damien, is... "What computer do you recommend for editing photos?" or "What's a "good" computer for Photo Editing?" There are several different versions of these two questions and they are all asking or requesting the same thing: Just Tell Me What to Buy!!!! So what has changed from the WTB Article that I wrote back in 2023? Again, not much. In fact, I just copied and pasted my article from 2023, with a few tweaks. Most of the time, if people are asking here, they just want general guidelines on what to buy, so I'm going to stick with the basics. So here is the run-down... Heading into 2025...Photoshop continues to require more-and-more from the Hardware that it's installed on, AND THE CHOICE OF VIDEO CARD IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE CPU!!! At it's core, Photoshop is still Photoshop and hasn't changed THAT much since CS6. What has changed is Adobe keeps adding "Fancy Tools" such as Content Aware, more bloat overall and the latest thing on the Market: AI Technology. It's all of these fancy tools & AI Crap that really tax older hardware; if you are trying to run the latest version of Photoshop CC, on a computer from before 2020, hell...even 2022, you are going to run into problems or error messages. Meaning, you will know just how "old" your computer is with the current versions of Adobe Photoshop CC. Heading into 2025, this is what I recommend for a Windows Computer that will be using the current versions Adobe Photoshop CC. My preferred items will be marked in bold: Intel i7 or i9 CPU (AMD Ryzen Equivalent) 32GB of RAM / 64GB RAM Preferred 1TB Main Hard Drive A NVIDIA RTX 4070 or NVIDIA RTX 4080 Video Card with 8GB - 12GB of dedicated Video Memory IPS-Based / Non-Glossy or Matte Display Windows 11Pro I realize that most folks today understand those terms in 2025, but I'm covering it for those who need this info: CPU - This stands for Central Processing Unit. It's the "Brain" of your computer. There are different types and brands which usually determines performance on how things work. This is the #1 thing that people tend to grab onto, they know that a i7 is "better" than a i5, likewise an i9 CPU is "better/faster" than a i7. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. You see, software needs to be programmed to take advantage of what makes a higher-end CPU chip so fast. Photoshop is now just taking advantage of what an i7 can offer, and really doesn't utilize a Intel i9 as much as you think it would. Intel i5 CPUs are yesterday's "Affordable" Chips; they were the middle of the road and got the job done. Since the older versions of Photoshop didn't take advantage of a i7 CPU, it didn't make sense to spend the extra money. Well, now in 2023...the latest versions of Adobe Photoshop CC do take advantage of a i7's Architecture. Intel i9? Notsomuch. There is some performance boost, but not enough to spend the extra money on a i9. In fact, I'd rather folks purchase a more affordable i7 CPU and take those savings to put towards a better Video Card. RAM - This stands for Random Access Memory. This type of memory is what your computer uses to do it's work in. The more you have, the better your computer functions and "Breathes" easier. Hard Drive - This is usually abbreviated to HD and is the long-term storage of your computer. Like RAM, there is no such thing as "Too Much;" the larger the capacity of your HD, the better your programs like it and the more things can be stored on the Hard Drive. A Main Hard Drive is where your Software Programs and Operating System reside. Computers can have multiple Hard Drives, both Internal and External, but we are just going to talk about the Main HD in this article. I will say in 2024/2025, that a Main Hard Drive of 1TB in size is non-negotiable. DO NOT PURCHASE A COMPUTER / LAPTOP THAT HAS ANYTHING SMALLER THAN A 1TB HD. A 500GB is too small, a 2TB is a bit over-kill and something like s 256GB, or less...don't make me laugh. A 1TB HD is in the "Goldilocks Zone," enough space for your OS, OS Updates and Programs, while giving you enough "Breathing Room" for your computer to work well. If you still are confused, I've written yet another article on this subject, titled, "All About Memory - The Difference between Hard Drives & RAM." Please, give it a read. Anyway...if a person purchases a computer with a small main hard drive, they will ultimately run into problems, not only from lack of storage capacity, but from an operational standpoint as well. A full HD is a sad HD. Programs will come to a screeching halt, and generate all sorts of error messages when a HD becomes low on space, especially Adobe Photoshop. With a 256GB (or smaller HD,) that capacity is MICROSCOPIC by today's standards; at those capacities, that HD is meant for the Operating System and one or two programs ONLY, forget about any data files or photos. Forget about software / OS updates. Unfortunately, with today's modern computers in 2023, a 256GB Main HD is CHEAP, manufacturers use them to keep costs low, so you will need to do your due-diligence and check out the specifications of Hard Drive Capacity for the Computer Model you are looking at. Video Card - This is the device in your computer that is responsible for your Monitor to have the ability to display something. There are TWO KINDS OF VIDEO CARDS: Integrated - This type of Video Card is built into the Motherboard and instead of having a dedicated chip to do Video Compiling (The 1's and 0's that make up a image,) uses the CPU chip to accomplish this task. In addition, this type of Video Card does not have its own memory but instead uses a section of the Computer's RAM in order to function. Non-Integrated - Non-Integrated can be a physical card that resides in a Expansion Slot on a Desktop Computer OR reside as part of the Motherboard, which is typically found in Laptops. The main difference with a Non-Integrated Video Card is that it has its own "Brain" called a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and it's own dedicated memory called "VRAM" or Video RAM. You will typically see this type of memory listed below the RAM, usually in small increments...2GB / 4G / 6GB / 8GB, etc. What trips people up is when you get to the larger capacities, like 8GB of Video RAM; which is a completely different kinds of Memory than RAM. In 2023, you want at least 8GB or more of dedicated Video RAM. As I've mentioned above, in addition to creating a Video Signal that gives you something to see, Video Cards have under-utilized components that are FAST. This causes software developers to tap into this potential for a performance boost, and it is noticeable, not just with Photoshop. To illustrate, I recently tried out Topaz's Software, just to see how well it worked. I used both the Sharpness and De-Noise Programs. In each of their preferences, there was an option to "Use the Video Card" or to just use the CPU. I can say with complete certainty, there was a difference in performance when using the Video Card. For example, a photo that was being sharpened or de-noise was being applied took about 2 minutes for a large Panorama to complete. When I applied the same settings but used the Video Card, that same routine took roughly 30-45 seconds! So you can see the benefit to having a high-performance Video Card. It does make a difference. IPS-Based Display or In-Plane Switching Display - This is also one of those non-negotiable items. Your Computer's Display, if you are editing Photos, it needs to be IPS Based. Period. Why? IPS Screens have a better / greater viewing angle, and has better Contrast, Color and Sharpness that is more consistent from corner to corner. Which if you think about it, is kinda important when it comes to editing Photos & Video. I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND a Display that has Anti-Glare Coatings or is Non-Glossy for those editing photos. Windows 11 - Microsoft will continue to support at least one Windows 10 release until October 14, 2025, but has since stopped selling License Keys for Windows 10. After that October 2025 date, it will no longer be supported, patched / updated. Just like Windows XP, Window 7, etc. and other versions of Windows in the past. "End of LIfe" is "End of Life." Personally, I like Windows 11 Pro due to it being more robust and easier to deal with when things go wrong. Now don't get me wrong...the "Home" version works just fine, but I don't like Windows getting in my way with "Wizards" trying to "help" which never seem to work. That said, I'm more of a Power User and am used to dealing with Windows directly. For the average consumer, Windows 11 Home is fine.

Right now, from the information that you provided, buying a new display is not going to fix your problem. We need to get you Calibrated and straightened out BEFORE you spend money on a new display. Now, will you eventually be purchasing a new Display? It's plausible, but I want to see if we can get things working out first; I hate wasting money and would feel terrible that you fork out $500 (or whatever) only to be right back at square #1.

You need to convert in Adobe Camera Raw. Raw File Created by Camera >> Loaded into ACR >> Converted to the sRGB Color Space >> THEN you do your Raw Edits >> Finally, your Photo is imported into Photoshop already in sRGB and you do your final edits. This way what you see is what you (should) get. WYSIWYG. No surprises. No colors changing on you. What needs to change in your workflow is when converting to sRGB takes place. You do not want to edit in Adobe RGB (1998) with ACR, keep Adobe RGB (1998) in Photoshop, then have your colors shift because the default color space with .jpg files is sRGB!!! That's why we want you to be in sRGB at the start of your edits, because as soon as you save as a .jpg / .jpeg, your colors WILL shift if editing in Adobe RGB (1998) or Prophoto (Lightroom's default and ONLY color space.) Before you drive yourself nuts, let's make sure your Photoshop and ACR are setup correctly: Setting up Photoshop

Agreed. FreeFileSync

Well, it's a different display. Direct upgrade? No. Modern 4K 27" Display that has a IPS Panel? Yes. So I guess you can call it an upgrade in a sense of the word.

Well, if the lab uses Adobe 1998, that's fine. BUT! The default colorspace for JPEG is sRGB. So if you are uploading .jpeg files to your printer, your colors are shifting. If you upload .jpg to a website or FB or whatever, you are in sRGB. This is why Damien and I jump up-and-down about sRGB, because...chances are, you are going to end up there. What are you looking for your screen replacement, and why? Is your screen not big enough? Is it failing, or are you upgrading just for something new? The good news is, your Dell U2419H is an IPS Display, so if it's working, keep rocking it. Unless you want bigger / fancier.

I usually start with recommending a Dell Ultrasharp IPS Display. Things to look for: IPS Display Panel. This is non-negotiable. If the company doesn't advertise it, chances are it's not a IPS Display. 95% or better sRGB coverage. You do not want a 1920 x 1080p resolution on ANY monitor that is 27" or greater. A 1080p Display is fine for 24" and below. Why? 1080p looks like ass on a large screen; we aren't watching TV, we are editing photos. You want at least a 2560 x 1440 for a 27" display or 4K. You do not want a display that reduces any colors, such as Blue Light. Or if it does have that feature, there should be a way to turn it off. You do not want your monitor messing with your colors, especially if you are editing photos. Matte Finish or Matte Coating, you want to avoid Glossy Screens. Avoid Curved Displays. While it sounds cool, you are editing photos, not playing video games. Do not buy a Touchscreen; we have enough issues as it is with displays, do not add fingerprints to the mix. Plus Touchscreens are a bitch to calibrate. Your calibrator should be fine, just make sure your software is up to date. I found this monitor, Dell S2721QS and this one, which really checks all of the boxes: Dell UltraSharp U2723QE. There seems to be limited supply for that U2723QE, and it's on sale, so if you have the fundage, I'd click buy sooner, rather than later.

I've might have missed a few talking points and I'd like to add a bit of Postscript here in this section. It seems that my integrity and authenticity has come into question, and I was even accused of being some sort of AI Bot. Which is ridiculous. I am as real as it gets. So I will add a bit of a FAQ, or at least some clarification questions that might be on someone's mind. Q: Can I use my existing Calibrator with the Mac Studio Display or should I purchase a new model? A: Thank you for bringing this up!!! I completely forgot about adding a new Calibration Device into the mix. The real answer is, "...it depends." Some modern Calibrators, Like the SpyderX Series should be compatible, but if you have a older device, like a Spyder5 Series...then you WILL need to purchase a new one, as the Display Panel itself may not be compatible. Check your Manufacture's website for additional information, and make sure the Calibration Software is compatible with the current MacOS. I'd hate for you to waste money on something that you do not need. That being said, I'd budget for one regardless. Q: Do I really need to Calibrate? It's a Mac, I thought they were good? A: The reality is, ALL SCREENS NEED TO BE CALIBRATED if you are doing things like editing Photos and/or Video. If Color Accuracy is critical, then you need to Calibrate. Period. I have never-ever stated that you do not need to Calibrate. You should Calibrate MONTHLY and compare your screen a set of PHYSICAL PRINTS; you simply do not run the calibration routine and call it good. It doesn't work that way. As for Mac Displays...yes, they tend to have a premium look to them, BUT! they also tend to run on the cool / blue side of things. Why? Because manufacturers like to sell Displays and TVs, so they will make their screens a bit blue and bump up things like saturation and contrast. It creates a "Wow" factor that makes people want to buy them. Same thing goes with Camera Body LCD Displays. Unfortunately, if your screen is too cool, then you will make you prints too yellow. Likewise, if your screen is too bright, and Mac Displays are REALLY BRIGHT OUT OF THE BOX, then your prints will come out dark. Getting Calibrated not only straighten things out, and gets things matching, by Calibrating monthly, you are ensuring your screen hasn't changed. After Calibration, you will find out on just how COOL the Mac Screens are AND how much detail you don't see. So yes...for those in the back, you do need to calibrate, even a Mac Screen. Q: $4500?!?!!! Forty-five Hundred?!?!?!!!! Are you insane? Are you sure there isn't a cheaper option? My 2012 iMac wasn't this expensive!! A: I know I'm asking a lot. Things just cost more in 2024/2025. Just think, the average cost of a home in 2024 is around the $420,000 mark, and can go higher depending on the local housing market that you might be located in. These same homes would sell for around $219,000-ish if this was 2019 or earlier. Inflation and Tariffs on Chinese Imports, (and it's all Made in China,) plus COVID shutting the supply chain down opened "Pandora's Box," and I don't think we will ever see the prices that people paid 5 years ago, let alone 10+ years ago; the days of the $999 computer that is "Good Enough," are over. There is also a "Method to my Madness." Can you go with a cheaper option? Of course...but you will be purchasing a new computer sooner, rather than later. The Apple Studio Display should last a couple of Mac Desktop Upgrades over the years, so while you are forking out the extra money in the beginning, you are saving it on the back-end. Plus, even though a lower-cost (less powerful) Mac should work for the current versions of Adobe's Products, that might not be the case within 18-24 months. With each Photoshop / LR / ACR / Bridge Update, more and more is being required from the Hardware Specifications; if you don't have the "Beefy" and "Robust" Hardware to begin with, compatibility problems increase, and error messages are almost guaranteed. It seems there is always an up-tick in posts when folks upgrade their Adobe Software and have nothing but problems or ACR / PS / LR complains about something not being compatible, or flat-out not working. Then you are forced to downgrade to the last version that worked with your computer and stay there. No updating for you!! Not yours!!! With each and every update, Adobe adds more AI Features / Bloatware that convince people that they want to continue their Adobe CC Subscription; it keeps people hooked convincing them of things that they want, rather than what they need. Are the AI / Content Aware Features a good thing to have? Absolutely, they can be a huge time saver. But this is at the cost of having powerful hardware in order to run those fancy modules & tools. In fact, ACR has been warning people for YEARS that their particular Graphics Cards aren't powerful enough and ACR will soon not be compatible with those under-powered Graphics Cards. Adobe is now making good on that promise, and the problem is only going to get worse as time goes on. When I configure my recommendations, I have a 7-8 year lifespan in mind, Especially when it comes to Apple's products, since there is NO UPGRADING AFTER THE INITIAL PURCHASE! I also hate wasting money by either not purchasing the right thing...or worse yet, not purchasing "enough." I would hate for someone to blow a large sum of money, at least from my POV, only to be told that they bought the wrong thing and they should have bought ___________. Or be told that they need a new computer to replace the one that was purchased less than 18 months ago, because software upgrades move fast these days. Speaking of which, at its core...Photoshop is still Photoshop. In fact, not much has changed since CS6! It's all the other stuff being added to PS that is requiring more horsepower from computer hardware; remember Photoshop is Professional Grade Software, even if you aren't a Professional and are more of a Hobbyist. Adobe expects you to keep your Hardware current, in order to take advantage of the latest versions, and that's where people get tripped up. Q: Are you sure that I need the Studio Display? I mean, $1600 is A LOT for a monitor. A: Short answer: Yes. Apple has done this intentionally. Long Answer: Also Yes...but you aren't just buying just a display. There is more to the Apple Studio Display, that helps drive up the cost. From Wikipedia: So as you can see, there is more to it than just a Display. Now, do I personally think Apple should have a lower-cost option, and just have a Display? Absolutely!!! I have a perfectly fine and working set of speakers, and I have enough charging ports that I don't necessarily need the extra Thunderbolt Ports, and I would LOVE if they had a $999 Display-only Version, minus all the other fancy technology. Always remember, this is Apple we are talking about, they have never been cheap. "Go Big or Go Home." Q: Are you a real person? You have a lot of AI generated photos on your FB Profile... A: I am a real person. I've been involved with computers in one form or another since 1981/1982. I was first exposed to the Timex Sinclair ZX80 and later a Tandy 1000. Then when I hit 6th grade in Junior High, I was exposed to the Apple IIe computers, then played with the Apple Macintosh in 1984. I started in Computer Sales, actually sold Nintendo Video Games / Systems in the late 1980's during High School, and switched over to being a Professional Computer Technician in January 1993. I'm very good at spending other people's money, it's a gift, and have a knack for explaining things to people who aren't necessarily tech-savvy. I've been doing this very thing FOR YEARS. Actually, Decades. Q: How much do you really get paid from Manufactures? Do you receive any kick-backs for your recommendations? A: I receive absolutely no money from any Manufacture or reseller, whatsoever. Yep. Read that again. I receive ZERO Dollars from any Manufactures. I do not have any sort of commissions, and would actually love it if a company that I recommend on a normal basis sends me either free shit or better yet...actual money. But that doesn't happen. Rest assured, ANYTHING that I link to is just me pointing you in the right direction to go buy something. I do not even have an Amazon Affiliate Link Account Setup. If you are wondering why, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania likes to charge taxes on those type of things...and I don't want to fill out any more forms/paperwork or pay any additional tax to PA for ANYTHING. That said, sometimes members want to make a donation for me helping them out, AND saving them a boatload of cash; this is more of a "Buy Brian a Beer" amount than anything. It's always on a case-by-case basis, is initiated by the person and is NEVER a form of compensation. It’s also rare for it to happen. From time to time, you will see me post my Donation Link, when a member asks for it, such as this: >>> What I recommend is what I would buy with my own money, and I hate wasting money on technology. <<< I'm also a firm believer in "Buy it Right, Buy it Once..." and will tell people to buy _______________, which often is the higher-end model. I do not buy cheap shit. Period. I will save up, wait, and then purchase the item in question if needed. The phrase, "...well it's just as good as..." almost NEVER enters my vocabulary. As for the AI stuff, those photos / images on my Facebook are just goofy things that I swiped from the internet and use for my own personal amusement. Most of the time, you will see the "South Park" Version of me, or something similar; like the Angry Birds Blackbird that Explodes. This character is just a visual representation of my usual grumpy & brutally honest self and is not intended to fool anyone. I also am not very photogenic and never take selfies or have many photos of myself. (Yes, I'm one of THOSE people who's F&F will be scrambling for a photo of me when I die.) Plus, I work in IT, and you would be surprised on what you don't know and how your data is used; I like to try and keep a small digital footprint, though truth-be-told, my info is out there for all to see. Stupid Internet / Social Media. I really need to reel that in, come to think of it. But I digress... At the end of the day, this forum is my opinion on what I recommend and what I would purchase. All I can do is give away my knowledge for free, and it's up to you on how to spend YOUR MONEY. If you decide to not take my advice, that's fine. Fantastic!! I only hope that my opinion / statements give you an additional perspective before making a certain purchase. I just like helping others and sharing my head full of worthless knowledge. (My Wife asks, "How the Hell do you know that..." on a normal basis when watching Game Shows like Jeopardy & Wheel of Fortune; everyone wants to be my Trivial Pursuit Partner. Now the question of, "Why do you do this for free?" Because I enjoy helping others, and am a firm believer in Karma. I feel what you put out into the world is returned to you in some way. If I can help a person out, awesome. If I can make them think, before making a dumb decision, that's also a good thing.

Yep. Do that.

Head to Apple's Website, Apple.com, and click the Mac Menu at the top, select MacBook Pro: Wait for the animation to complete, then click "Buy." Select 16" Then click "M4 Max." Look towards the one on the right, which should be the most expensive model. Remember, when it comes to the Modern Versions of Photoshop CC, it's ALL ABOUT THE GPU CORES. Be sure to choose the desired color, either Space Black or Silver. Click Select at the bottom of the column on the right. Stick with the Standard Display I'd upgrade the RAM to 64GB unified memory. Remember, there is NO UPGRADING ANYTHING AFTER THE INITIAL PURCHASE. 128GB is complete overkill for Photoshop CC and 64GB is more than enough, even with large MP cameras. Leave the HD at the default, 1TB. It's completely up to you if you want to spend $400 more. For me, 1TB is perfectly fine, even headed into 2025. The subtotal should be $4199, before Apple Care & Applicable Local Taxes. Click Add to Bag. Select the AppleCare+ for your Mac. Some want to pay a flat fee and just have a block of coverage and some folks plan on keeping their MacBooks for 7 years or so, in which case they pay annually for it. Since Apple is the only ones that supply parts, and they are the ones to fix things, then it makes sense to fork out the extra $$ for AppleCare+. Just be sure to purchase AppleCare+ by clicking Add to Bag after you have made your choice! Click Review Bag. It should appear as follows: Then make your selection for Payment at the bottom. Conversationally speaking, the cost should be around $4500 for a M4 MacBook Pro. This configuration should last you at least 5-7 years, if not more.

Head to Apple's Website, Apple.com, and click the Mac Menu at the top, select Mac Mini: Click Buy after the animation completes. Start by selecting "Mac" and choose the M4 Pro. Please keep this in mind!! At the time of this writing, THERE ARE FOUR COLUMNS TO CHOOSE FROM, instead of the usual 3!! We are after the GPU Cores, and the ONLY way you can obtain them is by going with the more expensive 12-Core CPU / 16-Core GPU option!! That said, we will be upgrading to an even more powerful version: Select the "Apple M4 Pro chip with 14‑core CPU, 20‑core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine" for $200 more. (Remember!! It's all about the GPU Cores now with PS & LR. The more the better!) Increase the RAM to 64GB of unified memory. Sure, you could get by with 48GB, but since there is no upgrading after-the-fact, might as well go the "Full Monty" and get 64GB. It's only money, right? Increase the Hard Drive to 1TB. It's up to you if you want a larger internal drive, but 1TB is still "fine" heading into 2025. Chances are, you are going to have a large 20TB External Thunderbolt 3/4 Drive anyway. Ethernet. If you are planning on upgrading your Internet to your home that is above 1Gbps to something like 2.5Gbps or faster, then you will need the 10 Gigabit Ethernet Port. If you are in an area that doesn't have those internet speeds, the default Gigabit Ethernet is also fine. This option is totally up to you. For Techno-weenies like me, spending this much money on a stupid Mac Mini, might as well spend the extra $100. I plan on upgrading to 2.5Gbps (hell, I will probably get 10Gbps,) so the higher end Ethernet Port is what I'm after. For the other 99.999999% of the folks here, 1Gbps is perfectly fine. So for this example, we will leave it at the default. By now, the specs should look like this: The cost should be $2399.00 before Shipping and Tax. Click Continue. Choose the Apple Studio Display with the Standard Glass. Yes, if you desire to have the "Apple Experience" that you are used to, you need to purchase the Apple Studio Display. Apple did this on purpose as they have changed the Video Signal coming out of the HDMI Port. So even though you can use a 3rd party display, by going this route will not yield the optimal results that you are used to. Yes, the Studio Display is expensive. Yes, again...Apple did this on purpose. No, I'm not going to recommend another 3rd Party Display. It's not worth it. Remember, "Go Big or Go Home." I'd choose the standard Tilt-adjustable Stand. If you want to be able to adjust the height up and down, then you will have to upgrade. But in reality, the standard Tilt-adjustable stand is similar to how your 27" iMac is now. Add Apple Care for the Studio Display: A choice will appear. Either choose 3 years coverage or pay annually $49.99 / year until cancelled. Which one? Either. 3 years is more than enough, but paying $50 a year also works and is a easier pill to swallow over time, especially if you plan on keeping the Apple Studio Display for at least 7 years. Or you can pay the flat $149 and be done with it. Honestly? If your equipment hasn't died within 3 years, there is a good chance, (minus external forces, like a power surge or flood,) that it will last 7 years without issue. But this is your decision. For now, I will leave this example at the $49.99 subscription. Click "Add to Bag." Choose Apple Care. I'd pick three years of coverage for the Mac Mini. It's a Mac Mini and is easily replaceable. Choose the Keyboard Color you'd like, along with a new USB-C Charging Port Mouse. Click Add to Bag for all three. Click "Review Bag" and it should look like this if everything is done correctly. Pay attention and make sure Apple Care is attached to both the Studio Display and Mac Mini. If you purchase the Apple Care with your Mac Mini, AND add the Keyboard & Mouse, Apple Care on the Mini should cover those two items. If not, it's just a Keyboard & Mouse. The subtotal should be $4355 and the Shipping should be free. Then add the applicable taxes and you should be around $4600-ish for the whole thing. Oh! one more thing!! I HIGHLY-HIGHLY-HIGHLY RECOMMEND BUYING THIS APC SINE WAVE 1500VA UPS TO PLUG EVERYTHING INTO. Not only does that UPS provide power in the event of a power outage, the "Sine Wave" portion actively monitors the current, which makes it better for sensitve electronic equipment. If you are going to spend $4600-ish on a computer, do not use an el-cheapo power strip. Plug the Mac & Studio Display, plus external Hard Drives into the "Battery+Surge" Side, and things like Laser Printers and Speakers into the "Surge Only" Side. Some external Hard Drive Power Bricks might be a bit large, in which case simply use these Cable Matters 2-Pack 16 AWG Heavy Duty 13A Short Power Extension Cord 1 ft to give you some room.