Brian Posted November 12 Share Posted November 12 Quote What Mac Desktop do you recommend for editing photos in heading into 2025? After I updated PS CC & the MacOS to the latest version, my 2020 iMac sounds like it's ready to catch on fire. My 2019 Mac runs so slow and lags now while in Photoshop. I have sessions to edit and it's killing me! I have a 2017 iMac, it's really slow now and want to stay with Macintosh, what do you recommend? I'm in the market for a new Mac Laptop, what do you recommend? How would you configure it? It seems that people have money burning a proverbial "Hole" in their pocket, or they just can't help themselves and blindly update their Adobe Products to the latest version, which causes all sorts of issues on a older computer. Unfortunately, we are at that point that software is over-taking the hardware, and it's time for a new computer. Error messages galore these days, with Photoshop CC really complaining about under-powered Graphics Processors and lack of dedicated Video Memory, or the MacOS creating weird issues with the computer. If you have a Mac from 2017 - 2020, including Mac Laptops purchased during this time frame, it's time for a new one. Every 3 years or so, the manufacturers release the newest technology; you know the models, these are the "Game Changers" that the Media and YouTube Personalities review. Around 5 years, you used to upgrade things like the RAM or HD, to keep things going. Then when the 7-8 year mark hit, the software requires so much resources that the computer can't keep up. Which brings us to this point: 2017 is 8 years away from 2025, so that's why a lot of folks are now asking about buying new Macs. The good news is Apple finally released the M4 line, with the Mac Mini and Mac Laptops. Even better...is Apple tends to keep pricing the same with each annual / bi-annual release, so there are no surprises there. In some cases, things are a little cheaper than they were. The bad news is...you are going to be spending more than $4200 for either a Mac Laptop or Mac Desktop that's "Good for Photo Editing." So start saving. So what's different now as opposed to prior years? Not much, with the exception of two things: It's all about the GPU Cores and dedicated Video Memory, the days of having a power CPU, lots of RAM and a big HD aren't the only concerns. You NEED-NEED-NEED a POWERFUL GRAPHICS PROCESSOR (or the most GPU Cores you can afford) with at least 8GB-12GB of dedicated Video Memory. There is NO upgrading ANYTHING after the initial purchase with a new Mac, either Desktop or Laptop. This has been the case starting with the M1 Line of Mac Laptops / Desktops. The reason that I mention this, is end-users could upgrade their Intel-Based iMacs, and that's no longer the case. Think of your Mac products like glorified iPads; if you need ANYTHING, like more RAM, a bigger HD, etc., you are buying a new computer. PERIOD. The other thing that hasn't changed is Apple STILL wants you to "Go Big or Go Home." You are still penalized for going cheap...ahem...affordable, than if you just forked out the cash and bought the higher-end model. The other thing is that the 27" iMac Desktop design HAS BEEN ABANDONED AND APPLE WILL NOT BE CREATING A DIRECT REPLACEMENT. Don't even THINK about buying a 24" iMac, they are meant for General Computing and NOT Photo Editing with Adobe's Products. Plus, we haven't been able to get a 24" screen calibrated, even with brand-new Calibration Devices. So just skip the 24" iMac and save yourself the stress / headaches. I will guarantee you, if you buy a 24" iMac, you WILL be posting "Begging for Help!" threads on this website and FB Ask Damien. Unfortunately, you won't be getting help from either me or Damien, because we can't help you. So again...for those in the back: >>> DO NOT BUY A 24" iMac COMPUTER for editing photos!!! <<< So what computer do you purchase? This will be covered in the next two sections, starting with a Mac Desktop. Keep in mind, if you can wait until June of 2025, you will get a MUCH more powerful computer, the M4 Mac Studio, for about $60 more than my configuration of the Mac Mini. Unfortunately, some folks can not wait and NEED a new Mac right away, as they have sessions to edit and can't deliver things to clients; this next section is really meant for them. Again, if you can wait for the M4 Mac Studio, DO SO!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted November 12 Author Share Posted November 12 Quote Mac M4 Pro Mini Configuration - Late 2024 / Early 2025 - Mac Desktop that's good for Photo Editing 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted November 12 Author Share Posted November 12 Quote MacBook Pro Configuration - Late 2024 / Early 2025 - Mac Laptop that's good for Photo Editing 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted November 14 Author Share Posted November 14 Quote Additional Thoughts & Clarification 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: Quote The Studio Display features a 27-inch, 5K LED-backlit panel, with 5120×2880 resolution at 218 pixels per inch and 600 nits of brightness, an increase from the 500 nits panel used in the LG UltraFine and 27-inch iMac.[4][5] The panel also supports P3 wide color and True Tone technology.[6] It does not support HDR content.[7] It also includes a six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers that support spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, and a three-microphone array that supports "Hey Siri".[8] On the rear of the display is a Thunderbolt 3 port that supports DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression (DSC) 1.2 and provides up to 96 W of host charging for connected laptops, and three downstream 10 Gbit/s USB-C ports. The Studio Display includes an Apple A13 Bionic system-on-a-chip, which was introduced with the iPhone 11 line, to power audio and webcam processing. The built-in webcam supports Center Stage, introduced with the iPad Pro (5th generation), which pinpoints the positions of the users and automatically tracks the camera view accordingly to perspectively center them.[9] The A13 chip is paired with 64 GB of internal storage but only uses 2 GB at a time.[10] 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: Quote Have a question or concern? Please post a new question in one of the Main Hardware Forums in "Ask Brian." Buy Brian a Beer!! >>> 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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