Best/oldest portable computer for Leica Raw Files

[crow]

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I have been using a 2006 macbook. I really like what it offers, but it's time to move on.

I have two options.

 

One is buying an older Mac so I can afford it. In this case which one, and what year?

 

Second, is to buy a new one with installments, but is it really worth it?

Speed of the old 2006 13.3" mac isn't a problem, just the limited digital saving space, and perhaps screen size.

 

Newest isn't always the best buying option. Wy spend money upgrading memory if with the same money I can buy a larger( dig space) used one?

 

I understand some people may not have the same line of thought.

I am interested in what people have to say about working with LRF's.

Light-room and DXO film pack (I am using older) version is

what I am willing to work with. No photoshop please.

 

I would consider i-pads but I know they won't export raw files, yet.

Or, is it worth waiting a few years?

Edited December 28, 2014 by crow

[crow]

I know that what we can do on a lap top is import, process, export, print.

I also am aware this is a Leica not an Apple forum,

but am hoping someone will come up with the phrase, "hey... this mac has a screen way better in managing tonal and color hue relationships than the 13 inch mac book...", or "...a screen attached to the old mac will make all the difference...", upgrading just its storage capability. Note that some of the devices I am using are made back in 2004-6, so a used mac pro close to that era won't mean having to upgrade or substitute any hardware or software.

it's a question of getting most out of hardware and software from that era. The cameras are a Leica M8 and an E-P1, adapters, zuiko's, and Leitz lenses. Plus analog cameras from both of the above manufacturers (plus film scanner also made a decade ago). Nice stuff to work with. So why not keep wondering how to make the best out of it, till I finally manage to do so?

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[Jeff S]

For 'serious' editing and printing, I stick with my older desktop Mac Pro (2009) and NEC screen. NEC or Eizo still provide the best viewing platform IMO. For travel, a 13" MacBook Air is sufficient, but edits and prints wait for home.

 

Everyone has his/her own preferences. A search of the DPP section will bring up loads of related threads, including discussion of new retina screens, etc.

 

Jeff

[Bobitybob]

If you are happy with your current Mac, have you considered updating the hard drive with an SSD. This will give you more storage and should improve performance as a lot of photo processing involves input/output to the drive. Not sure where you live but take a look at OWC as they as well as others do kits including instructions on how to achive this. May be worth a look and will be condsiderably cheaper.

 

Hope thats helpful.

[jaapv]

Or switch to PC, there are some things to be said against Windows, but for photo editing they are irrelevant, and it certainly can be more affordable.

[crow]

I like the idea of keeping the macbook if it is considerably cheaper to upgrade.

I wouldn't open my mac on my own, so it will depend on how expensive it will be to have it done.

The official Apple service will need something like 300 euro.

A used macbook from amazon costs around 400 euro and it will have just about what my old one will once upgraded.

It may cost cheaper to have it done by a simple technician, but will it be safe enough?

Hence the initial thought of another used one being cheaper than upgrading.

Will see.

Also if it is cheap enough a used nec/eizo in addition to the 2006 mac would do it better(?).

Any ideas of how to test a screen or two as to how good they are in translating subtle tonal and color hue relationships?

Edited December 30, 2014 by crow

[FrozenInTime]

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Wy spend money upgrading memory if with the same money I can buy a larger( dig space) used one?

 

I would consider i-pads but I know they won't export raw files, yet.

Or, is it worth waiting a few years?

 

Generally newer computers have more RAM and disk space than the equivelent price point of say 3 years ago. The exception being where there is a transition from spinning disks to solid state drives.

 

iPads can handle raw files with programs like PhotoRaw - but it's a real compromise and really only a solution you would want to use while travelling.

 

IMHO buying a new mid range laptop is the way to go - if you want spread the initial pain with the interest free options : you are then set for a good few years.

[Firefly]

Well a bigger screen can only be had by changing what you have for another model or plugging in another screen but the storage capacity could be increased with the use of an external hard drive, should be able to get 1TB for 100 euro's, cheers Rob