Digital Photography Guide: PC versus Mac Computers

Mac computers have largely dominated the digital photography and graphics market for the past decade. Fortunately any modern computer - Mac or PC, is capable of handling digital imaging files as all modern computers have fast processors, large hard disks & enough memory ram to cope with basic digital imaging. Also, digital editing software as well as peripherals such as printers & scanners are available for both Mac & PC platforms. Macs have largely dominated the digital photography and graphics market for the past decade or so. Fortunately any modern computer - Mac or PC, is capable of handling digital imaging files as all modern computers have fast processors, large hard disks and enough memory ram to cope with basic digital imaging. Also, digital editing software as well as peripherals such as printers and scanners are available for both Mac and PC platforms.
The big question is which platform should you choose - Mac or PC. For graphics professionals or anyone making a living from design and photo editing, the Mac still dominates and people will expect you to be able to use a Mac to a high level. For all other users, both Macs and PCs have their advantages and disadvantages. PCs tend to be less expensive, easier to repair if a part becomes faulty, have a greater variety of software available and PCs dominate 90% of the computer market which makes it easier for file compatibility. Mac computers tend to be more stylish, easier to use (but the gap has closed considerably), be more stable and reliable, are targeted less by viruses and spyware and since Macs have dominated the professional graphics and design market for so long, many would argue that Macs are more powerful when it comes to image editing and dealing with large image files.
		Apple iMac Computer

When choosing between a new or secondhand Mac or a PC, any processor above a Pentium 1ghz on a PC or a Mac G4 or G5 will be capable of dealing with basic to intermediate graphics work. The other essential items include large amounts of ram memory (minimum of 512 mb but preferably 1gb or more), a large internal hard disk of 160gb or more, a powerful graphics card, a high quality TFT screen (preferably 17" or larger and maybe widescreen), DVD writer, external back up storage device and a graphics tablet which uses a pen instead of a mouse for more advanced editing. To build a complete photo imaging home or work studio setup, peripherals will also be required including photo printers and scanners as well as broadband internet access for software updates, online tutorials and stock images.

Before making any new computer purchase, it is always a good idea to visit various shops and try out different systems for ease of use, styling, size considerations, operational speed and clarity of TFT screen image. For many users, beginners in particular, the support package which is provided with the PC may be of crucial importance and in this respect, manufacturers such as Dell provide excellent computer support with some support packages offering next day onsite service where a Dell engineer will visit your home or business premises to fix the problem if it cannot be solved over the phone.

To give an idea of what is available on the market today, here is a list of the current top 10 bestselling computers and laptops.

Top 10 Bestselling PCs & Laptops

1. Apple MacBook MB403LL/A 13.3" Laptop

2. ASUS Eee PC 4G Surf

3. Apple MacBook Pro 15.4" Laptop

4. Apple iMac Desktop with 24" Display

5. Apple Mac mini MB138LL/A

6. HP EX470 MediaSmart Home Server

7. Sony VAIO VGN-NR240E/S 15.4" Laptop

8. Asus Eee PC 8G 7" Screen

9. Apple iMac Desktop with 20" Display

10. Sony VAIO VGC-LT18E Desktop PC/TV