Photography, geek, gadget stuff and life.
Posts tagged Apple iMac
Mac Pro 1,1 upgrade Geekbench 64bit results
0http://browse.geekbench.ca/geekbench2/view/445303
Since I upgraded my processors over year ago I’ve often wondered what the full abilities of my Mac Pro was in a 64bit test. I’ve recently purchased the full version of Geekbench, and I’m very happy with the results!
Why DropBox is every photographer’s friend.
01 year ago
I do intend to write a blog about all the software tools I use to make my job a little easier, but for now I want to talk about a little utility I use daily called Dropbox.
Dropbox is probably the best file synchronisation and ‘cloud’ manager there is. I can work on any file on my Mac (or PC) and I know that file will be automatically saved online every time I change that file. Not only that, but the synchronisation is fully automated.
The free version starts off with 2gb so the it’s not massive. Even the biggest version of 100gb isn’t enough to hold all my photos which currently a stands at 2.7TB. But it’s not all about size, besides I wouldn’t want to hang around waiting for 2.7TB to sync!!
Dropbox is about simplicity and having your previous files up to date, always available and minimises duplication of projects.
Dropbox Case Study:
I’m a professional photographer, so that means I deal with thousands of photos any given month, but I don’t use Dropbox for all those files. I use dropbox when I’m working on larger single images like a Photoshop file of a large Magazine cover composition. These files are typically a manageable 100mb. I use Dropbox to keep that file always backed up every time I change the file by saving. Not only that, with Dropbox it stores previous versions of the same file so if I make an irreversible change in Photoshop I can go to the Dropbox website and retrieve the previously saved version up to a few days! Think of it like an online version of Apple’s Time Machine.
Another advantage is I can work on that file on my Macbook Pro when I need to work remotely, but when I am home I can work on the same UP TO DATE file on my Apple Mac Pro without having to copy from the Macbook Pro. Also because I’m working on virtually the same file I don’t need to worry about storing duplicate files; I just need to store and manage one file which is always up to date and backed up.
Once my Photoshop file is complete I can then use Dropbox as a delivery method. I simply move the file onto the Public folder within the Dropbox folder, right click, copy the unique dropbox link then paste that link to send to my clients as you would send any link; by email, online chat etc.
You can try out Dropbox for free with the standard 2GB, but if you click my referral link then we both get an extra 250mb for free!
Sold my awesome 2007 iMac 24″
02 years ago
It’s crunch time for everybody because of the recession. I looked at my equipment which was surplus and unfortunately it was my iMac that was on the list. I already have enough Apple products to start my own Apple Store so even though I was sad to see it go it did go to a good home. I get to see it from time to time, but it’s used more often now.
Why is it professionals still don’t backup/archive regularly?
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It is shocking how many people still do not have a computer backup system in place. Fair enough, when it comes to complaincency I’m terrible at business administration (my filing is way behind), but in my mind backing up critical files is something that cannot be delayed.
If you are a Windows user, Microsoft has a nice robust system imaginatively called WINDOWS BACKUP AND RESTORE. It can be automated, and your data can be backed up onto a network location. I am currently archiving an old Windows 7 PC to my Synology DS1010 NAS. I hit a small problem when my PC went to sleep in mid backup, but I started it backup again without any hitches.
For Apple users there is Apple’s TIME MACHINE. It is a very simple and elegant archiving solution. But it’s greatest trick is the ability to go back to several different versions of the same file. What that means is not only can you retrieve the latest version of, for example, your Photoshop edit but you can retrieve various versions going back as only as several months providing you have the storage space.
These two products are free, easy, automated and should give some peace of mind. I could go on and on about this, but I believe everybody knows backing up your information is important but not everyone does it.
For home users, it may not be “critical” to archive, but with so many precious photos of family and friends stored on computers these days, there is nothing worse than your computer developing a virus or hardware issues.
For professionals, it is bad business to not have a backup solution for your computers. It’s irresponsible not to invest in hardware to store important data somewhere off the main computers.
Finally, we are at the very beginning Cloud computing. Storing your valuable data on the internet, as opposed to local hard drives, will become common place so perhaps the need for regimented archiving may not be necessary. But until that time, backup your work people! Don’t make me come over there and sort you out!!
A photographer’s editing studio/desk
02 years ago
i thought I would share my current desk and all the Apple things I have collected.
My desk. December 2010. Aylesbury
- Macbook Pro i5 2.66
- iPad WIFI 3G 16GB
- 30″ Dell Monitor
- 15″ iiyama monitor
- Macbook Pro 15″ Core 2 duo 2.33
- Mac Pro 2007 model, upgraded to 8 cores
- iPhone 3GS 32GB
What you can’t see is my iMac 24″ in my studio.
Famous artist uses Apple iPad to draw and exhibit in the digital age
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David Hockney is a renowned British artist. Even though his work has been on traditionally been on print and canvases he has embraced technology to drawn and display his images at a gallery in Paris using Apple iPads.
I think this is awesome; it is the sign of the times. However, I do think this devalues the work because it has almost become disposable. A digital image is just a series of code. I do not believe this is the full future of art as a medium. I hope it will coexist with traditional materials for many years to come.
Pocket Legends, an addictive MMO for iPad.
02 years ago
Just a quick post to tell you about a game I’ve installed on my iPad for ages but only recently rediscovered. Pocket Legends can best described as World of Warcraft for Apple devices. The control system is very simple, it’s just point to a space in the environment and your character will move. Combat is a case of selecting a power or weapon and your character will automatically attack the nearest enemy.
iPad for Professional Photographers
02 years ago
My friends call it the iFad (ho ho), but to me it has become a tool that I use more often then my other Apple computers with the exception of the iPhone. There are limitations to the iPad without doubt but then there are limitations of every product I have; no one questions if the Mac Pro desktop is “portable”, likewise nobody asks if the iPhone can be used to edit 25mb RAW Images!
Where the iPad really works for me is in it’s presentation and 90% of what I do online which is surfing the web.
If you’re a photographer, then don’t wait. Get an iPad now while it’s still new and fresh; remember when the iPhone was new and original? Now it’s quite common.
Kindle vs iPad. First ad by Amazon fires at iPad.
02 years ago
by Terry
in Apple iMac
Let the battle between Amazon Kindle and Apple’s iPad commence. Good advert, but I think the woman comes across as a bit snooty.
The Apple Start up sound: the story from it’s creator
03 years ago
If you’re reading this on a Mac then you’ll be familiar with the boot up sound that it makes. If you’ve ever wondered who created it and how it was made then view this very revealing video from the sound engineer himself Apple sound designer Jim Reekes. He talks about his other sound creation “sosumi” which has a very funny origin. Play and enjoy.
OMT in San Francisco #3: ‘Let it beep’ from One More Thing on Vimeo.
