Jan 12 2003
Apple Dual Processor 867Mhz G4 and Apple 17
Having purchased my DP867 (1.25GHz RAM) Â & 17″ Apple Studio Display during the latter portion of November, I think it’s been a long enough trial period to provide a reasonably accurate and honest opinion of how this set up is doing.
I operate a small print and graphics firm in the Toronto, Ontario region, supplying predominantly the real estate industry with stationery and advertising/marketing flyers. I’m a one-man operation, sharing my time between responsibilities of pre-press, printing and post-press duties. Being my own bookkeeper, graphic artist, pressman, salesman and janitor can be taxing at the best of times. The need for reliable hardware and software runs pretty high on the list of priorities I’ve set for myself and my company.
Until the purchase of the new DP and display, the latest Mac I own is a Bondi Blue 233MHz iMac. The other 2 are an 8600 and 9600, both upgraded with Sonnet G4 processor cards. So you’ll know what I’m running on the new system, the most important applications installed are  InDesign, PhotoShop, Illustrator and MYOB AccountEdge.
First impression of the new DP867 is simply WOW! Considering the hardware I’ve been used to, one would expect a significant jump in performance. But I wasn’t prepared for the tremendous leap I am now experiencing.
From boot times to application launches to file opening, all operations are pleasantly fast and without error or problem. Understandably, all up-to-date versions of premium software run exceptionally fast and smooth, but it’s some of the “little” things quickening their pace that have drawn my attention. Things like “stuffing” files, which used to take a dog’s age, now move at more than an acceptable pace. Backing up my MYOB files at the end of the day no longer uses the time it takes to turn off all the lights, ensure the warehouse doors are locked and make a quick pit stop in the washroom… is that good or bad? Because of InDesign’s notorious demands for processor resources, I would suggest anyone considering switching from Quark should seriously consider a DP tower to fulfill the needs of the app. On my G4 FrankenMacs, ID was a bit of an anchor, to say the least. But on the DP867, it’s as snappy as Quark used to be for me.
Connecting to network devices is also a little faster, but especially noticeable when printing to RIPs or laser printers… although, this performance increase is likely due in part to the superb marriage of the DP867 and OS X. Speaking of which, there is absolutely no doubt left in my mind that OS X is made to run on a dual processor! If anyone with a new DP tower feels OS X is still sluggish, they will NEVER be happy. This operating system is a joy to work with on my upgraded Powermacs, but heavenly on the DP. In the “average” working environment, the fan noises are all but drowned in ambient sounds. The built-in CD-RW/DVD-R performs flawlessly with OS X’s CD burning software and seems to burn anything and everything at it’s default fastest speed, which is more than I can say for my LaCie 24X external Firewire burner. For larger, more complicated files, 8X is the safest speed for the LaCie to avoid producing “coasters”.
Although I prefer the feel of my old ADB keyboards, the new one is a close second. Having never experienced anything other than the single button standard Apple mouse, I really appreciate the new optical mouse and it’s ability to operate over any part of my desk surface (a white IKEA “Effectiv” – undeniably, the perfect surface for an optical mouse!).
Apple’s 17″ Studio Display is a piece of art providing top-notch performance. Beyond it’s obviously good looks is technology that has to be seen to be appreciated. This is not just any flat panel LCD. The quality of screen image is unsurpassed in so many ways that the only way to do it justice is to say it is the most comfortable monitor I have ever spent time with. Amongst the Viewsonic, LaCie and Apple CRT displays in my shared working space (shared with my favourite Apple retailer & a high-end service bureau), my Studio Display is currently voted by all to be the best of the lot. At times, I’ll spend too much time in front of the display. But because of it’s inherent ease on the eyes, I don’t walk away with blurred vision or the makings of a nasty head-ache. The crispness afforded by this display allows me to set the highest resolution and not worry about squinting or sitting closer to see small text, unlike my 19″ LaCie. Having 2 USB ports on the back, and being powered through the digital tower connection, the display helps keep the work surface uncluttered and frees the tower USB ports; my keyboard is plugged into the display. As I’m not a gamer, I can’t report the experience as it relates to gaming. But, having played a few DVD movies, I will say the display is on the verge of too crisp; DVD movies look best at their “Normal” view setting, rather than full screen. The only exception is if a movie is in “wide screen” format. I guess the combination of high resolution and digital data are factors.
I hope everyone reading this gets the opportunity to work with a similar set up. I’m sure you’ll appreciate it as much as I do.
