Hello OSP'ers!

I had a quick question that I wanted to get your opinion on. Awhile back (9 months ago), I treated myself to one of the new 17" Macbook Pro's that I use now faithfully for reception slideshows, which is fantastic, and a great way to get more business. I was pondering upping my standards this year, and getting a new 23" Apple Display to plug into the laptop during weddings to show my slideshows. I wondered if anyone else does this, and whether they felt it was worth the $1,000 to get one and if I'm really gaining something by doing that over the laptop show I'm currently doing?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!!

MR

Matt,

We do this and while the slideshow is running on the 23" sometimes the 30 if we are going all out, then our laptop is still open to be downloading sorting and backing up all while we are at the wedding. I think it makes such a difference over a laptop.

Joel

I can't believe this question came up tonight! I also can't believe I'm considering a MAC! I just got off the line with a DELL rep and they don't make a freaking laptop with dual-link DVI. But I was wanting to do the exact same thing with the 30".

The 30" looks amazing don't get me wrong, but I think getting the 23" will be a bit more practical for weddings (at least for me). We carry enough equipment as it is and it's already a bit stressful trying to keep track of everything and move things quickly if you need to. I admit the 30" would look amazing, however I think I can still get the same "wow" factor with the 23" at a wedding I would hope

I may accidentally end up in the Apple store tomorrow I think.... Whoooops!

Definitely...I think either one will carry quite the "Wow" factor.

Why schlep a 23" monitor and a laptop? I'd suggest considering a 20" or 24" iMac. The unit will do everything you need in a computer and you can hide the keybord behind the monitor face when presenting the show. Use a slideshow program that creates a show that will fill the screen and you'll WOW the room.

I carry my 20" iMac in a nice attache case made by iLugger.

Rick

I didn't want to get into the whole Windows vs. Mac thing, however I actually prefer to use Windows with Photoshop and most of my other work, however do enjoy the Macbook Pro that I already have (and paid good money for). Buying an Imac would not do much good for me at this point, since I really don't need the extra equipment.... plus it would basically make my Macbook Pro pointless. I love the ease of use of the Macbook at weddings, I just want to soup up my presentations a bit with a larger display that people will flock to.

I'm sure I'll drool all over the 30" display tomorrow when I go to the Apple store here, however I've pretty much made up my mind to go ahead and pick up the 23"

Besides..... I need a new toy, damnit!!!

This is SO not a MAC vs PC thing, but I wish the PC laptop market would get with the dual-link thing. Vista is MADE for doing blazin' slideshows and I'd love to be able to drive the 30" monitor with it. Along the iMac idea but with PC, I've looked at the very cool Dell XPS M2010 which is an overgrown 20" laptop with a separate keyboard. But it's WAAAYYY pricey. It would be PERFECT, though. Fast to setup, and it has a sound system that rivals some home stereo systems built in.

Yeah.... it's crazy - I love Mac for it's quality and ease of use on some things such as the slideshows, etc, but Windows is so much more practical for other things that I don't like using the Mac for (this is my opinion only) ..... sometimes, I wish I could get a windows guy and an Mac guy in the same room, and say... "ok, this is the computer I want... build it!" haha

Anyway, looking forward to picking up my new toy tomorrow.... I use my Macbook Pro during client meetings to show samples of the slideshows I do, and also give hands on training of how our online viewing/ordering works and our Album Design Presentations and edit sessions...... it will be awesome to be able to use my new display for this type of stuff as well!

MR

I REALLY don't get into the HUGE debate, but don't Macs run windows stuff now? I mean, with your Mac can't you do both?

Well.... from my experience, they can yes.... I did install Windows on my Macbook Pro through Parallels, however the Macbooks do not come with a huge hard drive, so when you install windows, you use a large chunk of your already low space just to fit Windows and all it's stuff on the thing. Also, I have found that that using a mouse with the Macbook Pro's are not nearly as precise for using things like Photoshop as it is on my Windows machine. I dont' know where it's just my Mac or not, but I had huge problems getting it to move perfectly the way I wanted even using various mice.... it's weird!

Also, I wasn't a fan of the layout of photoshop and some of the other windows programs. I put Microsoft office on the Mac, but it just looks so foreign to me, I immediately lost interest. I don't like the way that the programs are all broken up into different windows vs. how windows just pulls up one nice full screen where I can see everything. Again... I may not have known how to adjust this stuff, and this is only my experience.

I love Mac, but I love Windows too despite the flaws and negative comments people make about it. It's a bittersweet relationship between myself and my computers I guess

MR

No, that's cool. I'm afraid if I could afford both, I would just have two computer worlds to keep up with because I'm sure I'd love aspects of both as well. I try REAL hard to stay away from the heated debate because frankly, I'm not qualified to judge because I've never owned a Mac! The few time I've messed with Macs in the store, I was a little put off with th windowing thing too, but I just chalked it up to simply not being familar enough with the system.

Good luck and have fun with the new toy! Hope it helps with business.

Thanks, bud! Please don't let my thinking persuad you into not getting a Mac.... I do love it, but just use it for different things - Meetings with clients, and at weddings. The rest is strictly Windows for me right now

Off to bed...take it easy!

Funny, that's why I'm thinking about the Mac, for client meetings and receptions. They are sexier, and they are definitley associated with the art and media industry, even though TONS of artistic folks are creating away on their PC's. I think impression is important, no matter how wrong or right we think it is. ha ha..maybe that's just an excuse to get into the Mac scene.
Later,

HI Everyone. Just wanted to chime in....I use laptop with the 23" it is friggin awesome! However I have something up my sleeve for this year that is even better and more portable! Stay tuned.

Jerry

I own a 30" cinema, and love it. But though I've thought about taking it for weddings I decided against it. First of all the wedding is a very one the go situation, I don't necessarily have a good spot to set it up, and it's simple to big and heavy for on the go. Same with a 23"

I don't think it makes a difference either. I set up my 15" mac book pro, and it looks good, yet is small enough to not require me to be really picky about the shots. Meaning that they don't have to be tack sharp, and or sharpened. A fullscreen image displayed on a 30" cinema show it all, and if it's not perfect they know it.

Also I think a small screen will generate just as much buzz. First they are looking at the pictures, not at the size if the screen, and mainly because instead of spreading out they gather around tight, talk, point out pictures, and pick up my business card. People grouped together is addictive, and draws more people. A 15 or 17" laptop screen gets them all in tight to look.

Obviously this is just my championing however. I just don't think theres much gain for the extra hassle. If I try it sometime and it works, I may change my mind lol

In any case you can't go wrong with a big display. Once you edit on a 30" you'll never want to go back!

Come on Jerry, give us a hint...


Thanks Gavin, it's good food for thought.
michael

The 30" rocks. I use it with my MBP (the MB won't power the 30). I have a custom case for carrying it at a wedding, makes it easy to throw over your shoulder. Honestly, I think just using a laptop looks pretty hokey and cheap. With the 30", everyone oos and ahhs and they do it from a loooong way away. Plus, you don't have your dopey computer sitting up there, it's down under the table, so the only thing showing is the beautiful screen (and your business cards, of course)

I unpack it and use it for my main display at home. I'm considering picking up a second one this year. They're amazing displays...

Hmmmm.... some great feedback (I really appreciate it), but obviously some differences of opinion over the matter. I see both points, and not sure I would look forward to lugging the screen around..... which is why I think the 23" would be more than sufficient - the 30" rocks I'm sure, but that 7" for $1000 bucks is tough to swallow - no pun intended haha! Also, I can probably get away with the 23" without as much fuss from the wife!

Anyway, would love to hear some more opinions, and a big thanks to those that chimed in already!!

MR