How much VRAM does Aperture *really* use?

I think the point is whether you spend, option A, $3000 on a new laptop every three years (i.e. $1000/y) or, option B, $2000 on a new laptop every two years (i.e. the same $1000/y).

In the first and second year you might have a X % (let's say 20%) slower computer with option B but in the third year you might be have a 50 % faster computer. Now integrate that difference over a six period and depending an your assumptions you might very well conclude that over that period option B will give you on average a faster computer.

Well, I'm running Aperture on a Mac Mini 1.8 core duo with 1.5 gigs of RAM and it's a whole lot better than this post would lead you to believe. For a home enthusiast this set-up is fine. The interface and image managing is really snappy. The controls and image rendering are fine, but could be slightly quicker. If it's all you can afford, you won't be disappointed.

I think the point is whether you spend, option A,
$3000 on a new laptop every three years (i.e.
$1000/y) or, option B, $2000 on a new laptop every
two years (i.e. the same $1000/y).

In the first and second year you might have a X %
(let's say 20%) slower computer with option B but in
the third year you might be have a 50 % faster
computer. Now integrate that difference over a six
period and depending an your assumptions you might
very well conclude that over that period option B
will give you on average a faster computer.

And specifically relative to MB vs. MBPs: unlike the 3 MBs, 2 MBPs will have 50% more RAM, true graphics card support, more pixels, more screen real estate and FW800 for the entire six years.

-Allen Wicks

Hi Pat,

Are you importing RAW's or JPG's? What camera? How is your performance on spot/patch or straighten, esp. in full screen mode?

I run a PBG4 for field work, but only use it for import and selects. It is too slow for meaningful productivity when adjustments are needed. Your Mac Mini should be a good step in performance with the caveat being the shared graphics/system RAM and a rather lowly GPU.

Do you have any timings you can share?

G.

G,

My camera is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1. I use JPEG and DNG. I convert from RAW to DNG using Adobe's DNG convertor. I've also tweaked the system a little because the DMC-LX1 is not supported by Aperture (see my other post, if interested).

The Mac Mini is even less well equiped than I said in my last post - I mixed my PBook RAM with my Mini. The Mini only has 1GB of RAM and a 1.83 Intel Core Duo, so it is obviously a really under-spec system and it does need more RAM for day-to-day stuff as well as graphics app's.

What can you expect with such a system? It isn't spectacular but it'll do for now (I'm waiting for Adobe CS 3 before I buy another professional machine - meantime I can learn on the Mini and use Aperture reasonably comfortably).

Launches in 4 secs to intro screen

-Import 100 jpegs referenced on disk (size 2.9 to 4.1 meg; 2160 x 2880px): 10 secs

-Builds a thumbnail every 1/2 sec roughly

-Builds a Preview every 1 sec roughly

-Import 25 DNG files (as above): 5-6 secs

-Builds a Preview every 2.5 sec roughly


When you click on a DNG it takes about 1 to 1.5 secs for the "Loading..." dialog to disappear.

When you click on a JPEG it takes about 1 sec for the "Loading..." dialog to disappear.

In general the image management feels comfortable if a tad slow. I can use it as happily as I use iPhoto for example and its a lot more flexible.

Lift and Stamp in full screen as follows:

Picks up 6 changes to a JPEG in around a second and applies them to another image in less.

Picks up 6 changes to a DNG in around a second and applies them to other DNG images in around 3 seconds.

I've been a OSX user since the Beta. I can feel the need for more RAM. When I went from 1 gig to 1.5 on my Powerbook for example, it made a big difference to Photoshop's perceived performance. When I've got money to spend on computer stuff again I'll put more RAM in the Mini and my guess is it'll feel a lot more responsive. Jumping into full screen mode for example at the minute is slow 2-3 secs (though coming out is quick).

Hope this info is of some use. Lemme know if you need more.

Pat

My camera is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1. I use JPEG
and DNG. I convert from RAW to DNG using Adobe's DNG
convertor.

Pat-

Your workflow may be quite unrepresentative of what most folks should expect, because you are using an 8 MP point-and-shoot, and reporting results after first having used Adobe's DNG converter prior to Aperture. DSLR shooters with much larger and RAW original files, and who do not preprocess to DNG, very likely have different hardware needs.

-Allen Wicks

Hi Allen,

I agree entirely and I wouldn't want to be using my system if I was a pro or even a high-volume DSLR RAW shooter.

Still, it's a tolerable way to get started with Aperture while waiting for Santa Claus. Maybe some others will take consolation from the info who are in the same boat.

Regarding the DMC-LX1 - it's got manual focus, manual aperture and shutter speed, RAW. Leica lens etc. I reckon it offers a wee bit more than most point-and-shooters do. And it fits in my pocket.

Cheers,

Pat

Pat-

I too have been using a compromise box (PB G4) waiting for Señor Claus. And I didnot mean to be dissing the DMC-LX1, just noting that files were different.

-Allen Wicks

Allen,

Be good and may he be kind to both of us!

I have my doubts, however, for myself at least.

Pat