Sue Chastain's Favorite Graphics Software Gear

Stuff I Like and Use

The trend these days is toward widescreen monitors, but I still prefer the extra vertical height of a standard aspect ratio monitor. My dual Dell 2001FP's are crisp and clear, and for even more vertical space I keep one rotated into the portrait orientation. The extra 4 USB ports on each monitor also help keep my other gadgets running. Since I'm running two monitors, I added the Dell sound bar speakers to have more space on my desk.

Over the years, I've used several network storage solutions. Finally, I think I've found something that I won't outgrow for a long time. The HP MediaSmart Server is more than just network storage, it runs Windows Home Server operating system, which enables the server to back up all the computers in my home, share media and files to other computers and devices in my home, and provides secure remote access to my data from the Web. Backups occur overnight automatically, and for added peace of mind, shared files can be automatically duplicated when you have a multi-drive system. The small mini-tower has space for up to 4 internal hard drives, plus ports for additional USB and eSATA drives. This thing has saved me loads of time and hassle.

My medium-sized Wacom Intuos4 is always at the ready when I'm heavy into photo editing or just need to give my mousing arm a rest. I've used every model of Intuos since Intuos2 and the Wacom Intuos4 is a significant improvement over previous models. While it's not quite perfect yet, this fourth generation brings it mighty close. I admit I'm not a full-time tablet user, but I found that when working with the Intuos4, I was much less conscious of the hardware and better able to completely focus my attention on my work.

I had been waiting to buy a new camera until I found one with a big zoom lens, image stabilization, and swivel LCD--all in a compact body design. At last, I found it in the Canon PowerShot TX1. This camera takes 7.1 megapixel stills in standard and wide aspect ratio, as well as high definition video clips at 1280 by 720 pixels. You don't need to switch between still and movie mode, so there is no more risk of missing a shot because the camera was set to movie mode. In fact, you can even capture still shots at the same time you are recording video. The unusual form factor of this camera took a little getting used to, but I absolutely love what it can do. And it's small and light enough that I can carry it with me all the time.

My old Dell Axim PDA was becoming increasingly troublesome, and as much as I'd like an iPhone, there's no cell service for it where I live. So to replace the PDA-duties of the retired Axim, I went with an iPod touch. I must say it has fulfilled those tasks quite well, with the exception of GPS capabilities. Besides the music functions, it allows me to check my email, jot notes, and catch up on forums while I'm on the go. Its beautiful screen is a nice way to show off photos, and there are many cool art and photography apps to explore. And games, of course! A nightly game of Scrabble helps me wind down and improves my vocabulary at the same time. My only wish is that it had a camera!

When the backlight died on my Macbook Pro, I decided not to get it repaired and use it with an external monitor. But I still need a portable computer for travel. The week after Windows 7 went on sale, I picked up this ASUS U50A laptop with almost no prior research--uncharacteristic for me. It's similar in size and specs to the MacBook Pro (which was top of the line when I bought it), but the ASUS is lighter, has the extended keyboard with numeric keypad, and offers longer battery life. For reviewing photos, checking email, web surfing, and entertainment when traveling, it fits the bill perfectly.

I had resisted buying a Macintosh computer because of the cost and not wanting to switch between different operating systems. But when Macs became able to run Windows, I took the plunge. When I bought it in late 2006, I was surprised that the MacBook Pro actually cost less than a similarly equipped high-end Windows notebook. With the 17-inch screen, 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo processor and 2GB RAM, I expected plenty of graphics processing power for a long time.

Unfortunately, in late 2009, the LCD backlight died, but with a 4GB RAM upgrade, it is still my main Mac software testing machine with an external monitor. When I'm not reviewing Mac software, I connect it to the TV for media streaming. It no longer goes on the road with me, however.

I've never been able to make the transition to using a pen tablet full time, but after long periods of computing, I've developed pain from repetitive mouse use. Since replacing my traditional mouse with the Kensington Expert Mouse trackball, I no longer have pain in my hands, arm, and shoulder from the repetitive mouse motion. The big trackball glides easily, lets me use my whole hand to move the cursor, and prevents me gripping the mouse tightly for long periods. I also love the scroll ring which allows me to scroll with several different fingers or my thumb. Kensington no longer supports this mouse with Windows Vista and later, but it works great with the free X-Mouse Button Control in 32-bit or 64-bit Windows. Works with a Mac, too.

For years, I used a Microsoft Wireless Desktop set with all the fancy extra keys and buttons--that I never used. I got fed up with the massive size of that keyboard, especially when sharing desk space with a graphics tablet. I also found I typed better on most laptop keyboards. So I went on the hunt for a low-profile wireless keyboard and found this one from HP. I love this keyboard. It has the larger delete key which I like, and it's super quiet. Because it's so thin and light, I can easily move it out of the way when I need to use my graphics tablet. Battery life seems to be very good as well.

This monster is too big for the desk, but it sits off to the side and churns out the pages. 2006 was the year I traded in my ink jet printer for a color laser. I have no regrets and after years of use, I'm still on the original toner cartridges. In the third year, a power flicker damaged the drum, but aside from paper that has been the only additional expense ($150). It prints great looking photos on plain paper--albeit without the glossy photo qualities. Since I use photos mostly in crafty projects, the color laser works out fine. Plus, it's network capable, so all computers in our home can use it anytime without a direct connection. I highly recommend considering a color laser for your next printer. There are smaller, cheaper models now.

I've used this scanner to scan thousands of slides and photos and it has done a splendid job. I especially love the two second warm-up time and fast scanning speed. When the power adapter died, I could have used it as an excuse to buy a whole new scanner, but I opted to order a new adapter and keep this scanner since I like it so much.

I share an office with my husband, so headphones are essential, but I've always hated the feeling of being tethered to my desk with normal wired headphones. The Sennheiser RS-120 wireless headphones sound great and free me from the wires. In fact, I can walk around my whole house without interference using these headphones. And they look cool hanging on the recharging stand when not in use.