- Computer Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, iMac (Note: MacBooks, Mac minis and the low end iMac may be too slow for processing high quality graphics.)
- Mac OS Mac OS 10.5.x "Leopard" (10.4.x "Tiger" is also supported)
- Processor Any G5 or Intel Processor (3D functionality with G4 processors may be too slow)
- Memory (RAM) 2GB of RAM or more is recommended
- Monitor Apple 20", 23", or 30" Flat Panel LCD Display
- Printer A High Resolution Color Photo Printer (call for recommendations)
- Digital Camera Any Digital Camera with a resolution of 3.3 Megapixels or higher (call for recommendations)
- USB Hub Belkin 7 Port USB Hub
- Optional Hardware
Epson Perfection V700 Photo Scanner (USB 2.0/FireWire)
Digital X-Ray Machine
Wall-mounted light box with built-in slave flash (for color photography)
Media card reader (for digital camera memory cards)
Recommended Equipment Price List
Please click here to download the Recommended Equipment Price List.
We suggest that you shop around online, locally, or by mail-order for your equipment. Online or mail-order vendors will usually provide toll-free service, no tax and low shipping and handling costs. However, you can benefit from purchasing from local vendors by receiving convenient technical support, service, and repairs.
If you would like to purchase your equipment through Quick Ceph Systems, Inc., please click here or contact us for a quote.
Recommended Equipment Retailer
- Apple USA
http://store.apple.com
- 1-800-MY-APPLE Apple International
http://info.apple.com
Hardware Ordering Tips
Note about Apple Stores:
Apple has established a chain of retail stores staffed with very knowledgeable employees. You can visit a local Apple store for computer purchases or questions regarding Apple products. You can test drive the computer of your choice in the store before you buy it. Please visit the following web site for locations near you: http://www.apple.com/retail/.
Note About Mac Operating System Upgrades:
We strongly encourage all users to wait for our "OK" before performing major operating system upgrades. In many business settings, new operating systems are not used for several months because of their tendency to cause problems with third-party software and peripherals. While this may seem excessively conservative, it is a safe approach to ensure that all your software is compatible before upgrading.
Note about Backup Methods:
It is vital to backup patient files from your hard disk regularly (a daily backup is suggested). We currently recommend the use of an optical-type backup, such as a CD-RW drive. The CD-R and CD-RW media are very inexpensive and data written on a CD-R lasts more than 10 years. Other forms of backup, such as DVD-RAM drives and external FireWire hard disks are excellent. As a safety precaution, we suggest to have multiple backup sources, one to be left in the office and one that is taken home.
All of Apple's latest computers include a built-in CD-RW drive, combo drive (which allows you to save information on CD-RW and read DVDs), or SuperDrive, (which allows you to save information on CD-RW, as well as DVD-R disks).
Note About Purchasing High Resolution Color Photo Printers:
The state of inkjet printers is always in flux, with new models appearing every few months. Since the models may change, we recommend reading the latest printer reviews from such publications as CNET, PCWorld, PC Magazine, and MacWorld.
In our experience, Canon, Epson, and HP printers seem to work the best. When purchasing an inkjet printer, please note that many do not come standard with a USB printer cable. These may need to be purchased separately.
Wall Mounted Light Box with Built-In Slave Flash:
We recommend using a slave flash to illuminate the background on extraoral photographs. The slave flash is mounted behind the patient. When taking photographs, the camera's primary flash triggers the sensor on the slave flash, which sends light to the background. The result is that slave flash eliminates any shadows created by the primary flash on the camera for profile and frontal images.
There are many methods of mounting a slave flash in your office, including using a tripod or mounting it on the ceiling. One of the more popular methods is to use a wall mounted light box with built-in slave flash. This setup has the slave flash recessed in a cabinet behind a white or colored plexiglass screen. There are a few companies that sell these boxes.
You can also build a box of your own and include the Morris 120V AC Super Slave flash. This flash requires a mount and socket, and is designed for 120V sockets. These slave flashes can be purchased at many camera stores and mail order companies.
Multiple Workstations:
If you have several stations set up in your office, we recommend networking your computers. All new Macintosh computers come with a built-in Ethernet port. You may also create a network using Apple's new Airport (wireless network). More information about Apple products can be found here.
Click here for instructions for setting up a network in Mac OS X.
Warranties and Repairs:
Optional warranty packages are available through most vendors. It is recommended to ask about these options. Please keep in mind that most manufacturers already include a one year warranty. Therefore, before the end of that first year, you can then choose to purchase additional warranties.
Keep all original manufacturer boxes for possible equipment repairs and returns. Most vendors will not accept a return if it is not in the original packaging or box.