TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Decoding the Hardware

“Just the thought of operating a computer and mastering equipment such as ‘scanners’ and ‘modems’ can baffle, bewilder, and mystify even the most intelligent person” (Malchiodi, 2000, p. 32). Although there are many factors to consider when designing the ideal computer or computer(s), budget and space will dictate what peripherals are adequate for the individual settings. The topics below detail these choices and offer suggestions to aid in the selection of an appropriate cost-effective machine capable of art making. The prices quoted in the following sections are current as of April 2005.

Computer Systems

Every computer requires essential components to run effectively. For each of these parts there are choices. Some of the decisions that need to be made are Mac or PC, laptop or desktop, which storage solution or media suits the setting best, which input device is most appropriate with the population, and which printer is best for the job.

Mac vs. PC
In 2000, Malchiodi wrote, “artists generally enjoy the aesthetics of Apple computers and Apples do perform more reliably when it comes to graphics and drawing programs” (p. 35-36). It is true that for years professional design and production was done almost entirely on a Mac. Today however, PCs have caught up in terms of speed at graphic-intensive tasks. Additionally, the Mac OS and Windows interfaces, especially XP, are exceptionally similar. PCs now dominate the computing world and are the choice of many designers. “The choice between a Windows PC and Mac for professional desktop publishing and graphic design work boils down to personal preference because either one can handle the work. Where possible, having both is an ideal, though costly situation” (Bear, n.d., ¶10).

Recommended Specifications
Keep in mind that these are the minimum suggestions. Computer technology progresses so quickly that by the time a new product line hits the stores, it is obsolete in comparison to what the manufacturers are developing. It is always a good idea to purchase the highest specifications your money can afford.

General Recommendations PC Only Suggestions
• 256 MB system RAM
• 20 GB Hard Drive
• 32 MB Video Card
• Integrated Sound Card
• 2 USB ports
• Firewire (IEEE 1394) port
• Integrated 10/100 Ethernet port
• 56K PCI Data/Fax Modem
• CD-RW Drive
• Optical Mouse
• 15” Monitor
• Standard Computer Speakers
• Color Printer • Pentium 4 Processor (avoid Celeron processors)
• Windows XP

Storage Systems

“When picking a storage device, you’ll want to balance several factors, including capacity, portability, and cost. Which one you choose will depend on how you intend to use your storage” (Null, n.d., ¶2). Digital cards and USB flash keys are ideal for taking work files home. External hard drives and DVD+/-RWs are best for performing incremental data backups, upgrading from a full hard drive, or expanding system storage. Finally, optical drives like DVD+/-RWs and CD-RWs are great for archiving images, audio, or data as well as for sharing data and multimedia files.

Floppy Drive
Too small for layered Photoshop files and barely large enough to hold 5 Flying Colors images, floppys are obsolete and on its way to extinction when compared to newer methods of storage. Tom Spring (2002) described the die-hard floppy user’s attachment to the stingy 1.44 megabyte (MB) disk as a security blanket and checklist item they feel they need to have. Although some computer systems require floppy disks to create boot disks, many companies include boot CDs with their products. Apple has not packaged floppy disk drives with their machines for a number of years now. I feel it is fair to say that many PC users think they need a floppy drive but would never actually use them if their machine was built with an alternate method of storage.

Zip Drive
Made by Iomega, these disks have a capacity of 100, 250 or 750MB. The company balances their relatively inexpensive zip-drives with the cost of the actual Zip-disks. The drives can cost between $100-$180 but each Zip-disk averages $10-$15. Additionally, because Zip-drives do not come standard with most computer systems, sharing files between computers becomes cumbersome if not impossible.

CD-RW
Currently the most popular storage media, CD-RWs meet most requirements for capacity, price, and speed. The CDs can be used for archiving or performing incremental system backups. At 30¢ or less per CD, it is ideal for sharing files and images. In addition, since CD-RWs come standard on many computer systems or are offered as a customization for a small fee, their compatibility with different computer systems is a non-issue. An internal 52x CD-RW can burn 700MB of data in about 1.5 minutes and costs between $40 and $60.

DL DVD+/-RW
These drives burn data that can be read by many DVD-ROM drives and set-top DVD players. More expensive that CD-RWs, the CD-sized media averages $10 per DVD. Another thing to consider is that internal DL (dual layered) DVD+/-RWs can cost as much as $100 less than equivalent external models. Therefore, it is a good idea to customize it into new computer systems. An internal 16x DL DVD+/-RW can burn a single layer or 4.7 gigabytes (GB) of data in approximately 7.5 minutes and costs between $50 and $140.

USB Flash Drives
These pocketable, featherweight, key-chain sized devices are easily the most convenient way to transport personal files between home and office, or computer to computer. Offering capacities of 32MB to 2GB, they can hold hundreds of digital photos, audio, or documents. The USB Flash Drives that use removable digital cards have several advantages. First, the data can be shared between compatible digital cameras and PDAs (personal data assistants). Second, the removable cards make it easy to supplement your capacity with new cards as needed. Finally, because these drives are solid-state memory, they do not have any moving parts and are less likely to fail. Depending on brand and capacity, the cost of USB Flash Drives ranges from $13 for 16MB to $200 for 2GB.

External Hard Drive
While “flash memory is optimal for quick, small file transfers, and optical storage is ideal for midsize tasks” (Null, n.d., ¶23), external hard drives are the best option for backing up internal hard drives and transporting really large files. Most external hard drives are simply internal hard rives with fancy shells that contain some sort of shock protection. For tasks that require high-end or fast performance (like backing up gigabytes of data at one time), a model containing a 3.5-inch desktop drive is best. Models that use 2.5-inch laptop drives are usually packaged in convenient pocket-sizes but run at slower rates and cost more. An 80GB external desktop drive starts at $100 and runs at 7200 revolutions per minute while an 80GB external laptop drive starts at $220 and runs at 4200 revolutions per minute.

Input Devices

Defined as devices used for inputting information into a computer, input devices can be specifically chosen to suit the needs of the population and customize the studio environment. Whether a need exists for a trackball, joystick, graphic tablet, digital camera, or scanner, today’s continuously developing technology makes these devices and others accessible and affordable for the average computer user.

Mouse
Referring to the input devices that move the pointer (cursor) on the computer screen, the most widely used pointing device is the mouse. The standard mechanical mouse houses a single ball in its body that is able to rotate in any direction. The ball's motion is then detected using perpendicular wheels. An optical mouse detects movement using an optical sensor on its underside, paired with a light-emitting diode to illuminate the surface. Using a sensor to take successive pictures of the surface the mouse is operating on, the changes between one image and the next are processed and translated into movement. Personally, the major drawback to using a mechanical mouse instead of an optical mouse is that it requires occasional cleaning. When a mechanical mouse does not seem to work properly and causes the cursor to jump erratically around the screen, the motion-detecting wheels inside the mouse body needs cleaning. From my work as a computer lab assistant, I can say from experience that the task of scraping away the black crust that forms from the accumulation of dust and dead skin cells is quite unpleasant.

As far as whether a mouse should have one button or more than one is primarily a personal choice. Apple has always shipped computers with a single-button mouse, whereas most other platforms use a multi-button mouse. Apple claims that single-button mice are more efficient, and that multi-button mice are confusing for novice users. Conversely, with a single-button mouse, even simple operations like "cut and paste" become awkward. Mice usually packaged with most computer systems but can be purchased separately for $5 to $170.

Trackball
Like an upside-down mouse, trackballs consist of a ball housed in a socket containing sensors to detect the rotation of the ball. Common on CAD (computer aided design) workstations for ease of use and on portable computers where there may be no desk space, some trackballs clip onto the side of the keyboard and have buttons like the standard mouse. Most people move the ball with their hands, but it can also be operated with a chin, elbow, foot, or stick held in the mouth. Because trackballs come in many sizes, people with limited fine motor ability may find it useful to choose a trackball with a larger ball. These devices are available at computer stores for $20-$130.

Touchpad & Pointing Stick
While the major pointing device for desktop computers is the mouse, for laptop computers it is the touchpad and pointing stick. Touchpads vary in size but are rarely made larger than 50 cm². They operate by sensing the capacitance, or electrical charges, of a finger such that the motion of the user's fingers causes motion of the cursor. Pointing sticks, on the other hand, looks like a pencil eraser and sits between the G, H and B keys of the laptop keyboard. The pointing stick is moved with the forefinger and operates by sensing the applied force. These two devices come standard on today’s laptop computers and do not need to be purchased.

Touch Screen
One method of bring the touch technology to desktop computers is through touch screens. Touch screens use a clear glass panel overlaid onto the display and separated by spacers. When the panel is pressed, the coordinates pick up the location of the touch on the screen. Since the person points directly to what he/she wants, it is cognitively easier to use. Monitors with this feature built in cost about $400 to $830 while add-on-kits are available for desktop and laptop screens from $170 to $290.

Graphic Tablet
Sharing the pressure-sensitivity technology of touch screens are graphic or digitizing tablets. These devices typically consist of a large, flat, pressure-sensitive surface and a pen-like stylus for drawing on the surface. Some tablets also come with a cordless mouse and penholder. One of the benefits of the graphic tablet is that it offers a more ergonomic method of input that reduces the likelihood of developing repetitive strain injury or carpel tunnel syndrome. Another advantage of a graphics tablet is that it is easier to vary the width or density of a drawn lines on the screen. Because of the responsive pressure-sensitivity, natural looking freehand graphics are possible. “Most tablets have either 256, 512, or 1024 pressure levels…. The higher the pressure-sensitivity the more responsive and natural your tablet will feel and the more control you will have” (Chastain, n.d., ¶6). Today Wacom and Aiptek are the leading manufacturers of graphic tablets and charge $100 to $750 depending on the size of the tablet surface, which can range from 4” x 5” to 12” x 18.”

Joystick
Joysticks employ a vertical handheld stick mounted on a base that pivots. For some, a joystick may be easier to grab than a mouse and because it requires a smaller range of motion than a mouse it can also be operated by chin or mouth movements. These devices are typically used to control computer or video games but can also be functional in other applications. Joysticks range in price from $18 to $60, depending on its features.

Digital Camera
There are three distinct advantages of digital cameras: the capability to see the final image right away, the ability to take one picture and print it without waiting to develop the entire roll of film, and the digital film or memory card is reusable. Not only do you save on film developing, you never have to buy another roll of film again. Some of the major features to consider when purchasing a digital camera are: resolution in megapixels (MP), optical vs. digital zoom, storage media, battery duration, and size.

The resolution determines the maximum size of a printed photo without sacrificing its quality. As demonstrated in the table below, the higher the resolution, the better the results.

Regarding the camera’s zoom, the optical zoom is the real resolution of the lenses and the one that matters most. The digital zoom is an interpolated resolution computed by camera’s software. The higher the optical number, the better.
When choosing a digital camera, opt for one that stores the images on a flash memory card. Some cameras store images on mini CD-R discs, which require the consumer to continuously purchase new CDs when the old ones fill up. Also, remember that the storage card that comes free with the digital camera is typically undersized. Plan on purchasing a card with a larger storage capacity when you buy the camera.

The last two features are purely about preference. First, some digital cameras use AA batteries while others require proprietary rechargeable batteries. In either case, it is beneficial to have an extra set of batteries so that while one battery is in use, the other can be charging. Next, digital cameras come in an assortment of sizes that range from convenient credit card equivalents to full body SLRs (single lens reflex). The art therapist must decide which features are most important and appropriate for his/her setting. Automatic point-and-shoot digital cameras range from $100 to $700 while digital SLRs start at $700.

Scanner
Most scanners today are variations on the desktop (or flatbed) scanner, which analyzes a physical 2D image (such as a photograph, text document, or handwriting) or an object (such as a relief sculpture) and converts it to a digital image. The features to consider when purchasing a scanner are: optical resolution, color depth, the availability of a transparency adapter, the availability of an automatic document feeder (ADF), and the connectivity interface. As with digital cameras, the higher the resolution and color depth of the scanner, the better the output quality.

Transparency adapters and ADFs are additional features that one may or may not need. Transparency adapters allow for scanning slides or film negatives and come with film trays that hold the various media. ADFs are helpful when handling high volumes of optical character recognition scans. However, since it is usually more expensive to buy a scanner separately from an ADF, if you are considering this feature, you will want to find a scanner that includes an ADF at the outset.

The amount of data generated by a scanner can be very large and requires a fast connection with the computer. Some of the interfaces available are parallel, USB, USB2, and Firewire connections. Parallel interfaces transmit data at 70 kilobytes (KB) per second (ps), USB at 1MBps, USB2 at 40MBps, and Firewire at 400MBps. Depending on its features, flatbed scanners can cost from $50 to $700.

Printers

“For most people, choosing a printer entails balancing price, speed, and print quality” (Cekan, n.d., ¶1). Speed is rated by number of pages printed per minute but usually does not include the time it takes the computer to send the job to the printer. The additional features that help determine price and print quality are the cost per page and resolution. With any comparison of resolution, higher numbers equal better print quality, particularly when printing photographs. Calculating the printer’s cost is not as simple as finding the printer’s actual sticker price. Ink cartridges can cost from $12 to $38 and yield 300 to 800 pages per cartridge while laser toners average between $100 and $300 but yield an astounding 6,000 to 12,000 pages.

Laserjet vs. Inkjet Printers
The bottom line is that inkjets print great photos and lasers excel at text. However, since you cannot get both in one printer, you will have to compromise. Inkjets are ideal for home users who need to print text pages, color graphics, and color photos. Inkjet printers that use letter or legal sized paper have a price of $40 to $340. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that the manufacturers do not make money on the printer but on the ink it requires. On the other hand, color laser printers give you the cleanest and sharpest results. So if you need the highest quality color pages, spending the extra money for a color laser printer makes sense. Becoming more affordable every day, these printers currently start at $400.

The art therapist who is fluent in digital imaging and makes the most of the medium may handle a larger number of prints than the art therapist who occasionally uses the computer as an imaging tool. Personally, when I upgraded to a color laser printer, I was more than pleased. My primary reason for making the switch was that I found myself having to constantly replace my ink jet printers. Using it daily to print photographs, computer art, and text, the ink jet printers I owned were unable to withstand the load and would consistently break down within a couple of years. Since the cost of repairing an ink jet printer is equal to or more expensive than purchasing a new one, I would often opt for the latter. My Okidata C5150 color laser printer prints vivid photographs and crisp text, costs roughly $600, and came equipped with all the toner cartridges. One of the downsides of some color lasers is its inability to print high quality 4”x6” glossy snapshots. However, even though glossy laser paper is hard to obtain, the color toners of most color laser printers give images a glossy sheen even when printed on regular white laser paper.

All in One
Color multifunction printers turn many people’s heads because they claim to do so much – print, scan, fax, and/or copy…. But according to tests by PC World, “none of them does everything splendidly” (McLaughlin, 2003, ¶3). If space restricts the number of devices one can have, it is important to know which features are most important to you and to carefully review the specifications accordingly. If space is not an issue, realize that all-in-one printers are not your only option and often buying separate devices dedicated to printing or scanning is the better choice.

Specialty Photo
“If you always want your pictures right now, and you want them to look like they came out of the processing machine at the photo shop, you’ll need that extra specialized printer” (McLaughlin, 2003, ¶19). These printers range in price from $80 to $700 and almost always have slots for digital camera memory cards. This feature allows you to print directly from the camera without requiring a computer connection.

“The fact is that nobody wants substandard photos after being used to high-quality processing from a local photo shop. At the same time, no one wants to buy more printers than they need” (McLaughlin, 2003, ¶19). The therapist has to determine what kinds of documents she will be printing and how often in order to make a decision about which printer or printers to purchase.