What should I look for in a new computer system dedicated to FrameMaker?

[michaels21651710]

I used to use FrameMaker many years ago. Now a friend is asking what kind of computer to get if she is interested in training in FrameMaker and using it professionally? I thought I would ask here, since I'm sure the situation is probably quite different than it was in the 1990s.

[Bob_Niland · Accepted solution]

It looks like the last time this came up was in 2011, at Which computer?

Pretty much any new x86 PC with MS Windows (7 or 8.1) will run FM with adequate performance. Get at least 8GB RAM because why not.

What you might want to recommend beyond that depends on the target workload and budget.

For pure word work, the monitor might be key, and by implication the PC's graphics. I recently upgraded to 2560x1440 resolution so that I can see a full US Letter page of text legibly in portrait mode. Most PC graphics today can support that res on DisplayPort, possibly on HDMI, and with cable issues on DVI-D. Going to a higher res would be nicer, as "4K" (3840x2160) monitors are hitting the market, but then the graphics card/port might become an issue.

You may or may not even need a dedicated graphics card. AMD integrated graphics has more than adequate performance, and I would expect the same to be true for Nvidia. I would avoid Intel integrated graphics. Integrated from anyone may have a lower max res vs. a card. The AMD A10 APU I'm using has fabulous performance, but doesn't go above 2560x1440.

Due to persistent problems with legacy raster content on Windows (fixed icons and screen fonts), choose a larger monitor diagonal size for higher resolutions. Target keeping the areal density in the 90-110 ppi range. Yes, that means a really big 1440 monitor, like 27- to 32-inch. Fortunately, these are extraordinarily cheap from a historical perspective.

Using a solid state disk (SSD) instead of a legacy rotating rust hard drive dramatically improves the user experience, and will speed output render time and page navigation when lots of high res graphics images are in the document.

If the work goes beyond words, and involves color images, the questions of color management and target color spaces arise. This might suggest an IPS or VA monitor with more than sRGB color space capability, and supporting calibration, LED backlit of course.

If the work involves CAD-sourced material, the PC might need to be a configuration certified by Autodesk or PTC, and that is apt to call for a "professional" graphics card or certified port.

[michaels21651710]

This is exactly the information I was looking for. Thanks so much!