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SOLVED: Do you see differences, depending on the computer?
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- sweets4dasweet
- Sr. Rocketeer
- Posts: 184
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So I am working with a client who is seeing things differently from her computer. Now I work on Safari on my Mac. I also have Firefox installed. I have IE on my PC. Yet, things tend to render differently depending on the computer (her computer vs. mine).
For example, a line of text may wrap completely different on her computer than on mine. Yet, I'll check to see that all of our browsers are up-to-date and that our resolutions are the same. To no avail, the problem is still there.
Do you have this rendering problem? How can I avoid it and ensure that what I am seeing is what she'll (and site visitors) see?
Thanks! - Last Edit: 13 years 9 months ago by sweets4dasweet.
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- Empowermom
- Hero Rocketeer
- Posts: 476
- Thanks: 32
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All of the above will depend upon the following:
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A) Your computer processor
Your computer memory
C) Your graphics adapter
D) Your graphics memory, both on the card and/or reserved by CPU for graphics
E) The monitor and capabilities thereof, and of course,
F) Whether or not all drivers for the above are current. Next, there's
G) your graphics software program
H) the resolution, color depth and file format of your image files.
I) THEN you should worry about the resolution.
Finally, you have "K" for
Do they have custom settings on brightness, contrast, etc.? These settings can kill even the best displays in the wrong hands.
There is only one thing YOU can do to insure a quality product. You need the best CPU, graphics card, monitor, "quality" software, and, most importantly, as much possible memory as you can get your hands on. What you see is what "they" will get, but it doesn't mean they can see it the way you intended. Test your site on lower resolution and less colors to see how it looks. You'll be very surprised.
Before I even begin a project, I evaluate the equipment the client has. If it's archaic, no matter how beautiful your work, it will look crappy. If the equipment isn't too old, I'll tweak the existing settings to make sure they'll see what I do (if possible). Up front, give your client the excellent advice to upgrade to a good processor, a top notch graphics card, a good monitor and PLENTY of memory to not only view but manage their site.
After all, if they are paying you to create a good site, they should have the equipment to view it. If the client's equipment is "relatively" current, and I use that term "relative" loosely these days, you can obtain (dodging the lettuce I know will fly at me here) upgrades for your client for about $200 - $400 if you know where to shop and/or can haggle discounts for repeat business with your vendors. This is a convenient service I offer all my clients at no additonal cost. "Most" don't complain. If they do, explain the above and send them to the library or their kid's school so they can see what they are missing.
Now then, once your client is all fixed up, and you are ready to test the product, put it online. You do test it online before showing it to them, right?
Check your site's output on as many computers as possible to see the variances prior to completion.
I have six machines in my home now, all with varying degrees of systems, internals and peripherals. From one to the other, they NEVER look exactly the same. Then I have about 6 or 7 other computers in the homes around me I can use to "test market" a site. I even have a checklist printed to record the settings, etc. of all the above so I can remember what everything looked like from my notes.
I also take screenshots on different computers and send myself a copy in e-mail. It can help you evaluate the differences between each computer display and what you can do to tweak the site for better performance on lesser grade equipment. If it looks awful, according to your notes, but the e-mail output is fine on your computer, your client needs a tweak or an upgrade.
Good Practice Hint: Put up an online test site during your final phase of graphics development and prior to showing the client (you don't have to give the link to anyone). Pester your friends and family to check out the site and give you feedback. Actually look at the site on other computers. Frankly, I like to check my test sites at the local library or a local school.
These are good gauges for the "mainstream" computers most people will be using to view your site. Caution: 'Tis good to be friends with the head librarian if you don't check out many books. Be prepared for feedback as teachers will be your greatest critics (and they are so constructive about it too!).
Hope this quickie primer on graphics helped you.
Carol
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- sweets4dasweet
- Sr. Rocketeer
- Posts: 184
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OMG... This is GREAT... You are a walking encyclopedia with this - and yes, I am jealous!!!
I think you make a great point, but I know I'm not able to go beyond the two laptops I have or the one my husband has... BUT, I am so NOT above walking into a Mac store and Best Buy and checking my sites out on those Macs and PCs...
As for clients, I know they have limited budgets so they will not invest in better computers... Plus, just because they could do it, it doesn't mean their potential site visitors will be up and ready... Essentially, we're all screwed! However, I'll tell her to take my approach and go into some computer stores...
I have a MacBook Pro, 13-inch (Mid 2009) with the following:
Mac OS X (version 10.7)
2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 256 MB
1280 x 800
I love that you use "relative" loosely... It's like as soon as I got this laptop, something newer and better came out super quick...
Any advice based on what I currently have? I'd like to know that I am at least headed in the right direction and may be able to invest in making MY laptop better...
I do know that the client in question is using a PC netbook...
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- Empowermom
- Hero Rocketeer
- Posts: 476
- Thanks: 32
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As for clients, I know they have limited budgets so they will not invest in better computers... Plus, just because they could do it, it doesn't mean their potential site visitors will be up and ready... Essentially, we're all screwed
Didn't say better computers, just better equipment. Some can afford it, some not. OUR job is to figure out the best display for the largest audience possible. The main thing is to show the client what it "really" looks like.
Your trusty laptop can help with that, along with a toned down version of all the above info so they can't complain about "their" display when you've advised them they don't have the proper equipment to view your work.... etc., etc., etc.... ad nauseum
So, in that sense, you are right. We are screwed...
Oh my gosh, I could sooooooooooooooo write a book on this topic just because of all my trials and errors. Mostly errors that taught me but aren't they the best teachers?
I'm glad this helped you. I looked at it later and thought it may have been overkill.
BUT, I am so NOT above walking into a Mac store and Best Buy and checking my sites out on those Macs and PCs.
That's the spirit! I never thought of that one! You've got the right idea and I'm sure you will find your direction.
Good luck to you,
Carol
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- sweets4dasweet
- Sr. Rocketeer
- Posts: 184
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Ahhh, lady... You are SO right... Not better computers, but better displays...
Sometimes these bits and pieces are so much that it almost makes sense to just invest in a new laptop that's better equipped... What's the sense of adding a nice new display to an archaic or inexpensive laptop when half the time it won't even be compatible? Yet, if the difference is $200 vs. $900, folks may be more willing to sign up...
BTW, your response was so NOT overkill...
From your fellow Techie Gal, thanks a million!!!
Toy
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- ciaphuas
- Newbie
- Posts: 4
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- It's mostly browser, OS, and screen resolution which would affect what the users sees
- http://www.blamza.com - Smartphone, Gaming, and Technology Reviews
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- ladbroke
- Sr. Rocketeer
- Posts: 166
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- For me, the monitor is what has made such a difference to many sites I've designed. One of the worst outcomes was when I saw a site I had designed on a clients very large, top end monitor, and it looked truely awful. I visited him to go over the finer details before his site went live, and it had looked fine on my laptop at home. A major redesign was then in order. I still use my trusty old Acer laptop for designing most of my sites, and also a netbook connected to an external monitor, but now I also check on a good quality monitor on my desktop PC.
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