Best computer for graphic/web designer. Options

[turkishdog]

So, I'm that kind of person who really into graphic/digital design and web design. I'm an amateur photographer so my computer is full of photos. I edit them, etc with PhotoShop (I need legal version plz) I'm in the process of purchasing a Wacom tablet, yada yada yada.

I currently don't have a computer of my own (sad). This computer is great, but since I share it with the family it's not a good comp for my works. I have a lot of photo's and .psd files. Would you guys be willing to help me find a computer that would be best for my interests? (Hard drives, etc etc)

I love MACs, but I don't want one. I know they're great for graphic designs and such, but I also use the computer for daily things. Surf the net, chat etc. I'm waaaay, too used to the PC. So I'm looking for a great PC. What should I be looking for? Would it be cheaper to just buy a great one or just start from scratch?

I feel like a newb. (Oh, I am one, lulz.)

[Just_Dream]

Would it be cheaper to just buy a great one or just start from scratch

What do you mean by starting from scratch? Do you mean buying all the parts and building your own computer from them? That could work out, BUT if you've never built a computer before (and I assume you haven't since you are unsure of what computer to get) and you don't know anyone who can help you, it might be a lost cause. However, it CAN be significantly cheaper, depending on what your options are.

If you buy a great one, it most likely won't be cheaper, but sometimes you might find some good deals. Dell does have some good computers since you can always customize what you want in the computer and they might even toss in some goodies (lol I wish it was photoshop + imageready), BUT their customer service really sucks. They even mess up on orders occasionally, and tend to not take the fall for it. I'm not too experienced with computers though, since we only have Dells, an Asus laptop, and a Macbook.

EDIT - BTW do you want a laptop or a desktop PC?

[turkishdog]

What do you mean by starting from scratch? Do you mean buying all the parts and building your own computer from them? That could work out, BUT if you've never built a computer before (and I assume you haven't since you are unsure of what computer to get) and you don't know anyone who can help you, it might be a lost cause. However, it CAN be significantly cheaper, depending on what your options are.

If you buy a great one, it most likely won't be cheaper, but sometimes you might find some good deals. Dell does have some good computers since you can always customize what you want in the computer and they might even toss in some goodies (lol I wish it was photoshop + imageready), BUT their customer service really sucks. They even mess up on orders occasionally, and tend to not take the fall for it. I'm not too experienced with computers though, since we only have Dells, an Asus laptop, and a Macbook.

EDIT - BTW do you want a laptop or a desktop PC?

Thanks. (:

Yeah, that's what I mean. I never have built a computer before but I do have my dad and friends who have. So I can get their help.

I'm looking for a desktop computer.