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.)

[firechild]

The New Macbook Air

[turkishdog]

The New Macbook Air

Yeah. As much as I would love to get it, I really don't want a MAC. I don't know all the...functions.
&& it's so thin, I'm afraid I'll break it in half.

[Tomates]

The New Macbook Air

I heard you have to just get and add and plug in all this extra stuff just to do the basics.

[turkishdog]

Thanks, but I'm not looking for MACs.

I'm looking for desktop computers that run on Windows. What would I need for my interests? Hard drive etc.

I think I'm making it sound confusing. -phail-

[brooklyneast05]

lol you aren't confusing. i don't know how you can be much more clear, i'm not sure why everyone keeps talking about macs when you specifically said you weren't gonna do that.

unfortunately, im a mac user so i don't know what pc you should get :(


i duno what you would really need when it comes to pc's. check the suggested requirements for running photoshop. anything that meets that and up + get a good quality screen.

[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]

I'm glad some one understand me. (:

I really do love MACs. They're great! I'm just not used to it and I don't want to use it for daily use.

Thanks. (: I currently looking at a PC on the kmart site. (lol)
Dual Core AMD A64 X2 5200+ -2.6Ghz processor, 2048MB RAM of memory, 500GB of hard.

[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.

[Gigi]

The best computer for graphic/web design is a Mac. Any Mac. You can surf the net, chat all you want on a Mac, and it would take you maybe a day to learn it all if you're a little bit slow.

If you don't want a Mac, then I don't know what to tell you. Maybe you should've said that you want a good all-round computer, instead of one good for graphic design.

btw Macbook Air is a piece of shit.

[Just_Dream]

In turkishdog's defense, I believe that s/he wants a computer that is more affordable. Macs are not really affordable for what you get, and they are not as customizable unless she gets a mac pro. The new iMac seems affordable, however it is not customizable in case s/he might want to add some extras to the computer later on. However, the Mac Pro is more customizable in case an parts need to be upgraded, I believe. I may be wrong on this.

Most, if not all, PC desktops can be upgraded with extra parts. Technological advances become more efficient and prices will drop, so upgrading parts come with ease in PCs.

However, I do agree with Gigi and plenty others that macs are a good choice as they are designed for designers and the like.

[turkishdog]

Thank you both for the help. (:

I've decided to just customize my own desktop PC at DELL. I know their customer service sucks, but I really don't care. I'll fight them if they get my order wrong.

I'll just add things to it, if I need.

[Just_Dream]

I've decided to just customize my own desktop PC at DELL. I know their customer service sucks, but I really don't care. I'll fight them if they get my order wrong.

Google up Dell Coupon Codes or something like that. Often, Dell sends out certain coupon codes so that you can get a discount. It can help lower the price.

Their customer service sucks, but if they get the order right in the first place, you'll be lucky and not ever have to deal with their customer service in regards to that specific computer that you order. All right good luck! :]

[sdgdfgdfgdfgdfg]

Anything with a High screen resolution. Try editing a 12MP photo at 800x600 and you'll understand why this is important.