hello (: ok. so i am planning on going to college in 2 years. i want to major in graphic design and minor in photography, and i'm in the process of saving for a laptop to last my last year or two of high school and hopefully all through college and into my career days.
what do you reccomend for a laptop? what do i need for memory? (pics will be RAW) what model? should i save 2000$ and get a mac? what kind of mac? if not a mac, then what? (a dell? gateway? does the name not matter? if so, what're the needed 'specs') gimme the full-out itinerary.(lol. i know i spelled that wrong.)
I bough a Toshiba 2 years ago,, and use it for work . photos and music...
every so often I have to delete a few files.. due to low space.. but other than that I have no trouble... aside from the power cord dying on me...
I bought mine at Frys for $500. that included a carry bag.. wireless mouse. and fan pad. I thought it was a great deal!
I got my toshiba for $500 too. 200gb harddrive, which I've filled up over the past two years but it's at a steady 180 because I delete old stuff like movies when I'm done with them.
I've never had a mac but I've never been particularly PC-biased. I know a lot of people who love their macs and use the genius bar at the mac store when they have problems... which sounds convenient... but I've never needed help with my laptop. I might be fine with a mac though.
however, I've noticed that macs on campus are always about 10x slower than the PCs and firefox always crashes and I keep having bad experiences with them.
I'm definitely not saying that PCs are "better" than macs but they are cheaper, just less sexy.
Apple is usually associated with more creative-oriented studies/jobs but I think PCs are fully capable. I would definitely recommend looking into Circuit City/Best Buy/Frys/etc catalogs for deals! That's how I found mine for so cheap.
My whole family and I use hp's. Mine has lots of memory and runs very quickly. I have over 4000 pictures. And over 600 songs, and I only use about a 1/4 of my memory. My husband even uses it for games. It wasn't very costly. I think somewhere between $600 and $700.
If you're going to get serious about design/photography then it's got to be the Macbook Pro 15". I'm saving for mine as we speak :-)
Get a 24"-27" display for home to plug into when at your desk, then take the 15" Pro with you whenever you're out and about. Plenty of grunt, good screen size, not too bulky and with Macs..... THEY JUST WORK!
I have a 13" Macbook Pro and I love it. When I bought it, I expanded the hard drive to 500GB so I'd have plenty of room for school and photography. I've used it hours and hours each day since August and it works like a dream. I rarely feel like I need a bigger screen but maybe that's just me.
If you are getting into design - get a MAC!!! No doubt Macs are best for design :-)
I don't know if it's the same everywhere but i'm a designer and I work in New Zealand but I have also worked in the UK and i've always used macs :-)
I personally have a Macbook Pro laptop and that does me fine for my own personal stuff - hope that helps :-) If in doubt contact a few of the places you plan on applying to and see what they use so you'll be compatible
I prefer macs and I always have. I do tech support for a living and I don't know how people stand to use pc's, because of the operating system. But it keeps me in a job because they are always having problems. Macs are not problem free, but they seem to run more smoothly than do pc's. The graphic designers that I know all use Macs, I took graphic design class in college and it was taught on a mac. A mac is the only computer I've ever owned. So if you'd like one I'd suggest a 15 inch MacBook Pro with at least a 500 GB hard drive. Get at least 4GB of RAM. There are a couple different types of screens, I prefer the anti-glare because I wear glasses and cannot stand a glossy screen, but that's just a preference thing. Checkout the apple store online, they have refurbished machines, which I got, and you can save a little money this way. There is also an educational discount so check that out on their site as well. If you can afford to get an external firewire hard drive, get one and keep your important things backed up.
I've been a graphic artist for over 25 years. When I started the Macintosh computer didn't exist.
You'll get a lot of people argue against Apple computers but in my opinion it is the only way to go . I've owned a mac since 1988 and other than replacing hard drives, which you can do yourself, I've never had any of them serviced by a technician. The other thing is they have an incredible service life. My current computer is nearly 7 years old and is still able to handle everything I throw at it. Our IT department replaces PCs every 2 years.
Buy a MAC!
Macs are predominately used in the design industry, although these days some studios are utilising a PC workflow. Font management was the main reason to maintain a mac OS workflow - TrueType (windows) fonts have less typography options, particularly limited in kerning, and font management was generally less complex with Macs. Although with the prevalence of open source fonts this may be a non-issue these days. And now that many printers utilise a PDF workflow, it is less relevant which OS is used to create artwork, as source files are rarely provided.
But as most design studios still use Macs, they are preferable just for that reason alone.
i agree with the mac too. i have a macbook pro myself and love it, plus i go to an arty/media-y uni and it definitely is the best for that kind of work.
ALSO, i don't know if they do it in america too, but over here in the uk you can get educational discounts on macs, so maybe it might be worth waiting until you've just got into college then buy one first thing? it's definitely worth getting the money off, and sometimes they do deals with it, like get a free printer or ipod.
@stationary315 Be sure to research what the college you're planning on attending uses. A lot of people at my uni have problems because they have a Mac, but some graphic design programs at colleges require them. Ask the college's IT department and ask the department of your major. You might get different answers, if so go with your major.
@stationary315 > whatever you choose, get as much RAM as you can as this would be the difference between smiling and waiting (count per second). Today's technology offers 8GB RAM and it lets you do everything smoothly. Second, get the latest (at least not 6months old) video graphics card with at least 2GB of memory. Third, consider the internal hard drive because most raw (or JPEG) pictures have big file sizes. I'd also check the operating system (Mac, Windows or even Linux) as they would really help you decide like Mac and Linux doesn't get viruses and you can install practically anything in Windows unlike in the other two.
In the end, options would boil down to how much you can spend and what you can get most out of it. Macs are pricey but other than that, and like what the others have said they are predominantly used in the design studios because of their reliability (like the Mac book pro - 13inch $1199). There's also the monopoly (hence limiting) which is already built in with the device (like Mac book pro has AMD processor, while some have PowerPC) and there are just some app you can use and of course the "Mac compatibility" issues.
Windows-based laptops on the other hand promotes variety of hardware and software. You can get a mix of killer video cards and RAM (that can be used for heavy gaming while "relaxing") but sacrificing hard drive space (like 60 Gb, how would I run Windows 7 in that!) to append the budget. Furthermore, there's an option to decide which processor to use like Intel for multi tasks or AMD for single programs to deliver in high performance. This would allow you to work seamlessly if you are going to work on multiple programs in one sitting or you want the best out of the design program. BTW, there are external portable hard drives that you can get (like 1 terrabyte :))
Lastly, final option (if you would go this way and if you are still reading) would be Linux. There's a lot of free softwares to choose (including GIMP) and although this OS is free, there are still some myth on how to use it because of how people perceive it. Try looking for Linux Ubuntu (and coincidentally there's Linux Suse - for servers) and you might just be amazed on what this can do - I think it works even better than Mac.
Hardware, software and then it's just you. You decide if waiting is worth smiling or smiling is worth every second it takes :D
ps: I think I had too much time... way too much free time :D
A little background:
Ive built 6 desktop computers along with maintaining hardware upgrades on them.
I used to work for best buy's computer sales as well as geek squad.
DONT EVER BUY eMachines. They are cheap POS, they were constantly on sale for really cheap and at least half we sold would come back for repair within a few months.
Just about every brand comes with annoying "assistant" software or third party software that you will want to have removed (some of it can be 'tricky' to get rid of). If you arent tech savy or dont know anyone who is you can get this done at BB for like 20$. Believe me you dont want these taking up your RAM like they often do.
MAKE SURE YOU GET A 64bit OS!!
Software that is designed for it (Photoshop specifically) will run MUCH more efficiently in a 64bit OS.
In addition 32bit OS is limited to 4gigs of RAM max
Here are the upper RAM limits for the different editions of Windows 7:
Starter: 8GB
Home Basic: 8GB
Home Premium: 16GB
Professional: 192GB
Enterprise: 192GB
Ultimate: 192GB
Note: You will not likely find more then 16gigs max RAM supported in laptops atm. Be sure to check both the "Max RAM Supported" as well as how much it comes with for the laptop. You will not likely need more then 6gigs of RAM to start out with but having the room for upgrading down the line is nice as RAM is usually easy to "install"
It is also important to make sure there is a Dedicated Graphics Card. This will cost you more $ but its very important! Most 'el cheapo' laptops have Integrated Graphics Cards which will cause your graphics programs to be laggy.
Most integrated cards do not allow hooking up to an external monitor/tv either as far as i know. Which is highly useful if you laptop screen is small (or if you want dual displays)
CPU is obviously RLY important. I personally prefer AMD b/c they are more bang for the buck but Intel's are currently faster i believe (I know they are for Desktops right now but i havent looked at laptops recently)
HD is mostly only relevant when comparing space it has when dealing with laptop HDs. Which is mostly irrelevant b/c you can get 1TB USB externals (And surly larger in teh future)
SSD HDs are nice, but not rly necessary for how expensive they are..
Other Thoughts:
Dont buy mac unless you enjoy paying (quite literally) 3x the price for the exact same hardware specs you could get in a Windows based system. It WILL be a huge waste of money you could have otherwise used to buy a laptop with better hardware. You will also be limited in software choice and probably end up installing boot camp to run Windows on your mac so you can use programs making it pointless to have gone mac in the first place.
Ive used both Mac, Windows and Ubuntu Linux while I was working on my Animation degree and I am not convinced the macs in any way out preform good Windows PCs. Linux actually did preform VERY well but I would NOT recommend that unless you RLY know what you are doing with a computer PLUS its VERY limited (moreso then mac) as far as programs it will run.
www.newegg.com
is a great place to buy from. Ive bought ALL my computer hardware from them and NEVER had a single problem with their service over the 6yrs that ive used them.
Toshiba, HP, and Acer are "Good Brands"
Sony is overpriced imo.
Read the reviews of the laptop on newegg tho and they are usually a good sign if its a good product.
Most manufacturers websites have options to customize laptops hardware and may be a better deal then newegg? Youd have to look around.
If you can afford a Mac, I'd say go that way. Yes, they are more costly, but you get what you pay for. Macs are considerably less vulnerable to viruses so you don't have to worry as much about crashes or problems. They are much more user friendly and, in my opinion, much better for doing artistic things. It used to be that software programs were limited for Macs, but that is a thing of the past. I have used both platforms but, hands-down, prefer Mac over anything else.
I work on a Mac, always have. I have a desk top and a MacBook Pro (laptop's for my work). Mac's are generally priced higher because they come loaded. If you take a PC and load it up with the same thing a Mac has, you'll be roughly in the same $$. With Macs you save money on Virus packages, no yearly fees and I have had ZERO expense for maintenance or cleaning because of viruses or crashes.......I've been working on a Mac (Apple) since the late 80's!
Good luck!
If you arent retarded you wont get viruses on a Windows based OS either. There is free anti-virus software you can use that works just fine. Ive been using Windows forever and ive never had a problem with viruses.
@lauriemct that's actually a REALLY good point. thanks (: @3nder haha. yeah - i've had a PC for about 3 years that i use for homework, facebook and solitaire (: never had a problem with it. i just wanna make sure i get the best there is for my money. i'm leaning toward a mac at the moment - i got an offer for a 2 year old barely used macbook for 200$. at this point it'll get me thru highschool and when i'm looking towards college i'll go through this whole thing again, probably (;
i was offered a 2-yr-old, gently used macbook for 200$ so at the moment that's my plan. that way i can get any accessorys i need and have money to start up my saving for a camera!! wooo!!! i should know when i can get it by this evening. the reason i'm jumping on this is because of such a great deal i can use this for the rest of highschool, and get a more long-term comp for college etc.
i'll keep you all posted!!!
thanks again, soooo much.
Make sure you find out if it is an intel processor. The previous powerpc processor no longer runs the most current mac os software. I have an old powerbook that my kids use and I can't upgrade to the latest os, however it is good for them for games and stuff.
I got a macbook pro and have loved every second of owning it. Its very quiet, no noisy fans etc. Looks great and is used everyday. Can run the whole of creative suite (photoshop, illustrator, indesign, suitcase) with no problem, which when you get into GD you'll need to do.
I've also never had a equivalent of a bluescreen of death or virus or malwre on a mac. More money and your buying into the brand definitrly. But its the same as buyinng a more expensive handbag, pair of shoes, or a car. Yeah you can buy cheaper PC hardware. I run PC and Mac, and use both. The Mac os x is beautiful. Windows 7 is pretty much the same as windows 95
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every so often I have to delete a few files.. due to low space.. but other than that I have no trouble... aside from the power cord dying on me...
I bought mine at Frys for $500. that included a carry bag.. wireless mouse. and fan pad. I thought it was a great deal!
I've never had a mac but I've never been particularly PC-biased. I know a lot of people who love their macs and use the genius bar at the mac store when they have problems... which sounds convenient... but I've never needed help with my laptop. I might be fine with a mac though.
however, I've noticed that macs on campus are always about 10x slower than the PCs and firefox always crashes and I keep having bad experiences with them.
I'm definitely not saying that PCs are "better" than macs but they are cheaper, just less sexy.
Apple is usually associated with more creative-oriented studies/jobs but I think PCs are fully capable. I would definitely recommend looking into Circuit City/Best Buy/Frys/etc catalogs for deals! That's how I found mine for so cheap.
Get a 24"-27" display for home to plug into when at your desk, then take the 15" Pro with you whenever you're out and about. Plenty of grunt, good screen size, not too bulky and with Macs..... THEY JUST WORK!
I don't know if it's the same everywhere but i'm a designer and I work in New Zealand but I have also worked in the UK and i've always used macs :-)
I personally have a Macbook Pro laptop and that does me fine for my own personal stuff - hope that helps :-) If in doubt contact a few of the places you plan on applying to and see what they use so you'll be compatible
You'll get a lot of people argue against Apple computers but in my opinion it is the only way to go . I've owned a mac since 1988 and other than replacing hard drives, which you can do yourself, I've never had any of them serviced by a technician. The other thing is they have an incredible service life. My current computer is nearly 7 years old and is still able to handle everything I throw at it. Our IT department replaces PCs every 2 years.
Buy a MAC!
But as most design studios still use Macs, they are preferable just for that reason alone.
ALSO, i don't know if they do it in america too, but over here in the uk you can get educational discounts on macs, so maybe it might be worth waiting until you've just got into college then buy one first thing? it's definitely worth getting the money off, and sometimes they do deals with it, like get a free printer or ipod.
In the end, options would boil down to how much you can spend and what you can get most out of it. Macs are pricey but other than that, and like what the others have said they are predominantly used in the design studios because of their reliability (like the Mac book pro - 13inch $1199). There's also the monopoly (hence limiting) which is already built in with the device (like Mac book pro has AMD processor, while some have PowerPC) and there are just some app you can use and of course the "Mac compatibility" issues.
Windows-based laptops on the other hand promotes variety of hardware and software. You can get a mix of killer video cards and RAM (that can be used for heavy gaming while "relaxing") but sacrificing hard drive space (like 60 Gb, how would I run Windows 7 in that!) to append the budget. Furthermore, there's an option to decide which processor to use like Intel for multi tasks or AMD for single programs to deliver in high performance. This would allow you to work seamlessly if you are going to work on multiple programs in one sitting or you want the best out of the design program. BTW, there are external portable hard drives that you can get (like 1 terrabyte :))
Lastly, final option (if you would go this way and if you are still reading) would be Linux. There's a lot of free softwares to choose (including GIMP) and although this OS is free, there are still some myth on how to use it because of how people perceive it. Try looking for Linux Ubuntu (and coincidentally there's Linux Suse - for servers) and you might just be amazed on what this can do - I think it works even better than Mac.
Hardware, software and then it's just you. You decide if waiting is worth smiling or smiling is worth every second it takes :D
ps: I think I had too much time... way too much free time :D
Ive built 6 desktop computers along with maintaining hardware upgrades on them.
I used to work for best buy's computer sales as well as geek squad.
DONT EVER BUY eMachines. They are cheap POS, they were constantly on sale for really cheap and at least half we sold would come back for repair within a few months.
Just about every brand comes with annoying "assistant" software or third party software that you will want to have removed (some of it can be 'tricky' to get rid of). If you arent tech savy or dont know anyone who is you can get this done at BB for like 20$. Believe me you dont want these taking up your RAM like they often do.
MAKE SURE YOU GET A 64bit OS!!
Software that is designed for it (Photoshop specifically) will run MUCH more efficiently in a 64bit OS.
In addition 32bit OS is limited to 4gigs of RAM max
Here are the upper RAM limits for the different editions of Windows 7:
Starter: 8GB
Home Basic: 8GB
Home Premium: 16GB
Professional: 192GB
Enterprise: 192GB
Ultimate: 192GB
Note: You will not likely find more then 16gigs max RAM supported in laptops atm. Be sure to check both the "Max RAM Supported" as well as how much it comes with for the laptop. You will not likely need more then 6gigs of RAM to start out with but having the room for upgrading down the line is nice as RAM is usually easy to "install"
It is also important to make sure there is a Dedicated Graphics Card. This will cost you more $ but its very important! Most 'el cheapo' laptops have Integrated Graphics Cards which will cause your graphics programs to be laggy.
Most integrated cards do not allow hooking up to an external monitor/tv either as far as i know. Which is highly useful if you laptop screen is small (or if you want dual displays)
CPU is obviously RLY important. I personally prefer AMD b/c they are more bang for the buck but Intel's are currently faster i believe (I know they are for Desktops right now but i havent looked at laptops recently)
HD is mostly only relevant when comparing space it has when dealing with laptop HDs. Which is mostly irrelevant b/c you can get 1TB USB externals (And surly larger in teh future)
SSD HDs are nice, but not rly necessary for how expensive they are..
Other Thoughts:
Dont buy mac unless you enjoy paying (quite literally) 3x the price for the exact same hardware specs you could get in a Windows based system. It WILL be a huge waste of money you could have otherwise used to buy a laptop with better hardware. You will also be limited in software choice and probably end up installing boot camp to run Windows on your mac so you can use programs making it pointless to have gone mac in the first place.
Ive used both Mac, Windows and Ubuntu Linux while I was working on my Animation degree and I am not convinced the macs in any way out preform good Windows PCs. Linux actually did preform VERY well but I would NOT recommend that unless you RLY know what you are doing with a computer PLUS its VERY limited (moreso then mac) as far as programs it will run.
www.newegg.com
is a great place to buy from. Ive bought ALL my computer hardware from them and NEVER had a single problem with their service over the 6yrs that ive used them.
Toshiba, HP, and Acer are "Good Brands"
Sony is overpriced imo.
Read the reviews of the laptop on newegg tho and they are usually a good sign if its a good product.
Most manufacturers websites have options to customize laptops hardware and may be a better deal then newegg? Youd have to look around.
Hope it helps!!
Good luck!
@3nder haha. yeah - i've had a PC for about 3 years that i use for homework, facebook and solitaire (: never had a problem with it. i just wanna make sure i get the best there is for my money. i'm leaning toward a mac at the moment - i got an offer for a 2 year old barely used macbook for 200$. at this point it'll get me thru highschool and when i'm looking towards college i'll go through this whole thing again, probably (;
i was offered a 2-yr-old, gently used macbook for 200$ so at the moment that's my plan. that way i can get any accessorys i need and have money to start up my saving for a camera!! wooo!!! i should know when i can get it by this evening. the reason i'm jumping on this is because of such a great deal i can use this for the rest of highschool, and get a more long-term comp for college etc.
i'll keep you all posted!!!
thanks again, soooo much.