I'm using a borrowed a Dell Inspiron 5150. It seems like it could handle design programs like Corel, but im new to the T-shirt biz and i could be wrong. I'm also looking for an excuse to buy a new computer. Just wondering what computers are the best for graphic design.
we use computers that have a separate memory set for graphics. This helps with speed for those applications. Also, if you are using Windows, set the virtual memory management to allow Windows to set the value rather than use a fixed value. Windows can use up to 1Gb of RAM on a non-server computer.
Just put a new motherboard and processor in - donated by my FIL - so that raised it from a 400mhz to a 900mhz and added 256mb extra ram, my old one only had 128. Still, can't complain, the whole base unit only cost £2 from a works auction!
I'm a geek at heart and have done IT support for about 10 years, so I'm obligated to chime in.
There is nothing wrong with finding a reason to buy a new computer, as it can be the most fun and exhilarating experience, IMO. Plus, if it's a tool for your business, it's an investment.
I'm a 1000% Mac user and love OS X (Tiger). Macs are known for being great desktop publishing, graphics and music systems. So, if you find yourself wanting to do your graphics work more than contracting it out, you may want to consider a Mac. But, if you're quite comfy with PCs, then keep with that platform.
I use a dual Power Mac G5 1.8 GHz system that still has a lot of life in it and room for 3GB of more RAM, along with extra HD space.
However, for 2007, I'm planning to purchase a 24" iMac Core 2 Duo system simply because I love the all-in-one design and the larger monitor for everything.
Thanks for the info. Does the make of the compter really matter ie. Mac,Dell,Hp? Or is it more a matter of disk space and all that other good stuff which i know little about?
Thanks for the info. Does the make of the compter really matter ie. Mac,Dell,Hp? Or is it more a matter of disk space and all that other good stuff which i know little about?
In the case of computers, I think it's mostly about what's inside the computer more than the brand name.
In my opinion, you are probably paying more for the brand name and what goes with it (tech support, trusted name, warranties, ease of purchasing, etc)
There are people (not me) that could probably build a brand new computer with "brand name" parts and all the memory, graphics, processing power that you'd need, for much less than you'd buy a dell, hp, sony for.
The mac is sort of the exception to the rule, since it's almost a different animal. Maybe same animal, but different species
Thanks for the info. Does the make of the compter really matter ie. Mac,Dell,Hp? Or is it more a matter of disk space and all that other good stuff which i know little about?
We go with top-line components for non-laptops. We have PC Club out here and I pretty much go in and have their tech guy point out the good stuff and I buy that, put it together myself and then bring it back for them to check out. I will probably let them put it together in the future. I did it just because I liked doing that kind of thing but as I get older I have opted to pay for more services that I don't do every day.
For laptops we look for quality. We use Notebook Shop for the laptop/notebook computers. We sold our Sony's after 5 years of service and replaced them with Fujitsu Lifebook N Series notebooks.
If you want to save on money you can go 1 or 2 generations down in processor speed. We did that in the past and put the money in memory and hard disk. Disk is now so cheap that we put our money in RAM and hard disk speed.
Thanks for the info. Does the make of the compter really matter ie. Mac,Dell,Hp? Or is it more a matter of disk space and all that other good stuff which i know little about?
The "make" of a computer matters to some, like myself. I love the aesthetics of Macs, but they are indeed powerful and have been for years. Maybe the aesthetics "thing" is because I'm a woman? ;-)
To others, it does not matter, as long as it can do what they need.
I will mention that new Macs and new PCs are looking almost identical from a hardware aspect. In other words, Macs and PCs both use Intel Core Duo & Core 2 Duo processors, use the same RAM type, same HD types, have many of the same built-in busses (i.e., USB and Firewire), can use the same peripherals of keyboards, mice, monitors, etc. In addition, new Macs can run Windows with the help of 3rd party software.
Another thing to keep in mind too is, software alone can force some people to buy one platform over the other. For example, if you're a Quark user and it's only available for Windows, then you're going to use a PC.
That's not to say though that you cannot use Quark on a Mac that can run Windows with the help of other software, but it's probably going to be a bit more trouble than if you just installed it on a PC.
Also, some other deciding factors for what and where to purchase are support options, warranty options and such.
However, for 2007, I'm planning to purchase a 24" iMac Core 2 Duo system simply because I love the all-in-one design and the larger monitor for everything.
Oooooooooo! I want one of those badly! They are sweet. Of course I am still using an old 350 Mhz G4 running 10.4, so I am long over due. Hmm, I wonder if I could put my kids up for adoption for one? j/k
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I agree that its not so much the brand of computer as what's inside. The more powerful the processor, the more memory, the more storage space the better, but of course the more expensive as well. The computers themselves aren't all that expensive. It's usually the software. Load on Windows XP Pro, Office, Quickbooks, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. and that will cost you more than the computer itself. As far as a preference, we prefer to use Dell because we can pick and choose the components and software. But again, that's just a preference. There are many great options.
Not to rain on anyones parade, but If you are planning to buy a G5 Mac Pro in general that has windows capabilities.You might reconsider. I know first hand that if you are running Suites 2 It sucks. The programs crash very often and if you did'nt save it is murder. Although when Suites 3 comes out there is supposed to be support for the MacPro. Also I am not sure how the windows programs are running. If you do buy a MacPro I hear that Suites 1 runs great. You might check out some forums before you make a big purchase.
There are people (not me) that could probably build a brand new computer with "brand name" parts and all the memory, graphics, processing power that you'd need, for much less than you'd buy a dell, hp, sony for.
It's actually incredibly easy these days - modern computers are like Lego.
This is a discussion about What computers are you guys and girls using? that was posted in the General T-Shirt Selling Discussion section of the forums.
What computers are you guys and girls using? 
I'm using a Bitsa - bitsa this, bitsa that...
Plus, if it's a tool for your business, it's an investment.
Re: What computers are you guys and girls using? 
