[twjared]

I am a graphic designer who uses the basic programs (Photshop, Illustrator, Quark) and otherwise just pretty basic stuff. I am in the market for a new machine and given what was just released, was looking for suggestions. Do you think I need dual processors? I was thinking of spending like $2k.

I am currently using a 450 Cube which is slow, but functional.

Thanks!!

[willab]

I think dual processors would be very helpful. I would buy either the rev. a 1.8 at $2200 if you can stretch your budget a little, or wait for the prices to drop on rev. a refurbs.

[Randman]

Honestly, just about anything in the lineup would suit your needs, even a G4 iBook. You should be able to get pretty good deals. Just remember to get as much ram as you can afford, that will help as much as processor speeds for graphic design. Also, make sure whatever monitor that you'll get will be suitable for you.
Finally, get a larger hard drive.
I have a G4 iBook with external keyboard, trackball and I'm able to do all of my design work (designer, editor). The screen on the 14 is a little smaller than what I work with at the office, but the system can handle just about any task I've put it to do.

[twjared]

Thanks... I definitely like to work on a nice big screen so I think a laptop is out of the question. I currently have the 17" display--the one that was kind of packaged with the cube with the clear casing... I am assuming that's compatible with the G5 so I guess I'll stick with that for now!

[macaddict0001]

Originally posted by twjared:
Thanks... I definitely like to work on a nice big screen so I think a laptop is out of the question. I currently have the 17" display--the one that was kind of packaged with the cube with the clear casing... I am assuming that's compatible with the G5 so I guess I'll stick with that for now!

better check compatibility before you buy.

seriously apple changes things around

[Maflynn]

Originally posted by macaddict0001:
better check compatibility before you buy.

seriously apple changes things around

Those 17" monitors were ADC, so he will be ok with a new computer.

[Luca Rescigno]

Just a suggestion... my mom works in the same programs you do, and she recently upgraded from that same 17" CRT monitor to a 22" cinema display. It has helped her workflow TREMENDOUSLY, far more than any CPU upgrade could have, and she has a dual 500. Yes, her machine is a bit faster than yours, and it also has a video card that does Quartz Extreme, but I think upgrading your screen space will help just as much as buying a faster machine.

Ideally, that would mean getting a large (20-23") LCD, but those are really expensive. You'd be well suited by a 19" or 21" CRT though. Assuming space isn't a concern, large CRTs are very cheap and give you quite a lot of screen area. Going with a 19" or better yet a 21" will really help over a 17". I have a 17" display myself, but I don't need much more, and space IS a concern with me. But I still went with a high quality one, the NEC FE791SB. I'd recommend the 19" version, the FE991SB. Also, if you really want plenty of screen area but can't afford one of the huge LCDs, you could go with a pair of CRTs. PowerMacs have shipped with dual-monitor video cards across the line for two years now. Your Cube won't do dual monitors, but any recent G4 or G5 will.

Anyway, I hope this helps. If you want a new computer as well, the G5s are always an option. So are refurbished G5s (1.6, 1.8, and older dual 1.8) and later model G4s. By the way - dual processors DO help, quite a lot in fact.

[macaddict0001]

[TheDigitalMan]

I'm here to tell you that I personally own a Dual 800 G4 and I aquired a Dual 2.0 G5 for work about 6 months ago. Before I got the G5 I thought my G4 was pretty hot. Had 1500 MEG of RAM on it with 2 21" monitors. I loved it. Interestingly enough when I upgraded to OS X from 9.2.2. My G4 performed even better than it had running under System 9.2. I was told that OS X took full advantage of the dual processors whereas 9 did not.

But to get to the point of my post. My G4 is a dog compared to the G5 I have at work. It flat out moves. And I do about the same stuff you are talking about. A little photoshop here and there but mostly Illustrator work and layout work in both Quark and InDesign. It makes working almost a joy again. So if I were you I would NOT look at G4 refurbs PERIOD! And if you can't afford a G5 than I would wait until I could. Of course I realize there is a little thing called reality and if you really need a machine now and can't afford a G5 than oh well. But if you want my advice buy a Dual G5 at all costs! You will be so happy you did! Mine has not yet crashed at work since I booted it up 6 months ago! It is really incredible!

[twjared]

Thanks everyone... I just bought a DP 1.8 (refurbished for $1799), and I will be buying a large (20"?) monitor in the near future. I want to wait a bit to see if the rumored new displays change things, but I should be good to go in a few weeks!

Thanks again...