Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

astrobaby · Jul 3, 2005, 07:21 AM

Im really sorry if this is posted in the wrong place but im a newbie so....there ya go.

Question: Im a student graphic designer just about to do a degree in graphic design and could do with my own mac. Any suggestions on whats the best to start out with??

Currently trying to decide between powerbook and a mac that can be kept at home eg. imac. What do ya think?? (they both have there advantages and disadvantages) or would some other mac be better??

Or shall i just stick with a pc and get the software for that??

Could really do with the help have been trying to decide for two years whilst doing my other graphics course. need to decide very soon

cheers

chabig · Jul 3, 2005, 08:52 AM

First, welcome. Second, Mac is short for Macintosh. It is not an acronym so it should not be written in caps (i.e., MAC).

I think you will be well served with a Mac if you want to get into the graphic arts. Macs are better than PCs at just about everything, but they excel at graphics.

I also think you're right in choosing between the iMac and the Powerbook. Both are excellent machines. The iMac will be a bit faster, but not much, really. However, the portability of a Powerbook is not to be underestimated. My personal choice would be the Powerbook with an external display at home. You can do a lot on the road, then at home you can enjoy the extra screen space.

I say choose based on your need for portability. If you are absolutely sure that you won't want to carry anything around, get the iMac. Otherwise, try a Powerbook.

Chris

KeriVit · Jul 3, 2005, 10:06 AM

Welcome astrobaby! I would say just starting out, you'll need to save cash, right? Thinking back on my courses, I would think the 20" iMac at home would be your best bet. If the program does things right, you will not be on a computer for some time and the work you do out of the school lab would be fine on the iMac. A powerbook is great, but I think you'll get more power and use out of the iMac. Of course, ultimately, you'll want a dual G5 with a nice monitor, but....

art_director · Jul 3, 2005, 02:10 PM

Get the biggest, fastest machine you can afford. It will pay for itself in time.

I use two computers:

1. Dual 2.5 G5
2. PowerBook 1.25

The PowerBook is a great machine but EVER SO SLOW compared to the tower. While the portability suits me when I travel it does not make up for how much slower it can be with big files. That said you should address your own needs.

iREZ · Jul 3, 2005, 02:25 PM

i love the fast Mac at home and a portable machine for the go as an ideal setup for any designer. with that said...instead of getting a 20" iMac why not get the 17" iMac and an iBook to tote around...best of both worlds. i think this is the best option IMHO.

KeriVit · Jul 3, 2005, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by art_director

Get the biggest, fastest machine you can afford. It will pay for itself in time.

I use two computers:

1. Dual 2.5 G5
2. PowerBook 1.25

The PowerBook is a great machine but EVER SO SLOW compared to the tower. While the portability suits me when I travel it does not make up for how much slower it can be with big files. That said you should address your own needs.

That's the ideal setup- what I'm going for too once I'm on my own!

But to get through grad school, I'm think my PB and a monitor... Then I'll add on a G% once I get over the hump of moving expenses, etc.

budster101 · Jul 3, 2005, 07:15 PM

I use a 17" 1gz powerbook maxed out to 2 gigs of ram, and it works well for me as my only machine.

Someday, I'm going to get a Dual 2.5 Ghz tower with a 30" display... oh yes.

astrobaby · Jul 5, 2005, 06:35 AM

Wow! thanx people, wasnt quite expecting to get so much response. You guys have really helped out, much appreciated. Im so glad i came across this forum theres loads of cool stuff.

I think ive decided on the powerbook, its what my tutor also recommends. I will my buy a stationary home mac when i get alot more money and can afford the best, also when i get a job when ive finished my course.

Although this probably wont be my final decision as im rubbish at deciding things.
Ooh, wont be buying my mac for a couple of days so im up to any more suggestions/ideas!
cheers any way
astrobaby x

Randman · Jul 5, 2005, 06:49 AM

Get the 17. It's worth the cost for the screen, especially with in graphic design. Depending on what applications you'll use, get at least 1GB of ram. You can get 2GB in the 15s and 17s. I use my 17 frequently with PS, ID and Quark with a little Illustrator thrown in. I have 1.5GB right now and it works fine but I'm considering selling the 512 and getting a second 1GB stick of ram since prices are falling.

bmmp · Jul 5, 2005, 07:49 AM

Power Books are the way to go if your starting out. When you need the power, grab yourself a G5 or Mactel later. However, I wouldn't suggest the 17". Its a bit more difficult to find a bag that fits the 17" and is affordable. It's great to have a large display when you work, but you need to be realistic with yourself and realise that you wont be designing every single time your turn your computer on (or open the lid). You probably use your Power Book more for email, web, checking MacNN, and whatever. Plus the obvious, the 17 is heavier and consumes more power. Get the 15 inch and upgrade to 128MB Graphics. The 128MB graphics is more important than the RAM upgrade in my opinion (but buying more RAM is still important).

Randman · Jul 5, 2005, 08:19 AM

The 17 consumes more power? Link?

It's not that much heavier and cases can be found. Even with the extra screen size on regular stuff like surfing is a joy. And for graphic work, it pays off.

bmmp · Jul 6, 2005, 01:56 AM

Of course the 17 inch consumes more power, it's bigger. But I dont want to get into a pissing contest with anyone. The 17" does have it's own battery thats different from the 15" in order to compensate for the extra power. The 17" is great for everything and if you could get a 15" or a 17" at the same price, it's a no brainer. But I'll bet money is somewhat of a factor for you. If not, then get the 17".

I wonder if the 17" runs any hotter though. My 15" can get pretty hot toward the back of the hidge sometimes. Not warm, but hot.

Randman · Jul 6, 2005, 02:00 AM

Right now, my PB17 is at 109 Fareneheit. Running Safari, Mail, TextEdit, Word, Pages, Adium and iTunes. Bluetooth is off but I'm surfing wireless.

mitchell_pgh · Jul 6, 2005, 09:04 AM

Generally speaking, I tell new designers to buy whatever they can afford. It's not like they are going to jump on a 300+ page high end project day one.

I would focus on the software AND training yourself on said software.

tpicco · Jul 6, 2005, 11:37 AM

if nothing else, go for a large screen...

astrobaby · Jul 11, 2005, 11:59 AM

Well people. Thanks for all your help, today i finally ordered my first ever Mac!!! I decided on the 17inch Powerbook, with the 2GB RAM! oh yeh! Tis coming in two days time. I cant wait. Student discount is oh so satisfying!

Once again, thanx for all your help this forum is top notch and real friendly! Kepp it up!

astrobaby · Jul 11, 2005, 11:59 AM

edit: Soz guys, double posted it by accident.

Randman · Jul 11, 2005, 12:08 PM

You'll love it.

KeriVit · Jul 11, 2005, 08:35 PM

Enjoy!

Headshot · Jul 13, 2005, 12:03 AM

I think you might want to explore a 2-3 y/o tower.
Although I am about to splurge on a Dual G5 something, my Dual 867 G4 has been serving me flawlessly for 3 years, and is still faster than my new Powerbook.

You can get a tower like this on Ebay for around a g-note, and still expand the crap out of it.
Internal HD's are so cheap and easy to install, around 10 minutes with a precision screwdriver, and
you can change monitors over time.

I thought I'd be doing all my work on the road (ie-coffee shops) but it's so hard to develope a workflow with that keyboard and ergonomics, and for design work, photos or GD, never underestimate good screenspace. Thank God for expose!

I would never recomend an iMac if you can get a slightly older tower for the same price.

EXPANDABILITY!!!

-matt