[SecretX]

I'm interested in purchasing a Mac (first), for the purpose of graphic designing (which would include photo editing). I don't know how much money I have available, but seeing as I need it soon (and I don't like borrowing), I will probably end up buying on credit (hopefully I'll be able to pay it off before interest...).

No portability is necessary. The choice then (it seems), is between iMac 20" and PowerMac DP 2.0. I was comparing them (in the store) with basic photoshop jobs (levels, sharpness, etc.), and I noticed a slight lag in the iMac.

On the other hand, the iMac is more convenient, and costs $1800. The PowerMac costs $200 more, and I will need to purchase a monitor (what, 20") and what not, all together amounting up to $1000 more than the iMac.

So here's the question:

If I buy the iMac, will I eventually regret my decision?

[Westbo]

It depends how serious you are. If graphic design is a career move, then the G5 DP 2.0 is the way to go. I would not go the iMac route.

Photoshop uses much RAM. You should plan on a minimum 1GB RAM. 2GB would be more than adequate. If color accuracy is an issue, I recommend a good CRT (vs. LCD) monitor. The advantage of an LCD monitor is space. A 22" LaCie would be an excellent choice. (retails $700-$800 US). There are other good models at different price points, I'm sure other members will suggest as well.

If costs go beyond your budget, consider locating a G4 (867MHz or better). A G5 1.8 (single processor) would also be a more affordable alternative. In either case, get as much RAM as you can.

[mitchell_pgh]

Bestbo gave you excellent advice. On the flip side of his answer, I would say... even if you are serious, you could probably get away with a G5 iMac (perhaps even the 17") especially if you are new to the industry. [I like his high end G4 plus good CRT idea)

My reasoning:

1) You are new. Why learn how to design on an expensive computer? I would say "learn on a less expensive Mac and when you are ready to move to the pro end, buy pro end hardware. [kind of the "why learn how to drive with an expensive car!"]

2) Hardware is only 1/3rd the purchase. You also need pro design software: Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark/InDesign, Microsoft Office [99% of the copy I receive is in Microsoft Word... and occasionally Excel]. They generally add up to a few thousand dollars. You can get away with "borrowed" software for a long time, but don't do REAL work on pirated software.

[I don't want to make this a Quark vs. InDesign thread, but older designers are generally still with Quark, newer designers are looking more at InDesign but InDesign is really starting to take hold of the design arena, but I would say Quark is still "the standard" but no good printer wouldn't accept either. Ask potential clients what they have and if they they have any plans on switching. The last time I had a heart to heart with my printer, he said he had about 40% InDesign and 60% Quark... which is WAY up from 2 years ago]

3) I highly recommend picking up a PMS book if you are going to be a low end designer. It saved me a few times working with clients because you can walk in and say "pick the color you want". It's not the first thing I would buy, but after you get a few clients... pick one up.