NRR- FAO all you graphic design types on here....

**benjamin hatton** · 15-08-2007, 11:28 AM

I need to get my arse into gear and get back into some design/illustration work again...need to upgrade my computer and software though, was looking for opinions on Mac vs. PC?? I know there's a few design-types on here, so was wondering what you all use/recommend?? ta!

**The Divine One** · 15-08-2007, 11:38 AM

I've always used Macs, but largely because 10 years ago PCs were a nightmare to use. Nowadays there's not THAT much difference, plus all the software is available on PC. Bearing in mind Macs cost about twice PCs, if I were starting out now I'd seriously think about getting a PC which was twice as powerful.

Mind you, they look shite. And if you're going into design, that's always going to be a factor...

**platerpus** · 15-08-2007, 11:39 AM

in my view the old mac vs pc thing is a bit redundant now. pc is fine for several people i know. am i wrong?

**platerpus** · 15-08-2007, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by The Divine One

I've always used Macs, but largely because 10 years ago PCs were a nightmare to use. Nowadays there's not THAT much difference, plus all the software is available on PC. Bearing in mind Macs cost about twice PCs, if I were starting out now I'd seriously think about getting a PC which was twice as powerful.

Mind you, they look shite. And if you're going into design, that's always going to be a factor...

ah, got you.

**benjamin hatton** · 15-08-2007, 11:44 AM

cheers guys, yeah I thought there wasn't too much difference these days between PC's and Mac's..I'll probably be needing a laptop as I'll be travelling around a lot soon and after a quick look price-wise at Macbooks vs laptops on eBay

So what software is good??

**Sergio Paradise** · 15-08-2007, 12:59 PM

Adobe Creative Suite.

**JamesF** · 15-08-2007, 01:02 PM

InDesign
Illustrator
Photoshop
Flash
ImageReady
Fireworks
Freehand
Quark

In order of most used at work. Don't forget you may need some kind of font management system - not sure how this works on PCs.

**benjamin hatton** · 10-09-2007, 09:36 AM

...so does anyone have Creative Suite for PC that I could perhaps *ahem* "borrow"

**Matt Hero** · 10-09-2007, 01:40 PM

Don't know if this is relevant Ben, but recently did some price/performance comparison between PC/Mac laptops at work (Mac Book Pro vs IBM/Dell hardware).

In terms of price point there doesn't seem to be much to choose between them, even if you're comparing weight (which was a factor in our choice). At the high-end DualCore CPUs, both are using virtually identical Intel gear.... so untimately it'll come down to OSX vs Windows OS perfomance on your chosen apps.

We ended up ordering a few Dell laptops in the end, just on the basis that the support contracts were better/cheaper. Something worth considering if your box is going to be sort of business critical ?

**Nick Cope** · 10-09-2007, 01:54 PM

Yeah, high end machines are virtually the same price. The only reason I'd say go Mac is because I've yet to meet a serious designer or creative dept that uses PCs (though I'm sure there are many out there). The point being it could be better for you to use a Mac should you find yourself freelancing and using someone elses' computer, which will most likely be a Mac - all the little operating differences can be a pain sometimes if you're on an unfamiliar machine and have a tight deadline etc etc.

**benjamin hatton** · 10-09-2007, 02:05 PM

Cheers chaps, have already got a new laptop now...had to go for a cheap Acer rather than a Mac due to (lack of) budget....

**Matt Hero** · 10-09-2007, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by benjamin hatton

Cheers chaps, have already got a new laptop now...had to go for a cheap Acer rather than a Mac due to (lack of) budget....

Not that will actually stop you from running OSX Ben (hacky hacky etc).

**benjamin hatton** · 10-09-2007, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Matt Hero

Not that will actually stop you from running OSX Ben (hacky hacky etc).

really?? if you've got a minute, d'ya reckon you could drop me a PM about how to do this please Matt? I've loads of mates with Macs and this could sort me out