Expert: Scott Valentine - 5/8/2009

Question
I am studying graphic design on my own with Adobe Books and training software, however I haven't had the full version of CS4 installed yet.  I have the software & now need to decide on what laptop to get.  I am not trying to buy the cheapest laptop, but not the most expensive one either.  I've heard mixed reviews about CS4 and Vista.  Some say after their awful experience with Vista and CS4, they will never go back to Vista again. I've been told that I should get a MAC.  I've also heard that most laptops won't run CS4's latest user-interface features that require OpenGL accerleration.  I've been using Windows all my life & would rather stick to Windows, however am willing to switch to MAC if Adobe CS4 will run better, faster, & more efficient.  Please help me with some expert advice.  

Thanks,

Lynn


Answer
Thanks for a tough question, Lynn!  :)

There is a lot wrapped up in this topic, so I'll try to stick to the high points. First of these is your own comfort level. If you are more comfortable with Windows, and have other investments that only work with Windows (applications, hardware, other computers, etc), then I'd recommend sticking with Windows.

However, if you are interested in moving to Mac, be aware that how you work with your computer in general will change. I don't recommend changing operating systems just to run one application, unless you are certain you will be able to work better with it, including being able to work with other professionals in your field.

That being said, when my Windows machine needed to be retired in 2008, I switched to Mac. The reason is at the performance range I needed, the Windows and Mac capabilities were at about the same price point. Most of the professional designers and photographers I know use Macs (obviously this is biased by my personal experience, not a reflection of the actual market). And I wanted to take advantage of some UI enhancements, including OpenGL.

In moving to Mac, I found that I still needed a number of Windows applications, so I also have Bootcamp, Parallels and CrossOver. Each of these lets me load up Windows applications in a different way, so I have the best of both worlds.

What I can't answer personally is whether OSX is faster than Vista, since I have very limited experience with Vista. And, I'm using a desktop, not a laptop. A laptop that will run OpenGL and have enough processor power to run CS4 well will cost you as much as a high-end desktop; something worth considering.

My real recommendation is this; if you are interested in using Mac anyway, take the plunge, but think about getting a desktop. You will be able to do everything you can with Windows (using dual-boot or virtualization software), and you'll probably be more in synch with other professionals in your field. Don't switch just for one application, though - you need to be comfortable with a new computing environment. And I highly recommend getting a desktop to get more bang for your buck.

If you must get a laptop, Windows is more cost effective, but may not be as stable (just based on what I read on support forums).

I know this probably doesn't clear much up for you, but it is a complex question. Ask around and get input from others in your region (e.g., folks you may some day work with), and find out if you have a local Mac store for support. That may answer the question for you :)

Please let me know if you have further questions, or would like to discuss this more. Lots of people are in the same boat as you, and switching operating systems can be quite intimidating!

Cheers,

-Scott