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Buying a computer system/Help buying laptop for Graphics/Video work

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Expert: - 12/26/2008


Question
Hey Bob, I am looking to buy a laptop (slightly used if possible) and am wondering what I should look for. I'm hoping you can give me more hardware requirements rather than brand suggestions. What I am planning to do with it:
- Use Adobe Creative Suite (mainly Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash)
- Take videos from my camcorder and edit/republish them to DVD
- Like to be able to hook up an old SCSI photograph slide scanner as well
- plus usual other 'normal' uses for a modern laptop, like surfing, downloading music, Office suite, etc.
- love to have Windows XP rather than Vista, but that's based somewhat on rumor - I'm not aversive to change

What essentials do you think I should be looking for?
Thanks...

Answer
I would suggest a desktop, especially when it comes to SCSI compatability, as SCSI is more or less impossible on a laptop. As far as Adobe Creative Suite and DVD authoring, you will want quite a bit of processing power, which is very expensive in a laptop, while a desktop will save you considerable money (we're talking 30-40% of the price).

-bob

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Bobbert

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I have nearly two decades of experience in IT, computer repair, and related fields and will attempt to provide the most solid, brand-agnostic advice when it comes time to purchase a new computer, or upgrade an existing machine. I can answer anything from the seemingly basic to the downright complicated - and will do my best to provide this information in a clear and concise manner.

Experience

I have been an enthusiast of PC's for many years, and can answer questions about the purchase/use of a new computer or the purchase, installation, and use of upgrades for existing computers. There probably isn't a whole lot related to the home computer that I haven't seen over the years.

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15+ years of experience

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