Expert: Karl Zick - 3/17/2009

Question
Hi,

My daughter is using a graphics tablet to draw and create mangas.  She also wants to branch out into other graphics and eventually wants to get cs3 or 4 (can't afford it right now).  I want to get her her own computer for her birthday this coming April, but I don't know what will run her photoshop and not run slow.  She goes online to post her manga and artwork, as well.  I don't have alot of money now, but can upgrade a little at a time.  Could you guide me in the most important specs she'd need in a computer, as well as additional upgrades for later?  I appreciate your help very much!

I'm Clueless!
Valerie

Answer
Hi Valerie,

In today's computer world, I would not call any IBM computer `graphics based'.  The very serious graphics professionals use Mac computers - but I doubt you want to go there yet because of the price.  Any good IBM machine should run any graphics software you have.

First, stay away from eMachine, Compaq, and HP computers.  Also, do not by a Computer with an Intel Celeron or AMD Sempron processor in it.  Look for computer with either an Intel dual-core Pentium grade or AMD 64 bit dual-core processor.

The performance of laptops these days is almost equal to desktops, so I would suggest looking at both.  My favorite bang for the buck' laptop is a Toshiba and Office Depot has them on sale quite frequently for $499.  For convenience, I would not buy one larger that 14", but that is a matter of preference.

The 4 things to consider when shopping is brand, processor type, RAM, and hard drive size. I have already talked about brands and processors, so lets look at RAM.  After a solid platform and processor, the next speed and performance factor is RAM (your computer's thinking space').  I recommend at least 3GB of RAM in any computer, but a lot of them still only come with 1GB.  The good news is you can buy additional RAM for both desktops and laptops for about $15 a gig - and it is very simple to install.  As far as your hard drive (where all of your programs and personal files are permanently stored), 80 gigabytes is plenty but most new computers have at least 120 gigabytes.  A bigger hard drive does not make your computer run any better, so it is not a performance issue.

The 5th thing would be price, and I would not pay more than $500 for anything.  As I said, a great Toshiba laptop costs that much and if your daughter would be interested in the mini-laptop or netbook, you can buy an ACER for about $260.  I own a 10" Lenovo and have friends with 9" ACER's and they are amazing little computers.  Last, very good desktops run about $300 these days and you can buy a hi-end 22" monitor to go with it for under $200.

I do most of my on-line shopping at geeks.com, newegg.com, and compusa.com and specials vary from day to day.  Today, Geeks has the Toshiba notebook on special for $470 with free shipping.

Hope this helps.