Buying computers – PCs and Macs – for graphic design work. Hardware systems compared for suitability for graphic arts use, including processor speed, monitors, hard disks, graphics cards and computer peripherals.

Computers and technology

Buying computer equipment for use in graphic design

It's been a long time since drawing boards, Letraset dry transfer lettering and Rotring pens were part of graphic designers everyday arsenal of tools.

Ever since the advent of Desktop Publishing (DTP) in the 1980s, graphic designers have embraced computer technology. Whilst some designers are ambivalent as to whether DTP has increased or decreased design standards, it is undeniable that digital publishing is here to stay.

All of which requires that graphic designers become at the very least competent, if not experts, in many aspects of computing.

But graphic designers are not primarily IT experts and buying a computer for graphic design work can often be a confusing and expensive exercise. And of course, if we all had an unlimited budget, then the shopping process would be easy. It would simply be a case of buying the most expensive Apple Mac or Windows PC, loading it up with Adobe's Creative Suite, QuarkXpress and some 3D applications, plugging in a 23" monitor and we would be set to go.

But few designers can afford to do that. For most creative professionals, budgeting for new (or second hand) equipment is a question of balancing the dollars against the pros and cons of each upgrade. This article is not indented to be an exhaustive buyers guide to specific hardware and software. Computer specifications change on an almost daily basis and every designers requirements are different.

So we will concentrate on the basic principles that graphic designers may want to focus on when writing that initial requirements list. After that, we recommend doing a lot of research and price comparison. We also recommend asking lots of questions of other designers and in places like the graphic design forums. Most people are happy to help and nothing beats personal experience.

Mac or PC | Monitors | Hard Disks | Printers | Portable or Desktop | Input Devices | Freelancer or Studio

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