New Computer

[shiben]

Ok, so the time has come where my macbook is no longer up to the tasks that I need it to do. As a student, I use it for vectorworks frequently, and would run the offline editor from our Ion as well, and probably the client software. Any ideas on what make/model I should look at? I figure that I want the machine to last for quite a while, and be able to keep up with software until im at least out of grad school (4-5 years down the road). Basically, im looking for a reliable machine, with some power under the hood. Anyone here have a preferred brand/type of computer?

[dvsDave]

questions

• does it need to be a laptop?
• rough budget
• is weight a concern (if it's a laptop)

[icewolf08]

The tough thing about laptops is that they really have a limited useful lifespan. There just isn't enough upgradeability. If you are looking for 4-5 years, you can probably get that if you get the best machine on the market now that you can afford to get. If you really want something that will last you into the future you should get a desktop (not including iMac). The desktop form factor will allow you to really expand as new technology comes out.

In terms of actual machine, if you are happy with Mac, and you have invested in Mac software, it makes sense to stay with the platform. If you are into hacking, you can always build yourself a Hackintosh which will cost you less $$$ but you won't have the luxury of calling apple support if you run into issues.

[Ikevis]

The core i7 processor just came out for laptops, so if you get any laptop, I would make sure it has this processor because anything else is already outdated. dell has some models starting at $1000. I would go onto intels website and look. Thats how I found my laptop.

[shiben]

The machine does not need to be a laptop, and price range is probably below 10k or so. I really like using dual screens for vecotrworks, if that makes a difference.

[icewolf08]

Originally Posted by shiben

The machine does not need to be a laptop, and price range is probably below 10k or so. I really like using dual screens for vecotrworks, if that makes a difference.

You can get a lot of computer for under $10K! In that price range you can get a top-of-the-line Mac Pro, dual displays and still have extra to trick it out with lots of other stuff.

[DuckJordan]

or you could easily build your own, for under 10k as far as a PC goes seeing as most macantosh software can be run on a pc with an easy emulator