[X4U] (POT) Graphic Artist Question

[Christopher Collins]

I think the other part that people are forgetting is :NEW: graphic  
artist part of the question.

So chances are, He or She may not be very familiar with the software  
and/or OS X and will be learning not only the job they have to do,  
but also the software. This will mean, He/She will be nowhere near as  
productive, or as fast, as a trained graphic artist.

I think the most balanced  option I have heard so far is the 24" iMac  
with 2GB RAM, possibly with a HDD upgrade.

For graphics and desktop publishing usage, desktop real estate is the  
most useful thing you can have. Even a Core 2 Duo or Core Duo CPU  
won't be over loaded in this type of environment. I wouldn't  
recommend less than 2GB of RAM on any Intel Mac for one reason only -  
each uses 2 modules. So to upgrade, you must replace what you have,  
not add to it. Go for the extra video card memory option and the  
extra HDD capacity only if you don't have external or server storage.

Just for comparison (US Apple Store):

Apple iMac 24", 2.33GHz C2D CPU, 2GB RAM, 500GB HDD, Wireless KBD and  
Mouse, 256MB Video Card = US$2808.00
Apple Mac Pro, 2 * 2.0GHZ Dual Core Xeon, 2GB RAM, 500GB HDD,  
Wireless KBD and Mouse, 256MB Video Card, Apple Cinema Display 23" =  
US$3615.00

There is a saving of US$807.00.

Is a beginner graphic artist likely to notice any real difference  
between these 2 machines? UNLIKELY! Perhaps poofteenths of a second  
here and there.

And that US$807 goes a long way towards covering the cost of the  
necessary software!

Adobe Creative Suite CS3 Design Standard (InDesign, Acrobat,  
Photoshop and Illustrator) = US$1199 (Mac Mall)

So which way is a business owner likely to go when presented with  
these options? Let alone a non-profit? It seems very obvious.

While it is nice to have the latest and greatest, business needs and  
finances usually dictate otherwise.

My 2 cents worth after many years of dealing with business owners and  
purchasers in both the PC and Mac worlds.

Christopher