meGrimlock wrote:hi new to the forum too, but i am interested in what everybody is using for their personal/work computer. i am in desperate need of an upgrade and i am looking for suggestions like the OP.
Personally, I've always used Macs, so I can't really comment on Windows hardware specifics, but the generalities pretty much apply across the platforms. I wouldn't consider buying any computer for graphics work that had under 8 gigabytes of RAM, and 16 is even better. Graphic designers are notorious for simultaneously keeping a dozen memory-hogging apps open at a time, and with anything less than eight gigs, things bog down. As far as disk space goes, bigger is better. Better still are redundant (backed-up) removable hard drives where files are stored. Both RAM and disk space are relatively cheap, so considering the huge difference they make, more is better.
My main work computers for several years now have been MacBook Pros. The portability is essential for me, and when I'm at home or at work, I plug the laptops into large desktop monitors (30-inch at work and 27-inch at home). This is likely an expensive setup for a student, part-timer or hobbyist, but my point is that this is an ideal setup (for me, anyway). So if you can afford the extra RAM or the bigger drive or the bigger monitor, get them. If not, get as much as you can for what you can afford.
I just registered to the forum. I'm designer trying to get my foot in the door. My husband and i are opening a design business. More specifically logo design, at this point, but would like to eventually move into digital painting. However, we are in need of a second computer. Two artists, and one computer isn't ideal. Wondering what computer you would suggest? What kind of memory? RAM? The computer we currently have, slows once the file is too large. Personally comfortably with PC, but open to the idea of a mac, if it's the better way to go. Thanks ahead of time for your suggestions. 
