The Digital Artist. Review on Buying a Computer

I'm writing this review based on my experience in the last 6 years. I'm a digital artist, animator and consultant for different firms. In my experience buying computers, I've learnt a lot. As an artist, one must always know the strength of one's talent. The area you are specializing greating reflects your purchasing needs. If you are digital artist, buy a machine that suits your painting softwares. don't look completely into budget as your computer is second in you creating your works of art. You get a cheap machine, you get cheap work. I wouldn't recommend buying an over priced machine. It is not worth it as technology evolves so rapidly and so your investment would be wasted and you'll be forced to upgrade either way.

Analyse your requirements carefully if purchasing. I would honestly advice to buy an assembled PC if you have to have a trusted engineer.

Buy genuine motherboards that allow upgradation. The Processor comes second on the list. the rest of the configuration can be built on your professional requirements.

Hard Disks are the storage tanks for your work. Invest sufficiently in this hardware so as to not run into space shortage. If you are 3d artist. I recommend you put in atleast 512 MB Ram to 1 Gb Ram on your machine to start with. Get a good Video Graphics Card with atleast 256 MB. Get a Firewire(IEEE 1394) card installed in your machine for backup of data to external harddisks. Sound cards come built in but if your are an sound engineering student, go for one of the M-Audio cards. If your are an artists who is having trouble with the mouse for drawing, go for a Graphic Tablet like a Wacom. I know that TFT(LCD) monitors look slim and cool but if you are into Color correction or print media, I strongly suggest sticking to the Good Ol' CRT(Box) monitors.

I think that would do to get you started. Have fun buying your new workhorse and feel free to create your dreams!