Not sure what machine to buy?

[PierreKuehnhold]

Hi there,

I've been working on landscape designs and renders for a couple of years now, but still new to the game.
Anyway, I'm looking for a new computer that will speed everything up.

More Ram? Better video cards? New everything? Any ideas???

[heathlmorris]

Whats your budget?

[arail1]

i7-2600K
GTX570
16G RAM

[Mike Lucey]

Hi Guys,

I see HP are upping the anti and introducing the imaginati to hold their market share. Looks like a good spec for running SketchUp

http://h71016.www7.hp.com/html/cdg/2011/nvidia/mw051611/index.asp?jumpid=ex_r2910_us/smb/psg/choi/FY11Q4MobileWorkstationUS/dm:_N5823.DesignNews_71130721_245498883_43732848#

Mike

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[AdamB]

Pierre,

Computers are commodity items - so you get what you pay for. However, my 2 tips would be:

1. Make sure it isn't low priced because it has an Intel graphics chip (GPU). They are uniformly bug-ridden and slow.
2. Don't underestimate the importance of a FAST hard disk nowadays with large images and models. You'll thank me later!

Adam

[PierreKuehnhold]

Let's say budget is around 1500.
I really want a mac but I think it would be easier in the future to upgrade a regular ol' PC.
Sounds real dull, but alas it is my reality.
thank you all for replying

[Mike Lucey]

Well, if you want a Mac and are on a tight budget. Have a look at ebay also other second-hand sites and of course the Apple refurbished site. My current MBP was purchased via the Apple refurbished site and came with a guarantee also saved me $500. It looked totally new, only the boxing was generic / plain.

BTW, upgrading laptops is a messy business other than memory upgrades. Also Adam's advise is very sound, particularly on the fast HD.

[PierreKuehnhold]

Thanks a lot guys,

I think it makes sense to get a computer built or try to find one with everything I need.
This could be a very exciting project.