I think you would be better off getting a Dual Core Windows notebook with 4GB RAM. I am sure you could grab on for under $1000. Also, make sure it has dedicated video memory, Helps with graphics. Good Luck
I would go with a Dell Precision M2300 or a Dell Precision M4300 depending if you want size or light weight. They offer unbelievable graphics power at a great price. Check out the benchmarks I did with these using 3D CAD benchmarks: http://www.danstechreviews.net/2008/05/dell-precision-mobile-workstations-for.html
Well, I've got HP Pavillion 6520S and I'm very happy with it. Its video card is okay - its not too great, but its more than what I need. It cost me $1,300 {I got it customized} 2.1 Ghz C2D Processor. ATI Radeon 1350 {128 MB Video Card} 4 GB Ram. 160 GB HardDisc DVD writer with LightScribe.... Its has a 14.1' monitor, and runs off a 6 cell battery - so I get about 3 hours of backup. Also, its got a nice finish - it looks really stylish, and it's not even really heavy (Just 2.2 kgs)
What? no, Get a mac for sure they are like future proof. Macbook is the way to go Macbookpro is even better is you have the money.
I would really love to get a Mac but they are double the price..L Seriously double, for ½ the price I can get a HP or Sony with every thing the Mac has. A lot of the companies around here use Macs so lots of graphics and webdesign jobs require you know how to use a Mac, but 2 times as much is a lot.
resto, people in some graphic firms are still using G4 macs that says a lot about mac, they last way way more than any other computer would, also they os is brilliant, i have had no viruses also the os looks so professional compared to XP and is easier to use, also fun. but i do understand what you mean by that they are expensive but you know what something quality isn't cheap also if you really like xp but like the mac designs then just dual booty your system so you have mac and windows side by side? easy to do.
you should definately choose a mac for graphics. microsoft lacks quality that's highly visible by other computers.
The quality of your work doesn't come from which operating system you use, it comes from the creative talent you input. All the typical pro tools such as photoshop,illustrator etc are available on both pc and mac, do you really think that work produced in photoshop on "microsoft lacks quality that's highly visible by other computers". That's a frankly ridiculous assertion. As a director of a design company that uses both macs and pc's, I have no preference, and I've personally produced videos using after effects on a pc for global use by billion dollar companies, which they were delighted with. Go figure Whether this was produced on pc or mac makes absolutely no difference, it's your personal talent that makes the end result, not the machine.
Well i have always heard that graphic design MAC is perfect. But mac is way to expensive, so i would recommend a dell XPS.