Gaming computers good for designers?

[Serveza]

I'm graduating soon and wanted to buy a gaming laptop so I could spend some time enjoying all the games I wasn't able to play while in school. However, I want to also be able to do my design work. I don't use 3D programs or anything, just the normal Adobe and Macromedia suites.

Someone told me, however, that a gaming computer isn't good for graphics. I don't see how this can be the case, b/c they generally have lots of RAM, great video cards and fast processors. What's wrong with that combination for designing?

[PrintDriver]

It runs more to programming conflicts generally.

Think about it a minute, you are using the tool that creates your income to play games on...

Two weeks ago the current OSX upgrade for the Mac went absolutely haywire with a certain MacAlly gaming console. There is now a patch but if you weren't aware of it and you upgraded and your comp crapped out (and this was a root level fix kind of crap out), where would you be on that mailer due tomorrow. Same thing could happen on a PC in theory. All it takes is one or two corrupted font files and you got issues...

Most people play games though. Just play wisely. And be sure the graphics card you do get is compatible with your work software even if you have to forego the game of the week...

Or get one of the game cube playstation x box whatever things.

PD is a grande format digital print dude. His advice/opinions may not apply to the 4color/offset/web world of printing

Post Edited (PD) : 3/6/2005 10:43:54 PM GMT

[Ryan8720]

I'm not a on a hardcore gaming machine per se. I can run both the Adobe suite and games quite well. I wouldn't really see the problem of using a gaming PC other than they are usually overpriced.

You will want a big harddrive. Games these days are large.

http://www.edgewebdesign.org/images/misc/ryan_shadowmetal.gif (http://www.edgewebdesign.org)

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Free iPod (http://www.freeiPods.com/default.aspx?referer=9871683) (explanation in Mod Blog (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=13&tabid=151))

[~Digital_E.V.O~]

PD is right.... memory conflicts can occur. Software issues. If you are going to design, don't play around with the machine you work on. I have had to start computers from scratch. Especially if you aren't computer savvy.

What we are going to do here is go back,
way back,
back in time.

When the only people to exist were Troglodytes.
cavemen,
CAVEWOMEN,
neanderthals,
troglodytes.

i got a letter from the gubberment the other day...

[plantationfarmer]

the only worry for me is that you'll spend more time playing games than doing work. it kills productivity. from my experience anyway.... =)

mtv's boring. maybe im just old. but im only twentyone!