Author Question: What is the best computer for a small photography business? (Read 1966 times)

camila · **on:** Jun 29, 2013

I need a computer that can hold a lot of stuff and is fast. I realize computers can't be perfect either, but it can't freeze on me all the time. It also needs to be able to run different different software, because I need to do homework on it and play games. Basically, I need a good quality computer. I want it under $700. Thanks and God bless!

Sandstorm · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 29, 2013

I was going to say get a MacBook Pro... but that will cost you three times more than you want spend.

Gateways will definately be within your budget though... try this one:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9173191&type=product&id=1218044029373

formula1 · **Reply #2 on:** Jun 29, 2013

Go Mac for the Photography end, PC for the business end.

Yolanda · **Reply #3 on:** Jun 29, 2013

Twp actually. One office desktop and one notebook you can take with you when on location or showing a potential client your work, so you may want to include another computer in your next years capital expenditures along with any lenses you find you need as your company grows.

For under $700. There are some right now that cost about $550 with the Intel dual 2 core CPU, 3 GB of RAM, 15.4 inch screen, a 250 GB hard drive running on Vista Home Premium.. It is model G530 made by Lenovo (IBM has turned over all the manufacturing of computers to Lenovo).

Sometimes you can find them with a $50 mail-in rebate. With the rest of the money, you can either buy a 21 inch LCD monitor for your office and connect the notebook to it when you are there or buy a nice 1 TB external drive to keep your work in progress (WIP) files.

I guess it is not a good time to mention buying Photoshop CS4 at $700 or $1000 for CS Extended.

Having to learn a second operating system while learning to run your new business and then buying two versions of PS, one for each operating system will cost you BIG time

Millan · **Reply #4 on:** Jun 29, 2013

I think a mac is your best bet. You can find a used macbook on or around your budget and run photoshop CS2 and Lightroom. As for homework, what do you really need? Just a browser and microsoft word. Basically if the computer can handle photography you should be fine for homework. As for games... Take it from me, you don't want games on any computer that you will be working on. Keep those things separate. It will serve you well for the next sixty or so years.

Jones · **Reply #5 on:** Jun 29, 2013

I am not quite sure about pricing but you need one with a lot of room, If you want fast you cannot really get many under $700 but take a look around. I build computers but that is the only way I get parts cheap,
Get a good graphics card probably nvidia or radion
(make sure it is new enough), enough ram if you want good gameplay along with a fast processor. I recommend you get cam2 PC it is a good photography manager for windows. Take a look at my website at www.freewebs.com/stormfreak. Post on the forum there and I will answer any more questions you have. Good Luck.