Optimal computer set-up for web production work?

September 12, 2007 9:57 AM

I have a chance to request a new hardware set up for work (web production). I want to strike a good balance between having good tools to do my work but not asking for way more than I need (I work at a non-profit, and while we are a large non-profit, we are still a non-profit). What should I ask for? Details inside!

Specifically in regards to cross-browser/platform compatibility, I am wondering about the feasibility of using a Mac for my main machine (what I use at home, but currently am on a ThinkPad), and using Bootcamp, or similar, to check out pages in Windows. How easy is it to switch back and forth?

I also have the Adobe Web Bundle with CS2 and Studio 8 that says it's for Windows, so if I upgraded to Mac I'd also have to get new software. Unless I install it on the Windows partition, but then what's the point of having a Mac?

I suppose it's also possible to get a better Windows machine for my main machine and a semi-decent Mac for testing, but aside from the mini, they're pretty expensive. In the past I would say I could just share a monitor, but I've learned that's way more annoying than it sounds.

Anything else special I should be looking for? I think I'll be set with 2GB ram, anything else?

Thanks!

posted by unsigned to Computers & Internet (7 answers total)

The more RAM you can get the better, esp if you're going to run Vista. I'd make sure to get at least a dual core, but you don't have to get the fastest one. Save money on processor and get more RAM. Also if you can get a HD with 8mb of Cache (or even 16mb) over 4mb this will make a pretty big difference.

If you're just doing office work, you don't need a bad ass video card so you can save money there too. However, make sure to get one that's on the Vista hardware compatability list. See http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/ed1e3b7d-5ea7-4ad3-be3f-af29f7b48dde1033.mspx?mfr=true.
posted by jeffamaphone at 10:08 AM on September 12, 2007

I don' tknow if it's part of the offer, but get dual monitors. Doubling your screen size increases your productivity like you wouldn't believe. This is especially true in web design, where you'll be switching between code, specs documents, and browsers for testing.
posted by chrisamiller at 10:09 AM on September 12, 2007

I'm surprised I'm the first one to say that if you get a mac for your main computer, you can use parallels to run Windows while your running OSX. That way, you won't have to reboot each time you want to check something out in Windows. It'll be as easy to switch as switching selected windows.
posted by philomathoholic at 10:13 AM on September 12, 2007

Yes, a Mac with Parallels is the dream scenario for any kind of cross-platform development (web, software, database, etc). No rebooting, and mixed up Windows and Mac apps side by side. It's odd to see Mac Firefox next to Windows Firefox on the same screen, but it definitely works well.

It does chew up RAM. You'll want 2Gb or more.

On the other hand, sharing a monitor is not annoying if you have a KVM switch. Some of them work from hotkeys, even. Control-F1 and you flip between computers with a blink.
posted by rokusan at 10:41 AM on September 12, 2007

I'd take the plunge the and go for an 20/24 inch iMac, with the full CS3 suite. You may work for a non-profit, but at the end of the day, you're not paying for it. Would you prefer the best tools available to you, or just adequate? What will benefit your organization in the long-term?

Simple choice if you ask me.
posted by ReiToei at 10:46 AM on September 12, 2007

If you can only have one computer, I'd say get a iMac with a second display. You could even put Parallels or VMWare Fusion running Windows on its own display.

I do web development for a non-profit on a two display windows computer with a iMac attached using synergy2.
posted by advicepig at 11:55 AM on September 12, 2007

as far as actual dollar cost is concerned, things like fast hardware and dual (high-quality) monitors will more than pay for themselves through your higher productivity and reduced fatigue/frustration.

if it turns out that you go with windows, you can run vmware with guest osx and linux OSes, too. the workstation version is $180. actually, you can run your desktop server on a guest linux install and visit it from the other operating systems installed on your machine (almost) simultaneously.
posted by klanawa at 4:50 PM on September 12, 2007