Hello. I'm a student with an AA transferring from a community college to a University for my BFA in Graphic Design. I've always loved design. I was the dorky kid in middle school who drew brochures and drew new boxes for Fruit Loops. Anyway, In the few computer-based design classes that I have had in college so far, I've used the computers they have in the labs, and do whatever other work (homework, portfolio stuff, small paid projects) at home. Now, sit down, take a breath, and I'm going to tell you what I've been using the past 4 years at home. A Toshiba 17" notebook with 1.5GHz Intel Celeron processor, 256 megs of ram, 40 gig HD, CD/DVD drive (no re-write, silly!), and bottom-of-the-barrel graphics processor. About a year ago, the screen died, so I've been using various hand-me-down monitors. Yes, I have run Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Gimp, Inkscape, and have a 1,500 font library on that computer. How do I do it? Simple... very slowly, and only ONE application at a time 
Anyway, my point with that is now that I'm entering the upper level courses, which are more computer based and design intensive, I'm definetly going to need a new computer. I don't need the top-of-the-line, nor do I need it. I feel that it's not the computer, its the designer who makes the best of what she has. I have had to support myself through school, my parents can't help, and though I have a scholarship that pays 75% of my tuition, I am responsible for all else. Which means, I do NOT have unlimited funds for a new computer, but I do want to get something that will get me through college and a few years beyond.
My biggest question is, for those of you who have experienced those upper level courses, what computer set up would be best for me? I like the new iMacs, because I don't like carrying things with me. The laptop I have now always stays home. I'm clumsy anyway, and normally carry just a thumb drive to transfer work. If it's absolutely necessary that I get a MBP, though, I will. If enough people think it is necessary and will be more beneficial overall. I do have a decent external monitor with me that I will be taking, because I LOVE space, and work with 2 monitors whenever I can.
Also, I DO HAVE TIME. I have until I transfer in January. Which do you think would be more beneficial, buying now, or waiting until later in the year when they start shipping with the new OS and maybe *crosses fingers* fix the color problem on the iMac monitors, and maybe even start shipping them with matte displays? I know, I'm being hopeful with that one. What would be the best option? Mind you, see paragraph 2 of this post, I have worked with CRAP for so long, that I am definetly not snobby about a little glare problem or whatnot on a screen, I just want something that works and works well.
Anyway, sorry this was so long. Just wanted to be clear
Anyway, my point with that is now that I'm entering the upper level courses, which are more computer based and design intensive, I'm definetly going to need a new computer. I don't need the top-of-the-line, nor do I need it. I feel that it's not the computer, its the designer who makes the best of what she has. I have had to support myself through school, my parents can't help, and though I have a scholarship that pays 75% of my tuition, I am responsible for all else. Which means, I do NOT have unlimited funds for a new computer, but I do want to get something that will get me through college and a few years beyond.
My biggest question is, for those of you who have experienced those upper level courses, what computer set up would be best for me? I like the new iMacs, because I don't like carrying things with me. The laptop I have now always stays home. I'm clumsy anyway, and normally carry just a thumb drive to transfer work. If it's absolutely necessary that I get a MBP, though, I will. If enough people think it is necessary and will be more beneficial overall. I do have a decent external monitor with me that I will be taking, because I LOVE space, and work with 2 monitors whenever I can.
Also, I DO HAVE TIME. I have until I transfer in January. Which do you think would be more beneficial, buying now, or waiting until later in the year when they start shipping with the new OS and maybe *crosses fingers* fix the color problem on the iMac monitors, and maybe even start shipping them with matte displays? I know, I'm being hopeful with that one. What would be the best option? Mind you, see paragraph 2 of this post, I have worked with CRAP for so long, that I am definetly not snobby about a little glare problem or whatnot on a screen, I just want something that works and works well.
Anyway, sorry this was so long. Just wanted to be clear