Computer Wishlist for Content Artist & SL?

If you were give chance to get whatever on wish list on various price ranges
of items what would you pick.
I was trying to look at one place because I thought they had gift cards Dell but they don't.
All there systems seem to be pushing ATI Radeon Pro and Vista.

I like camera that is good with graphics but not sure really much about camera thing.
Other then 5 megapixels or better is better.
I want drawing tablet but those small ones would I need microscope to use them?
Computer wise I want something that is multi-functional that I use here, and for multi-tasking with art applications.
I hear more is better memory for sl and graphic applications. Geforce 8800 is good for SL.
I am artist, I have some computer knowledge but very much on low end of knowledge spectrum.
Searching seems to only bring up certain things and I am sort stuck.
Please if you can suggest something....
Like where can I find ideal system that doesn't push ati pro cards or vista that is good place to go for system with all the things one needs for sl and offline graphic applications?
What about something that backs up all the art and textures you're making securely and safely? What would the best way to keep back ups?
What would be your ultimate content creating system and SL computer wish list and where would you go to get all the parts or computer?

a computer that works

(mine is still dead, looks like I need to replace it, and until I get lots of sales and/or donations, that ain't gonna happen)

no sense dreaming about what I can not have

I am sorry that sucks...
I hope something happens that will get what you need to play soon.
Actually I don't if this going to happen but there is strong like chance my wish list might come true I just don't know what to pick.....

keeps fingers crossed for us both hehe

I have my laptop but it is slow on SL, very hard to do much of anything

but I did manage to get out those shoes I was working on for the past week LOL

Who knows what will happen for you.
When I first got here I had very low end system literally wasn't even recommend video card, I was still using a very old art program that I had lot of problems with, I don't sell my content I just create and I have met the kindest friends and those people who pass by just at right time and leave very interesting gifts, some I couldn't possible ever imagine affording.
I don't expect these gifts but when they happen its really, really sweet.

Wishlist ... you might want to look at some of Dell's workstations. You can get them with XP and nVidia Quadro cards. Two quad core CPU's can crank out some serious power. Add 8 gigs of memory to keep the CPU's fed. Also 3 hard drives in a Raid 5 for data protection. US$5000 more or less.

But if you are going to spend that much money, get an Alienware instead.

Answers:

1. Can't afford a Wacom? Try the other brands. It's Easy on the budget & around $50. They work! There's drawbacks like batteries, but I think I can afford $4 for a pack of batteries that'll last a few months. I loved my AceCAD till it died one day after years of use. I'm not liking my Genius tablet tho.

2. At least Dual Core CPU, 2 Gig RAM and 8800. I'm loving mine!

3. Ideal System? Build One!! No company will EVER give you the Dream machine unless you fork over alot of cash. I've never had a complaint about SL due to my computer. Don't know how to build one? Ask! It's SO easy!!! People get hung up on the numbers or the brand names. All that matters is.... Does it work? PLUS, I've posted before where to get Windows XP Pro for $88 (full and Legit). Screw "Home". Thats for Mom & Dad to look at vacation photos.

4. Backups? I make a hard drive image every month, keeping the last one till I've made 2 after that. I even keep a "basic install" image around just in case. Norton's Ghost and others can do this for you.

A somewhat better rig - more RAM, and a better video card. My desktop has a Radeon X1300 card. Could do soooo much better.

But the most important thing I could use? Classes on Paint Shop Pro, to unlock the power of the program. I know how to do basic things, and some not so basic things. But there is so much more I could do, just don't know what it all is! How to achieve different effects...stuff like that.

Get a Wacom tablet. Dont bother with the cheaper ones. You can get a refurbished 4x5 Wacom on Ebay for a similar cost. I ended up doing that after seeing reviews of other tablets, and then seeing the cost of them compared to a refurbed Wacom. The price suited me, and everyone I know told me get a Wacom anyway - no matter what the price. I ended up compromising Nice price & proper tablet!

Canon is probably the best entry level camera, or a Fuji Finepix. They'll do for what you need but you probably wont become a world renowned photographer with them.

Backing up I use an external harddrive. And DVD's that i reburn every two years due to not wanting to lose a lot of my photography stuff. With textures/art, either of them would do too. Besides the external drive and DVD's, I have another specific hard drive that I back up everything on the computer with - then I format the computer bringing it back to factory, reinstall the stuff I need. This is done every 4-6 months to try keep the computer running as good as it can even thought its pretty old by now!

As for computers, I cant help. I'm constantly moving so I have a lappy for SL and not a desktop. It does me for now til I settle in one place but there are so many more knowledgable people out there for computer specs than I would be!!

Thanks some food for thought.
Yea I got some wishes for some classes too....but I don't know.
Right now I am bit overwhelmed.

Only 4x5? Mine's not Wacom, but does all the same at 8x12, 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity, 3 button mouse function on the pen, USB2.0.

The pen's a lil' light, about the same as a sharpie marker. AAA battery lasts about 1 month with heavy use.

Altho I will agree I havent heard any bad news on refurbished Wacoms.

I tend to not trust reviews. I prefer to try them out myself. And yea, I've used Wacom a few years back. Nice, but I'd like a large sketch area without needing a bank loan.

) yep, WACOM TABLET... (6x8 here; i -love 4x5, it's so small and sweet, but 6x8 aint' bad either imho don't matter if ya got your moves small or -really- small if you can produce the effect with the equipment, you're all set... i was quite satisfied with my previous 4x5, but have only produced in sl with a 6x8.

btw, NO BATTERY NO BATTERY NO BATTERY NO BATTERY NO BATTERY... didja get that part?? NO BATTERY!! EVER!! (just rare 'plastic stub' replacements; much more economical)

ummm... processor speed?? video cards specs?? what's that?? lol just kidding...

'it's not the quantity dood, but quality'

Yes, it suits me. As I said in my post I'm constantly moving so I dont need a larger one and it does the job for me for regarding the photography. If i require bigger, I'll get bigger eventually. For now, it suits. I've only lately started using it to do stuff in SL. Different strokes for different folks

I did - as they were mostly saying what friends had told me anyway after their own experience.


I've no idea what a sharpie marker is
Is it an etching tool?

hehe 'sharpie' is a very common marker used around the u.s., marks on pretty much anything - commonly used by those giving autographs

Ahhhh
Thanks for the explanation

Ok, gotta give you the battery part, but then big whoop. If life is that hectic for ya, you have problems. I've never had to replace tips.

It's all about "what works" and "is it worth that much to you?" I can do on a $50 tablet what you can do on a $200 Wacom.

Like I already said I've used 'em all. Meh. I see no difference. They all do the same. Ok, some. After Wacom, I'd say AceCAD. Genius is last. I miss my old AceCAD tablet...... but then its tough to find computers that still have the old serial ports. Lil' sucker lasted a good 12+ years.

i've never spent $200 on a wacom. only $75 i think if i remember right for the last one...

maybe the first one i spent closer to $100, but not over. (that was the ninties

and 'big whup' if you use the hell outta it, you'll want to only spend mon on those plastic nibs. they charge a bit for 'em...

Hate to be an ass, Hon....


**** The idea of suggesting cheaper alternatives is to get people started and to stay. ****

So where's the BIG difference? You still havent said ANYTHING that would convince NEWBS to stay. I, at least, offered a cheaper alternative. So far you're asking someone brand new to spend $180 for a tablet and the Cost of Photoshop.

**** The idea of suggesting cheaper alternatives is to get people started and to stay. ****

And read what I said dumbass........ I have NEVER replaced a single NIB on any of the other tablets. SO.... Nib or Battery. Either way, you gotta replace something. Most people can afford $4 (american) for a pack of batteries that lasts about 1 year.

**** The idea of suggesting cheaper alternatives is to get people started and to stay. ****

Where in God's Frickin' Name is the reason for some down-on-his-luck-out-of-work bugger to spend the money on a Wacom right off? Might as well say "you cant be a designer unless you buy Photoshop and only Photoshop".

**** The idea of suggesting cheaper alternatives is to get people started and to stay. ****

The idea is to allow someone with LITTLE or NO money to be able to have a self-sustaining business in SL.

**** The idea of suggesting cheaper alternatives is to get people started and to stay. ****

BUT.... if folks insist on the "elite snobbery", where only the TOP-OF-THE-LINE stuff will do.... SL is Doomed. 99% of users will go elsewhere.

**** The idea of suggesting cheaper alternatives is to get people started and to stay. ****

Sorry if you're afraid of "competition" and have to look down on any other user or content creator with "lesser" equipment. Didnt realize your biz was that imperil. Might be time for you to find a day job as a waitress?