As a web designer, there are specific hardware and software needs that are required to do the job. This computer setup for Windows web designers provides all the essentials, and also gives you the hardware and software you need to design web pages wherever you find yourself. You will have the equipment to impress your clients on site and the tools to impress them with your designs.
Written with assistance from Mark Kyrnin, About.com Guide to Computer Hardware
Image courtesy DellThis Dell desktop will give you the power and speed you need to run all your programs, including Flash, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Premier. Make sure you don't skimp on the memory and get a good video card for faster rendering.
Image courtesy PriceGrabberA 30-inch flat panel LCD monitor is essential if you're going to be able to readily view all your layouts and designs without having windows hidden. This monitor is beautiful, and allows you to have everything to hand for your work.
Image courtesy PriceGrabberA desktop is an important component of your setup, but in order to show clients what your ideas are, you need a laptop with built-in wireless capability. This Lenovo laptop gives you the power and sophistication you need to show your clients what you can do for them.
Image courtesy PriceGrabber Make sure you have the most current service pack, so that your systems are secure.
You can also set up Bootcamp on a Macintosh computer and install Windows there. Then, if you're not comfortable using the Macintosh OS, you can install all your favorite Windows apps on the Macintosh, too.
Image courtesy PriceGrabberCreative Suite Master Collection is the ultimate in creativity suites. It includes all of the Adobe design products including Dreamweaver, Photoshop extended, Illustrator, Flash, InDesign, Acrobat, Contribute. Plus all the production products like AfterEffects, Premiere, Soundbooth, and Encore. The Master collection is the ultimate web design software package.
Image courtesy PriceGrabberA tablet is a lifesaver for any web designer. It is much easier to draw and annotate images with a tablet than any other pointing device. And the Wacom Intuos comes in four sizes if the extra large is too large. Plus there is a wireless version as well.
Image courtesy PriceGrabberUsing a laser printer is important, but sometimes you need color prints. This Samsung multi-function printer gives you both the ability to print color and black and white, but it is also a scanner, copier, and fax machine. It’s very small and won’t take up a lot of space in your office, but it’s very powerful.
Image courtesy PriceGrabberWhen your client asks you if their building can be featured on the website, this handy pocket camera can do the trick in just a few seconds. It shoots large photos that can be easily cropped down to your website size or even used in print work. It also has a built-in GPS so your photos will be automatically stamped with the date and location.
Image courtesy PriceGrabberFinally, don't count out digital video. This camcorder records HD video directly to a hard drive, you can record as much as you need to get your video ready for your website.
Do you have a set up like this? Or something better? What does your set up look like?
