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[.]

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[Judge]

Desktop or Laptop?

Price range?

In general, get something with 4 gigs of ram, at least 320 gigs of HD space.  Anything with an nvidia or ati card will be fine.

For the processor, don't go lower than an intel core 2 duo.  Core i3, i5, or (highend) i7 would be fine.  don't know about AMD processors, mainly because they're shit.

[Zombie Gunn]

The majority of graphic artists use Mac, and that's likely to be what you'd be using at school.

[Gary]

The majority of graphic artists use Mac, and that's likely to be what you'd be using at school.

this

[Alex Smiley]

I need to get a computer for school that can run 3D programs like 3DS Max, Maya, Zbrush, and Unreal.

When it comes to knowing which computer to buy, I don't know anything. I'm not looking at breaking the bank, but I don't want to get something that will end up being more of a headache then it's worth.

Any advice on specs, where I should look to buy it for a good deal, ect, would be GREATLY appreciated.

On that note, do you happen to know what computers they use at school? If they're Macs, then you should start saving up a bit more. Case in point, at my uni they have labs with Macs for design classes, and they've already recommended getting a MacBook Pro.

Do you get financial aid? If not, talk to your local bank about possibly setting up a loan if necessary.

[Judge]

Well, if your school uses macs and you dont' NEED a laptop, get a Mac Mini.  The lower end model starts at 600 bucks (I think) and hooks up to your monitor and keyboard.  It'll get you started.