2 Replies Latest reply: Apr 21, 2014 3:35 AM by Test Screen Name RSS

    Reasons for employer to buy Graphic Designer a Mac over PC

    jenlenhart Community Member
    jenlenhart Apr 8, 2014 9:25 AM

      I am a graphic designer and just started a new position. My employers are wanting to buy me a new computer.

      Currently, I am on a PC and the only programs I have to use are CS5 InDesign (no problem, that's what I've used my whole design career) and CS2 Illustrator (GASP!! I had never even seen this version until I started.)

       

      My preference is very much Mac. What are some solid reasons that I should ask them to buy me a Mac with updated software instead of just a new PC?

      I'm the newest and youngest person at my place of work, so I'm really wanting to avoid the whole "young entitled designer" thing.

       

      Any comments would be super helpful!

        • 1. Re: Reasons for employer to buy Graphic Designer a Mac over PC
          jdanek Community Member
          jdanek Apr 8, 2014 11:43 AM (in response to jenlenhart)

          Just tell them the Mac is about 33% more efficient.  I've used both the PC ( Dell ) and Mac in a work environment that utilized a full network scenarion and a dual workstation ( Mac for file prep., PC for RIP and PRINT ops ).  Overall, I found ( using Windows XP Pro ) that the PC had problems running simultaneous operations, whereas the Mac did not.  This meant a slowdown on the PC end.  Also, PCs do not read Mac files; but Macs can read [ customer ] PC files ( like Word ).  The additional money they will have to dish out for the Mac pays for itself in the long run.  PCs are cheaper, but not as efficient.  So, if they need the files yesterday, get the Mac.  If they can wait a little while for the files, then get the PC.  Odds are, they won't want to wait.

          • 2. Re: Reasons for employer to buy Graphic Designer a Mac over PC
            Test Screen Name CommunityMVP
            Test Screen Name Apr 21, 2014 3:35 AM (in response to jenlenhart)

            To argue you need to understand that $ is what they count, not creativity.

             

            As an employer I'd be very suspicious of someone who said they couldn't use a PC effectively, and doubt their training was sufficiently round. That may not be how designers see it, because they love Mac and Macs are for "creative types". Your IT support people will also HATE you for your entire employment: you need to understand it is their job to have identical machines for all sorts of reasons. They will indeed never understand why you can't do your job with Word and, perhaps, Publisher, since their training is Microsoft led. Just bite your lip and put up with using the same kind of hardware as ordinary people. There's a much more important battle, to make sure they understand that to run high end software effectively they may need a higher spec PC. The justification here is that they don't want to pay you to wait for the software to catch up. Be especially sure to get an adequate graphics card. Knowledgability about this (specific recommendations) will help.

             

            Software, well - it's old, but are you not able to use it as effectively? Or is it personal preference? You need a simple justification involving money. There is a major outlay on the one hand versus... what cost?

             

            HOWEVER, a new PC will have new Windows which won't be compatible with the old CS2 files, so you can justify that at least...

             

            Message was edited by: Test Screen Name