What is a good computer to buy for Creative Cloud?

[joyfulstarcollector]

     I am getting a new computer and my old one filled up in disk space in 2 years (laptop) and now that I am getting into creative cloud I need a computer that can run all the apps quickly and efficiently, have plenty of disk space or can at least have added disk space. I don't care about brand (PC vs. Mac). I just want a computer that works...

Please help!

[Nancy OShea]

Everybody's requirements are different based on products they use and the type of media they work with.  Video & audio will require a lot more resources than printed media.  

Look at the min-requirements for the software you routinely use.  In general, you need a fast 64-bit processor, top quality video driver and as much hard disk space and RAM memory as you can afford to buy.  

Nancy O.

[John Waller]

I don't care about brand (PC vs. Mac).

There's a world of difference between a Mac (running OSX) and PC (running Windows 7 or Windows 8) so make sure you get the one you're comfortable with.

The Adobe apps run pretty much the same (interface, features, performance etc) but the operating system and 'look and feel 'is completely different.

If you go with Windows, ensure it's a 64 bit processor and 64 bit operating system (for video applications). That's true of all Macs bought today so no issue there.

Also, aim for a graphic card with minimum 1GB Video RAM (more is better) for Photoshop.

Then min 8GB RAM (more is better) and as much hard drive space as you can afford.

Minimum system specs for all Cloud apps are here

http://www.adobe.com/products/creativecloud/tech-specs.html

[Marc Lindeman]

Anyone wanting to use AE CC with a Mac should be advised, you won't get the best performance from a Mac no matter how many cores you have or what kind of machine you have. Currently,

Adobe AE will only utilize one core, and there is no OPEN GL which means scrubbing and seeing things in real time is not going to happen. I've owned both a Mac Pro and currently on a pimped out iMac and I can tell you I get very frustrated with not being able to scrub even the simplest things. And any kind of 3D in AE, forget about it!

In Final Cut Pro, scrubbing works like a charm, but in AE, it's non-existent on my iMac.

I've researched this endlessly and there may be hope in the future with the next edition of CC where multi-core processing on a Mac will be possible.

On a PC, AE performs as advertised and everyone I know who do a lot of AE work, only use PC because of how efficient AE is within that workflow.

DRAG... Mac is the better machine, but not for AE and certain Adobe products.