What Technology to invest in?

[Strifen]

I'm a student looking to get my self a competent computer system! I'll be needing something that can run all the current 3D modeling and animation tools, and can work like a champ.

If you were a starving college student what would you get?

[Storyboard Dave]

A few factors would kick into effect before I'd advise anyone on throwing in some bug bucks on any system.

First off, what level are you at in school? And what does your school have on hand for you to get access to? Because if you're a freshman or sophomore, I'd say get by on what the school has (assuming they have decent computers and they're accessible). The first two years and even into the third, you're still developing your style, storytelling and techniques. I'd spend the money in my junior & senior years as by that time, you're going to start to master some of the things that you want to do for a final portfolio.

Delaying the buy until you absolutely need it will also keep you closer to that eventual technology curve that's bound to come up. As far as getting a Mac or a PC, take a look at what you're most comfortable with and also what the school might have on hand as well. Why get a PC if your school teaches PC and vice versa.

From my experiences in the real world both Mac and PC are used for 3D modeling and animation so take a look at the industry/ company specs as to what niche you want.

[Seedling]

Listen to Dave - he is wise!

[Storyboard Dave]

Listen to Dave - he is wise!

Awww shucks, you're gonna make me blush.

But truthfully I realize how expensive technology can be and I also know how pricey a top notch education can be as well. Why not buy when it's going to do you the best.

Just being practical.

[Strifen]

Makes a lot of sense for sure! thanks for the advise!

It wouldn't make allot of sense to invest in a computer system to only later find out it's not what the school teaches with, and have it go out of date before one even graduates.

My school will defiantly give me access to computer labs and such I'm sure. I'll do a bit more research on the field I'm going for and find out the specifics- thanks again!

[Storyboard Dave]

Makes a lot of sense for sure! thanks for the advise!

It wouldn't make allot of sense to invest in a computer system to only later find out it's not what the school teaches with, and have it go out of date before one even graduates.

My school will defiantly give me access to computer labs and such I'm sure. I'll do a bit more research on the field I'm going for and find out the specifics- thanks again!

No sweat. I just know that plunking down your hard earned cash on a computer at this time is probably a huge investment (I'll assume you have some student loans & such as well). Buying things that have a constant improvement curve is always tricky, but seeing as how you can rely on your school's equipment is going to be a bonus. It might not be the most convenient of things but it's cost effective.

And also for you artisitically, you'll grow so much more within the next few years- why not wait until you've matured some before you put down some of that money on your own personal machine?

You'll eventually get your own machine- that's a given, but why not learn as much as you can now, save up for that REALLY tricked out machine, and keep an eye out for the practical business model that you'll want to emulate after graduation.