I'd get a dual 2 GHZ G5 with 4GB RAM. No need to keep it isolated from the internet, since the OS is so robust. In fact, lack of an internet connection would just make automatic updates more of a hassle.
I'd shy away fro mthe top-of-the-line 2.5 GHZ models since I'm nervous about the liquid cooling. All the same, Apple's track record is excellant, so I imagine that they know what they're doing.
I'd have 2 relativley small internal drives: one for the OS and software, and another for swap space. All files would be kept on mirrored external firewire drives. This is what I do now and it works well for me.
Whatever you buy, put it on a good UPS, one that can power all your peripherals, too.
Two monitors: one Apple flatscreen and one of the new color-managed LaCie flatscreens. It swivels into a portrait mode, which would be just great for my work.
For software, just OS X and PS. All the other functions you mentioned are in that set. No business mangament software is needed if the machine is for digital image processing only...
If you're going pro, you owe it to yourself to look into Macs. Their performance and reliability is simply superior, although of course you get what you pay for.
My credentials: Network engineer for nearly 20 years I.E. since networks were invented. Windows/Unix/Mac and others. Have built dozens of PCs and servers. The computer described will be on my desk by the end of this year, and will replace my dual G4 which has served me faithfully for two years. Current uptime is 18 days.
|