Franklin Einspruch: New Linux PC + Tools Costs $700 Less than Adobe CS3
Franklin Einspruch runs Artblog.net.
Einspruch recently converted from Adobe (Photoshop, Illustrator) to similar free Linux tools (the Gimp, and InkScape).
He installed the Ubunto Linux distribution plus the free Linux art tools. His brand new Linux PC with applications cost a few hundred dollars LESS than Adobe Creative Suite 3.
What’s not to like?
… this year Adobe will roll out CS3. The so-called Master Collection lists for $2500. How much does it cost to build a whole new computer from parts, install Linux, and download open-source design tools? About $1800. Guess what your author did.
Using the Hot Rod guidelines at Ars Technica as a jumping-off point, I came up with a shopping list, and bought it on Newegg.
Via Craigslist I found a gamer who helped me pop it together for $50; I got other offers to do it for beer, but decided to go with a semi-pro.
Assembly was a hair tricky, but nothing out of control with the help of someone who had done it before. We didn’t have to consult any manuals. Open the case, screw down the mobo, drop the CPU on it, pop in the power supply, push in the drives, plug in the cards, connect the cables, and hit the power switch.
Ubuntu installed on the first try, and it’s a beautiful OS. GIMP and Inkscape are damn fine programs and do everything I need them to do, in some cases better than their proprietary counterparts.
… I’m running 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with two DVD-RWs, good graphics and sound cards, a 19″ monitor, and a 2.1 sound system that could injure the neighbors.
I had a learning experience. Adobe got nothing.
April 30th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
My guess is that he never has to go to print with what he creates using GIMP and Inkscape. Professional service bureaus will not work with any files other than the native output from Adobe and Quark. And no, PDFs are *not* adequate.