What is the best computer for creative advertising (graphic design, audio, video) and essential software?

I'm in the market for a new computer, which I plan to use in creative advertising. I was wondering what others in the field are currently using in terms of hardware and software -- essentially, I'm interested in what is considered "top of the line" in 2007 for advertising professionals.





I have pretty much every piece of Adobe software from the late 90's, and am positive I want to purchase their newer versions.





In respect to layout software like QuarkXpress, is this still being used for advertisements or has InDesign taken over?





All in all, I'm looking to spend around $1500 to $2000 total for hardware and software (I also get a student discount for Apple's online store.) I realize this won't allow the purchase of a Mac Pro desktop and Adobe Creative Suite 3, but I figure there have to be other scaled-down Macs that can get the job done. Would a suped up MacBook be ideal, if so.. which one?





Any advice would be greatly appreciated.





Thanks!

What is the best computer for creative advertising (graphic design, audio, video) and essential software?
ohhh yeahh


Mac are the best


I'm running my small graphic design business


from the smalles Mac Book, the $1099.00 one. And supports open Fireworks and Dreamweaver (graphics and web programs), while i chat on Yahoo messenger and browse the internet. A PC can't do that. Imaging what a more spencive mac can do!!!! Wow!!!!
Reply:Well Mac's are definitely the tool of choice. I might suggest you ask this on a Mac forum, here are a couple I found with about 10 seconds on Google:





http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/...





http://www.designtalkboard.com/
Reply:Mac= creative