So this is directed at all the experts on web design, what equipment would you buy? Such as an external monitor or software that helps you design websites. Thanks

I'm not an expert or professional (sorry), but as a hobbyist these are the things I consider:

Obviously some of us have to work (or play) on a budget.

 

1. Computer - decent enough to be able to handle the apps you want to use, any multi-tasking, video encoding, etc.

2. Monitor - decent enough color range and clarity for your work.

3. Second monitor (maybe). I bought a second monitor primarily to be able to watch and work alongside video tutorials.

4. Keyboard - I bought a quiet keyboard with chiclet style keys, so that I could stay up all night if necessary (in the past) without making too much typing noise for the people I lived with.

5. Tutorials - I used to spend money on video tutorials with Lynda.com, and still consider doing so.

6. Mouse - A comfortable mouse is nice to have.

7. Eye wear - The past 4 years I've needed to wear glasses for the PC, for focus and for the blue light filter. (I used to get eye ache.)

8. Headphones - Music keeps me going, when I'm in the mood and there is no one around with whom I should be chatting with.

9. Subscriptions - I've subscribed to a few things over the years. Adobe Creative Cloud is my main one now. I've also bought a few CSS templates and what have you and worked with or off of those.

10. PayPal - It's good to have 50 quid or so in the PayPal account to send 20 quid to people if they help you out. I'm small time, not a pro.

11. Website hosting for your own site or portfolio. Paying for the bits and pieces that go along with that.

12. Maybe a webcam and microphone, so that I can Skype people if necessary. It's easier to trust someone if you can see them.

13. Maybe a portable tablet or device, and backpack or bag, so that you can show your progress and work to a client, and work on the go.

14. Internet connection - (A fast one is nice to have.)

 

There are probably more for the regular professionals, (monitor calibrator maybe?,) but these keep me going as a hobbyist. I don't have number 13, other than a smartphone.

 

edit: forgot number 14.

Edited December 12, 20169 yr by Grant Barker

Thanks for the info Grant Luckily have/done most of those things but will aim to make sure any other stuff I may need

I've got a laptop and a mouse.

 

I think that's it.

I've got a laptop and a mouse.

 

I think that's it.

 

No software then?

Just to add to Grants list I would say a comfortable chair / desk combo ... you'll be there for hours

No software then?

Only some free stuff. For the type of work I do I don't need anything special. I do a huge amount of testing but that's all done using online tools. So I suppose you could argue I don't even need the laptop - I just need access to the internet.