Best hardware for medium-duty 2D work?

[Crashsector]

Hey everyone. I was recently promoted to GM at my small company and some of my duties require some medium-duty 2D work such as logos, newsletters, promotions, etc. I am currently using the hardware and software listed below with so-so results. Screen draws are a little slower than I would like and some effects such as blurs take a little longer than I would like.

Can anyone point out any significant bottlenecks in my hardware? Better yet, what would you upgrade? Remember, the main use for this machine is going to be 2D work, very little if any gaming.

Dell Dimension 4700 (didn't have a choice)
3.4GHz P4 w/HT
1GB DDR2
ATI Radeon X300 (PCI-Ex16)
Dell 2005FPW

As far as software I'm using Gimp and MS Publisher right now, but I'd like to move to Photoshop CS and InDesign CS2 when the funds allow.

The 2005FPW is awesome for this application IMO. I'm thinking the biggest thing in this situation is my video card, but I don't know if upgrading to an X800 is going to yield much in the 2D area.

Thanks for any help!

 

[mobiux]

Your hardware should be more than adequate for design work.
Even photoshop will scream on that pc.
Only thing would possibly be the ram. if you can go to 2 gb, it would future proof it a little more.

 

[zoobaby]

More Ram and new vid card. But I too think that system should be able to do 2d work easily. Maybe something else is slowing it?