Computer Upgrade

[deedeelost]

My little laptop no longer has the capability to handle what I want to do in PE5. I just found this forum and am asking what you think is a good setup for picture editing (processor, memory, hard drive size, etc.) I plan on upgrading to a desktop and would like to know what you think would be minimum requirements as well as the optimal system.

I currently have over 13000 pictures but am just now getting into serious editing.

Thanks,
Dee

[baycruisers]

About two months ago I bought an HP a6130 (I think that's the model--I'm at work now) with 3 GB RAM, 450 GB hard drive with Vista Home Premium. I bought a Samsung BW 205 20" LCD monitor. Despite the horror stories about Vista, I've had virtually no compatibility problems and with 3 GB RAM PSE, Photoshop CS3 and everything else flies. I use an external HD for backup and burn to DVD/CDs as necessary.

Check with www.cnet.com (http://www.cnet.com) for their reviews of various PCs. That's what I do before I purchase any hardware or software.

[winwintoo]

I can't comment on computers, but if you're going from a laptop - that you use while seated on the sofa in the living room like I do - to a desktop, make sure that the purchase price included money for a very good chair!!

Ask me how I know :(

Margaret

[baycruisers]

I can't comment on computers, but if you're going from a laptop - that you use while seated on the sofa in the living room like I do - to a desktop, make sure that the purchase price included money for a very good chair!!

Ask me how I know :(

Margaret

Alternatively, if you're determined to buy a laptop, find one that can accommodate a good docking station. I hate laptop keyboards. My hands aren't particularly large but I can type far faster on a standard keyboard than I can on a laptop. At work my laptop sits on a docking station that provides additional USB ports and into which I plug a decent size monitor. That way I get the best of both worlds--portability and a good workstation.

[michgirl]

I recently upgraded my PC for the same reason - PSE & photo editing. I have been a long time Dell person, but there was a deal on an HP that was too good to pass up - so I got Vista with 3 gb ram, two -320 gb hard drives, plus an external hard drive and it is a quad core processor. It has made a huge performance gain, which I love.

You will want to get a dual processor and 3 gb ram and the biggest hard drive you can - a second hard drive is nice for back-up, back-up, back-up! :D

[RobertSchuldenfrei]

My little laptop no longer has the capability to handle what I want to do in PE5. I just found this forum and am asking what you think is a good setup for picture editing (processor, memory, hard drive size, etc.) I plan on upgrading to a desktop and would like to know what you think would be minimum requirements as well as the optimal system.

I currently have over 13000 pictures but am just now getting into serious editing.

Thanks,
Dee

Hi Dee,

A while back I was buying a new computer for my daughter Rachel. At that time I started the following thread:
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26808&highlight=computer+Rachel
and
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27083
While she wanted a laptop, the information in the thread was very helpful to me.

Cheers,

Bob

[Codebreaker]

These sort of questions are always difficult to answer because there's so much personal preference involved. :)

So my 2p worth is as follows:

1. Put most of the money into a good screen. This is where you judge your image quality and the screen needs to present an accurate rendering of them.

2. Laptops are usually let down by the screens. They typically have restrictive viewing angles which means colours/brightness and contrast vary with the angle of view.

3. Invest in a colourimeter like an Eye-One or Huey.

4. Get as fast a processor and as much memory as you can afford.

5. A high end graphics card isn't necessary as Photoshop doesn't need one. However, make sure the machine has a seperate graphics card rather than an integrated one. This will give better performance.

6. Get as big a disk as you can afford and don't forget an external hard drive for backup. Digital Photography gets through disk space like a cop gets through dough nuts!!!

7. If you want a recommendation on a manufacturer I'd go for Dell.

After that you're on your own....:)

Colin

[deedeelost]

Thanks everyone.

Your suggestions have sparked a good dialogue with my husband as we decide which way to go.

We are now thinking of building our own system using your advice.

Dee

[ken1]

:confused:

Here is link to recent article by Walt Mossberg:

http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20071018/some-basic-features-you-should-demand-when-buying-a-pc/