Help needed defining the specs for a new computer

[GaryK]

Gary

Have a look at the specs for Premier. I would be tempted to double the ram and get as fast a processor as you can afford.

The dual processor sounds good but could be overkill. I would verify with Adobe before going that route though.

The graphics card for Elements is probably not as crucial as it is for some higher end games so you could probably save a bit there. I'm not sure if Premier requires a high end graphics card.

Not much help here, but hopefully this will get you started.

[Carbone]

Gary,

Any current computer will run Photoshop Elements 4 with Windows XP. Question is, how much you want to spend, how technical you are, how likely are you to open the cover and add RAM, swap CPU or install a new audio card within the next 24 months.. ?

If you're not technical (i.e. not the kind of guy who adds RAM on a Sunday morning because he finds it amusing), then I'd recommend a ready built computer from a known brand. Something like an HP or a Dell.

If, on the other hand, you do have a technical side which can resist opening your computer to see its interior, then go with a kit (a computer built for you, and you only, based on your specifications and budget).

Here are some guidelines :

- Memory: 512MB, no less. 1 GB would be nice, considering Microsoft Visa is on its way and, if it follows the usual increasing memory usage of the previous versions, 512 MB will be the minimum.
- Video card : If you have a gamer side, 64MB is the very strict minimum, but if you can get something around 128MB, that would be better. Of course, if you don't play (never) then 64MB will sufficient for the next two years. New Windows might have different requirements, but they've not been made public yet.
- Processor : The faster the better. A Pentium 4 with 3.02 Ghz or alike will last you a couple of years, most certainly. Dual core, Hyper Threading, well.. you buy the best money can get you.
- Audio Card : Anything goes, more or less, unless again you're a gamer or an audiophile with very precise needs (digital out, digital in, etc.) Off the shelf Audigy will do just nicely.

Some computer will offer on-board video card and audio card. If the audio card shares the memory of your computer, then you have to take this into account. 128 MB of RAM from a 512 MB computer, that leaves 384 for Windows and Photoshop Elements. Consider 1GB if you find a deal for a computer with a video card sharing RAM with your processor.

- Windows will not get any faster passed 512 MB, but will allow more applications to run symultaneously with basic needs for disk swapping. What this means is that if you're like running 19 applications at the same time, consider more RAM. If, on the other hand, you're a single application guy, 1 GB will be far enough for you.

- Hard drive... That's the tricky question. The dynamic of speed for a computer is the processor and RAM. So, if you need to save money, get a smaller hard drive (nothing under 120 GB if you want peace of mind for a couple of years). This is where people save because with FireWire and USB 2.0, you can add hard drive space quite easily, no technical knowledge required.

- DVD burner : the new standard is dual layer. Now, unless you burn movies, this option can wait and you can save dollars by picking a single layer one.

- Monitor (if needed). It's easier to calibrate a CRT monitor than an LCD screen (under Windows). If you need a new monitor and do a lot of Photoshop, consider a CRT (and, they're cheaper!)

Hope these pointers will help.

Ray
P.S. Not bad from a Mac user :-)

[Mary]

I would have to suggest that anything less than 1 GB of memory would be a huge problem. Even with PSE 3 I had to go from 512 MB RAM to 1 GB just to run that program with no other programs running. All my other specs are in line with what Ray has suggested. I don't think the video card memory would be too terribley important unless you were editing video. I have since added an external hard drive after Wendy explained how useful it was for saving images as well as the insurance of having a removable drive.

Good luck with your new purchase - let us know what you decide on. :)

[Wendy]

Hi there Gary ...

... and welcome to the forum :)

Do let us know what you decide to buy, its always interesting to see which computer people finally choose ..


Wendy

[e-mailsucks]

Gary....

I don't know what your computer skills are as far as repairs if something goes wrong inside. Friends of mine bought an HP Package from Staples. When their printer quit working, they returned it to Staples only to find out that Staples does not do any repairs on HP Computers. They told her to call the 800 number to HP and their Technical Support would help her. She is completely computer illiterate and no matter what HP told her, she was completely confused. I ended up being her technical support and had to go over and fix her computer for her. HP didn't even pay me for it. Who ever you purchase your computer from, find out who repairs it should something happen.

Brian