new computer system

[Foxfire]

Hello,
I am really happy with this forum setting, just having purchased Elements 3.0 and not even installing it yet, I have still learned alot from reading the posts. And after researching and researching on what editing system to get, I decided on Elements in great :P :) :D :!: :?: :D part because of this website with the forums/users that are so informative.

Thanks to all!!! Webpage staff and cyberspace participants!!

Anyway, my question is: I have the Nikon D70, Elements 3.0 and Nikon Capture 4.1 and am about to purchase 'the new computer'. I'm not loaded with cash but DO KNOW that I will need a fast processor plus ALOT OF RAM. I am thinking of a pentium 4 processor (would AMD64 do better?) and 1 gig RAM and @ 20 gig HD. First, after taking the pictures, burning them onto a CD (probably with a Delkin BurnAway for permanent storage), loading onto the PC and then editing.
Plus after editing, burn to CD for the customer, freeing up the hard drive.
I have heard that the Nikon Capture takes up alot of working room but if I run it and Elements separately, there should be no problem.

Any insight into the 'new computer purchase' will be greatly appreciated!!!!

Also, I just subscribed to the Elements newsletter and am looking forward to it!!!!

Thank you,
Dave :D

[DoobieKeebler]

Wow, they still make 20 gig hard drives? Huh. Anyway, depending on who you're going with there's usually not much price difference in hard drive capacity until you get to 60 or 80 gigs. If a few bucks will double, triple, or even quadruple your drive space, it's usually worth going for. You may not really need the extra space but if you ever do then a second drive is likely to cost significantly more than what it would have cost to upgrade in the first place.

I'd like to go with an AMD64 but not everybody has them. Certainly if it came down to going with a better brand or getting an AMD64 I'd go with the better brand. But that's me.

I haven't looked at new rigs lately but my RAM wishlist is 1.5 or even 2 gigs worth. Of course, that's something that can be added later so as long as you're figuring on 1 gig anyway I wouldn't let RAM break the budget.

To be honest with you, I'm one of those guys who figures on spending between $1700 and $2000 on a new rig anyway. (And with the sweet bonus I just got, heh heh that may become a minimum price.) That's mostly to avoid doing a lot of upgrading. So my "sweet spot" may be too rich or not rich enough for you. So take my advice with a grain (or an entire shaker) or salt.

[TommyB]

Foxfire:

Don't forget the video display card!

A late model from nVidia or ATI with 128 mb video RAM should be fine.

You don't need to spend BIG bucks on a display card unless you play games, but you will be doing photo editing so don't go too low in RAM or clock speed.

BTW, if I was building a system now, I would go with AMD64. Just my dos centavos!

Tom

[Mary]

I think I am going to have to do some kind of a major upgrade since PSE3. Having posted before - I am working with a Pentium 4, 2.66 GHz - 512 MB RAM but once I try to work in the Organizer I am too slow to even get a menu to open.

Fortunately I have an old desktop with PSE2 on it so I am doing all my work on that until I need one of the really neat new features in PSE3 (healing tool, shadows/highlights). I have defragged etc but nothing seems to help.

Has anybody found the "sweet spot" for using PSE3 to take full advantage of all its features?

[Jodi Frye]

Mary, pe3 windoze version...because of the Organizer is a resource hog. 512 mb of ram imo really isn't a sufficient amount to run the program to it's fullest capability ( without problems). I don't know what system you are using but if it allows for adding more ram i would strongly suggest you do so. It will make a world of difference.

I'll recommend this site that i have purchased from in the past... Look up your system and it will tell you how much more you can add. They also include the simple installation instructions in the box;

http://www.crucial.com/


before lookin through the site you can open your tower and take a quick look inside at the memory slots. Usually there are three slots. If there are any vacant slots then you are ahead of the game...if not, no biggie, you'll have to remove one and add the newer memory chip.

If all three slots are full then you probably have (1) 256 and (2) 128 or (1) open slot would suggest you had (2) 256 mb...
You might get lucky and find only one 512 mb card and two open slots...in any case, you'll see on the crucial page how much more you can add and then see what's available.

[Mary]

Thanks Jodi - Crucial was suggested by a forum member but they don't have my model listed and they haven't replied to my inquires yet.

I went to Kingston's site and they do have my model but I still haven't heard from them as to whether I can just add one 512 module to replace one of my 256 modules or do I have to replace both existing ones and replace with 2 like modules.

I missed the Ask Santa for a new computer deadline so will have to see how I can upgrade my Sony portable.

[twl845]

Having just bought a new computer I think I can help. I bought a Dell.
The first thing I did was access their web site and read about each model. When I figured which model I thought I wanted, I clicked customize. It seems Dell always has a freebie of some kind to suck tou in, and that weekend they were giving away 1gb of ram, which was a requirement of mine anyway. Most of their models have a 2.8 gb cpu and lots of options. I then called the Dell rep and spent almost an hour with her picking options. Along the way she gave me some options for free or almost free. To make a long story short, I think I got a good deal for what I got. I don't think you'll find another company that will bend over backwards to make you happy. Don't get a 20 gb hard drive. Windows XP takes up a decent amount ot room, and most applications that run on XP need more room. You'll use up 10gb just putting in all your stuff. I got 80gb. and I've already used 15gb. My old windows 98 computer had 15gb and I only used 4gb. Just getting a new XP computer and getting a few new applications makes a big difference. Have fun.