>However a lot of members will be struggling now with the files from the D700 and D7000. this means updating ram or even a new computer. Thom Hogan seems to dismiss the upgrading of ram and specs in a rather dismissive way.>

I don't think Thom is being dismissive, but is looking at the amount of the required RAM in another way. Photoshop CS5 is recommended to have 3.2 Gig of Ram for 32bit version and as much RAM as possible for the 64bit version. Lightroom 32 and 64bit is a minimum recommended 2 Gig RAM, although 4 is recommended. Much has to do with whether the PC is cluttered and I have a brand spanking new Intel i7 windows 64 PC, but also have my 6 years old dual core Intel running Windows 64 bit. Both PC's have Photoshop, Lightroom and Nikon Capture NX2 and I regularly run all three together. I only have 4Gig memory on both PC's. I can tell you that I have never had file handling issues with my D700 or D7000 on my 6 years old or brand new pc.

Most of my program installation differs from others. I have partitioned my hard drive and my C uses all other programs apart from photography progs. My partitioned G drive is used exclusively for Photoshop CS5, Lightroom 3 and Capture NX2.

I can only recommend that all who may be struggling to process D700 /D7000 files really maintain their PC's and clear out all histories, temp files especially internet and pay attention to unwanted registry entries. Believe me, taking 15 minutes a week with appropriate clean up software pay dividends.

I think Thom is assuming that with attention paid to PC maintenance 4G of RAM is adequate. If course if you only have 32bit windows 7, then your maximum RAM can only be 4G (available 3.2G).

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