Purchasing advice for laptop to run PSE 14, LR 5 and other photo editing software?
My old desktop is get old and slow and I'd like to replace it with a laptop. I've found several laptops with 12gb of ram under $500 and I'm wondering if that's enough ram? My desktop is a quad core with 8gb of ram and it's not upgradable. Can I get by with 12 or do I need 16gb's of ram?
-
#1. "RE: Purchasing advice for laptop to run PSE 14, LR 5 and other photo editing software?" | In response to Reply # 0
blw Nikonian since 18th Jun 2004Sat 19-Mar-16 04:10 PMHow long is this system supposed to last you? My laptop does OK with 8GB today, but if you're buying this now, presumably you don't want to replace it again next year. Are you likely to upgrade to an even larger sensor? Ie when 54mp comes out, will you jump on that?
I generally try to plan for a 5-year horizon. I just upgraded my desktop from 16GB to 40GB and also from HDD to flash storage, and it is almost ridiculously faster. A little of that is from the CPU upgrade, but most is from doing I/O from SSD and secondarily just not doing I/O in the first place (ie because of 40GB of RAM)._____
Brian... -
#2. "RE: Purchasing advice for laptop to run PSE 14, LR 5 and other photo editing software?" | In response to Reply # 0
ericbowles Nikonian since 25th Nov 2005Wed 30-Mar-16 09:09 AMMost software will work with just 8 GB of RAM. My wife has a new Lenovo Yoga 3 that is running Windows 10. It came with a solid state hard drive and is blazing fast - but only has 8 GB of RAM and is not upgradeable (because it is VERY thin). It's running fine with LR2015 CC, PS6, Capture NX2, ViewNX2, PS Elements 9, etc.
Given the option, I would recommend getting 16 GB or a machine you can upgrade yourself.
My guess is the older programs like LR5 may be problematic. I don't know what operating systems are compatible with LR5. Win 7 is nearing end of life, so I would not expect to stay with Win 7 for the life of new hardware.
A couple of years ago I decided to take a low cost route for laptops. I paid $600 for a good Lenovo with Win 8 and then upgraded the RAM to 16 GB. I did not waste money on extended warranties or other costs, and will just replace the machine at the 3 year mark or a little later. If it fails - at least my costs are low. The Yoga 3 was for my wife who is in IT and managing a big Win 10 project. It's pretty leading edge as far as technology goes - about the thickness of my iPad with a 4k display. The cost was about $900 fully loaded.
I bought my Lenovo from Staples online as part of a closeout deal. I bought my wife's machine through the Lenovo store as certain colors were being closed out.Eric Bowles
Director - Nikonians Academy
Nikonians Team Moderator
My Gallery
Workshops and Private Instruction
Nikonians membership — my most important photographic investment, after the camera
G
Upload images
6
Uploading and including images in forums available to members on Silver membership level or higher. Please upgrade to take full advantage.