AGGHH-Computer help?

[Stitch]

Hello all! I've been thinking about putting my name down for one of those D-60's everyone's been talking about - but I'm not sure if my computer can handle it. I've read the advice most have given but don't understand the numbers. Here's what I have - is it enough to run Photoshop 6 and whatever else I need? Thanks...

Toshiba Satellite 2805-S201 Laptop
Windows Me
Intel Celeron
C: capacity 5.58 GB (Used 3.43 GB) (Free 2.14 GB)
192 MB RAM

I appreciate any responses...

Stitch

[Roger_Cavanagh]

Stitch,

Well, it _would_ run, but like a wounded dog. :) The two big problems you have are: #1 disk space. 300 D60 raw images would fill your free space right now. #2 The 192mb RAM is pretty minimal.

Lesser issues are Windows Me (not one of Micro$soft's best efforts) and the display - not great for photoediting.

I guess you could make your system work, but it would be very slow and cumbersome. You'd have to limit what you processed at any one time and I think you'd be risking system crashes with limited scratch space for temp files.

Personally, I would recommend a new PC to go with the new camera. Key items would be:

- Win XP
- RAM 512mb min
- hard disk 80-120 gb
- CD/DVD writer
- hi res colour monitor

I'm sure there'll be plenty more advice, if you want to explore the "ideal" configuration further.

Regards,



You shoulf add a substantail external hard drive

[darrell]

You might check with toshiba, but probably you can upgrade the ram and the hard drive. I got a 20gb for my dell about 8 months ago for $140 and ram varries depending on the type, but I've been happy with crucial. Those two things will help a lot, you can also buy external adaptors and use standard hard drives which are way cheeper and bigger than laptops. This is all assuming you don't want to spend another $1000 or so on a new computer (after forking out the $ for the d60) like racing cars, the more money you spend on them the faster they'll go. you might even have an external monitor plug which you can buy a good monitor and plug it into the laptop.

[D30Photo]

Got to agree with Roger. You HAVE to get a decent desktop with a large monitor to really enjoy images from your D30/D60.

A good investment on a desktop goes a long way. I build my own Dual P3 system over two years ago, and it can still keep up with all of the demanding tasks I thew at it...anything from LinearSharpen D30 LinearTIFFs or Mpeg2 SW Encoding.

I too have a laptop (P3 933, 20G HD), and to be honest...I'm afraid to use it for anything but to browse the net with it. May be I'm spoil by my desktop system, but the powerful desktop has allowed me to got the most out of my digital experience.

[Stitch]

I know, I know...I've gotten spoiled to the laptop because I travel a lot. Looks like I'll have a little time to decide on a new computer anyway - since the cameras are so long in coming. I appreciate all the input - gives me things to think about...

Stitch

[Sheila]

Would you believe I ran my D60 and software on 64 RAM but found the dreaded blue "fatal exception" screen kept popping up. I now have 256 RAM but still on 10 gygs (remember when we all had 650 mg or 386s?). Upgrade - its cheap as chips nowadays.

Cheers
Sheila

[oops]

Roger_Cavanagh wrote:
\Well, it _would_ run, but like a wounded dog. :)

I love this, Roger! After a looong day at work you make me really laugh. Thanks.