attbay

My oldest MacBook Pro is from 2007 and it has slowed down with OS upgrades. Apple contacted me and volunteered to replace a problematic video card. I’ve never contacted Apple support because I just haven’t needed to. All my computers are Apple and I’m happy about it.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I would get a desktop in this configuration and add a 2T or 3T high speed internal hard drive plus a 21" or larger HD monitor. The SSD works great for operating system and program files because it's fast but it can't be formatted if you get a lot of scattered data files due to deletions. Fragmentation slows disk drives down while the head searches for bits and pieces.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

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BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Prior Topics on This Subject here on the Hog.

spraguead Loc: Boston, MA

Have to agree. If your old machine gave you 7 years, that's a winner. I like that machine PaulR01 recommends. You can put your system and software on the SSD drive and then use the 1tb drive for your files.

Jeffers

I have a Dell XPS 13 and it's the best computer I've owned. I just ordered one for my wife. Her computer isn't yet broken, but she has seen how much better this XPS is than her HP so it was an easy sell. While a 15" screen would be nice, in my case, portability, battery life trump size and I never thought I would say that (and I am 75). You can find excellent deals on an XPS at Amazon, among other places. But be VERY careful about specs. The XPS comes in a wide variety of configurations. Make a list, the one given by sdmeltz is a good start. Make sure you have at least a 6th generation processor, 8 GB of RAM, full touch screen, and an SSD large enough to meet your needs. While sdmeltz recommends 16 GB RAM, I have Photoshop Elements 15 installed and use it heavily. Even with 8 GB, it's plenty fast.

If you must have a large screen for some work, get a desktop screen and drive it with the XPS.

tombackman Loc: RHODE ISLAND

For post processing I would suggest downloading the NIK collection. It is free and a bit dated, but in its day I think it was on a par with Photoshop. There are also free on line tutorials for NIK.

Jeffers

I have a Dell XPS 13 and it's the best computer I have ever owned. I just ordered one for my wife, who's HP computer still works ok. She has seen my XPS perform and it was an easy sell. I'm 75 and never thought a 13" would be big enough. But portability and battery life trumped size. Hands down.

You can get some really great deals on an XPS if you shop around, and especially at Amazon. Be VERY careful about spec's, because the XPS comes in a wide variety of configurations. The list that dsmeltz gave is an excellent start. Make sure your XPS has at least a 6th generation processor, 8 GB RAM, a touch screen (some XPSs don't), and an SSD big enough for your needs. While dsmeltz recommends 14 GB RAM, I have 8 GB RAM and use Photoshop Elements a lot. It's plenty fast.

If you need a larger screen for some work, get a desktop screen and drive it with the XPS.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

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dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

A desktop configuration can be more powerful, no doubt. I think the first decision the OP needs to make is Desktop or Laptop. The Op has a laptop now. Is portability still a major concern? If not, the desktop is the way to go.

DazedandConfused

Thanks to each of you responding to my request for information and guidance in upgrading my computer and selecting a photo processing program. I will look into the Dell XPS and the Lenovo along with the iMac and Asus. I owned a Lenovo just after IBM sold off the business and was well pleased with it.

Great job fellows. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and suggestions.

TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

I will second that. My home computer is the XPS 8900 with the Dell P2715Q monitor. I was happy enough with that to go for the XPS13 with the Infinity screen as my travel device.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I got my Dell laptop for a grand at Costco. It was on special and the price is $1200 now. But it is quite nice.

bohicaotter

Be very careful about your laptop choice. I was helping a little lady at the Family History Center where I volunteer. She said she was about to discard her DELL XPS LAPTOP. I was a little shocked as it seemed to be working just fine. She said it was OK plugged in but the battery was shot and she couldn't get it replaced. Not believing her I flipped over and suire enough NO external battery. It requires a complete tear down and hundreds of dollars to replace it. I would hope they are not all that way but this was a very expensive machine. If the machine is or photo editing then get the fastest machine you can afford. Alsdo so you would want a machine with a good separate Graphics board.

Now THAT i think about it DO THIS. Go to your local library and find out when The Photography, Genealogy or Computer club Meets.+

An even better way is if you have a Computer Geek 12 to 19 year old in the family. They usually won't give Auntie bad advice. Teenagers love to give advice and in this case if you can take them with you to the store. Sorry this is so scattered but I see so many people spending money on unnecessary computers that would be better spent on Better cameras.

PS I volunteer with a lady who is very computer knowledgeable and buys all her machines at pawn shops!!!!!

Have a Ball and remember Cameras First Computers second. Cheers and Good Exposures to you. :=)

NoSocks Loc: quonochontaug, rhode island

I’ve been to the Genius Bar exactly once in eight years. The telephone support I get is, almost all the time, because I have done something dumb.