TB4 Loc: TX

You folks have almost convinced me I should learn post processing and shoot RAW. But I think I will need a new computer! I have an old iMac OS X 10.6.8. 2.16GH processor with 1G of memory. I am about ready to downsize my two D90s for an a6000 but it seems I need to use Lightroom for specific lens correction? Do I need a new computer and if so, what do you recommend? I doubt I will need a Cadillac version as I don't expect to spend a great deal of pp but want to be able to grow into it.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Hit the refurbs aisle

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FE665LL/A/refurbished-154-inch-macBook-Pro-27ghz-Quad-core-Intel-i7-with-retina-Display

Or if you are set on having a desktop

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FE087LL/A/refurbished-215-inch-imac-29ghz-quad-core-Intel-Core-i5

jmsail365 Loc: Stamford, Ct

The MacBook Pro is a great pc which is very easy to use.

johnst1001a Loc: West Chester, Ohio

Obviously depends on your budget. I love my 27" IMac for photo editing and viewing. If you can, get 32 gb ram. 16gb is what I have, and if I have a lot of stuff open, I run out.

coyotecall Loc: New Mexico

10.6.8 is sufficient to do anything you want to do p.p. Sounds like you have plenty of memory and good enough processor....or is this just an "urge" to get another piece of equipment? A MacBook Pro (I prefer a 17") would work just fine...and 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard) is a good OS.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Not sure I'd say 1gb is enough memory...I'm running 16gb on my MBP and it bogs down after a long editing session. I had 8gb a few months ago, and that's the bare minimum that I would go with.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Also, install the app memory keeper, it's very handy at keeping an eye on your available memory.

studavis

If I cold do it again I would consider laptop for and the $1,000.00 large retina screen. This would give my 13" portable and a large screen for working at home. I have my laptop and a i Mac. The above set up is about the cost of a Mac 15" laptop

billwassmann Loc: Emerson, NJ

Your Mac is the same as mine. I think it's fine, just get some more storage.

stan0301 Loc: Colorado

If it will take more memory get it--get as much as it will take--memory is cheap and helps everything work better.
Stan

TB4 Loc: TX

All of your responses are sound and make me think I can use the computer I have if I can increase memory or storage. Many thanks to all of you!

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Is this the one?
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP28

TB4 Loc: TX

Yep. Looks like my 20 inch iMac. Do I read the specs correctly that maybe I can add 2 GB?

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

sounds like it...I still have my doubts that it will be fast enough for the latest version of LR5

they recommend 8gb

Mac OS
Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit support
Mac OS X Server v10.7, v10.8 or v10.9
2 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
2 GB of available hard-disk space; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash storage devices).
1024 x 768 display
Internet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, membership validation, and access to online services.†
* Dual-core processor recommended for HD or AVCHD video functionality

† NOTICE TO USERS: Internet connection, Adobe ID, and acceptance of license agreement required to activate and use this product. This product may integrate with or allow access to certain Adobe or third-party hosted online services. Adobe services are available only to users 13 and older and require agreement to additional terms of use and the Adobe Privacy Policy. Applications and services may not be available in all countries or languages and may be subject to change or discontinuation without notice. Additional fees or membership charges may apply.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

looks like your OS isn't going to work either.