Mac Mini & Photoshop CS2/3

[David P]

Hi guys, my name is David Prior and this is my first post, so please be gentle.

I am interested in buying a Mac Mini Intel Duo 1.8 Ghz (relatively cheap even though I would max it out on the RAM, and can't afford the bigger iMacs et al.) and my main drain on memory would be for Photoshop. I will be converting 8 Megapixel RAWs, touch ups, sharpening, smoothing, a couple of layers, nothing more than that.

1: I imagine the RAM amount is fine, but the onboard graphics is bugging me, thus does CS2/CS3 utiliise the graphics card and how about Aperture (i've read that it does use the graphics card, not sure though)?

2: For CS3,I know it is UB which should speed things up in theory but will it be more memory draining than CS2?

3: When is the Mac Mini due for an upgrade i.e. when is the usual product cycle start and finish?

Thanks in advance, I look forward to your replies!

Best

David

 

[xfiftyfour]

- Photoshop doesn't rely on the graphics card at all, except maybe when rendering changes real quick - The GMA950 is plenty. Aperture should be fine as well, according to Apple's website.

- CS3 shouldn't be more RAM hogging than CS2 running through rosetta. PPC apps are memory hogs!

- I dunno the last one.

 

[iBookG4user]

I try and answer some of these for you.

1. Photoshop does not utilize the graphics card at all, it's all processor/RAM. I've also heard that Aperture does utilize the graphics card, and I would be willing to say that it does.

2. CS3 will use however much RAM you want it to, although without running under rosetta using the same settings it should see a decrease in RAM usage.

3. The Mac Mini is overdue for an update, it could be updated at any time. the usual product cycle can be found here.

 

[David P]

Thanks guys for your help.

That has helped clarify a few things for me. The link looks useful so I will keep an eye out for any news!

Best

David